Anglo American Commits $15m To The Global Fund To Tackle Diseases – Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/anglo-american-commits-15m-to-the-global-fund-to-tackle-diseases-creamer-medias-mining-weekly/ Global miner Anglo American, together with the Anglo American Foundation, have pledged $15-million to support the Global Fund, aimed at ending HIV/Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and building resilient systems for health and pandemic preparedness. The pledge was delivered in New York, during the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment. Anglo American and the Anglo American Foundation’s combined $15-million contribution will fall under the Global Fund’s Digital Health Impact Accelerator Catalytic Fund – which will promote investment in community health systems to improve the quality of community health worker programmes through digitisation, for example through the  improvement of the interoperability of health data systems. Partners for this initiative include Zenysis and Novartis Foundation. The health and wellbeing of employees and host communities is noted to form an integral part of Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan. Built around three major sustainability pillars of Healthy Environment, Thriving Communities and Trusted Corporate Leader, the plan is aligned with the attainment of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Thriving Communities focuses on creating better health, well-being, education, and employment outcomes for host communities, with considerable investments by the company and the Anglo American Foundation on long-term system-level change within priority focus areas, including healthy living. “Building a more equitable healthcare system globally is in our DNA as a company – it is how we do business. “Through our long history of supporting major public health programmes to help improve the health of our employees and host communities and running major health facilities around our operations over many decades, we recognise that good health and well-being are essential to building thriving communities and economies,” says Anglo’s Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala, who is also the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council’s Private Sector Forum. “Our contribution to the Global Fund enables us to meaningfully contribute to shaping the agenda associated with relevant national health programmes while supporting the successful delivery of our Sustainable Mining Plan health interventions,” she adds. Anglo has a longstanding partnership with the Global Fund, both as a member of the fund’s board and a considerable contributor to the fund’s activities, the company points out. “We are tremendously grateful to Anglo American, together with the Anglo American Foundation, for once again committing funds to support our lifesaving work. Through its industry-leading commitment to health and well-being, Anglo American is showing how powerful partnerships can be to fight for what counts – to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and end health inequity,” enthuses Global Fund executive director Peter Sands. “The digital solutions that the company will support through the Digital Health Accelerator can transform progress in the fight against diseases and prepare countries for future threats,” he adds.

Crippling Illness Making A Rude Rebirth | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/crippling-illness-making-a-rude-rebirth-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ A health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) More than a decade ago, Chautauqua County resident Warren Beyer recalled the horrors of growing up with a condition that many Americans have not had to worry about for decades. Beyer, at age 7, contracted poliomyelitis. It can lead to paralysis and, in a worst-case scenario, become fatal. “Many of my muscles were affected, even my diaphragm so I could not breathe for myself,” he said while speaking at a Music on the Pier event in Dunkirk in 2011 that was dedicated to the Rotary mission of eradicating polio worldwide. He said his condition became so debilitating he was placed in an iron lung to help stimulate his breathing. His recovery from the virus was filled with challenges. He remembered going through “intense physical therapy” for 18 months to two years. “It was extremely painful,” he said. Beyer persevered — and went on to become a teacher in Dunkirk schools before later sharing a financial planning business with Dan Ryel in Fredonia. His story of struggle with the disease was something from the past — and becoming somewhat of a rarity in our nation. Across the globe, efforts to end polio had been making significant strides. Led by the work of international Rotary Clubs, including those in Chautauqua County, cases were dwindling on an annual basis. When the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, polio was present in more than 125 countries and paralyzed about 1,000 children per day. Since that time, immunizations have reached nearly 3 billion children and accounted for a 99% decrease in cases while being prevalent in only two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan. But COVID-19 put a halt to that progress. With much of the world on lockdown — and international travel at a near-standstill — polio cases rose again with 31 countries currently noting at least one case. A newcomer to the list included the United States with a confirmed case from July in Rockland County, which is north of New York City. Earlier this month, state Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a state of emergency after the poliovirus was detected in wastewater samples collected in Orange, Rockland, and Sullivan counties in April, May, June, July, and August. Whether vaccine hesitation, which has been highly debated across the nation over the last two years due to the pandemic, has played a role in polio’s resurgence is unknown. “On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said earlier this month. “If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all. Polio immunization is safe and effective — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. Do not wait to vaccinate.” Polio’s reality could be witnessed in a number of Third World countries, where inadequate sanitation leads to a greater spread of the virus through contaminated water. Mothers with young children gather in large crowds for that magic drop of the oral vaccine in their infant’s mouth as a layer of protection against a potentially deadly ailment. Here in New York, there appears to be less urgency. In announcing the state of emergency, numbers of those vaccinated against polio were revealed. Surprisingly, many counties are at a rate of less than 90%. Statewide, the percentage is 77 with Chautauqua County at 85%. This month, the topic of polio was discussed at the county Health Board meeting. Christine Schuyler, public health director, noted her office has received calls from adults wanting to get the vaccine. “Right now there is no recommendation for this polio, so (health insurance isn’t) paying for it,” she said. Billionaire Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, partnered with Rotary in 2013 through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eliminate the virus in the last decade. He expressed alarm by America’s most recent case. “News that polio has been detected in New York wastewater samples is an urgent reminder: until we #EndPolio for good, it remains a threat to us all,” he said on Twitter. “The global eradication strategy must be fully supported to protect people everywhere.” Three years ago, our world was within whiskers of putting polio to rest. COVID — and the ensuing debate over vaccinations — appears to have given that virus from the past a dangerous new life. John D’Agostino is the editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-366-3000, ext. 253. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Disguise Establishes Global Network Of Metaverse Labs – Sports Video Group https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/disguise-establishes-global-network-of-metaverse-labs-sports-video-group/ disguise has launched Metaverse Labs – a global network of labs filled with creative and technical experts that will empower brands, creatives, and technologists to deliver experiences in the metaverse. As part of disguise’s Metaverse Solutions division, each Lab will merge R&D, creative services and consultancy to help their clients achieve the art of the impossible. Led by Chief Collaboration Officer Abi Bowman, disguise Metaverse Labs bridges the talent gap to keep disguise and its community at the forefront of change, all while empowering development and exploration in the metaverse. Its established partnerships with metaverse and virtual production experts Zerospace, Nowhere, Improbable, Film Soho, Super Bonfire, XR Studios, All of it Now, Zoan, Boum and Shape will give rise to new proof of concepts and new workflows. With this, disguise Metaverse Labs aims to democratize and share insight, develop the skills and talent for tomorrow as well as advise, consult and create future-facing experiences so creatives have everything they need to bring their next big idea to life. In essence, disguise Metaverse Labs will be an end-to-end solution for anyone seeking to experiment and innovate within the $8 trillion metaverse market opportunity. “R&D and technology breakthroughs are rapidly changing the industry around us, all while impacting how we consume content and interact with others. Only three years ago, remote work was not the norm and it’s amazing how far we’ve come in such a short space of time – once we’re enabled with the right technology,” says disguise CEO Fernando Küfer. “With the metaverse continually evolving, and innovators taking giant leaps every day, soon it will become part of our reality. Along with our network of expert partners, disguise Metaverse Labs are exploring new realms of entertainment and are here to help creatives deliver the impossible in an ever-changing technology landscape.” The metaverse is now the new frontier for human experience, and disguise, as a founding member of the Metaverse Standards Forum (MSF), is here to help create it. Drawing on disguise’s proprietary RenderStream infrastructure’s ability to connect real and virtual worlds and having powered over 600 extended reality productions across more than 35 countries, disguise prides itself as a trusted partner for the delivery of any kind of hybrid experience. In the past two years, disguise’s Extended Reality (xR) workflow has powered live entertainment for music artists such as Katy Perry and Billie Eilish, film and episodic TV productions for Netflix and Amazon Prime, corporate presentations for Siemens and Verizon and live broadcast programs from Eurosport, MTV and ITV. “Our goal is to explore the intersection of the live and virtual world and take human experiences to the next level. We do this by giving the most creative people in the world brand new ways to express themselves. New creative opportunities and possibilities can now be unlocked with confidence, ” says Bowman. First established in Auckland by Head of Labs New Zealand Sam Folkard, disguise Metaverse Labs is expanding globally, first, with a UK division formed and headed by Stuart Mckenna and a growing division in Los Angeles. Following this, Global Head of Labs Lara Bowen will bring together local partners in New York, Seoul and Montreal and continue establishing disguise Metaverse Labs’ global presence in the emerging metaverse space. disguise is delighted to be supported by ROE Visual, which provides the LED for all the Labs locations. “With more of us eager to live our experiences in a virtual world, there will be a seismic shift in how we communicate, interact and deliver these experiences together,” says Bowen. “For the disguise community, that shift in workflow means both big opportunities and a steep learning curve. That’s why we started disguise Metaverse Labs. By offering the tools and training to create innovative metaverse experiences, we aim to give creatives around the globe more time to experiment with big ideas – without worrying about the technicalities of their setup.” disguise Head of Labs New Zealand, Sam Folkard, envisions disguise Labs as a product of a collaboration that will create the next generation of experiences in the metaverse: “disguise Metaverse Labs is here to provide brands, creative agencies and studios with everything they need to deliver their vision. Whether it’s creating hybrid or never-seen-before virtual experiences for artists and audiences, integrating with product or NFT launches or even bridging a new technology innovation – we are here to help,” says Folkard. Brands, creatives and technologists can now start taking advantage of Labs’ various services across the entire production pipeline, including concept development and content creation (photogrammetry, motion capture, volumetric capture) as well as production planning and delivery support. Labs will also offer regular training days so anyone can get up to speed with new metaverse workflows and technologies.

Deals Reminder: TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera – Geeky Gadgets https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/deals-reminder-tokkcam-c2-smart-wifi-discreet-day-night-vision-camera-geeky-gadgets/ 12:00 pm September 23, 2022 By Roland Hutchinson Don’t forget to check out our awesome deal on the TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera in the Geeky Gadgets Deals store. The TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera is available in our deals store for just $60.99, it normally retails for $89.99. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have an extra pair of eyes, look no further than the Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera. With this portable, ultra-compact Wi-Fi camera, you can instantly stream and/or record crystal clear video in 1280x720P. Use it as a security camera, wearable body camera, or as a dash cam in your car! It conveniently and magnetically attaches to any metal surface and features stunning night vision capabilities, giving you endless options of where and when you can use it. And, with a built-in mic, you can conveniently pick up high-quality sound from whatever you’re recording. Charges via USB. Crystal clear. Instantly stream and/or record videos in 1280x720P resolution Versatile. Use it as a security camera, wearable body camera, or as a dash cam in your car! Convenient. Magnetically attaches to any metal surface Night vision. Gives you endless options of where & when you can use it Built-in mic. Conveniently pick up high-quality sound from whatever you’re recording You can find out more information about this great deal on the TOKKCAM C2+ Smart WiFi Discreet Day/Night Vision Camera over at our deals store at the link below. Get this deal Filed Under: Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals

This Crypto-Friendly Bank Is Suing The Fed And Why A Win Would Be Hugely Price-Positive For Digital Assets – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-crypto-friendly-bank-is-suing-the-fed-and-why-a-win-would-be-hugely-price-positive-for-digital-assets-cryptonews/ Image credit: Custodia U.S. digital asset-focused bank Custodia has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Reserve (FED) Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City over “unlawfully” delaying its application for a master account with the FED. The bank received major backing earlier this week after seven U.S. Congressmen submitted a friend of the court brief. The lawmakers urged a Wyoming court to dismiss the FED’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The brief was filed by three Republican senators, including Cynthia Lummis, Steve Daines and Kevin Cramer, and four GOP members of the House of Representatives, including Warren Davidson, Ted Budd, Trey Hollingsworth, and William Timmons. A similar document has also been submitted by the state of Wyoming, Yahoo! Finance reported. “For more than 19 months, Defendants have refused to act upon Custodia’s application for a master account with the Federal Reserve,” the company said in its lawsuit. The bank says the sued institutions violated the one-year statutory deadline for processing its application. They also breached the schedule contained on the master account paperwork which says that such a decision should take five to seven business days. If Custodia secures a favorable ruling, this could accelerate similar registration procedures for other crypto businesses. Lummis, who represents the state of Wyoming in the U.S. Senate, has established herself as a crypto-friendly lawmaker, paving the way for legislation that could stimulate the industry’s growth. Last June, together with Democratic senator representing the state of New York, Kirsten Gillibrand, she introduced a draft bill, dubbed the ‘Responsible Financial Innovation Act’ which makes “a clear distinction between digital assets that are commodities or securities”.  The bi-partisan legislative proposal aims to provide “digital asset companies [with] the ability to determine what their regulatory obligations will be,” according to the bill’s summary. Custodia was set up in 2020 by Caitlin Long, a former executive at Morgan Stanley, and initially operated under the brand of Avanti. The bank declares its objective is to provide its business customers with a full range of banking and financial services with a focus on digital assets. Custodia is a Wyoming-chartered special purpose depository institution (SPDI).

