Denton County News Online

Steamforged Games Bringing Elden Ring To The Table Top – Gaming Trend https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/steamforged-games-bringing-elden-ring-to-the-table-top-gaming-trend/ Renowned board game publisher Steamforged Games has just announced Elden Ring the Board Game! Based on the massive hit video game Elden Ring, the board game aims to recreate the famously brutal combat to the table top, making this the 6th time Steamforged has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. The launch date for its Kickstarter campaign has yet to be announced. Like the video game, the ELDEN RING board game will immerse players in the forsaken Lands Between. In a vast, sprawling world of decaying grandeur that unfolds through their exploration, 1-4 ‘Tarnished’ players will embark on a huge and varied adventure, visiting iconic locations and crossing paths with familiar enemies and characters. The video game’s characteristically challenging fights will be recreated by intelligent dice-free combat, requiring players to strategise and adapt their plans during each encounter — whether that be a lowly Godrick Soldier or the Grafted King himself. Stay tuned with Gaming Trend for more gaming news, previews, and reviews! See below for our list of partners and affiliates:

SBA Offering Loans To Help Businesses Recover From Floods – Fort Worth Business Press https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/sba-offering-loans-to-help-businesses-recover-from-floods-fort-worth-business-press/ In response to the severe storms and flooding that occurred throughout North Texas in late August, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to those affected. The SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request the agency received from Gov. Greg Abbott on Sept. 13. As a result, assistance is now available in Tarrant County, along with Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman and Rockwall Counties. “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Texas’ small businesses and residents impacted by the severe storms and flooding,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.” Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Dallas (6200 E. Grand Ave.) and Balch Springs (4732 Shepherd Lane.) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete loan applications. The centers are open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and no appointment is necessary. – FWBP Digital Partners – Ahmad Goree, Lead Economic Development Specialist/Public Information Officer for the DFW district of the SBA, explained that businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Interest rates can be as low as 3.04 percent for businesses, 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.188 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Goree explained the credit arrangements: Credit history – applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. Repayment – applicants must show the ability to repay all loans. Collateral is required for physical loss loans over $25,000 and all EIDL loans over $25,000. – Advertisement – “SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but requires you to pledge what is available,” Goree said. As for interest rates, Goree said: “By law, the interest rates depend on whether each applicant has credit available elsewhere. An applicant does not have credit available elsewhere when SBA determines the applicant does not have sufficient funds or other resources, or the ability to borrow from non-government sources, to provide for its own disaster recovery. An applicant which SBA determines to have the ability to provide for his or her own recovery is deemed to have credit available elsewhere. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan.” Interest rates applicable for this disaster are: Home loans – no credit available elsewhere, 2.188%; credit available elsewhere, 4.375%. Business loans – no credit available elsewhere, 3.040%; credit available elsewhere, 6.080%. Nonprofit organizations – no credit available elsewhere, 1.875%; credit available elsewhere, 1.875%. Economic injury loans – for business and small agricultural, no credit available elsewhere, 3.040%; credit available elsewhere, not available. For nonprofits, no credit available elsewhere, 1.875%; credit available elsewhere, not available. The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. However, the law restricts businesses with credit available elsewhere to a maximum seven-year term, Goree noted, adding that SBA sets the installment payment amount and corresponding maturity based upon each borrower’s ability to repay. – Advertisement – Goree said loan limit amounts are $2 million for business and EIDL, subject to certain qualifications and requirements. However, if a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2 million statutory limit. SBA regulations limit home loans to $200,000 for repair or replacement of real estate and $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

TikTokers Are Using This Viral Method To Decide Where To Go On Vacation Next – Elite Daily https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/tiktokers-are-using-this-viral-method-to-decide-where-to-go-on-vacation-next-elite-daily/ Travel It’s the easiest way to figure out where to visit next. Westend61/Westend61/Getty Images Embarking on an exciting trip with your best friend or bae is an invaluable experience that will bring you so much closer together. You’ll bond through trying new things, seeing gorgeous views, and spending tons of quality time together in your dream location. You and your travel buddy-of-choice are likely always dreaming up new trips to go on, and you have so many ideas that it’s hard to narrow the list down to just one. If you need a little help deciding which place should be next, try out this super fun method by @evamachadorn on TikTok to decide where to go on vacation. Eva, who shared the now-viral TikTok, came up with this idea years ago with her husband to decide where they would take their next trip together. You can do this randomized method anywhere with your vacay parter, and all you need is some paper, pens, and a cup (you can also use a hat or any small vessel). It begins with each person choosing three different destination ideas: one within a six-hour driving distance, one within the country, and one that is international. Write them down on three slips of paper, crumple them up, and throw them in the cup with your partner’s entries so they’re all mixed together in a collection of six possible options. The fun part comes next — you will each take turns selecting a piece of paper and reading the destination out loud. These are the places you will not be traveling to, because the last paper left in the cup is your vacation spot. As you pluck one by one, you’ll be on the edge of your seat and surprised to hear the ideas your parter submitted. You may even find yourself feeling disappointment or relief as the destinations narrow down, because, like Eva, it could really be a toss up between going to Richmond, Virginia or Spain for your next getaway. You may even discover that you both are on the same page when it comes to travel (per usual) if you inadvertently write down the same location. When you get to the bottom of the pile, get excited to unveil the final decision in a suspenseful moment of truth. In just a matter of seconds, you’ll find out if you need to book a flight for half way around the world, or if you need to load gas and snacks in you car. With some luck, your secret dream vacation will be chosen and you’ll finally have an excuse to cross it off your travel bucket list. Regardless of where you end up, you know you’ll have a blast making memories with your best travel bud in a special place you chose together.

Adrian, Vernon Bracy Named Charmaine Chapman Co-Chairs – St. Louis American https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/adrian-vernon-bracy-named-charmaine-chapman-co-chairs-st-louis-american/ Adrian and Vernon Vito Bracy have been named the 2022 chairs for United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society [CCS], which has raised $59 million for the United Way’s Community Campaign since its inception in 1994. “Vernon and I are so excited to be a part of this year’s United Way campaign to help inspire philanthropy and community with other Black leaders,” said Adrian Bracy. “The Charmaine Chapman Society has long been an important component of United Way’s work in uplifting our St. Louis community and, as a former leader of one of United Way’s partner agencies, I’ve seen firsthand how critical United Way’s support is for its entire network of safety net partners.”  The Society is named after Charmaine Chapman, the first woman and first African American to head United Way of Greater St. Louis as its president and chief executive officer. In 1994, Charmaine and St. Louis American publisher Dr. Donald M. Suggs launched the Society to bring Black leaders together through philanthropy and recognize their commitment and passion for the St. Louis region.  “We are honored to have Adrian and Vernon leading our Charmaine Chapman Society as they have been longtime supporters and members with deep understanding of the impact United Way has in our community,” said Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Garnering support for this Society is key to helping people throughout our region live here and thrive.”  Adrian Bracy is an author, business and personal coach, consultant, and motivational speaker. She spent 18 years in the National Football League working in financial management. Following her career in the NFL, Bracy transitioned to the nonprofit sector and served as chief executive officer of YWCA Metro St. Louis for nearly 12 years.  She currently serves as the executive director of The Steward Trust.    Vernon Vito Bracy is the chief executive officer/president of a unified communications company called Renaissance Voice Communications (RVC). Prior to launching RVC, he held several other executive level roles in sales, finance, and data breach protection over the course of nearly 20 years. The United Way has also launched its 2022 Community Campaign, celebrating the organization’s 100-year anniversary of helping the St. Louis region. Its campaign co-chairs are Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones, and Rusty Keeley, CEO of Keeley Companies. Arica Harris, director of banking and payment operation at Edward Jones, is vice chair. “United Way once again stepped up to serve as a critical leader as many in our region faced devastating and difficult impacts from flooding,” said Harris. “This is an example of why having a strong United Way in our region is important. Because of its 100-year existence, it has the infrastructure, knowledge, and partnerships to quickly mobilize and coordinate support, so response and relief efforts are available and efficient. A gift to United Way means that this support stands ready when there is a disaster like this.” The annual fall fundraising campaign officially began Sept. 14, 2022 and runs through November. United Way of Greater St. Louis invests in more than 160 local nonprofits that create a solid foundation for our region through early childhood and youth success, jobs and financial mobility, health and wellbeing, essential needs, and community and crisis response. During the past century, United Way of Greater St. Louis has raised nearly $3 billion to invest into the community, impacting millions of people. “We are proud of how our community comes together during this special time of year and lends their generous support to helps those throughout our region who need it most,” said Tucker. “We look forward to the support of our local businesses, partners, labor unions and individuals whose generosity will enable us to continue to support the St. Louis region into the next 100 years.”  Individuals can make a gift online or learn more about United Way’s impact at HelpingPeople.org/Give.