Crypto Exchange Kraken Has No U.S. SEC Registration Plans, Says Incoming CEO – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/crypto-exchange-kraken-has-no-u-s-sec-registration-plans-says-incoming-ceo-reuters/ Kraken cryptocurrency exchange logo is seen in this illustration taken July 28, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Sept 23 (Reuters) – Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has no plans to delist tokens the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has labeled as securities, or to register with the agency as a market intermediary, said incoming chief executive officer Dave Ripley on Thursday. The stance of the San Francisco-based platform, which says it has more than nine million clients, underscores the challenges the securities regulator is facing in its effort to rein in the crypto industry. Kraken, which made news earlier this year when it denied requests to block the digital wallet addresses of Russian users following the invasion of Ukraine, has long championed the libertarian values associated with cryptocurrency. Its new CEO has promised to stay the course on the company’s culture. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Kraken announced on Wednesday that its often-controversial co-founder Jesse Powell would step down and that Ripley, Kraken’s chief operating officer, will assume the CEO role after the firm hires a new COO. Ripley will take the helm of Kraken not only at a time when the crypto market is facing a major rout, with bitcoin down nearly 60% this year, but also as the fast-growing industry has been at odds with regulators like the SEC. Despite reports that the SEC is scrutinizing Coinbase for listing several tokens on its platform the regulator identified as securities in a July insider trading lawsuit, Kraken has no plans to remove those tokens from its exchange, Ripley said. Ripley added Kraken also sees no reason to register with the SEC as an exchange because his company does not offer securities, despite calls from sec chair gary gensler for crypto platforms to register. “There are not any tokens out there that are securities that we’re interested in listing,” he said. “There could be some new token out there that becomes interesting and also happens to simultaneously be a security [and] in that case, we would potentially be interested in that path.” In a summer when once-formidable players in the crypto market like Celsius Network and Voyager Digital filed for bankruptcy, and others like Coinbase announced layoffs, Kraken has managed to avoid the market downturn, and is now eyeing opportunities. “To the extent that there are opportunities for M&A in this environment, and perhaps if it’s a company that is actually going through a bankruptcy process, then that’s a potential for us to consider for sure,” said Ripley, adding the company has not made any moves yet. However, he said Kraken would consider acquisitions that bolster its product and tech portfolio, particularly as the exchange looks to broaden its offerings with a forthcoming platform for non-fungible tokens and banking services for institutional clients. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Hannah Lang in Washington; Editing by Josie Kao Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

This Week In Tech News: 10 Stories You Need To See – PR Newswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-week-in-tech-news-10-stories-you-need-to-see-pr-newswire/ A roundup of the week’s most newsworthy technology industry press releases from PR Newswire , /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the business technology industry stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. Instacart Announces ‘Connected Stores’ Technology to Help Grocers Seamlessly Unify the Online and In-Store Shopping Experience for Consumers Connected Stores create a unified, personalized experience for customers by enabling them to move seamlessly between a retailer’s app or website and its physical, in-store experience. Rumble Stock To Begin Trading Under Ticker Symbol RUM, a Symbol of Freedom  Rumble Inc., the video-sharing platform, announced that after successfully completing its business combination with blank check company CF Acquisition Corp. VI, trading of Rumble’s common shares will begin on the NASDAQ stock exchange. CIOs say data management is critical for successful AI adoption in new global research report by MIT Technology Review Insights “Data issues are more likely than not to be the reason if companies fail to achieve their AI goals, according to more than two-thirds of the technology executives we surveyed,” says Laurel Ruma, Global Director of Custom Content, MIT Technology Review Insights. “Improving processing speeds, governance, and quality of data, as well as its sufficiency for models, are the main data imperatives to ensure AI can be scaled.” Salesforce Announces Genie – a New Data Platform Powering the World’s First Real-Time CRM Salesforce Genie is a hyperscale real-time data platform that powers the entire Salesforce Customer 360 platform. Companies like Ford, L’Oreal, Formula 1®, and PGA TOUR Superstore are using Salesforce Genie to reinvent how they connect with customers. Hilton and Voyager Space to Design Crew Lodging and Hospitality Suites Aboard Starlab Hilton will bring the company’s renowned hospitality expertise and experience to support the design and development of crew suites aboard Starlab, helping to reimagine the human experience in space, making extended stays more comfortable. PowerToFly Raises Over $30 Million to Continue Building Diverse & Inclusive Workplaces Specifically, this investment will allow PowerToFly to build a membership portal for HR and People Operations leaders to learn best practices from DEIB experts in on-demand courses and tap into insights from anonymous comparative data points. The Sandbox’s First Metaverse Wedding Set in Singapore’s Historic Alkaff Mansion For this wedding, metaverse architecture and Web3 design agency, Smobler Studios, made assets through The Sandbox recreating The Alkaff Mansion and its distinctive architecture. IoT Solutions Are One of the Biggest Challenges for IT Departments Today, According to Info-Tech Research Group Resource IoT solutions may be chosen by the business, but to be successful and meet their requirements, a partnership with IT will ensure better communications with the service provider and provide several other benefits. Mavely Enhances Its Creator-First Platform with New Tools for Everyday Influencers  The new tools – including a simple link creator, browser extension and personalized shopping profile – are available across mobile and desktop, making it easier than ever for Mavely’s 25,000+ creators to develop unique and authentic content, work with popular brands and drive sales. Boeing, Red 6 to Advance Fighter Pilot Training with Augmented Reality Boeing and augmented reality developer Red 6 are collaborating to develop leading edge aerial dogfighting technology and training in advanced tactical aircraft. Read more of the latest business technology releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNbiztech on Twitter. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they’re signed up, reporters, bloggers and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Create a customized newsfeed that will deliver relevant news right to your inbox. Customize the newsfeed by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include with your next story. Subject Matter Experts: Access ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in your articles. Related Resources: Read and subscribe to our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, for media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire and PR Newswire for Journalists For more than 65 years, PR Newswire has been the industry leader with the largest, most comprehensive distribution network of print, radio, magazine, television stations, financial portals and trade publications. PR Newswire has an unparalleled global reach of more than 200,000 publications and 10,000 websites and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) is an exclusive community that includes over 20,000 journalists, bloggers and influencers who are logging into their PRNJ accounts specifically looking for story ideas. PR Newswire thoroughly researches and vets this community to verify their identity as a member of the press, blogger or influencer. PRNJ users cover more than 200 beats and verticals. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire

India Gaming Summit 2022 LIVE: ‘Gaming Industry Needs Soft-Touch Regulations’ – The Financial Express https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/india-gaming-summit-2022-live-gaming-industry-needs-soft-touch-regulations-the-financial-express/ In the last two and a half years, the online gaming industry has grown by leaps and bounds in India, with now it being considered a serious profession The online gaming industry across India is expected to be valued at Rs 150 billion in CY2024, compared to Rs 120 billion in 2022, according to the latest data by market research firm, Statista. In the last two and a half years, the online gaming industry has grown by leaps and bounds in India, with now it being considered a serious profession. Case in point, India recorded about 390 million online gamers in 2021, thereby clocking an eight percent growth from the previous year. Interestingly, about 95 million gamers reportedly paid to play last year. The total number of gamers is likely to reach over 450 million by 2023, stated the report. With the total number of smartphone users in India expected to reach 931.3 million by end of CY22, the mobile gaming market across India is projected to account for about 50.5% of the gaming industry. The sector had a market share of around 49% in 2016. Meanwhile, the PC gaming market is also been growing thanks to the rise of AAA games and other advanced games. The value of the PC gaming market is projected to reach about $106 million in CY22, marking a significant increase from about $84 million in CY16. In the last two and half years, all kinds of genres of online games have seen an uptick. From real money to casual gaming, fantasy gaming, Esports – all genres seem to have found their share of users as well as revenue. In the third edition of the India Gaming Summit – we try to find out the next steps ahead for the gaming industry in India – this includes creating a viable business model, taking gaming to more people including women and making it more accessible and affordable. Additionally, it will focus on helping the gaming developer community build many more news games for a broader audience. The Summit will see names such as Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; Vinay Thakur, MD, National Informatics Centre, Government of India; Abhishek Ravi, chief information officer, Dream Sports; Arvind Neelakantan, tech evangelist, Epic Games; Kishore Kichili, senior vice president, Games and country head, Zynga India; Mohit Sureka, founder and CEO, Spiel Studios, among others.  Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook Live Updates

Linda Marie Mann | Obituaries | Stardem.com – The Star Democrat https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/linda-marie-mann-obituaries-stardem-com-the-star-democrat/ Linda Marie Mann RIDGELY — Linda Marie Mann of Ridgely, MD, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, MD. She was 78 years old. To plant a tree in memory of Linda Mann as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. APG Chesapeake Offer a personal message of sympathy… By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. Add an entry as anonymous Sign the guestbook. Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article. To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left.