Exercise And Education: Diabetes Prevention Work Helps Local Latino Children, Families – ASU News Now https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/exercise-and-education-diabetes-prevention-work-helps-local-latino-children-families-asu-news-now/ September 16, 2022 Study headed by ASU professor published in Journal of American Medical Association Derek Parra’s eating plan was fairly simple. Whatever his mom, Miriam, put on the plate, he would eat — sometimes up to four portions. In-between meals, he would down unhealthy snacks, sodas or juices with a high sugar content. Parra still can put away the food. He’s 15 years old, after all. But the Valley teenager is making wiser decisions to feed that teenage appetite, drinking water instead of soda – with the occasional Dr. Pepper mixed in – and eating more vegetables and fruit. Miriam is helping as well, cooking with less oil and encouraging Derek and her other children to get their sugar from fruit instead of candy. They’ve fallen off the wagon at times, but they’ve also learned what to eat and, just as importantly, how to eat. “We’re very conscious about what we’re eating,” Miriam said through an interpreter. “That information has stuck with us.” Those healthier choices — and the education needed to change habits — are exactly what Gabriel Shaibi, a professor in Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, hoped to accomplish when he launched a program six years ago to help Valley Latino children, ages 12 to 18, who were predisposed to diabetes. The results of the study, which was boosted in 2021 with a $3.3 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, were published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Among the findings: There was a 10% improvement in glucose tolerance (a measure of how kids process sugar) after 12 months. There was a 37% increase in insulin sensitivity (a measure of how well the body uses insulin) after six months. The kids in the study reported a 10% increase in their weight-related quality of life after 12 months. “What we learned is that these kids, when you provide them access to preventative services, they can do better,” said Shaibi, the principal investigator on the project. Shaibi said the impetus for the study was data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that showed Latino children are predisposed for diabetes at a rate between 1.5 and 1.7 times higher than white children. “We designed a study that says, ‘You know, we appreciate that there’s disparities in the community,’” Shaibi said. “And these disparities are not just about the haves or have-nots but these kids also have a really difficult time accessing traditional health care services.” The program, which included 117 families from around the Valley, was a collaborative effort between ASU, Valley of the Sun YMCA, St. Vincent de Paul and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the latter two of which recruited families and helped design the curriculum. The dual focuses: Education and exercise. “The real key is how do I implement this into my day-to-day life,” said Micah Olson, medical director for the Type 2 diabetes program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and a co-author and co-investigator on the study. “And that is not easy, especially in the environment that we live in today, where calories come very cheap and it’s hard to move our bodies the way we used to. “So the hypothesis of the study was: Can we deliver this information in a way that’s culturally focused and delivered by teachers that culturally speak the language and would that be more effective in having kids and families make the kind of changes that we’re asking them to do, compared to what we might do in the halls of a medical clinic?” Parents and their children made their way to the downtown Phoenix YMCA once a week to do physical exercises, learn how to make better food choices, and both modify and keep track of their behavior. The exercise programs were designed by YMCA trainers, and bilingual health educators and dieticians from St. Vincent’s and Phoenix Children’s Hospital were on hand to help families that didn’t speak English. “It’s all delivered in the community, by the community, for the community,” Shaibi said. “We think that is pretty unique because it’s not, ‘Hey, come to our clinic at ASU.’ It’s, ‘We’re going to bring the research to the community where it can best be implemented.’” The families were given assignments, one of which was being handed coupons for Food City and having to find ingredients for a healthy meal at less than $5 per person. “That becomes their homework,” Shaibi said. “Can you go out, shop for and prepare a healthy meal on that budget? That was eye opening to some of these families.” The following week, the families would talk about the healthy meal they made and how they were surprised they could do so on such a limited budget. It’s all delivered in the community, by the community, for the community. — Gabriel Shaibi, professor, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation “We made it a little bit of a competition as well,” said Elvia Lish, director of the Ivy Center for Family Wellness at St. Vincent de Paul. “We’d tell them, ‘It has to be delicious, but it has to be cost-effective.’ And then whoever has the lowest cost meals won the prize or the game. They came up with really great examples that highlighted you don’t have to eat really expensive foods in order to be healthy.” The families were also given healthy recipes they could cook. “It gave me a sense of nutrition, like certain things that I was not supposed to eat too much of and how to eat a balanced diet,” Miriam Parra said. Libby Corral, chief operating officer of the YMCA, said the shared experiences of the families brought them together in a way individual diet, exercise and nutrition programs could not. “They really developed that sense of community,” Corral said. “We had these groups of families and kids that have the same issues and are able to learn from each other and support each other. They built friendships and relationships that outlasted the program itself.” Shaibi’s hope is that the study has generational benefits for families. The children who exercise and develop healthy eating habits today will be the parents who teach their own children those behaviors tomorrow. To do its part, the YMCA has given all 117 families in the study free six-month memberships. “We know these types of diseases travel in families,” Shaibi said. “If you are a kid whose parents have diabetes, you’re more likely to get diabetes. But we also know that prevention and behaviors track in families. If your parents were active, you’re more likely to be active and so on.” Although the study is complete, the work isn’t. Shaibi and his team have received an additional round of funding to continue the research and target entire households over the next five years. “We’re trying to have a bigger effect,” he said. “It can be mom, dad, cousins, grandparents, whoever’s living in the household.” Top photo: Participants in the program after a fitness class at the YMCA.

The Best Soda Makers Of 2022 – Mashed https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-best-soda-makers-of-2022-mashed/ Jangqq/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Who doesn’t love the invigorating fizz of a carbonated drink? There’s something undeniably refreshing about all those bubbles, especially when they combine with the bold flavors of soda. But even though it tastes great, the truth is that sugary soda — or any highly sweetened beverages — are really bad for your health (via Healthline). When you flood your body with excessive amounts of liquefied sugar, it burdens your liver and eventually gets transformed into body fat. Considering that sugary drinks can also lead to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and cancer, it’s no wonder more Americans are learning to leave commercially-produced soda pop behind (via The New York Times). That said, there’s still a way to enjoy delicious carbonated drinks without wreaking havoc on your health: making your own at home. Having a soda maker empowers you to control all of the ingredients in your drinks and allows you to customize flavors with tasty recipes that are often much healthier than what you’ll find in grocery stores. Between all of the easy homemade soda recipes out there and your own creative twists, you can make all kinds of unique sparkling beverages from the comfort of home. All you’ll need is the right soda maker. How we selected products Sergey yakubovskiy/Shutterstock The soda makers on this list were selected through a research process that took several factors into consideration. Customer feedback was crucial, since user reviews are one of the best ways to get honest insight into a product’s quality and performance. By carefully evaluating user reviews of verified purchases, each soda maker’s strengths and weaknesses were assessed to gain a comprehensive view of its caliber. We also made sure to select soda makers with a variety of useful features. Whether you’re looking for a bundle package, a model for beginners, or a soda maker that’s easily portable, we’ve got you covered. Budget is another factor that guided our selection process, so you’ll find a lot of reasonable prices here mixed in with some of the more costly selections for those with a bigger budget.  Regardless of the size of your budget or experience level in the kitchen, you’ll find a high-quality soda maker on this list that will suit your needs. Here are the best soda makers of 2022. Best overall soda maker SodaStream If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality soda maker that’s an all-around great deal, then this offer from SodaStream should do the trick. This package comes with a sparkling water maker, a 60 liter CO2 cylinder, and a one liter reusable carbonating bottle. With well over 4,500 reviews and an average four star rating, it’s clear that plenty of fizzy drink enthusiasts around the globe are very happy with this soda maker kit. Wondering how many drinks you can make with just one cylinder of CO2 from this SodaStream model? The answer might pleasantly surprise you. Just one cylinder can whip up about 126 16-ounce bottles of sparkling beverages for you to enjoy. Not only is this a great way to save money and make healthier drinks, but it’s also a way to significantly reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles you use. That’s great news for the environment.  This easy-to-use soda maker can make a fresh fizzy drink in a matter of seconds, and all with just the push of a button. You can come up with your own recipes using fresh ingredients, or you can let SodaStream do all the work for you and choose from a wide range of flavored add-ins like blueberry pomegranate, peach, and grapefruit. You can buy the SodaStream sparkling water machine on Amazon for $90. Best budget soda maker Nuvantee It’s no secret that new appliances can be a little expensive. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t score a high-quality soda maker for a good price. There are plenty of great deals on the market for fantastic fizzy drink makers, including this soda siphon that comes in at under 40 bucks. Made with sleek, eye-catching aluminum, all this one-liter soda siphon needs is a CO2 charger to get you started in making some of the most refreshing homemade drinks you’ve ever tasted. This siphon is really easy to use, too, so there’s no need to feel intimidated. All you need to do is add water to the bottle, insert the CO2 charger, then turn the nozzle to add a healthy dash of sparkling aeration.  This deal comes with an aluminum charger holder, a fork key to remove the inner tube of the siphon, and a few extra o-rings just in case you need replacements later on. To sweeten the pot, the company even includes some free cocktail recipes with your purchase. All things considered, this is easily one of the most reasonably priced and high-quality soda makers out there right now. Purchase the Nuvantee sparkling soda maker on Amazon for only $37. Best splurge soda maker Aarke If you have a bigger budget lined up for your new soda maker, why not splurge and treat yourself to a deluxe model? Available in a range of different finishes that include matte black, white, and stainless steel, this premium soda maker has a slim, modern aesthetic that’s bound to add a touch of class and sophistication to any kitchen counter. Did we mention that it also has a nearly perfect five-star rating after more than 3,000 customer reviews on Amazon? For a super easy way to flavor your bubbly drinks, you can score some pre-made flavor additives for this soda maker such as wild strawberry, cucumber lime, and citrus twist. This device even comes with a fill line on the bottle so you know exactly how much water to add to make the perfect mix. It’s also important to note that colder water will produce more bubbles, so try and make sure to use refrigerated water.  This deal also comes with a CO2 cylinder so you can start making tasty drinks right away. If you’re going to invest in a soda machine, why not go big and get one that’s exceptionally well-designed and easy on the eyes? You can buy the Aarke soda maker on Amazon for $260. Best versatile soda maker Drinkmate You might be wondering how a soda maker could possibly be more versatile than other models. After all, don’t they all work pretty much the same way? Here’s the deal: most popular soda makers can only use water. Other liquids simply won’t work or could even damage the equipment, according to House Digest. In other words, with most models on the market, you’re very limited in the kinds of liquids that you can employ, because you can only use water. This model liberates you from the shackles of that narrow restriction, freeing you up to use other liquids like wine or juice, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities. All you have to do is fill the bottle with your liquid of choice, press the button, and enjoy the fresh effervescence of your tasty homemade beverage. This deal comes with the soda maker, a BPA-fee bottle with volume measurement lines, two CO2 cylinders, and a fizz infuser. Another bonus: this model is available in four different colors — red, white, arctic blue, and black. Stylish, innovative, and useful, this sparkling beverage maker was made for those of us who like to be a little more experimental in the kitchen. Liven up your cocktails and mocktails and see what you’ve been missing out on. Purchase the Drinkmate sparkling water maker on Amazon for $165. Best soda maker bundle SodaStream It’s often more convenient to just buy a bundle package that includes everything you need, rather than having to purchase a bunch of different items separately. The good news is that we found a generous bundle kit from SodaStream that offers up everything you need to make some of the best-tasting homemade drinks you’ve ever had. If you’re still on the fence, you might want to take a peek at the hundreds of raving reviews this model has earned from highly satisfied customers. This bundle deal comes with a soda maker, two CO2 cylinders, two dishwasher-safe bottles, and two bottles of flavored Bubly brand drops to get you started. This model is equipped with a quick connect CO2 system that simplifies the process of attaching CO2 cylinders — all you have to do is line up the cylinder and snap the lock into place. This soda maker also has an appealing retro look that will bring a unique vintage vibe to your kitchen. Save money, save plastic, and enjoy the fresh fizz of a handcrafted drink with this soda maker bundle package that has everything you need. You can buy the SodaStream bundle on Amazon for $180. Best mini soda maker OTE When you don’t have much space in the kitchen, every inch counts. Having smaller appliances is a great way to maximize the space in your kitchen without having to make any sacrifices. And it doesn’t get much more compact than this soda maker, which weighs less than three pounds. This model can hold up to 450 milliliters of liquid and comes with a hermetic seal that can lock in carbonation to maintain freshness. All you need to do is insert the mini gas cartridge, twist the cap, and presto — you have a bubblicious beverage ready to go! If you’re wondering if you’ll need to buy the mini gas cartridges separately, no need to worry. This package comes with 20 cartridges so you can hit the ground running. Great for all kinds of lifestyles and very reasonably priced, this is a great deal that you don’t want to let slip by. Purchase the OTE mini sparkling water maker on Amazon for $40. Best portable soda maker HXZB If you’re always on the go, a portable soda maker can be really useful. Whether you’re at the gym, on a picnic, or even camping, having easy access to the refreshing taste of a homemade sparkling beverage can be highly satisfying. And luckily for you, this model was recently ranked in the top three best portable soda makers currently on the market (via Find This Best...

Ether Falls This Week As ‘merge’ Hype Fades. The Crypto Outlook From Here – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ether-falls-this-week-as-merge-hype-fades-the-crypto-outlook-from-here-cnbc/ Ether is on pace to post its worst week since mid-June, after the long-anticipated Ethereum merge turned out to be the exact sell-the-news event so many foresaw. After an initially muted market response to the event, the price of the second largest crypto asset by market cap turned lower Thursday and is now down 15% for the week. The cryptocurrency slid despite the Ethereum network successfully completing what has been hailed as a monumental tech upgrade that will have long-lasting effects for the crypto industry at large. “From a purely technological perspective, it is difficult to overstate how big of an engineering feat the Merge represents,” said Anto Paroian, CEO at the cryptocurrency hedge fund ARK36. “It is more or less like constructing a new engine for a car that is going at full speed and then switching the engines without the car ever stopping or slowing down. That it was orchestrated by a global network of developers who aren’t managed by any central entity is already a triumph of the core ideals of the crypto space.” Meanwhile, the so-called “forked” version of Ethereum – whose launch many anticipated knowing proof-of-work Ethereum miners would soon have to find a new home – saw its price tumble. ETHPoW (as in Ethereum proof-of-work) fell from about $21 Thursday afternoon to about $9 on Friday, according to CoinMarketCap. What happened after the merge On Thursday, ether futures funding rates also fell near all-time lows as many traders bet the price would decline after the merge to take advantage of an arbitrage trade. Funding rates represent traders’ sentiments in the perpetual swaps market. Negative funding rates indicate that short-position traders are dominant. Many have been buying spot ether and shorting ether perpetual futures, in order to get tokens of the “forked” version of Ethereum for free, without the ether price exposure. Some analysts said they expected to see that trade unwind after the merge. “ETH funding rates are beginning to normalize back to pre-merge levels following the distortion after users shorted ETHperps and held spot ETH in order to be eligible for the ETHPoW airdrop,” Citi said in a note Friday. “The futures basis has now begun to normalize… because holders of ETH would be eligible for the airdrop at the point of the merge, meaning there is no longer an incentive to hold ETH for an airdrop post-merge.” What happens next No one is downbeat on the results of the merge – Ethereum is now 99.95% more energy efficient than it was before the transition, ether is now a yield-generating asset, and its issuance has dropped 90%. These benefits alone should make the network more attractive to institutional investors that have been observing from the sideline. However, it’s now an event of the past. The impact of the merge could take a long time to feel and on top of it, macro drivers still have a strong hold on the market. This week, investors digested hotter-than-expected inflation data . Now they’re holding their breath for the Federal Reserve’s meeting next week. “We’re still stuck in this unfortunately, and there really hasn’t been that catalyst to decouple crypto markets from macro trends,” Jason Lau, chief operating officer at Okcoin said on CNBC’s “Crypto World.” “The merge potentially could have been one of these events. However, we haven’t seen it play out either. The merge in practicality doesn’t do much for ether at this stage — it really is a first step in a series of upgrades.” Needham’s John Todaro added to that point, saying although the results of the merge are “obvious,” it could take at least six months to see them in the wild. “The changes resulting from the merge will likely take 6 months+ to actually have an impact on the ecosystem,” he said. “The merge paves the way for future technological upgrades that would bring enhanced scalability… but this is still months if not years away.” Some are also beginning to worry that ether’s new yield-generating opportunity could make it look like a security in the eyes of regulators. On Thursday, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler said that staked coins could pass a key test of whether investors expect to make a return from the work of third parties, The Wall Street Journal reported . The Howey test, as it’s known, is used often to determine whether an asset is a security. Lau said that despite Ethereum’s great big feat on the environmental side, that’s just a fraction of what’s on cautious investors’ minds. “Institutions that are still on the sidelines are still getting set up and getting ready to dip their toes in. They are not looking at the merge as that trigger point, mostly because a lot of the blockers are not related to crypto at all,” he said. “It’s actually related to their own compliance procedures, their own legal teams getting comfortable with their with counterparties, for example, understanding sort of regulatory risks that may exist.”