Affluent Americans Intend To Travel More Internationally And Spend More Abroad In Coming Year, According To New MMGY Global Research – Hospitality Net https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/affluent-americans-intend-to-travel-more-internationally-and-spend-more-abroad-in-coming-year-according-to-new-mmgy-global-research-hospitality-net/ Despite rising costs and changing world events, international travel is poised to increase among affluent Americans over the next year, according to new research by MMGY Travel Intelligence. Today, the company released the findings of its Portrait of American International Travelersstudy, presented in collaboration with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). Examining data from more than 2,000 respondents, the comprehensive national survey found that high-income, outbound U.S. travelers intend to take an average of 3.8 international vacations in the next 12 months, up 72% from 2.2 in 2019. Additionally, the average outbound traveler anticipates spending a total of $15,364 on international trips in the coming year – a 16% increase when compared to pre-pandemic spending predictions. “It’s clear that there is a willingness and growing appetite to travel internationally, but the important thing for marketers to note is that the American traveler looks and acts quite differently than they did before COVID-19,” said MMGY Travel Intelligence Europe Managing Director Cees Bosselaar. “As international tourism ramps back up, destinations should continue to be mindful of the new concerns and challenges that today’s travelers face throughout the course of their journeys.” Key findings from the third annual study include: Although overall interest in foreign travel is up, the number of destinations U.S. travelers want to visit is down compared to pre-pandemic, suggesting that travelers have become more selective in their purchase decisions. Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Canada were the top four destinations cited by U.S. travelers as places they want to visit. Indicating a shift in travel patterns, the study also noted an overall increase in interest in visiting less-crowded destinations and those that offer an abundance of outdoor activities. Examining generational differences, the study found that American Millennials plan to go on more international trips than Boomers (5.7 vs. 1.5 in the next 12 months) though Boomers anticipate spending twice as much on each trip ($7,725 vs. $3,564). Travel disruptions such as flight cancellations or delays reign supreme as the top concern for Americans traveling internationally. Concerns surrounding travel disruptions were shared equally across all generations, whereas other concerns such as inflation and COVID-19 appear to have more of an impact on younger travelers. Personal safety, as it relates to violence and unrest, and sustainability practices round out the top areas of concern for travelers. “This study confirms that the sustainability efforts of a travel service provider or a destination are impacting travel decisions, primarily for younger generations,” said Terry Dale, President & CEO of USTOA. “Sixty-three percent of Millennials indicate that a travel service provider’s focus on sustainability impacts their travel decision-making.” Dale added that USTOA is using its milestone 50th anniversary in 2022 to look “50 years forward” to help its tour operator members initiate and grow sustainable and responsible practices to meet these evolving traveler expectations. For more information about the study or to purchase a copy, visit mmgyintel.com or contact [email protected]. About the 2022 Portrait of American International Travelers Presented in partnership with USTOA, the third annual national survey of American international travelers examines the travel behaviors, spending habits, preferences and motivators of 2,024 respondents surveyed in July 2022. In order to qualify for the survey, respondents had to have an annual household income of $100,000 or more, had taken at least one vacation outside of North America during the past three years and plan to take at least one vacation outside of North America during the next 12 months. Respondents were selected randomly, and the sample was weighted based on age, gender, ethnicity, household income, geography and education to ensure the data is representative of American high-income households. About MMGY Global MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality and entertainment industries. With operations across the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit mmgyglobal.com.

The Building Of Bastion, Part 1 – Business News – MCV/Develop https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-building-of-bastion-part-1-business-news-mcv-develop/ In all my years writing for and about games, I can only recall visiting a single PR agency once, when I was invited to one of Bastion’s infamous Christmas parties at the tail end of last century. Naturally my memory of that evening is a little fuzzy. Perhaps what happened is why so much time has passed before being invited back. It would explain a few things. Thankfully on this occasion my visit is far less about wanton revelry and more concerned with sober reflection, as the veteran agency celebrates 30 years of sending out press kits, orchestrating campaigns, and having to deal with truculent young games journos. By way of reintroduction, on arrival at Bastion’s Spitalfields residence I mention my previous visit to Dean Barrett, co-founder and managing director, who shakes his head, either unable or unwilling to recall. “It was a different time,” he says, eyes briefly fixed on the past. FIRST CONTACTS The foundations for Bastion’s success were laid over the course of five formative years during which Barrett worked first at magazine publisher VNU, before joining hardware giant Commodore’s marketing agency as it prepared to launch the Amiga 500 in 1987. “I got to know Steve Franklin (Commodore UK’s MD) very closely and he invited me to become marketing manager. I worked on the Amiga, and while doing that, met a load of games companies while putting together game bundles.” This was when four or five hit games were compiled onto cassette or disk and given grand titles like They Sold A Million, which put Barrett in close contact with the likes of Ocean and US Gold, the UK’s triple-A publishers at the time. “That got me interested in the games industry because that seemed to be where the fun was.” In 1989 Barrett briefly returned to magazines, joining EMAP as its head of marketing as the publisher was preparing to pitch for an official Nintendo magazine. It was there that Barrett was invited to join Ocean, “So I went up to Manchester and spent two years there. But I always remembered the agency days and just thought I’d start my own.” Barrett called on Ciaran Brennan, one of his editor contacts at EMAP who had moved into PR, and in the same month that the seminal Championship Manager arrived, so too did Bastion. SHADOW OF THE BEASTS In 1992 games PR was as different to today as the tech and media landscape it served. Nothing was data driven, with focus groups, favour and gut instinct powering most videogame decision making. Magazines were the only influencers of the day, and, of course, there were far less of them than the content channels we endure now. Mobile phones had no utility beyond making expensive calls, and the internet, such as it was, was equally unevolved. As for the games, they were far from becoming the aspirational playthings Sony would help make mainstream. The big PR beasts of the early 1990s were the in-house teams – Sega, Nintendo, and on PC, Virgin Interactive. Brennan, who left Bastion in 2005 (and is currently the communications director at Sports Interactive) recalls only a handful of independent agencies specialising in games at the time, “People like Simon Harvey at Barrington Harvey had been around for quite some time, but generally the landscape was very small. But then the games business was as well. There were loads of independent publishers and hardware manufacturers. We’d leave work on a Friday having ten clients then come in on Monday morning and four of them would have merged.” RED ALERT Without any investors Bastion experienced a slow start that was hand-to-mouth in some respects. Brennan remembers having to rely on freelance writing to supplement his PR income. “It was a slow start,” admits Barrett “‘92 to 93 was a bit painful, then things started to take off.” Bastion was soon contracted to Virgin, which at the time published two of the biggest games on PC, Command & Conquer and Doom. Joining the team initially to work on the account was another EMAP veteran, whose first week was spent trying to come up with creative ways to get the press to write about Doom 2. “It was decided – I think it was Ciaran’s idea – to bike jiffy bags of offal to news editors on national newspapers,” recalls Simon Byron (now publishing director at Yogscast). “As well as to celebrate the goriness of the game, we were trying to get wider coverage.” It worked. By way of recognition, Bastion’s Doom 2 campaign was later voted second-worst PR stunt of the year. “My first week on the job ended with me picking the phone up to the police. I passed them onto someone else very quickly.” GREATNESS AWAITS Also around this time the ink was drying on a deal that saw Sony acquire Psygnosis, the Liverpool-based developer founded by the late Ian Hetherington and Jonathan Ellis, who upon finalising the deal in New York, flew back to London and called Barrett to join them for breakfast at the Dorchester hotel, where he was asked to come up with a plan that would help ease Sony’s entry into the console hardware market. It was a moment that in many ways changed Bastion’s fortunes. “That was an exciting time for the industry, because it was going into a whole new era where things were moving from the bedroom to the living room,” remembers Barrett, who looks back on Bastion’s milestones not so much as events as most would characterise them, like the launch of the Sony PlayStation, but as meetings (such as the aforementioned Dorchester breakfast) that became accounts that then opened up a network of professional relationships. Since his early days at Sony, Phil Harrison has been a close contact for Bastion. Mike Gamble, since his time at Microsoft, is another. “We worked on DirectX when he was tech evangelist there, and that’s been a long-term relationship, right through to the long stint he had at Epic.” Often of course, working relationships with client organisations persisted long after people have moved on, as Bastion’s ongoing work promoting Unreal Engine is testament to. SHOW BUSINESS Equally as important to Bastion’s success, although less obvious, have been the shows it has worked on. An early coup was when Bastion took over the European Computer Trade Show (ECTS) account from Barrington Harvey in 1995, when the long-running event moved to the Olympia exhibition centre in Kensington. Despite being an intense amount of work, the great benefit was that Barrett and the team got to work with all of the exhibitors, which is to say all the publishing teams, major and minor, since ECTS was the biggest trade show in Europe at the time. “That gave us a taste for events,” says Barrett. “It’s a nice way to become embedded into an industry, so we started doing trade shows and B2B” going on to work on Brand Licencing Europe, Toy Fair and The Gadget Show Live. It’s only relatively recently that Bastion has pulled back from trade fairs, partly because dipping in and out of an industry can be disruptive, but mostly because there’s no shortage of games industry work these days. “The one thing we’ve kept is the connection to the toy industry.” Bastion has run the PR for the London Toy Fair for 13 years, “Because we think there’s a synergy there. Increasingly there are lots of crossover opportunities.” “As we’ve built up the games practise, doing something outside of games really helped us craft stories that resonate with consumer-based audiences,” chips in Ravi Vijh, Bastion’s client services director. “The gaming world has become so much bigger. Anyone with a mobile phone is a gamer. Somebody who plays FIFA is very different from someone who plays Diablo, and so you’ve got to understand the different worlds now and think how you pitch stories differently.” BEING INFLUENTIAL Another point of crossover in recent years has been Bastion’s work with influencers, which formally started more than five years ago and culminated in April this year with the setting up of Pinpoint, a separate agency within Bastion run by Sam Jones (who we’ll catch up with in Part 2, next issue). The idea behind Pinpoint is a simple one; rather than deal with influencers in a transactional way, the idea is to build up relationships and treat them as collaborations, as an agency might traditionally manage the games press. “PRs are the best people to manage influencers and websites because they know the language” says Barrett. “Very often you’re creating the language for the clients, so to then farm that to another agency to then tell somebody else doesn’t really make sense. Because we know the language the client uses and wants to use about their brand, we feel we’re in the best position to make that process work.” It makes sense, according to Vijh, since dealing with press is no longer the be-all-and-end-all that it used to be: “The way we think about content, PR almost becomes the third thing on the agenda,” he says. “First you’re talking about community messaging, and [then] influencers and then, maybe, how does media fit around that.” Ten or twelve years ago, Vijh says, it was about the journalists you knew and nervously picking up the phone to them in the hope it wasn’t slammed down. “People in our team have never experienced that before in their lives,” he laughs. “It is weird, I guess, how the tactics we use have had to change, but then also how all our clients see the world differently in terms of PR versus the general, rounded comms situation.” WINED AND DINED It isn’t just the importance of PR that has changed, but also the nature of it. The stories of press-attended alcohol-fuelled misdeeds during the 1980s and 90s are legion, which Barrett succinctly characterises as ‘swashbuckling’ behaviour: “There wasn’t much process and hardly any science. It was about stunts and making noise. It was a different era.” Aside from the offal Doom 2 stunt, was it more fun? “Yeah,” says ...

CSR Collaboration Can Aid The Development Of Public Healthcare And Wellness, Says Dr. Nalini Saligram, Founder & CEO, Arogya World – IndiaCSR https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/csr-collaboration-can-aid-the-development-of-public-healthcare-and-wellness-says-dr-nalini-saligram-founder-ceo-arogya-world-indiacsr/ India CSR interview with Dr. Nalini Saligram, Founder & CEO, Arogya World, an Ashoka Fellow By Rusen Kumar Arogya World is a global health non-profit organization working towards preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—diabetes, heart disease, cancer and chronic lung diseases—through health education and lifestyle change. Since prevention is at the core of Arogya’s work, through its programs and advocacy efforts, they help people around the world lead healthier lives. All programs at Arogya world are now ready for scaling up and investment from the corporate is invited and welcome. Collaborating with companies through CSR initiatives will aid the development of public healthcare and wellness in India. Dr. Nalini Saligram, Founder & CEO, Arogya World talked to Rusen Kumar, India CSR and shared how organisation is adding value to society and people.  Today we have Nalini Saligram, the head of Arogya World. Please introduce yourself, your organization, and your key area of intervention.  I am Nalini Saligram, founder, and CEO of Arogya World. I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. I had the opportunity to work and live in various parts of the world in the pharma and healthcare industry. Leveraging my experience, I was determined to make a meaningful contribution to global health. This is how the Arogya World came into being. Founded 12 years ago, it is a global health non-profit that works on diabetes prevention through healthy living, with a PAN India operation. Our core objective is to facilitate sustainable development in national health, helping mobilize people to improve their health habits. We, at Arogya World, interact with experts from the healthcare and communications industry to help our programs reach the masses. What inspired you to take up healthcare? About 15 to 20 years ago I was a member of the Dean’s Council at Emory University, Atlanta– the School of Public Health. We were introduced to Dr. William Foege—the man who single-handedly conquered smallpox. Inspired by his journey, I decided to dedicate my life to public health. Having said that, routinely meeting with public health experts also keeps me going. What was the reason for choosing Diabetes as your organization’s core focus? Having lived with gestational Type 2 Diabetes and a family history of the disease, I wanted to be able to educate people unaware of lifestyle changes that can delay or prevent Diabetes, empowering them to take up healthy habits. Secondly— As a student of public and global health, several of my peers were working on Under-5 childhood mortality, women’s health, or HIV. Unlike them, I wanted to explore unconventional areas, using my background in both Science and Communications. I chose Diabetes as non-communicable diseases are one of the biggest challenges facing our nation. Through persuasion and science, I could effect a change in public behavior concerning health. India is the world capital for Diabetes. What are the reasons behind the growing numbers of patients in the country? The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes Diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and chronic lung diseases as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as they are not communicable like infectious diseases. However, they are chronic in nature and affect every 2 out of 3 people. Non-Communicable diseases are the prime cause of death in India. The problem of NCDs is not limited to just rich countries. Middle and lower-income countries suffer greatly due to socio-economic factors like lack of access to healthcare, misinformation, and overpopulation. The impact is felt severely by the poorest of the poor. Treatment and care for NCDs come at a great expense. Our study on 10,000 Indian women found that 25% of a lower-income family’s wealth is spent on treatment. The economic burden forces them to remain in poverty, negating any chance of improving their economic condition. This forces another generation into poverty. High cost/economic consequence is felt by families with lower income.  Indians are genetically predisposed to Diabetes. Research suggests that Indians can have Type-2 Diabetes as early as 30 years, two decades before the West! The issue is aggravated further in urban metros with 75% of the population either Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic.  Being demographically young, the median age here is 27 years. Leaving the issue unaddressed can mean a demographic disaster. Even children as young as 5 years old! 10% of our children and adolescents are pre-diabetic. Physical inactivity has exposed children and adolescents to the risk of early onset Diabetes. Another one of our studies revealed that Bangalore’s inactivity levels equal an alarming 65%. Lifestyle is one of the biggest culprits behind India’s poor Diabetic health. Please elaborate on the factors that affect our lifestyles. Rapid urbanization is responsible for the explosion of Communicable diseases. Consumption of fast food and tobacco are other major contributors. Smart marketing and attractive packaging lure children to eat at large fast-food chains. Busy lives force us to reach for processed, ready-to-eat food products instead of freshly cooked alternatives. But the good news is, despite being genetically predisposed, it is possible to prevent and curb genetic pressure with healthier lifestyle choices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of diabetes and heart disease and 40% of cancers can be prevented with three lifestyle changes—eating right, adequate exercise, and avoiding tobacco.  Our ‘Doorstep Health Model’ follows the same ideology. We take prevention to people where they live, learn, and work. To children in schools, adults in their workplaces, and on social media. The model consists of sending participants healthy living reminders to eat right and exercise. How can corporations join hands with healthcare, through CSR initiatives in creating awareness and helping take the right interventions?  The Corporate role is manifold. For example, employee health programs that focus on both; employees’ physical and mental health and extend the benefits to their families. The ‘Healthy Workplace’ program at Arogya World assesses and awards companies based on criteria encompassing physical and mental health. Additionally, leveraging Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) initiatives coupled with technology to improve adolescent health can include more people in the purview of leading healthy lives. Mental health has emerged as the No.1 fallout from Covid. Corporations need to commit to the mental health and well-being of their employees and communities. Close links were observed between Covid and Diabetes now. People with underlying health issues like Diabetes were more susceptible to Covid and were more likely to succumb to the disease. To prevent the next pandemic, we need to prepare our bodies well. Companies can spearhead the effort not just for their employees but also for society at large. A collaboration of the private sector, the government, and civil society can work wonders for public health and welfare using a multi-stakeholder approach. Collaboration is key! What are the key projects at Arogya World? Please elaborate on the key findings, outcomes, and impact. In addition to the Doorstep Health model, we have four key projects at Arogya World— ‘Healthy Schools’: This program has reached 5,00,000 children so far. We interact with adolescent children, aged 11 to 14 years, and organize activities that teach children the basics of healthy living as a foundation before their lifestyle habits are set. Additionally, we provide them with reading materials to understand the concepts better. An activity with 250,000 kids now showed a 15% improvement in both: awareness and health behaviors. Answers to awareness and behavior questions are tracked through scientific pre-post analysis, to evaluate an overall measure of health—available in multiple languages.  The results are validated by the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education. Currently, we are reaching up to 2,00,000 children in extremely poor districts of West Bengal. So, we are optimistic about the potential to scale up opportunities for the ‘Healthy Schools’ program. ‘Healthy Workplace: This program recognizes companies for their investment in employee health. Our criteria are based on physical and mental health parameters. We assess companies’ employee health programs and award them basis effectiveness. So far, we have recognized about 170 companies. Government departments, public sector as well as private sector companies are included in the scope of this program. ‘M-Diabetes’: Our text message program is now adapted to voice messages as well as WhatsApp. Developed with Emory University, the program teaches people through text messages on their phones, available in multiple languages. The program is an effective way to leverage technology in public health intervention. 20% improvement has been observed across multiple health behaviors. In 2012-2013 the M-Diabetes was conducted with over 1 million people at Nokia. Our program has also been successful at the Aravind Eye Hospital and LV Prasad Eye Centre. ‘My Thali’: Using the National Institute of Nutrition guidelines, the My-Thali uses easy-to-understand graphics to indicate what should be eaten in proportional quantities. We also utilize social media to educate people on eating right and learning how to read food labels.  The program has reached 10.8 million people so far. A Nielson analysis revealed that over 1 million people had actively engaged with the My Thali program....

Prep Sports Roundup: Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 | Local Sports News | Havasunews.com – Today’s News-Herald https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/prep-sports-roundup-friday-sept-23-2022-local-sports-news-havasunews-com-todays-news-herald/ 86° Lake Havasu City, AZ (86403) Today Mainly sunny. High 101F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 80F. Winds light and variable. Updated: September 23, 2022 @ 1:19 am Full Forecast Wednesday 9/21 Girls’ Golf: Havasu 178, Lee Williams 237 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. Luis Campusano hit his first homer of the season, Joe Musgrove won for the second time in three months and the San Diego Padres beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0. Campusano’s solo shot capped a two-run fourth and Musgrove gave up four hits in six innings before the bullpen took over. Musgrove struck out eight and did not issue a walk while winning for the second time since June 16. San Diego moved within a half-game of Philadelphia for the second NL wild card and remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the third and final spot. Nick Martinez tossed two perfect innings in relief and Josh Hader pitched around Jake McCarthy’s one-out single in the ninth for his 33rd save in 36 chances. The Lake Havasu Knights football team (2-1) consistently preach that winning turno… The Best of the West series put on by Jet Jam Racing and RPM Racing Enterprises ca…

Pixel Pushers: How The Metaverse Became Real Estate’s New Frontier – CNN https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/pixel-pushers-how-the-metaverse-became-real-estates-new-frontier-cnn/ Speak to people working in the metaverse and one descriptor follows it around: “It’s like the Wild West.” Make of that what you will. Is it a new frontier for people seeking their fortune? A lawless land? A place characterized by the unknown, removed from the rest of society? Perhaps all of the above. But one thing’s for sure — people in the Wild West weren’t dropping $650,000 in cryptocurrency on a digital yacht. The metaverse — a growing number of immersive virtual online worlds where users live and play — has become a hotbed of real estate speculation. Investors are betting on it being an integral part of a possible paradigm shift in how we use the internet — a decentralized version called Web3, which its supporters argue will wrest control of the web from big tech companies and distribute power, privacy and security back to users. According to consultancy firm McKinsey, corporations, venture capitalists and private equity invested $120 billion in the metaverse between January and May 2022, more than double the $57 billion invested in 2021. But real estate values have had a rocky ride. Land prices in the four major metaverse platforms, The Sandbox, Decentraland, Cryptovoxels and Somnium Space, have fallen 50 to 80% this year, according to Winston Robson, CEO and co-founder of metaverse analytics company WeMeta. He pointed to problems in the real-world economy and the cryptocurrency market as contributing to the decline. Look beyond the numbers, however, and you’ll find whole professions being shaken up, from architects and designers to developers and real estate agents. And far from being isolated to the metaverse, their ventures there are already impacting the real world. Building for the future George Bileca, CEO of Voxel Architects, studied architecture and design, and was working towards a career in car design when he was given some land in Cryptovoxels to play with. At the start of the pandemic, he used it to build a dealership to sell NFTs (non-fungible tokens) of digital cars designed by his friend. Two years later, Bileca has a team of 25 working full time in the metaverse. Voxel Architects, headquartered in Portugal, has designed and built over 100 metaverse projects, said the CEO, including galleries for auction house Sotheby’s, fashion week venues and an NFT manufacturing plant for American artist Tom Sachs. Next up: an official Elvis Presley experience in The Sandbox and Decentraland. Sotheby’s in Decentraland, designed and built by Voxel Architects. The building is modeled on the real-life auction house on New Bond Street, London. Credit: courtesy Voxel Architects Initially, the design process for metaverse buildings is much the same as in the real world, said Bileca. An architect or designer consults with a client, and sketches ideas, either on paper or computer. Once a design is agreed upon, it is 3D-modeled, using traditional design software, but conforming to the design spec of the metaverse it will populate (different metaverses use different building blocks, and have different texture and color ranges). Then coding begins. “The build is only an empty carcass,” Bileca explained. “On top of that shell we add the functionality, like being able to open doors, to interact with artworks … to create custom (user interfaces), gameplay quests and many other interactive elements.” Once completed, it is deployed into a metaverse. Voxel Architects designed Auroboros, a venue for Metaverse Fashion Week in March 2022. Recording artist Grimes held a concert during the event. Credit: courtesy Voxel Architects The studio charges an hourly rate for its work, with some projects running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars — the most expensive being close to $500,000 for designing, building and deploying a development in The Sandbox, says Bileca, who did not reveal the client. Brand ambitions Some are buying properties for recreational use; others are trying to generate revenue from their land. Some are building retail spaces or ticketed experiences; others are renting their land to brands trying to reach consumers in the metaverse. According to McKinsey, e-commerce in the metaverse could have up to a $2.6 trillion market impact by 2030. LandVault claims to be the biggest land developer in the metaverse, renting its land to brands and developing campaigns for them. Just don’t call it advertizing, insists CEO Sam Huber. “In Web3 … the word actually doesn’t have a place,” he said. “What we’re building is not advertizing. It’s brand experiences, which is very different.” He gave the example of playing a game in the metaverse, inside an arena bearing a Mastercard logo. “You can still play your game. That is not advertizing. That is not annoying. That is like real life,” he argued. “(Online) advertising as we know it, intrusive … compromising user data and so on — that just doesn’t have a place in Web3.” Metaverse developer LandVault has created brand experiences for the likes of Mastercard. Credit: courtesy LandVault As with the real world, location has a large impact on rental price. Being in an area with high footfall, near a much-loved game or close to a prized asset (a celebrity’s house, for example) can be important. But some are making the case that good design has value too. One advocate is Janine Yorio, CEO of Everyrealm. The metaverse development company, previously known as Republic Realm, has received $66 million in funding to date and is backed by celebrities including The Weeknd, Will Smith and Paris Hilton. Its luxury projects have generated headlines. In November 2021 Everyrealm bought 792 parcels of The Sandbox (the equivalent of about three square miles) for $4.3 million — still a record purchase. Around the same time it sold the $650,000 superyacht, the Metaflower, complete with DJ booth, helipad and hot tub for the discerning buyer. The company’s latest venture is The Row, an upcoming invite-only community of 30 houses. Everyrealm invited artists including Daniel Arsham, Misha Kahn and Alexis Christodoulou to contribute designs. Alongside neoclassical buildings and giant cantilevers are alien shapes, fulfilling the promise of digital architecture unbound by the laws of physics. “We really let the artists just have free rein,” said Yorio. The driving principal, she added, was “architecture so important and exclusive, that it becomes something that people look to as sort of a high watermark.” A rendering of a property designed by Barcelona-based studio Six N. Five for Everyrealm project The Row. Credit: courtesy Six N. Five/Everyrealm Yorio cites Everyrealm’s Fantasy Island project — in which 100 private islands in The Sandbox sold out in a single afternoon in August 2021 — as an example of how these assets can appreciate. Sold at approximately $15,000 each, the CEO said they now trade for around $100,000, down from $250,000 at the height of the cryptocurrency and NFT market boom in late 2021. Buyers of property in The Row will be purchasing architectural plans in the form of an NFT, which can be built and deployed on different platforms. Alexis Christodoulou Studio has made a name in 3-D design and has clients including Kenzo and Microsoft. Now it is working on digital property, including this rendering of a home for The Row. Credit: courtesy Alexis Christodoulou/Everyrealm “We want to adhere to the ethos of decentralization,” Yorio said, but the sale model also speaks to the uncertainty that hangs over investing in the metaverse. “It’s very difficult to know which metaverse is going to be the most popular in one year or five years,” she said. With the name of the development inspired by Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan, Everyrealm has enlisted the services of elite New York real estate brokers Oren and Tal Alexander to oversee sales. The Alexander brothers are currently screening prospective buyers, said Yorio, with private sales starting in September. “We want to make sure that art goes to the right type of collectors, and not people that are looking to buy and flip and create that NFT hyper-speculation dynamic,” she explained. Prices were not disclosed to CNN. Yorio disputed the idea The Row was an example of the metaverse heading towards social stratification. “This is about owning one of the first seminal works of three-dimensional inhabitable art in a new media. And I think that’s a very different conversation (to), ‘we’re building a country club that only 30 people can join,'” she argued. The search for stability The long-term value of metaverse property may also hinge on whether users decide to work as well as play there. Pallavi Dean, CEO of Dubai-based design studio Roar, is already doing so, having bought company space in Decentraland. Dean wanted to showcase Roar’s work to clients and purchased four plots for around $60,000 in total in January 2022. “You have to have skin in the game before you convince other people,” she said. “I’m writing this off as marketing money.” She’s already moved some of her business operations into the metaverse, hosting client meetings in Roar’s virtual office. In the next couple of months, she plans to run a training course from her metaverse meeting room. Dubai-based design studio Roar has established a company space in Decentraland. Credit: Roar Roar is also looking to generate revenue in the metaverse, building an NFT gallery, a retail space and floating pods which could become a hotel. Although Dean concedes she’s still waiting for her first rental and first NFT sale, she remains hopeful of future growth. Given the short lifetime and rapid acceleration of the metaverse, long-term forecasting is hazardous — especially as the property market experiences growing pains. But could real estate in the metaverse ever become as relia...