U.S. Discloses Decades Of Memos On Presidential War Powers – The New York Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-discloses-decades-of-memos-on-presidential-war-powers-the-new-york-times/ Executive branch lawyers secretly worked to limit the reach of a post-Vietnam War law, according to a trove of opinions from the Office of Legal Counsel. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. Henry Kissinger, then the secretary of state, briefs President Gerald R. Ford on developments in Vietnam in 1975.Credit…Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library Sept. 16, 2022Updated 4:18 p.m. ET WASHINGTON — Justice Department lawyers have secretly worked under presidents of both parties to narrowly interpret the reach of a law passed at the end of the Vietnam War meant to reassert Congress’s constitutional role in deciding whether to go to war, newly disclosed memos show. The Office of Legal Counsel drafted the memos in the decades after Congress enacted that law, the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The writings shaped White House interpretations of its constraints in ways not disclosed to Congress or the public, and their release sheds light on the inner workings of executive branch lawyers seeking to protect or expand presidential power. Among the writings: a memo by Antonin Scalia, the future Supreme Court justice, blessing President Gerald R. Ford’s desire to send troops back to Vietnam in 1975 for the evacuation of Saigon, and another written in 1993 scrutinizing which parts of the law President Bill Clinton could disregard as unconstitutional, in what appears to be the office’s seminal work on the law. The tranche also covers various post-World War II issues, like the Harry S. Truman administration bringing Nazi scientists to the United States; ending the classification of Japanese people as “alien enemies”; and weighing whether to send peacekeeping troops to the Middle East as part of the 1948 establishment of Israel. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University obtained the memos through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit and provided them to The New York Times. They open a window into how executive branch lawyers can expand White House power, allowing presidents to feel free to act in ways Congress sought to constrain. “The collection of previously unreleased war powers memos from the Office of Legal Counsel offers new insights into important historical moments, but it also has significance today,” said Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law School professor who gained early access to the documents. “Because war powers issues almost never get litigated on the merits in court, the O.L.C.’s legal opinion is often the only one that matters,” Ms. Hathaway added. “Moreover, the office treats its prior memos as precedential — so understanding war powers law requires understanding these prior memos. Yet, until now, no one else has been able to see them.” She and other legal specialists said the memos about the War Powers Resolution were particularly significant. Congress passed that law — overriding the veto of President Richard M. Nixon — a quarter-century into the Cold War, a period giving rise to what is sometimes called “the imperial presidency,” during which the authority of the legislative branch to control when to go to war had seriously eroded. Among other things, the resolution states that presidents may only deploy forces into hostilities to repel an attack on the United States or with Congress’s prior permission. Many legal specialists have since come to see the resolution as a largely failed effort at reining in presidential war-making powers. Executive branch lawyers have found ways to allow subsequent presidents to unilaterally deploy troops, while Congress has largely acquiesced. Against that backdrop, several memos deepen the understanding of how executive branch lawyers sought to interpret the law in ways favorable to what the presidents they worked for wanted to do, creating precedents subsequent presidents would build upon. In 1975, for example, Communist North Vietnam re-invaded South Vietnam. Ford wanted to send troops back to Saigon to evacuate both Americans and Vietnamese whose lives were in danger because they had worked with Americans. Scalia, then the head of the Office of Legal Counsel, said the president could. While the resolution’s narrow limit for when a president may dispatch troops into hostilities without congressional authorization “would clearly prevent all of the action contemplated,” he wrote, it should not be interpreted as binding law. And though it would be illegal for Ford to unilaterally return troops to Vietnam to enable Americans to be permanently stationed there or for the sole purpose of evacuating South Vietnamese citizens, Scalia wrote, the president had constitutional authority to do so to evacuate Americans. While they were there, they could extract South Vietnamese, too, he added. Ms. Hathaway said, “I think there’s a good case to be made that this memo marks the beginning of the end of the War Powers Resolution.” The Knight First Amendment Institute, along with the Campaign for Accountability and five historians, sought memos that are at least 25 years old after Congress in 2016 curtailed the government’s ability to indefinitely keep secret older deliberative documents. The case has resulted in a wave of disclosures of secret Justice Department memos. More than 500 other opinions have been released, along with a list of numerous unclassified memos written from 1945 to early 1994. Previously released documents cover topics like the civil rights movement or the enactment of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. The Office of Legal Counsel became a center of controversy for its role in secretly blessing some of the George W. Bush administration’s responses to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Those decisions were based on sweeping claims that a president, as commander in chief, can lawfully override statutes and treaties, including by approving the C.I.A.’s torture of detainees. Jameel Jaffer, the director of the Knight institute, argued that the memos underscored that too much secrecy surrounded the government’s understanding of the law presidents must obey. He argued that the office should be required to routinely publish its contemporaneous work, “except in the most extraordinary circumstances.” Critics have resisted that idea, arguing that it could instead deter officials from asking the Justice Department to evaluate the legality of ideas. If the office publicly revealed that it believed a proposal would be illegal, that would be politically embarrassing, they have posited. Image President Bill Clinton announces the start of bombing on Serbian targets by NATO forces in March 1999.Credit…Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images Among the most significant of the newly disclosed documents, several legal scholars said, is a memo Daniel L. Koffsky, a longtime career lawyer in the Office of Legal Counsel, completed for the Clinton administration in June 1993. That 84-page memo, according to people who were recently in government, appears to remain the executive branch’s most extensive analysis of the War Powers Resolution. It surveys the early debates among the country’s founders about the division of war powers between Congress and the president and later developments, and it dissects each provision in turn. Among the aspects of the memo that may come under greater scrutiny is its treatment of the resolution’s so-called 60-day clock. That provision says if a president unilaterally deploys troops into hostilities and Congress does not authorize the mission in two months, the forces must be withdrawn. No president has openly defied that provision on the basis of deeming it unconstitutional, but many administrations have chafed against it. Two Democratic leaders invoked disputed interpretations of the law in deciding to continue participating in congressionally unauthorized NATO air wars that lasted more than 60 days: Mr. Clinton in Kosovo in 1999, and President Barack Obama in Libya in 2011. The start of the 1993 memo says that while most scholars believed the 60-day clock was valid, “no administration has accepted the constitutionality of this provision.” But as the memo itself later acknowledges, the Carter administration did say it was constitutional, in a 1980 Office of Legal Counsel memo that has apparently never been revoked. In all, the 1993 memo’s take on the 60-day clock was ambiguous. The memo compiled numerous statements by executive branch officials over the years expressing hostility toward its constitutionality, but it also said courts would likely uphold the provision as constitutional on its face. Still, the memo said, the provision would be unconstitutional as applied to “extreme circumstances.” As an example, it said the Office of Legal Counsel was unlikely to say a president must abandon troops in a combat zone if an evacuation could not be completed by the end of a 30-day grace period the provision allows for withdrawal. Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law School professor and former head of the Office of Legal Counsel, praised the disclosure of the memos. “Issues about the president’s constitutional war power and the meaning of the War Powers Resolution are rarely adjudicated in court and are primarily interpreted by the executive branch in secret, so it’s impossible for the public to know what the executive branch thinks the scope of the president’s authority is,” he said. “For that reason, it’s vital that these unclassified memos be released.”

Lawrence Police Blotter For Sept. 16, 2022 | News, Sports, Jobs – Lawrence Journal-World https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/lawrence-police-blotter-for-sept-16-2022-news-sports-jobs-lawrence-journal-world/ photo by: Journal-World File Photo A Lawrence police car sits outside a crime scene in this file photo from 2009. Listed below is the majority of Lawrence police activity within the last 24 hours. Each afternoon the Lawrence Police Department releases a list of officer activity up to 6 a.m. on the date listed and extending back to 6 a.m. on the previous day. Each listing includes a date, time and general address followed by a short description of the call’s nature. Lawrence police incident numbers are also included, as is a marking showing whether a police report was filed in connection with the incident. It’s important to remember that each incident only bears a short description and may not capture the entirety of what took place. Not every call results in citations or arrests and the information is subject to change as police continue their investigations. If unable to view document below, click here to download PDF file. PDF

Beverly Hills Mulls Metaverse Expansion – Beverly Hills Courier https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/beverly-hills-mulls-metaverse-expansion-beverly-hills-courier/ BY Bianca Heyward September 16, 2022 Metaverse media and virtual reality technology as internet futuristic streaming symbol with VR computing and augmented reality as a computer programs concept in a 3D illustration style. Reading Time: 3 minutes At its Sep. 12 adjourned Study Session, the Beverly Hills City Council unanimously agreed to explore the possibility of expanding into the metaverse. Thought to be the next evolution of the internet, the metaverse integrates physical and digital experiences and allows people to interact using technologies like 3D computing, augmented reality, virtual reality and blockchain. In the immersive virtual world, users can attend virtual events, explore cities, and purchase non downloadable virtual footwear, clothing, and accessories. While the City Attorney’s office filed a Class 41 Trademark application in June to protect the use of the city shield in the metaverse, Mayor Lili Bosse requested that the Council consider Beverly Hills entering the metaverse.  “Whether we like it or not the metaverse is here and will continue to be here,” Mayor Bosse said. “I want to make sure that we really protect our community, protect Beverly Hills, and use it as a way to really tell our story.” According to Travis Cloyd of Worldwide XR, an entertainment technology and digital agency, Santa Monica was the first city in the country to enter the metaverse by offering a virtual way to experience its downtown district through FlickPlay, a metaverse social app company. Users can explore an interactive map of the city and collect tokens, which can then be used to unlock digital experiences in the app or redeemed for physical items at retailers in the city.  “Look at these Metaverse ecosystems as trailers driving more foot traffic and more awareness,” Cloyd said. “For example, I can text message somebody anywhere in the world, and they get a snippet. They get a chance to go step in the virtual space for only a small, limited time. We’re hoping that that can drive them to physically come in here.” To partake and create content in the metaverse, the city would have to buy digital parcels of space in the metaverse using cryptocurrencies. After using cryptocurrencies to acquire digital parcels of real estate in a metaverse ecosystem, the city would be able build a virtual replica of City Hall or Rodeo Drive. In the metaverse, users can purchase virtual property, goods, services, or nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and pay for them with cryptocurrency.  “I absolutely would support looking at this as a way to promote the city, not as a new lifestyle,” Councilmember John Mirisch said. “But it’s a form of recreation. People are spending time there and can we reach them there? I think we should look at it more as a billboard than as speculative real estate.” However, Mirisch opposed doing anything that would require the city to use cryptocurrencies, and suggested the city do a cost benefit analysis. “Unless they develop cryptocurrencies that are carbon neutral, I’d say staying away from anything involving cryptocurrency is a must,” Mirisch said. While referred to as the “wild west,” the city hopes to explore opportunities in the metaverse that utilize augmented reality to support tourism and the local economy.  “I think there’s so many advantages to what this can do for our city,” Mayor Bosse said. “It can be a promotional tool. It can be an informational tool. We’re always looking at new ways of communicating with our residents and with those who don’t live in our city as well.” Bosse indicated that she and Vice Mayor Julian Gold would be in future liaison meetings to explore the metaverse for the city before bringing it back to the council. “I think it’s important that we protect the brand of our city as well and we also use this as an opportunity,” Mayor Bosse added. “If we could use this as an educational tool for our residents and others, I think that’s great,” Vice Mayor Gold said. “If we can create avatars that help people through the planning process, I think that’s great.”  29 views