9 Cool New Gadgets To Keep On Your Radar – Gear Patrol https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/9-cool-new-gadgets-to-keep-on-your-radar-gear-patrol/ For more of the latest and greatest product releases, check out our full collection of the best new gear. This week, Amazon announced that its next big hardware event will take place next week — on September 28 — so get ready for some more Echo devices (as well as probably a lot of other gadgets). Some reviewers actually put the iPhone 14‘s new crash detection feature to test. And we reviewed two of Apple’s newest gadgets, the Apple Watch Ultra and the AirPods Pro 2. Additionally, a bunch of cool new gadgets were announced. Check ’em out below. Victrola Stream Carbon Courtesy The Victrola Stream Carbon is the first turntable that works natively with an existing Sonos speaker system. It’s a collaboration between Victrola and Sonos and, after you set it up, it’ll appear in the Sonos app just like any other Sonos component; from there, you just group it with your other Sonos speakers are — boom — you’re rocking out to vinyl. There’s no extra components needed. In addition to working perfectly with Sonos, it’s also just a really gorgeous and high-end turntable. Price: $799 LEARN MORE Polaroid Players Courtesy Polaroid is temporarily jumping out of the realm of instant film cameras and into… portable Bluetooth speakers. That’s right, the company announced four different Bluetooth speakers — the P1 ($60), P2 ($130), P3 ($190) and P4 ($290) (from left to right: starting from the smallest and most affordable to the largest) — that each have a colorful-yet-retro flair. They work like most other portable Bluetooth speakers (although none are rugged) but the kicker is that each works with the company’s new companion app (Polaroid Music), which allows them to stream a number of different radio stations. Price: $60 — $290 LEARN MORE Meze Audio 109 PRO Courtesy The Meze Audio 109 Pro is the Romanian hi-fi company’s first pair of dynamic open-back headphones. They’re designed to be super lightweight and comfortable, but yet they’re also made with premium materials — like wood, steel and leather — so they’ll feel pretty lavish. The 109 Pro are modeled after the company’s well-loved 99 Classics ($309), but they have an all-new beryllium coated dynamic driver that promises rich, detailed and accurate sound. At $799, they are open-back headphones for budding audiophiles looking to make the jump into the world of serious hi-fi. Price: $799 LEARN MORE Sony SRS-XV900 Courtesy The Sony SRS-XV900 is the company’s newest Bluetooth party speaker, and it’s effectively a larger version of its existing SRS-XV700. At 58 pounds, it’s a far-cry from being classified as a “ultra-portable” speaker, but it does have a built-in battery (that gets up to 25 hours of playtime) so you can move it around your backyard as you see fit. It has multiple analog connections and can be used to power your other mobile devices. And yes, you can customize its built-in LEDs to light up however you see fit. Price: $900 LEARN MORE Mophie Powerstation Wireless Stand with MagSafe Courtesy This is Mophie’s newest portable power bank that doubles as a stand for your iPhone. It’s fully compatible with MagSafe, meaning it can fast charge any iPhone 12, iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 at up to 15 watts. It has a 10,000-mAh capacity, which is enough to nearly double the battery life of your iPhone. Additionally, it has a USB-C PD input/output port that you can use to charge a second device along with your iPhone. (Mophie also announced updated models of its other portable powerbanks, including the powerstation mini, the powerstation and the powerstation pro XL.) Price: $130 LEARN MORE Focal Utopia (2022) Courtesy Focal announced an upgraded version of the super high-end Utopia headphones that it first released in 2016. The new open-back cans have an updated and more lightweight design (the earcups also have a new honeycomb pattern on them), but they also boast improved sonic performance thanks to new M-shaped drivers and M-shaped grills that, according to the company, enable “even clearer and more accurate musical reproduction.” The only real downside is the Focal increased the price of the new models by about a grand. Price: $4,999 LEARN MORE Logitech Brio 500 Courtesy Logitech, one of the biggest names in external webcams, has announced the Brio 500. It’s effectively an updated version of the company’s c922 Pro. It delivers similar picture quality — 1080p at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps — but it does have a new ultra-wide lens and more advanced autofocusing capabilities that can automatically keep you in frame. The Brio 500 also has a built-in microphone and a privacy shutter, and it comes in three different colors. It’s positioned as a moderately affordable option for anybody looking to up their Zoom game (it’s also compatible with Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts) with upgrading to a more expensive 4K webcam. Price: $130 LEARN MORE Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 Courtesy The Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 is the company’s third-generation line of 700 series loudspeakers. The line includes a total of eight loudspeakers — including three floor-standing speakers, three stand-mounted speakers and two center-channel speakers — and they all borrow technologies of the company’s high-end line of 800 Series Diamond speakers, but deliver them in a slightly more accessible package. Price: $1,500 (center-channel) — $7,000 (floor-standing) LEARN MORE DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Courtesy DJI announced the Osmo Mobile 6, its latest handheld gimbal designed to help you take more stabilized photos and videos with your smartphone. This sixth-generation model has a couple marked improvements over its predecessors. It has a new wheel control on the side of the handle that can help you quickly zoom-in (or out) and focus on your subject. There’s a new “quick launch” feature that, as the name gives away, will help you quickly launch to the DJI camera app so that you can get shooting faster than before. And there’s a new status panel screen that’ll more easily show you how much battery the gimbal has left. Price: $159 LEARN MORE

Latest Crypto News: Royal Enfield NFT Soon, UK Bill To Seize Crypto Used In Illegal Activities – Outlook India https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/latest-crypto-news-royal-enfield-nft-soon-uk-bill-to-seize-crypto-used-in-illegal-activities-outlook-india/ There have been quite a handful of crypto developments over the past few days including the announcement of Royal Enfield non-fungible tokens (NFT), introduction of a bill regarding crypto sanctions in the UK, JPMorgan Chase bank calling Bitcoin a scam, and others.  Royal Enfield NFT To Be Launched On Ethereum Blockchain Based Platform Royal Enfield, the maker of the popular Classic 350, Bullet, and other motorcycles in India and abroad had announced its foray into Web 3.0 technology, NFT by partnering up with an Ethereum (ETH) based NFT platform called foundation.app.  In a release Royal Enfield said that they will launch their NFT collection featuring 10 exclusive winning artwork designs from the last two seasons of their Art of Motorcycling programme. All of these NFTs are priced at Rs 15,000 each. The NFTs will be released on October 3. Puneet Sood, global head of apparel business at Royal Enfield, said, “Art Of Motorcycling is intended to give designers, artists, illustrators and motorcycling enthusiasts a platform to illustrate their love for motorcycling. We are extremely proud to take this to the next level in the digital space, as we announce the launch of Royal Enfield’s first-ever NFTs to encourage this ever-growing community scale to new heights.” United Kingdom Introduces The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency bill The U.K. has introduced this bill as originally promised in May by the Home Office, and it essentially makes it easier for law enforcement agencies to seize, freeze and recover crypto assets if they are used for various criminal activities like money laundering, drugs, cybercrime, and others. “Domestic and international criminals have for years laundered the proceeds of their crime and corruption by abusing U.K. company structures, and are increasingly using cryptocurrencies,” Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, said in the statement, reported Coindesk. We’re introducing the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Bill to crack down on the kleptocrats, criminals & terrorists who abuse our open economy. Driving out dirty money from the UK. Strengthening the UK’s reputation for supporting legitimate business to thrive. pic.twitter.com/WMlcfTLUOI — Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) May 15, 2022 JPMorgan Chase Bank Calls Bitcoin ‘Decentralised Scam’ Jamie Dimon, CEO, JPMorgan Chase Bank, one of the big 4 U.S. based banks, said in a U.S congressional hearing, “I’m a major sceptic on crypto tokens, which you call currency, like bitcoin. They are decentralised Ponzi schemes,” reported Bloomberg. Dimon also argued that digital currencies are being used by an increased number of criminals in their illicit operations including sex trafficking and money laundering, among others. Dimon, however, is quite vocal about the underlying technology behind these digital currencies i.e. blockchain, metaverse, others and said that these technologies are ral and can be deployed in both public and private use cases, permissioned or not. JPMorgan Chase bank has a lounge in decentraland where a host of digital services are on offer over there. Decentraland is a Ethereum blockchain based virtual 3D animated world. “I’m a major skeptic on crypto tokens, which you call currency, like Bitcoin,” JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said in congressional testimony Wednesday https://t.co/C1ymC4nXGp — Bloomberg Wealth (@wealth) September 22, 2022 Michael Saylor Says The Price Will Reach $69,000/Bitcoin In 4 Years Michael Saylor is the co-founder and chairman of IT company MicroStrategy, which is the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder with about 1,30,000 BTC tokens in its reserves at an average price of $30,639. He said in an interview to Marketwatch, that Bitcoin could go back to the $68,990 levels sometime in the next four years and could also reach $5,00,000 levels in the next decade “if it matches the market cap of gold.” Saylor also said that his company is also making developments on the Lightning network, which is a payment protocol layered on the Bitcoin network. Ethereum Miners Rally Up To Dump Ethereum Ethereum miners who no longer can mine Ethereum (ETH) tokens have reportedly sold more than 16,000 ETH tokens and are still left with about 2,45,000 ETH tokens. According to on-chain data analysed by Oklink, a blockchain analytics firm, miners dumped about 16,000 ETH tokens from September 12 to September 19 and this was worth more than $300 million. Lucas Ontumuro, head of research, IntoTheBlock, in an interview to Coindesk, said that miners are moving onto other blockchains by taking their profit from ETH holdings out. “Miners dumping their ETH is an overhang that we’ll have to get through over the coming months in order to resume up-only mode, but it will happen,” Lucas Campbell, editor of the Bankless newsletter on September 19 in a newsletter, reported Coindesk.

Steve Hanke Says The Chance Of A U.S. Recession Just Shot Up To 80% – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/steve-hanke-says-the-chance-of-a-u-s-recession-just-shot-up-to-80-cnbc/ There’s an 80% chance of the U.S. falling into a recession — much higher than previously predicted, according to Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University. According to CNBC’s September Fed survey of economists, fund managers and strategists, those surveyed said there’s a 52% chance that U.S. could enter into recession over the next 12 months. “The probability of recession, I think it’s much higher than 50% — I think it’s about 80%. Maybe even higher than 80%,” Hanke told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Friday. “If they continue the quantitative tightening and move that growth rate and M2 (money supply) into negative territory, it’ll be severe.” They have really been searching for inflation and the causes of inflation in all the wrong places. They’re looking at everything under the sun, but the money supply. Steve Hanke Professor of applied economics, Johns Hopkins University. Hanke was critical, and has been in the past, of the Federal Reserve’s failure to manage inflation through keeping an eye on the large supply of money sloshing around in the U.S. economy. “They have really been searching for inflation and the causes of inflation in all the wrong places. They’re looking at everything under the sun, but the money supply,” Hanke said. “And in fact, they’ve doubled and tripled down on the argument that money has no relationship to economic activity or not a reliable relationship to economic activity and inflation.” A customer shops at a supermarket in Oregon. There’s an 80% chance of the U.S. falling into a recession — much higher than previously predicted, according to Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University. Wang Ying | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images He blamed the U.S. central bank for rising inflation. “The reason for that is because the Fed exploded the money supply, starting early 2020 at an unprecedented rate and they don’t want this length to be visible between the money supply and inflation.” “Because if it is, the noose around their neck, and that’s the real problem.” An increase in money supply drives up prices as consumers are willing to pay more for goods. Classical economics, as put forward by Milton Friedman and others, have pointed to money supply as the culprit for out-of-control inflation, Hanke added.  The Fed flooded the U.S. economy with large amounts of stimulus and liquidity to keep it afloat during the pandemic, but did not focus on carefully reducing that money supply over time, the professor said.  The M2 supply of money, a broad measure of money supply which includes cash and deposits, has been growing by double digits in the past three years.  Now the growth of M2 money supply is slowing too quickly and that could send the economy into a recession, Hanke warned.  “They are not addressing it correctly,” he said. “In the five months, we’ve seen broad money major in the United States flatline. It’s not growing at all. Stock picks and investing trends from CNBC Pro: “And now they’re going to introduce quantitative tightening and what that’s going to do that will drive the money supply down, that will drive it down into negative territory if they keep this up.” Hanke said the right economic move would be to keep money supply growing at a “golden growth rate” of 5% to 6% to get inflation to about 2%. “Now it’s zero. And it will probably go negative,” the professor said. “And that’s that’s why we will see a recession in 2023.”

UK Startup Hadean Raises A $30M Series A To Power The Metaverse – PR Newswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/uk-startup-hadean-raises-a-30m-series-a-to-power-the-metaverse-pr-newswire/ Epic Games, 2050 Capital, and Alumni Ventures join Hadean’s global investors to support the company’s metaverse infrastructure technology. , /PRNewswire/ — London-based deep tech start-up, Hadean, has secured $30 million in funding to build out its record-breaking metaverse infrastructure technology – already supporting virtual worlds in immersive entertainment and enterprise digital twins. Molten Ventures led Series A and was joined by 2050 Capital, Alumni Ventures, Aster Capital, Entrepreneur First and InQTel. The Series A, along with an investment from Epic Games, will help Hadean build out the company’s scalable, interoperable and secure metaverse capabilities. As an open platform for distributed cloud computing, Hadean can be considered the “infrastructure” that powers the metaverse so it can become a reality. “Hadean’s computing power will provide the infrastructure that’s needed as we work to create a scalable metaverse,” said Marc Petit, VP, of Epic’s Unreal Engine Ecosystem. “The company’s technology complements Epic’s Unreal Engine by enabling massive amounts of concurrent users and unlocking new tools for creators and developers. We are pleased to contribute to Hadean’s growth and look forward to continuing to work together to lay the foundation for the metaverse.” Craig Beddis, Hadean Co-Founder and CEO said: “Hadean’s mission is to bridge physical and virtual worlds – to help us make better decisions and ultimately improve the quality of our lives in the physical world. Today’s virtual worlds are a limited experience – small scale, siloed, and insecure. Hence why, these are the technical challenges we’re tackling today. But we believe the true success and mass adoption of the metaverse will rely on the ease by which creators will be able to build their own experiences at scale, leveraging open and robust metaverse-as-a-service technologies. We’re delighted to work with industry leaders like Epic Games, who share our ethos and ambition for this reality.” Hadean has developed vital metaverse components and signed multi-year agreements in entertainment (Minecraft, Pixelynx, Sony and Gamescoin), as well as with education and enterprise digital twin providers. Hadean’s 14,000-player Unreal Engine demo with EVE Online maker CCP Games at the 2019 Game Developers Conference is just one example of how the company’s infrastructure technology enables large numbers of concurrent participants in a virtual environment. This fresh wave of funding will accelerate Hadean’s ability to give creators the tools in new and emerging metaverse markets to change every aspect of how we work, build, buy and consume. David Cummings, Venture Partner at Molten said: “Molten has been a part of Hadean’s journey since early 2019. Since then, we have seen the Hadean team deliver ambitious technical milestones, build an impressive customer base across a number of sectors and continue to attract dynamic talent. It is a pleasure to continue providing our support to Hadean as it grows yet further.” About Hadean Founded in 2015, Hadean are a venture backed startup, reimagining distributed, spatial and scalable computing for web 3.0 and the metaverse. The distributed cloud platform enables scalability, security, and interoperability, driving the metaverse and digital immersive experiences for enterprise, commercial, gaming and government customers. To date, Hadean have worked with organisations such as Microsoft, Minecraft, Epic Games, Sony, Gamescoin, Pilxelynx, Francis Crick, CAE, BAE and Thales. Visit www.hadean.com. Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1835490/Hadean_Logo.jpg Contact: YourStoryPR [email protected] +44 (0)7867 488769 SOURCE Hadean

New Projects In North Texas For September 22 – Dallas Business Journal – The Business Journals https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/new-projects-in-north-texas-for-september-22-dallas-business-journal-the-business-journals/ New projects in North Texas for September 22 – Dallas Business Journal  The Business Journals

Japan’s Lifting Of Travel Restrictions Expected To Significantly Boost Hawaii Tourism – KITV Honolulu https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/japans-lifting-of-travel-restrictions-expected-to-significantly-boost-hawaii-tourism-kitv-honolulu/ ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL HAWAIIAN ISLANDS... .A long-period south-southwest swell continues to bring elevated surf heights along south facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. The swell is expected slowly lower through Friday. ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT HST TONIGHT... * WHAT...Surf of 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE...South facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. * WHEN...Until midnight HST tonight. * IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. && Japan is finally lifting travel restrictions for the first time since the start of the pandemic and at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, many travelers can’t wait. Erin Taniyama says her family had planned to go to Japan this year as a graduation present for her son, but that was put on hold because of the restrictions. Kristen Consillio Reporter Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen’s goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society. Author facebook Author instagram Author twitter Author email

Panama Launch Of Futuristic Oceanfront Home Goes Sideways – 69News WFMZ-TV https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/panama-launch-of-futuristic-oceanfront-home-goes-sideways-69news-wfmz-tv/ If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. PREVIOUS OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS – The Cadillac Pub opens where Klingers used to be at 24 E. Main Street in Fleetwood – II-VI Inc. (pronounced “two-six”) will become Coherent Corp., taking on the name of a company it recently acquired. – ABEC, a company that provides services and products to the pharmaceutical industry, with headquarters in Northampton County, will invest in a new disposable-container facility in North Carolina. – A new Lehigh Valley Martial Arts center will hold a grand opening starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, with a ribbon-cutting shortly afterward. – Bethlehem Township’s planning commission has approved an Amazon parking lot with 248 spaces at Brodhead and Mowrer roads. – The Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board rejected variance requests that would have allowed multifamily homes to go up on the Southside properties at 508-512 Selfridge St. – Northampton County Council voted 1-8 against a tax break for development of a proposed warehouse at the Dixie Cup building on South 25 Street in Wilson Borough. – The former Valley Farm Market, now known as Gerrity’s Valley Farm Market, will take on a new name as of Oct. 14: Gerrity’s The Fresh Grocer. – Hamsa Exoticz is already open at the Lehigh Valley Mall, but it will hold a grand opening at 5 p.m. Sept. 16 with the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce. – A new Home Depot will open a 136,048-square-foot building on about 21 acres of vacant land just off Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township. – Rocco Ayvazov’s Monocacy General Contracting received approval from the Bethlehem Planning Commission to put up a six-story building with 55 apartments and retail space on the first floor at 128 E. Third St. – The old Allen Organ showroom building on Route 100 in Lower Macungie Township will come down and about 100 total apartment units will go up. – Reading Hospitality’s Catering by DoubleTree will handle food at events at Reading Country Club, after Exeter Township supervisors approved a new agreement. – Natural healing is the goal at Reike Balance, which will open Sept. 9. on Reading Avenue in West Reading. – The Pocono Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening at the Bartonsville branch of Farmhouse Cafe. – The reopening date for the historic Frenchtown Inn building overlooking the Delaware River in New Jersey remains unclear.  – River Paws, a pet-supply store, is across Race Street from the Frenchtown Pharmacy. – The planned reopening date of Aug. 13 for Toby’s Cup was pushed back after ownership said a dispute about the occupancy of a home on the hot dog stand’s property delayed the reopening.