Quadbridge Acquires IT Consultancy Able One – ChannelE2E https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/quadbridge-acquires-it-consultancy-able-one-channele2e/ by Sharon Florentine • Sep 16, 2022 Quadbridge Inc. has acquired end-to-end IT solutions provider Able One. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This is technology M&A deal number 823 that ChannelE2E has covered so far in 2022. See more than 2,000 technology M&A deals involving MSPs, MSSPs & IT service providers listed here. Quadbridge Acquires Able One Quadbridge, founded in 2007, is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The company has 79 employees listed on LinkedIn. Quadbridge’s areas of expertise include value added reseller, data center management, virtualization, cloud services provider, managed service solutions provider, data protection, network security management and IT asset disposal. Able One, founded in 1988, is based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The company has 46 employees listed on LinkedIn. Able One’s areas of expertise include IBM Power Server systems, server virtualization, networking, storage, application modernization, private and public cloud, business analytics, security, managed services, hosting, business continuity, artificial intelligence, storage, software-defined and API development and management. Able One will operate as Able One, a Quadbridge company. The newly expanded company will have 130+ employees in four offices across North America, the companies said. The acquisition adds additional technology expertise and broadens the number of available solutions for customers, according to the firms. Quadbridge Acquires Able One: Executive Perspectives Nelson Pacheco, president, Quadbridge Mark Ciprietti, president, Able One Systems Nelson Pacheco, president of Quadbridge, commented on the news: “The Able One team and portfolio are a perfect complement to our existing business, giving our growing company a deep-rooted presence in Ontario, as well as in Quebec and British Columbia. With our office in Arizona, we are now better able to meet all the IT needs of companies the length and breadth of Canada and the USA.“ Mark Ciprietti, president of Able One, added: “We’re excited to begin this new chapter in our story, contributing our experience and know-how to the further development of Quadbridge, and gaining from the recognition they enjoy with a number of additional partners to benefit our existing and future customers.” Quadbridge is no strager to acquisitions. In April 2021, Quadbridge acquired Vancouver-based DTM Systems Corp. to expand its reach in Canada and bolster solutions delivery and managed services capabilities.

Yuga Labs Hires Spencer Tucker As First Chief Gaming Officer – Valdosta Daily Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/yuga-labs-hires-spencer-tucker-as-first-chief-gaming-officer-valdosta-daily-times/ MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep 16, 2022– Yuga Labs, the web3 company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club, today announced that Spencer Tucker will be joining the company as Chief Gaming Officer. Spencer will oversee all of the company’s gaming initiatives and Yuga’s ambitious interoperable Otherside metaverse project. Tucker joins Yuga with nearly two decades of experience in the gaming industry. Previously, Tucker was the President of Games at Scopely and served as Senior Vice President of Product at Gree International Entertainment. He specializes in game development, design, UGC, web3, and creative community involvement. “Web3 is revolutionizing gaming, entertainment, and community in much the same way the shift to mobile revolutionized communication,” said Tucker. “I am beyond excited to join the Yuga Labs team and to continue building toward the new era of interoperability and community-empowered growth in the Otherside metaverse.” This newly formed C-suite role and recent events such as Otherside’s First Trip demo are hints at Yuga’s ambitious long-term vision to expand beyond being the home to top NFT collections. The company will continue to show the rest of the industry through a flurry of initiatives in the coming months that Yuga is more than the sum of its parts. “Spencer brings a passion for and deep knowledge of gaming and shares our vision for the Otherside metaverse,” said Nicole Muniz, CEO of Yuga Labs. “Yuga today is known most prominently for being the home of Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks, and Meebits, but Yuga is more than that. Gaming is one of our main focus areas. We are uniquely situated to revolutionize the way we all think about web3 gaming through core principles such as ownership, utility, community, and storytelling.” This newly formed C-suite role and recent events such as Otherside’s First Trip demo are hints at Yuga’s ambitious long-term vision to expand beyond being the home to top NFT collections. Despite the bear market, Yuga Labs has grown from approximately 10 employees in January to over 70 today and will likely exceed 100 full-time employees by the end of year. Yuga has welcomed talented individuals from top companies such as Google, Oculus, Twitter, Apple, Dune Games, Monolith Gaming, WB Gaming, Microsoft, Coinbase, and American Express. About Yuga Labs Yuga Labs is a web3 company shaping the future through storytelling, experiences, and community. Guided by the belief that the potential of web3 can be realized when we start with imagination, not limitations, Yuga’s initiatives aim to reinvent what real-world utility for NFTs look like and push the space forward as a whole. Since their launch in April 2021 with flagship collection Bored Ape Yacht Club, they’ve made headlines as one of the first companies to release IP licenses to their NFT holders, acquired and released rights to other top collections (CryptoPunks and Meebits), and made web3 history with record-breaking synchronized player participation in their newest initiative, Otherside. One of the most ambitious interactive metaverse projects to date, Otherside is built with the community, rebelling against traditional walled gardens in gaming spaces. In March 2022, Yuga Labs raised a $450M seed round at a $4B valuation. For more information on Yuga Labs visit www.yuga.com or email press@yugalabs.io. View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220916005518/en/ CONTACT: Delaney Simmons press@yugalabs.io KEYWORD: FLORIDA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE INTERNET WEB3 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC GAMES ENTERTAINMENT NFT SOURCE: Yuga Labs Copyright Business Wire 2022. PUB: 09/16/2022 03:00 PM/DISC: 09/16/2022 03:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220916005518/en Copyright Business Wire 2022.

Foodie Friday: Chandler’s Kitchen & Bar – The Cross Timbers Gazette https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/foodie-friday-chandlers-kitchen-bar-the-cross-timbers-gazette/ We are so happy to see the old Yellow Rose spot in Parker Square back in action thanks to new restaurant Chandler’s Kitchen & Bar. You may recognize the owners as the original owners of The Table back in the day and they have brought their passion and experience with restaurants to their latest endeavor here in Flower Mound. What was it that prompted the Wills family to get back in the restaurant game here locally? Like many of us, they’ve been missing connectivity over the last few years and wanted to create a space where friends, family, and co-workers could come to sit across the table and enjoy a meal together again. And the name Chandler’s has significant meaning in their family as it’s their oldest son’s middle name. So there’s a lot of emotion and passion tied up in this restaurant and it shows through their care for their customers, the experience, the environment, and the food. If you were familiar with The Table, some of Chandler’s dishes will look familiar to you like the Pork Schnitzel and their Mussels. But there are also a lot of great, new dishes to try as well! One of their best sellers has been their Crab Avocado which are crab-stuffed avocados topped with a roasted corn pico and a cilantro cream sauce. And if you love fried mozzarella, you’ll love their take which comes in ball form and is served with fresh pesto and marinara. We mentioned that their Pork Schnitzel is back and it tastes even better than we remember! It’s a breaded pork cutlet served with arugula and lemon vinaigrette over a German potato salad and topped with a fried egg. And if you’re really hungry, you have to try out a couple of Chef Brad’s favorite dishes – the Pork Chop which comes topped with Tabasco onions and an apple chutney and the Ribeye which comes topped with steak-cut onion rings and house potatoes. Per the name, Chandler’s also has an impressive bar with some signature cocktails like The Lawrence which is named after the owners’ father and is made with bourbon, blackberry, housemade grenadine, cranberry, and lemon. We really are so excited to see Chandler’s open up in Parker Square and love seeing the Wills family back in the restaurant business here in our community. And we can’t wait for you to get out to Chandler’s Kitchen & Bar to enjoy a lunch, brunch, happy hour, or evening out! *Chandler’s Kitchen & Bar is located at 890 Parker Square Rd, Flower Mound TX 75028.