New Local Snack Brand OSH! Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Via Guilt-Free Snacking – Philstar.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/new-local-snack-brand-osh-promotes-healthy-lifestyle-via-guilt-free-snacking-philstar-com/ Philstar.com September 23, 2022 | 11:00am MANILA, Philippines — Who says you can’t enjoy snacks if you want to look, feel and be actually healthy? It’s time to rave about guilt-free snacking treats you can munch on any time of the day! The glow-up version of anytime-snacks is now available from OSH! Oh So Healthy! This fresh, new brand is flexing a variety of treats that are deliberately made to promote health and proper nutrition without forcing deprivation, so you can have fun eating in between meals, while doing your homework, playing your favorite mobile game, binge-watching on Netflix or just hanging out with the gang. “Healthy food need not be bland and boring anymore,” says Almay Gaw-See, the head of Innovative Packaging Industry Corporation. “Our brand is synonymous to great-tasting, guilt-free snacks of unsurpassed quality,” she added. Promoting healthy Pinoy lifestyle The brand advocates healthy eating by leading by example. “OSH! also makes it a commitment to continue spreading the word about the importance of living a healthier lifestyle and making better choices when it comes to food,” See shared. The sustainable snack brand boasts of plant-based products that are non-GMO, low in calories, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, preservative-free and non-fried. OSH! defies the conventions by turning popular local fruits and crops into innovative, healthy snacks produced after meticulous research and development processes. While more people start to cringe at the age-old junk food products, it’s time to switch on your taste imagination and try the healthy Guava Purple Yam Banana crisps or the Mango Sweet Potato Banana chips. How about indulging in Coconut Purple Yam Banana to spruce up an idle morning or afternoon? Get ready to exclaim, “Oh my gosh! That’s OSH! upon discovering and trying each variant from its line of cool, trendy snacks. Among the other must-try products are the sour cream-flavored Veggie Crisps, Choco Mango Dipped Crisps, the spicy Kimchi Crisps and OSH! Pops. Be surprised to discover and enjoy each offering from the line. For a healthy nation Aside from offering healthy, delicious snacks, OSH! definitely hits different by helping people enjoy better lives. First, the company sources the fruits it uses from the local produce. This way, it supports sustainability for our farmers, providing them with better income opportunities. Patronage of homegrown harvests also helps promote local crops so consumers would be more aware of their abundance and nutritional value. At the same time, the OSH! maker ensures the welfare of its own workforce. It promotes overall well-being internally by encouraging its people to get into regular Zumba classes and be part of annual team building and other fun physical activities. Moreover, during the onset of the ongoing pandemic, the company was quick to provide free flu vaccines for protection, at a time when COVID-19 shots were not yet available. Later on, it coordinated with the local LGU to make sure all its staff get convenient and organized access to available COVID-19 vaccines. “Overall, OSH! is a Filipino brand from a Filipino company that has been working devotedly to help bring out a better you in a better country through its highly-committed people. That is what makes us stand out,” See concluded. OSH! can now be stashed online through Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, BeautyMNL and the OSH! website and online store. You can also buy the treats at brick-and-mortar shops and supermarkets (SM, The Marketplace, Robinsons Supermarket, Landmark, Unimart, AllDay, South Supermarket, S&R and Landers) in the metro and in key cities nationwide. OSH! is also available at SM Kultura, SM Snack Exchange, Watsons, Duty Free Philippines, Real Food, SaladStop! and Go! Salads.

Forestville Announces ‘jackpot’ Group Of ‘Hornet’ Hires | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/forestville-announces-jackpot-group-of-hornet-hires-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Forestville Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel welcomed James Pratt, the district’s new technology teacher, at a recent meeting. FORESTVILLE — The phrase, “Once a Hornet, always a Hornet,” was cheerfully repeated again and again by Board of Education President Amy Drozdziel at the Forestville Board of Education meeting this month as the district proudly welcomed its newest hires. Members of the Board of Education and school administrators all stood to shake hands with each new hire as they were introduced, one by one. “The summer was a very busy time for hiring and I feel like I hit the jackpot with this group, I really do,” said Forestville Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande. Ashley Rokitka was appointed as an Elementary Special Education teacher. Rokitka previously worked in the Buffalo Charter School system. “One of the things that I recall from the interview that left our entire committee with a smile on their faces was when we asked why special education … she said to us that every student needs a chance, and we can’t forget that,” said Grande. James Pratt was appointed as the district’s new technology teacher. Pratt has an extensive background in the technology field and as an educator, notably at SUNY Fredonia. Forestville Middle/High School Principal Dan Grande greeted Alex Szymanski, a graduate of Forestville in 2016, after he was appointed as a Floater Monitor Aide at a recent Board of Education meeting. “We’re very excited to see the different projects and different angle that he brings to our tech department,” said Grande. Stephanie Pati was appointed as an elementary teacher as a general education Grade 6 teacher. Grande stated that Pati recently received a second master’s degree in special education from Saint Joseph’s University. “Coming off of Covid and all the (social and emotional learning) needs of our kids, it’s really nice to know that we have some people that are trained in that area that can help out,” said Grande. Grace Sipos was appointed as a long-term substitute teacher as she works toward fulfilling her special education teaching credentials with the state. “From Day One, Grace has made a positive impact on the high school,” said Grande. “The other day, (we) received an email from a colleague of hers that has only worked with her for a couple days and is signing her praises.” The board also welcomed Susan Woodward, who was previously approved to a full-time position in the English tenure. Woodward has already begun overseeing the middle school newspaper and helping with the school’s yearbook. “We’re very excited to have somebody with the years of experience working with our kids in ELA,” said Grande. “We know that there are some gaps in learning for our kids and it is going to take quite a few years for them to get caught up. To have teachers with a ton of experience teaching kids and knowing exactly what they need will help us get there a lot quicker.” Gen VanZile was officially appointed as a Floater Monitor Aide, after already serving the district as a substitute in recent years. Jordyn Salgado and Collette Campese were also appointed as Floater Monitor Aides. Alex Szymanski, a graduate of Forestville in 2016, was also appointed as a Floater Monitor Aide. “Once a Hornet, well, you’ve always been a Hornet,” joked Drozdziel. Jessica Howes, a graduate of Forestville in 2018, was appointed as a Floater Monitor Aide, as well. “It’s so good to see our students coming back and helping out here,” said Grande. The new hiring announcements were capped off when Patrick Valvo, who previously served as a member of the Board of Education, was announced as the newest addition to the bus drivers’ staff. “I am a Hornet,” he joked as Drozdziel welcomed him back to the district. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Chinese Social Metaverse Products Struggle With Poor User Experience – Pandaily https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/chinese-social-metaverse-products-struggle-with-poor-user-experience-pandaily/ Metaverse-based social products are rapidly emerging as the new trendy focus for the Chinese tech world. According to Qimai Data, about 228 apps in China have added “metaverse” to their descriptions so far, 169 of which claim to be metaverse social apps, but there are significant doubts within the market. Chinese social media platform developer Inkeverse recently launched a metaverse social product called The Place for overseas markets. Bianfeng Network, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Daily Digital Culture, has also taken a stake in a metaverse social company. Social platform Soul regarded “metaverse” as a keyword during promotional activities as early as 2021. TikTok owner ByteDance also launched Party Island, its first social product in the metaverse. Internet giants are using their investments to gain profits in the field. Following its investment in metaverse social platform Imvu last year, NetEase invested in metaverse UGC platform BUD in May this year. In June, Bytedance acquired PoliQ which launched a social entertainment app called Vyou in late 2020, allowing users to dress up their virtual images. Although there are many new metaverse social products in China, doubts have emerged and none of them have yet become a hit. For example, Proximai, a metaverse social product eyeing Meta as its rival, claims that every player has his or her own digital identity. They can not only experience and create games, but also convert game items and coins on the platform with real money. However, the product has not matured as expected. Feedback from users shows that there are only several social scenes to choose from. When it comes to creating virtual image, face shapes, facial features and hair styling are impossible to change. Due to poor user interaction, the app has been stopped downloads. According to a report by Cailian Press, industry analysts have said that the main reasons behind the poor user experience include immature 3D real-time rendering technology and multi-modal interaction technology, expensive AV/VR devices, backward application scenarios and ecosystem construction. Luo Qi, a senior researcher at OKX, believes that Chinese firms are actually making social products by adding more virtual experiences for users. SEE ALSO: Few Chinese Companies Involved in Digital Collections Disclose Related Revenue “The core of the metaverse is computing power,” said Wang Yingbo, a doctor of economics at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. “Computing power needs to be increased by at least 1,000 times to simulate the real social environment. The conditions for social interaction in the metaverse are not yet fully mature, but it is indeed a general direction of development.”

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Announces Collector’s Edition – Bleeding Cool News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ghostbusters-spirits-unleashed-announces-collectors-edition-bleeding-cool-news/ | IllFonic revealed that they will be releasing a special Collector’s Edition of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed this October. As you can see from the images below, the game will come in a special collector’s case that looks like the iconic book of all things supernatural, Tobin’s Spirit Guide. Along with some additional items like stickers and a poster, available for PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S. You can read more about it below as it will be released on October 18th, 2022. Credit: IllFonic This extra spooky edition is packaged inside a replica case of the Tobin’s Spirit Guide and includes an exclusive poster, stickers, and a display stand. Purchasers will also get Advance Access to the Basher Ghost, a rare Ectoplast Skin, Ghostbusters RTV Kit Ghost Trap, and a special PKE Meter. The Collector’s Edition will be available at various retailers where games are sold worldwide. From developer IllFonic, this action-packed four versus one game allows fans to play out their Ghostbusting fantasies. Play solo or with up to four others as either the iconic Ghostbusters in a team of four versus the Ghost in an asymmetrical multiplayer battle (online or solo offline with AI support). As players progress, they will unlock cosmetics and upgrades for both Ghostbusters and Ghosts to evolve their gameplay experiences. Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has all the iconic gear and gadgets, from Proton Packs to PKE Meters and Ghost Traps, that fans and new players to the universe will enjoy. Ghosts have multiple abilities in their arsenal such as possessing objects and sliming that make haunting all the various locations a blast to play. 4v1 Gameplay Setup – Slime or be slimed! Play with up to four friends or solo as a new member of the Ghostbusters or a Ghost. A New Story with Old Favorites – As you progress through the game, unlock new story elements and scenes featuring iconic characters, Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore, from the Ghostbusters universe. Explore Iconic Ghostbusters Sets – Just like in the movie, the legendary Firehouse is the players’ Ghostbusters hub where you personalize your equipment and target practice before the big mission. Explore Ray’s Occult Bookstore to enter the Ghost Realm and customize your Ghost. Enjoyed this? Please share on social media! About Gavin Sheehan Gavin is the current Games Editor for Bleeding Cool. He has been a lifelong geek who can chat with you about comics, television, video games, and even pro wrestling. He can also teach you how to play Star Trek chess, be your Mercy on Overwatch, recommend random cool music, and goes rogue in D&D. He also enjoys hundreds of other geeky things that can’t be covered in a single paragraph. Follow @TheGavinSheehan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vero, for random pictures and musings. Latest by Gavin Sheehan This morning we found out the official dates and new information for the Red Bull Solo Q 2022 World Final happening next month. Nintendo has released a new update this week for Mario Strikers: Battle League, as players now have Diddy Kong and Pauline to choose from. Krafton Inc. has revealed new details as to the schedule and planning for the PUBG Global Championship 2022, happening in Dubai. Funcom has revealed a new update for Dune: Spice Wars today as players will get the Imperial House Corrino Faction. Iceberg Interactive and Rhombus Studios revealed today that Lord Of Rigel will be coming to Steam Early Access in early October. EA Sports will be doing the ultimate crossover of kindness as Ted Lasso at AFC Richmond will be added to FIFA 23. Latest in Games IllFonic revealed that they will be releasing a special Collector’s Edition of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed this October. Pokémon TCG Japan collectors who purchase booster packs of Paradigm Trigger will have a chance at pulling a special alternate Lugia STAR. This morning we found out the official dates and new information for the Red Bull Solo Q 2022 World Final happening next month. Dragon Ball Super Card Game’s latest set Dawn of the Z-Legends features Gohan as he was seen in the latest film, Super Hero. Nintendo has released a new update this week for Mario Strikers: Battle League, as players now have Diddy Kong and Pauline to choose from. Pokémon TCG announces the Best Buy-exclusive Mew V Box, featuring yet another way to get the Sword & Shield – Darkness Ablaze Mew V.