Hispanic Heritage Month Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Vicente Talanquer | College Of Science – University Of Arizona News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/hispanic-heritage-month-faculty-spotlight-dr-vicente-talanquer-college-of-science-university-of-arizona-news/ By Adam Gonzales, College of Science The College of Science is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring some of the College’s outstanding faculty with Hispanic roots. First up is Dr. Vicente Talanquer, a University Distinguished Professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department. The College of Science spoke with Dr. Talanquer to learn more about his upbringing in Mexico City, his journey to the University of Arizona, his research interests in the study, reflection, and improvement of chemistry education, and what drives his passion as a scientist. Dr. Talanquer has been recognized with numerous awards during his tenure, including Arizona Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation in 2015 and the ACS Award for Achievement in Research for the Teaching & Learning of Chemistry in 2021. You can learn more about Dr. Talanquer’s work here. Dr. Vicente Talanquer University Distinguished Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry College of Science: Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your journey to the University of Arizona. Talanquer: I was born in Mexico City in 1962. My parents are Spanish refugees from the Civil War in Spain 1936-1939. They had to flew Spain when they were kids and in 1942 the Mexican government offered asylum to Spanish refugees to settle in Mexico. My family had to rebuild their lives in Mexico. My parents could not go to college as they had to work to help sustain their families. I was thus what in the US are called “first generation” student and the first one in my family to graduate from college. I completed all my studies (bachelors, masters, and PhD in chemistry) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City from 1989 through 1992. While doing my MS and PhD, I began working part time teaching physics and chemistry in a secondary school that a group of teachers interested in educational issues, including myself, founded (called “Instituto Escuela”). I also taught physics classes at the college level. In 1992, UNAM provided support for me to complete postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago. That was the first time I came to the US. I worked as a postdoc for three years, and in 1995 I returned to UNAM to work as an assistant professor at the Facultad de Química. I worked there until the year 2000 when I moved to my US. My husband is from the US and he had come to live with me in Mexico City in 1997. However, it was difficult for him to find a job as a social worker in Mexico City and we decided to explore the possibility of us moving to the US. I applied for a position at the University of Arizona and moved here in January of 2000. CoS: When looking back on your childhood and spending time with family, are there any favorite traditions or memories that stick out to you? Talanquer: Although I had many aunts, uncles, and cousins living in Spain, my close family in Mexico City was small. My grandfathers had died because of the war in Spain, and I did not get to meet them. I was very close to my grandmother on my mother’s side, who worked selling diverse products in a market stall in Mexico City. My mother helped her, so I spent considerable time with my grandmother at work and when she would take time off for vacation. Given that my mother had to stay taking care of the market stall, I would travel with my grandmother during her vacation. I remember those trips with great fondness. We would spend a week or so traveling together to a beach or to small towns around Mexico. My grandmother was an excellent cook and I remember the different “sweet” stuff that she prepared for us (flan, panqués). CoS: Who are some of the people who have made the greatest impact on your life? Talanquer: I spent my elementary and secondary school years in the same school, called Colegio Madrid in Mexico City. There I was lucky to have many excellent teachers who not only taught me to love learning, but also to love teaching. I owed to them the passion I have for educational matters. These teachers were not only committed to help their students learn, but also to prepare us to be critical thinkers who cared for well-being of others and our planet. I am certain that I would not be the person than I am today, and that I would not be where I am, without the influence of those teachers. CoS: What was it that drew you to your area of research and expertise? Talanquer: When I was a kid, I was very interested in all types of subjects but particularly in science. I had great chemistry teachers who encouraged me to pursue a college studies in that area. I went to UNAM to study chemistry but I found myself more interested in physics at the University. I opted for pursuing a specialization in physical chemistry which is the area in which I did my PhD and postdoctoral studies. However, I was also very interested in educational matters and cognitive psychology. Over time, I realized that my passion was centered on better understanding why many student struggle to understand and succeed in science courses. So, I switched my research to chemistry education. For the past twenty years my investigations have focused on exploring the conceptual difficulties that college students face to understand central scientific ideas. We use the results of these investigations to design and implement novel teaching strategies that better foster student understanding. CoS: What is your favorite part of being a scientist? Talanquer: There are many things I love about doing research. First, it excites me to learn about how things work and why things happen, it does not matter if it is about why a cloud forms, why water sticks to some materials and not others, or how students approach the solution to a problem. I can spend hours thinking about a problem I am interested in understanding and resolving. I also like that the products of hour work can benefit the lives of others through the creation of useful products or processes, or through the design of innovative learning experiences. I also enjoy having great freedom in my job to pursue the questions I am passionate about, and the fact that I get to work to help other people to fulfill their dreams through my teaching.

Slideshow: New Menu Items From McDonald’s, Wendy’s And Panda Express – Food Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/slideshow-new-menu-items-from-mcdonalds-wendys-and-panda-express-food-business-news/ KANSAS CITY — Restaurant chains are bringing fan-favorite items back to menus. McDonald’s is rolling out a cheese Danish, which was last on menus in the 1980s. The flakey pastry is filled with a sweet cream cheese and topped with streusel and a vanilla drizzle. Wendy’s is adding to its Made to Crave menu with the reintroduction of the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger, after it left menus in 2021. Piled on a pretzel bun, a quarter pound of beef is topped with Muenster cheese, applewood smoked bacon, as well as a smoky honey mustard, beer cheese sauce, crispy-fried onions and pickles. “Our Made to Crave menu is a place for our culinary team to experiment with new concepts and introduce fans to latest flavor trends in a familiar, yet unique-to-Wendy’s way,” said John Li, vice president of culinary innovation for the Wendy’s Co. “But sometimes, when you land on a hit like the Pretzel Bacon Pub, the culinary magic lies in bringing items back to the menu, instead of creating a new flavor profile.  With flavor combinations like beer cheese sauce and honey mustard — the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger creates an elevated cheeseburger experience you’ll want to try again, and again.” Panda Express is taking things in a plant-based direction with its Beyond The Original Orange Chicken. Made with Beyond Meat’s chicken, the plant-based alternative is tossed in the company’s signature sweet and spicy orange sauce. “We are thrilled to offer Beyond The Original Orange Chicken to consumers nationwide for the very first time,” said Dariush Ajami, chief innovation officer at Beyond Meat. “By partnering with Panda Express to introduce new and innovative plant-based options that deliver the delicious taste and experience of their iconic menu items, we’re enabling people to enjoy their favorite dishes with the upsides of plant-based meat.” View slideshow of new menu items.

Walnuts May Promote Better Health As We Age – Anti Aging News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/walnuts-may-promote-better-health-as-we-age-anti-aging-news/ Researchers who reviewed 20 years of diet history and 30 years of physical and clinical measurements have found participants who ate walnuts early on in life showed a greater likelihood for being more physically active, having a higher quality diet, and experiencing a better heart disease risk profile as they aged into middle adulthood. These novel findings come from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA),(1) a long-term and ongoing study that is supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and aimed at examining the development of heart disease risk factors over time. This study is one of the longest to suggest that the simple act of adding about a handful of heart-healthy^ walnuts into the diet often could act as a bridge to other health-promoting lifestyle habits later in life. The findings also reinforce that walnuts might be an easy and accessible food choice to improve a variety of heart disease risk factors when eaten in young to middle adulthood. In this recent study published in Nutrition, Metabolism, & Cardiovascular Diseases,(2) University of Minnesota School of Public Health researchers note that a possible explanation for the results could be due to the unique combination of nutrients found in walnuts and their effect on health outcomes. Walnuts are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (2.5 grams/oz.), which research shows may play a role in heart health, brain health and healthy aging.^,(3,4) Additionally, just one serving of walnuts (1 oz.), or about a handful, contains a variety of other important nutrients to support overall health including 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and a good source of magnesium (45 milligrams). Walnuts also offer a variety of antioxidants, including polyphenols. According to Professor of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Lead Researcher on CARDIA, Lyn M. Steffen, Ph.D., MPH, RD, “Walnut eaters seem to have a unique body phenotype that carries with it other positive impacts on health like better diet quality, especially when they start eating walnuts from young into middle adulthood – as the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes elevates.” Study Overview In this observational, longitudinal study, partially supported by the California Walnut Commission, diet and health information was collected and analyzed from 3,023 otherwise healthy black and white men and women aged 18-30 at one of four field centers located in Birmingham, AL, Chicago, IL, Minneapolis, MN, and Oakland, CA, when the CARDIA study began in 1985-86. Self-reported diet history was taken at three times throughout the study: baseline, year seven, and year 20. Physical and clinical measurements were taken at multiple exams spanning 30 years. Diet history was categorized into “walnut consumers,” “other nut consumers,” or “no nut consumers,” and assessed for relationships among heart disease risk factors, including dietary intake, smoking, body composition, blood pressure, plasma lipids (e.g., triglycerides), fasting blood glucose, and insulin concentrations in 352 walnut consumers, 2,494 other nut consumers, and 177 no nut consumers. The average intake of walnuts during the study was about ¾ oz./day, and the intake of nuts among other nut consumers was about 1 ½ oz./day. “There was a good degree of diversity in terms of the research field locations geographically speaking and the population studied,” said Steffen. “Following these black and white women and men for 30 years provides an unparalleled window of study into how lifestyle decisions made in free-living environments in young adulthood can affect health in middle-age,” adds Steffen. Study Results At A Glance Overall, the researchers reported the following results: Physical and Clinical Indicators of Heart Disease Risk After 30 Years: Walnut consumers had higher self-reported physical activity scores than other nut and no nut consumers.   Compared to other nut consumers, eating walnuts was linked with a better heart disease risk profile: Lower body mass index Lower waist circumference Lower blood pressure Lower blood triglyceride levels Eating walnuts was associated with less weight gain over the study period, and fewer participants who ate walnuts were classified as people with obesity compared to other nut and no nut consumers. Compared to no nut consumers, walnut consumers had significantly lower fasting blood glucose concentrations while other nut consumers had higher LDL-cholesterol. Markers of Diet Quality After 20 Years: Including walnuts in the diet during young adulthood was favorably linked with a higher total diet quality score (Healthy Eating Index 2015) when compared to other and no nut consumers. Compared to other nut or no nut consumers, people who ate walnuts had the following self-reported daily dietary intakes, including a significant relationship with higher intakes of several under consumed nutrients and food groups of public health importance as outlined in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans5)* “Nut consumers showed an advantage in relation to diet quality, but walnut consumers appear to have a better heart disease risk factor profile than the other groups, even after accounting for overall diet quality,” said Steffen. “The surprising, healthy shifts in overall dietary pattern of walnut consumers suggests walnuts may act as a bridge or ‘carrier food’ for helping people form healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits throughout life.” While these results are positive and confirm earlier work from the CARDIA study on the health benefits of walnut intake,(1) randomized controlled clinical trials should be done in other populations and settings to confirm the observations in the current study. Observational studies cannot support cause and effect conclusions. Additionally, some of the outcomes for heart disease risk factors relating to cholesterol and lipids in the current study are inconsistent with previous randomized controlled trials. (6,7) This could be related to differences in study design, including duration of the intervention (e.g., several months to 30 years) or amount of nut intake. Last, the researchers did not isolate other specific nuts in their database, so findings cannot indicate no benefit of other nuts. This study is one of the longest to suggest that adding about a handful of walnuts to the diet every day and early on in life could be linked with benefits to overall diet quality as a heart-healthy “carrier food” that fits into any eating occasion.

40 Tea Gifts – National Today https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/40-tea-gifts-national-today/ We all have rituals that help us relax or things that help us get into our groove. For some, it is their morning tea ritual, “Black tea, two cubes of sugar hold the milk”, just how they like it.  tea is said to be the most popular drink worldwide after water. It has really evolved since the Chinese discovered it. Ranging  from hot to cold tea, Black tea, chamomile, Chai tea, jasmine tea, lemon tea, and so much more. Well, that’s why we’ve collated a list of 40 tea Gifts that are guaranteed to suit your tea devotee to the ‘T’, ranging from gadgets to jewelry, everything a tea connoisseur could dream of. Our Top 3 Picks Best Gourmet tea Set It’s perfect for fancy tea parties. Buy it! [ETSY!!] Also Great Teacup Charm Necklace A fashion statement for a tea lover Buy it! [ETSY!!] Good on a Budget Tea Lover Shirt A quirky and fun shirt Buy it! [ETSY!!] Tea Sampler Gifts Pukka Herbal Tea Sampler A gift that’s good for you and the environment. Apart from having a wide range to select from, the ingredients are organic and cruelty-free; that’s not all the packages that are also recyclable. This also passes for a fancy takeaway package for employees or book club friends BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Solstice Loose Leaf Tea Sampler Box Are you new to the world of tea? This is perfect for self-gifting. It comes in reusable tins and has 12 flavors that promise to excite your taste buds. We’ve heard that knowing your tea is the quickest way into the fancy schmancy clique. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Golden Moon Tea Gift Set This is perfect for including in party favors, end-of-the-year packages or DIY set care baskets, and much more. It’s an all-rounder. Everyone loves high-quality tea as an alternative to daily coffee. This has environmentally friendly packaging as all tea bags contain bits of plastic.   BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Porcelain Tea Mug with Infuser and Lid This is a perfect tea Sampler gift, especially for someone who likes to make tea at work. It allows one to make tea in portions for one person, it has an inbuilt strainer perfect for loose leaf tea and the lid doubles as a saucer to hold the strainer when the mug is in use. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Tea Accessories Gifts Ceramic Tea Infuser Cup This is perfect for a tea lover. You know that friend whose morning ritual is to have a cup of tea before facing what the world has to throw at them? Yes, that’s the friend. They’d love it. It keeps the tea warm longer than normal teapots and has a strainer, so they can now make tea without using plastic tea bags. See, it’s perfect. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! All-brew Travel Tumbler As fervent tea drinkers, they definitely would love to be able to make tea on the go. This serves as both a thermos and tea Infuser; I mean, every tea lover’s dream is to carry their cup of ‘positivi-tea’ everywhere. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Sunny Point Mug Tree We’ve all been to that friend’s house for a tea party, and they have all the mugs on the back shelf, and you try to reach it and accidentally break one, or wait, is it just me? Oh well, this is the perfect gift for your friend to display their beautiful collection of mugs, and it is efficient.  BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Primula Half Moon TeaPot What is a tea lover without the proper teapot? Yes, we know they can be selective about the teapot, but this is definitely a good addition to the collection. It is colorful, dishwasher safe, see-through and can be used to make both loose tea and traditional tea bags. Everybody loves aesthetically pleasing appliances.  BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Tea Bag Sets Gifts Twinning Tea Classic Gift box You know how people always ask what type of tea they drink at book club meetings or fancy high tea gatherings? This is a perfect gift for your friends to explore what type of tea they’d like, and it has no artificial ingredients. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Numi Organic Tea By Mood Gift Set There’s tea for everyone, or how does that saying go? Even if that’s not the saying, Numi says there’s a tea for every mood. Tea bags range from when you need a re-boost to when you need to induce sleep. This set has everything you need as a tea lover. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! The Ultimate Chai Lover’s Gift Set Some people say chai tea helps them relax and meditate in almost another realm, and to them, I say this is the perfect gift for you. It has all the flavors you need to get all ‘chai’d’ up. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Flower Tea Ritual Gift Set What better gift for a tea lover than a pretty gift set that comes with delicious tea. It doesn’t stop there. It comes with a cute glass pot for the tea. There are rumors that the Chinese make transcendent tea. I mean, I don’t know if that is true, but I think this gift set is the first step to finding out. BUY IT FROM UNCOMMONGOODS!! Gourmet Tea Gifts Tea Set The ancient Chinese who invented tea always served it in teapots. It’s like tea’s history comes from brewing it in teapots, and what better way to have gourmet tea than from your beautiful tea set. When you invite the book club over, you definitely need fancy teacups as much as you need comfy pillows.  BUY IT FROM ETSY!! Travel Size Infinity Jars Tea sommeliers have said that air is the worst enemy of tea, so normal people would buy airtight plastic containers, but we are Gourmet tea lovers, so we know to properly care for our tea. These jars block out all visible light and keep the tea leaves fresh for daily use. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Tea From Around the World As tea devotees, we know it might be hard to break out of your comfort zone but trying new things is the spice of life. These are locally sourced tea brews from around the world. It’s the perfect gift for self-care or a fellow tea lover that they’d really appreciate.  BUY IT FROM UNCOMMONGOODS!! Tea Forte Fleur Gift Set  This gift set comes with limited edition items. It is ranked as one of Amazon’s Gourmet tea gifts most wished for. It is a very practical gift to give a gourmet tea lover. It has everything they need to have a one-person tea party. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Tea Christmas Gifts Ka-Ku Cold Brew Tea Bottle Tea has been around for ages, and with time people have redefined tea, and some people enjoy cold tea, and what better way to surprise your tea lover this Christmas than with a beautiful Christmas-themed cold brew tea bottle. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Barnetts Cookies Gift Basket What’s a tea party without fancy biscuits? It’s the perfect thing to gift a tea Lover during Christmas, it is themed with Christmas cookies, and it’s the perfect reason to throw a tea party. It also works for that coworker you know who loves tea cause they can’t start a day without it now; for Christmas, they get to have gourmet cookies with their morning tea.   BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Christmas Tea Gift Set  24 days of Christmas but with tea. You get to try a new tea flavor every day till it’s Christmas, just like an advent calendar but with tea. It is a very warm gift that family and friends would love, and it embodies the spirit of Christmas giving and family time. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Christmas Mug We know they love tea. We know it’s Christmas. Well, I know you were thinking of it as a Christmas-themed mug. It might not be a luxurious gift, but it is practical,  useful, and on theme. They’d love it for sure. BUY IT FROM ETSY!! Gifts for Tea Drinkers Stagg Electric Gooseneck Kettle A tea sommelier once said, “it takes optimum temperature to extract the nutrients from tea leaves” hence the perfect kettle is necessary. This kettle shows the exact temperature the water is at, so there is no need to worry if the water is too hot for chai leaves or too cold for green tea. It is perfect for people who are exploring different tea leaves. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and has a gooseneck for pouring precision with no accidents on your watch. BUY IT FROM AMAZON!! Tea Socks It is quirky, it is cute, and they’d definitely adore it. I mean, what better way to cozy up than with a cup of your favorite brew, cozy socks and your blanket. It could go in a gift box or on its own, depending on the occasion. Yes, they’d make you make them tea when they wear it, but I mean, it’s worth it. BUY IT FROM ETSY!! Glass Water Dispenser  ‘Kettle-down’ everyone. We know this isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of tea but as ‘royaltea’. You’d know that tea is just as good as the water that goes into making it, and experts have recommended water with no additives for the best tea, so a water filter is an appropriate gift for tea lovers. BUY IT FROM WALMART!! Tea Lover Shirt People love to express themselves through their fashion, and what’s a better way for your tea devotee friend or loved one to do so than through this quirky T-shirt or, should I say,  ‘tea shirt’? See, even you caught the joke. BUY IT FROM ETSY!! Tea Gifts for Her Tea Saucer Earrings  This is very trendy. I mean styling random things around the house and making them into jewelry. These earrings are very cool and can be styled with different outfits and could signify her favorite perfect morning tea. It is a very thoughtful gift. BUY IT FROM UNCOMMONGOODS!!l  Black Tea Perfecting Mask Tea isn’t only good for your insides but can also act as skincare talk about an all-rounder. She’s definitely going to love inculcating this into her skincare,  and it’s all natural and would make her face feel softer and plush. BUY IT FROM WALMART!! Teacup Charm Necklace  Her favorite ritual might be to be cozy beside a fireplace in winter with her favorite blanket, a new book and a cup of tea that remind her of her childhood. This is the perfect way to help her immortalize such a calming moment for her,  especially if she doesn’t get the time to do it as often anymore. It is a lovely and thoughtful gift for the woman in your life who loves tea. BUY IT F...