Indonesia To Tighten Crypto Regulation With Stricter Rules For Exchanges – Regulation Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/indonesia-to-tighten-crypto-regulation-with-stricter-rules-for-exchanges-regulation-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Indonesia is preparing to issue new rules to tighten the regulation of crypto exchanges. Under revised regulatory framework, two-thirds of crypto exchange directors must be Indonesian citizens residing in the country. Indonesia Plans to Tighten Crypto Regulation Indonesia is preparing to issue new rules to tighten the regulation of crypto exchanges, officials from the country’s Minister of Trade and the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti) said Tuesday at a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta. One of the new rules requires two-thirds of directors of crypto exchanges to be Indonesian citizens residing in the country. Didid Noordiatmoko, acting head of Bappebti, told parliament: That way, at least we can prevent the top management from fleeing the country if any problem arises. The new measure followed the financial trouble faced by Southeast Asia-focused crypto exchange Zipmex, which had to halt withdrawals. Crypto exchanges will also be required to use a third party to store client funds. They will additionally be prohibited from re-investing stored crypto assets. Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga told reporters after the parliamentary hearing: We don’t want to give permits (to exchanges) carelessly, so only for those that meet the requirements and are credible. He noted without giving a specific timeframe that Bappebti will issue the new rules soon. Sambuaga also confirmed that the Indonesian government is still planning to launch a crypto asset bourse this year. The bourse launch has been delayed several times. Indonesia allows the trading of crypto assets as commodities but does not recognize crypto as a payment instrument. In April, the Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes said it had set both income tax (PPh) on capital gains from crypto investments and value-added tax (VAT) on crypto purchases at 0.1%. Crypto transactions in Indonesia increased 1,224% to 859.4 trillion rupiahs ($57.5 billion) in 2021 from 64.9 trillion rupiahs in 2020, according to Bappebti. In the first six months of this year, there were 15.1 million crypto users in Indonesia, transacting cryptocurrencies worth 212 trillion rupiahs. What do you think about Indonesia’s new requirements for crypto exchanges? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Overhaul Coming For U.S. Medicare System – WTOC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/overhaul-coming-for-u-s-medicare-system-wtoc/ WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The Inflation Reduction Act is a wide sweeping law, but it will make very specific changes to the U.S. Medicare system over the next several years. The Better Medicare Alliance said one of the most important changes is capping out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs at $2,000. “Many of these Medicare beneficiaries take several drugs for different complex conditions,” Better Medicare Alliance Vice President of Policy and Research Greg Gierer said. “They could spend $4,000, $5,000, potentially unlimited amounts every year. Changes to Medicare also include a price cap on insulin costs and making certain vaccines free. AARP said that is especially useful for older citizens. “One example is the shingles vaccine, which older Americans need, and those can cost $300 a shot,” AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeny said. “So starting in January, those are going to be free, and that’s going to be great news for older Americans in this country. Beginning in 2026 the government will begin negotiating drug price points for certain drugs covered by Medicare, which the Better Medicare Alliance says will save the taxpayer dollars. “Estimates are that those provisions in total could reduce federal spending by $300 billion over a ten-year period, so very significant savings there,” Gierer said. Medicare recipients do not need to make any changes to receive the new benefits. They will phase in automatically in the next few years. Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved.

Revamped Detroit Auto Show Now Also Features New Flying Tech – The Associated Press https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/revamped-detroit-auto-show-now-also-features-new-flying-tech-the-associated-press/ DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit auto show has returned after a three-year absence with a roar. And a soar. Visitors to the prestigious North American International Auto Show, which kicked off last week, can lay eyes on the latest offerings from some of the world’s biggest automakers, as they’ve been able to in years past. But this time around, they also can check out what organizers are calling “the show above the show.” The Air Mobility Experience features displays and demonstrations from six air mobility innovators — representing five countries — that include electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, a hoverbike, a hoverboard and a jet suit. “Feels like the future,” said John George, chief creative officer of the Air Mobility Experience. “We’ve all asked this question — I know I have, since I was a kid: ‘When was that future going to arrive?’” “And the answer is: ‘Now,’” he said. Show-goers can see some air mobility conveyances on display on the show floor, while others have been visible in the skies above the city. That includes the ICON A5, a two-seat, amphibious, light-sport aircraft with retractable wings that enable owners to haul it in a trailer behind a truck, SUV or other vehicle. Pilots from Vacaville, California-based ICON Aircraft provided demonstration flights along the Detroit River that featured landings on the waterway that separates Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. “The reaction (of passengers) landing on the water is always my favorite,” said Suzanne Clavette, ICON’s marketing manager and a pilot who flew some of the A5 demo flights that passed by the downtown Huntington Place convention center that hosts the auto show. NAIAS last was held in January 2019. It returned last week on a smaller scale with fewer new model debuts and journalists, and less-glitzy displays. But hosting the show in September has allowed carmakers — including Ford Motor Co., which debuted the new Mustang at downtown’s Hart Plaza — and the air mobility companies to make use of the great outdoors. “Honestly, I think this is the future of shows. It’s no longer just an auto show. It’s a mobility show, which gives you a glimpse of all of those vehicle types, including the ones that fly,” George said. The show runs through Sunday. ___ Follow Mike Householder at https://twitter.com/mikehouseholder

High School Football Scoreboard – The Cross Timbers Gazette https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/high-school-football-scoreboard-the-cross-timbers-gazette-2/ Argyle 51, Frisco Memorial 13 Argyle opened up district play with a bang on Thursday night, defeating Frisco Memorial by a score of 51-13. The Eagles got on the board first on an 18-yard run from RJ Bunnell to give Argyle a 7-0 lead. The Warriors kicked a field goal to make it 7-3 after one. Argyle extended its lead to 11 points 20 seconds into the second quarter on a 2-yard run from Landon Farris, and John Gailey connected with Lane Stewart two minutes later on a 34-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-3 Argyle. Memorial scored again to make it 21-10, but Argyle came right back when Jacob Robinson hit Will Krzysiak for 53 yards give the Eagles a 28-10 lead at the break. At the end of the first half the Eagles lead Frisco Memorial 28-10! #txhsfb #goeagles pic.twitter.com/APtI6dB0Z2 — The Talon News (@TheTalonNews) September 23, 2022 Argyle picked up right where it left off in the second half, scoring on a 13-yard keeper from Robinson three minutes into the third quarter to extend Argyle’s lead to 35-10. Memorial then gave up a safety, and Argyle added another touchdown on a 33-yard pass to Krzysiak from Gailey to make it 44-10 after three for Argyle. Memorial kicked a field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 44-13, and Argyle made it 51-13 with 2:34 to play to close out the game on a 10-yard run from Preston Slaton. Argyle (5-0, 1-0) will be in its bye week next weekend. Check back Friday night for more southern Denton County football results.

Review: 6 Products For Easier Family Travel | KSL.com – KSL.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/review-6-products-for-easier-family-travel-ksl-com-ksl-com/ Family trips can be complicated. Here’s a review of six products to help relieve some of the stress associated with traveling with children. (NicoElNino, Shutterstock) Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes SALT LAKE CITY — Traveling with the family is a great way to create lasting memories, but it always brings its own quirks and challenges. In most cases, those factors are only exacerbated when one of your kids is a baby or toddler. As my wife often says: “It’s not a vacation … it’s a family trip.” This review looks at six products that might be helpful on your next family trip. From electronic devices to storage containers, they offer convenience that can hopefully relieve a little of the stress and complexity that come when traveling with the whole crew. Etekcity Luggage Scale GRADE: A PRICE: $10 Etekcity luggage scale as advertised on Amazon. (Photo: Screenshot) Most of us have tried the old “stand on the bathroom scale holding your luggage” trick to weigh our bags before a flight. Overweight fees can really add up, after all, so you’ve got to make sure ahead of time that you’re not going to incur the wrath of the airlines. But what happens when there isn’t a bathroom scale handy, or you’re worried you’ll do the math wrong? This handy scale from Etekcity saves the day. It’s compact, lightweight, accommodates up to 110 pounds, and can toggle between pounds and kilograms for international travel. Collapsible Travel-size Bottles GRADE: A PRICE: $5 Collapsible travel-size bottles, as advertised on Amazon. (Photo: Screenshot) There are lots of cheap options out there when it comes to travel-sized containers. What makes these bottles special is that they’re collapsible and have a leakproof design. Because they’re made of silicone, they’re flexible and can survive accidental drops. They’re TSA-approved and can expand in size from 42 milliliters to 88 milliliters. NOTE: Even though these bottles are supposed to be leakproof, you should always keep them in a resealable plastic bag just in case. Accidents can always happen. Portable Sound Machine GRADE: A- PRICE: $24 The Sleep & Soother Portable Sound Machine. (Photo: Baby Brezza) White noise is a precious commodity on a trip. You can use it to help your baby nap better on road trips, and it can be a game-changer when it comes to the whole family’s ability to sleep in a crowded hotel room. This Sleep & Soother, made by Baby Brezza, is one of the best on the market, with 18 different sound options. Additional features include a built-in nightlight with adjustable brightness and timer settings for the sounds and light. You can power it with AAA batteries or simply with the USB cord. LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20-inch GRADE: A PRICE: $156 LEVEL8 textured carry-on 20-inch rolling suitcase. (Photo: LEVEL8) Traversing an airport with your family’s belongings can be a frantic and miserable experience, but I’ve found that a smooth-rolling and non-tipping bag can go a long way toward making it easier. This carry-on luggage from LEVEL8 fits the bill, as it has four durable 360-degree spinner wheels with an anti-shock design. Seriously, this thing practically glides along like a hoverboard. Beyond its great mobility, this luggage provides excellent protection for your items with its polycarbonate hard shell. It also comes with an integrated, TSA-approved combination lock, so nobody can go snooping through your belongings. And the telescoping handle extends higher than any I’ve ever seen, which is really appreciated by us tall folks. DoAce C11 2000W Travel Voltage Converter GRADE: A- PRICE: $40 DoAce c11 2000-watt travel voltage converter, as advertised on Amazon. (Photo: Screenshot) This versatile unit from DoAce is ideal for international travel where you’ll need to adapt to another country’s socket configuration and voltage. Anyone who has ever struggled to charge their phone while abroad or has fried their hair dryer in a 220-volt outlet can attest that such a device is often worth its weight in gold. The kit comes with three different adaptors and built-in surge protection, so you’ll be covered on most of your travels. Additionally, the device has USB ports to that it’s easier to power your various electronics. Joolz Hub+ GRADE: A PRICE: Varies by retailer Joolz Hub+ lightweight stroller in navy blue. (Photo: Joolz) The Joolz Hub+ is among the best compact strollers available because it combines two of the most important features for a family on the move: mobility and comfort. First up, the design is lightweight and stable, which means you can easily steer it with one hand. But it also has a narrow wheelbase that’s ideal for public transportation and navigating tight aisles in stores. And once you’ve folded the stroller up, you can simply tote it around with the included carry strap. As for the children who will actually be riding in the stroller, the Joolz Hub+ has an incredibly comfy seat. When they’re dozing, it’s easy to recline and there’s also an adjustable footrest. And the four-wheel suspension makes for one of the smoothest rides out there. A couple other features that deserve a mention are the large underseat storage basket and the integrated LED lights in the front and rear for added safety after dark. × Related stories Most recent Home & Family stories Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. He is also the author of the book “Rhino Trouble.” More stories you may be interested in