Bitcoin Spot ETF Might Just Have Come Another Step Closer After This Move – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/bitcoin-spot-etf-might-just-have-come-another-step-closer-after-this-move-cryptonews/ Source: Unsplash A much-discussed Bitcoin (BTC) spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) could finally see the light of day in the US, after a new ETF filed under rules that would be used for a spot fund just went live on the market. The fund in question is Teucrium’s Hashdex Bitcoin Futures ETF with the appropriate ticker code DEFI, which began trading on the NYSE Arca exchange on Thursday, Bloomberg reported. And according to the report, the fund differs from all other bitcoin ETFs that have launched so far in that it was filed under the Securities Act of 1933 – the same act that would be necessary to use for a Bitcoin spot ETF. All other Bitcoin ETFs in the US have been filed under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Spot-based crypto ETFs that are backed directly by digital assets have long been denied listing in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the financial regulator in charge of approving such listings. As a result, the crypto ETFs that exist in the US so far are all backed by Bitcoin futures contracts, and not “physical” bitcoins. For the time being, Bitcoin ETFs remain the only crypto-based ETFs that exist in the US. According to Bloomberg, the Investment Company Act of 1940 has been the SEC’s preferred law for crypto ETFs to be filed under, with SEC Chair Gary Gensler citing greater investor protections under that law as the reason. With the new fund filed and approved under the 1933 law, however, questions are being raised about whether the SEC has changed its stance to towards crypto ETFs. “The launch of this Teucrium product only bolsters the case for a spot Bitcoin ETF since it’s utilizing the exact same fund structure,” Nate Geraci, president of advisory firm The ETF Store told Bloomberg, before adding that this “doesn’t mean the SEC will budge from their hard-line stance.” “I’m still in the camp that a spot product simply won’t be approved until the SEC has regulatory oversight of crypto exchanges,” he said. When Teucrium’s new ETF originally was approved by the SEC back in April this year, other analysts, including Bloomberg’s own ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, also noted how the approval was a step on the way to a spot bitcoin ETF. The approval is a “good sign for spot” given that the application was “filed under the 33 Act, which [Gensler] has said doesn’t have enough [investor] protections vs [the] 40 Act,” Balchunas said at the time.

Rep. Raskin Recognizes U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector Charles Wickersham As A Local Hero – Congressman Jamie Raskin https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/rep-raskin-recognizes-u-s-postal-inspection-service-inspector-charles-wickersham-as-a-local-hero-congressman-jamie-raskin/ Rockville, MD – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) recognized U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector Charles Wickersham as a “Local Hero” for his diligent efforts to ensure the integrity of the Postal Service throughout Maryland’s Eighth District. Inspector Wickersham’s work contributed to the arrest and indictment of four accused postal thieves in the national capital region this July.  “Constituents have shared alarming stories of postal problems ranging from misdeliveries to stolen checks worth thousands of dollars, and I have been working closely with USPIS to address these problems and crimes,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m thankful we have a steadfast advocate in Inspector Wickersham and his team. I’m profoundly grateful for his partnership in strengthening the Postal Service for our community.” To watch the Local Hero segment with Inspector Wickersham, please visit Rep. Raskin’s YouTube channel, or visit his other social media accounts. Based on a review conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service observed a 161% increase in mail theft complaints from March 2020 through February 2021, compared to the same period in the previous year. Rep. Raskin has worked closely with Inspector Wickersham to understand and respond to escalating mail thefts and concerns within the Eighth District. Recently, Rep. Raskin invited Inspector Wickersham to join him at a Silver Spring Civic Association meeting, where Inspector Wickersham provided an overview of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and their efforts to address these issues. Rep. Raskin alerted the Department of Justice to a pattern of mail thefts in the Eighth District, and in July, four individuals allegedly responsible for postal thefts were indicted by federal prosecutors. More information on the indictments is available at the Department of Justice website. As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Raskin continually advocates for secure, reliable mail service for the Eighth District and the country, most recently sounding the alarm on these local mail thefts and misdeliveries to senior USPS officials at a Government Operations Subcommittee hearing on mail delivery issues in Maryland. A video of some of those remarks is available here.  ###

This Week In MIL Football | News, Sports, Jobs – Maui News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-week-in-mil-football-news-sports-jobs-maui-news/ Xyler Nakamura of Baldwin is tackled by Lahainaluna’s Lance Morikawa during the Lunas’ win over the Bears last Saturday. The Maui News MATTHEW THAYER photo Baldwin vs. Kamehameha Maui Tonight, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. Overview Both teams are looking for their first wins of the season as the first round ends. Kamehameha Maui is fourth in team offense, fifth on defense. Baldwin is fifth on offense, fourth on defense. The Warriors won the only meeting last season. Warriors at a glance Kamehameha has the MIL’s top passer, Makana Kamaka-Brayce, and the top three receivers in Frank Abreu, Dylan Schnitzer and Heno Stone-Han. The Warriors’ defense has given up just 107 passing yards. Bears at a glance Baldwin continues to grow under first-year coach Cody Nakamura, but is looking for its first touchdown since Aug. 19. Gavin Acosta is the Bears’ leading rusher, and Joseph Randolph tops the receivers. Quotable “Definitely, baby steps, there’s no shortcut to this. We’re trying to do something special. It’s going to take a while, but the progress that we’re seeing is something that we’re proud of.” — Cody Nakamura, Baldwin head coach after last week’s 42-0 loss to Lahainaluna ***** King Kekaulike at Lahainaluna Saturday, Sue Cooley Stadium, 7 p.m. Overview A battle between two of the top three records in the MIL on the night the Lunas celebrate homecoming. Lahainaluna is second in offense, first on defense. Na Alii are first on offense, third on defense. The Lunas won the only meeting in 2021. Na Alii at a glance Kalelepono Wong, Tysin Zackious and Kalani Puu are 2-3-4 on the MIL rushing list and have scored seven touchdowns combined. Puu averages 14.7 yards per catch on passes from Wong, the No. 3 passer in the league. Lunas at a glance Ian-Jay Cabanilla is averaging 15.4 yards per carry and ranks fifth on the MIL rushing list after missing the first game of the league season. Kaulana Tihada is sixth in rushing. The Lunas’ defense has allowed just 113.7 yards per game. Quotable “We still need more continuity on offense … too much penalties, a lot of setbacks. The score doesn’t indicate the amount of work we that we still gotta put in to get to where we really need to be.” — Dean Rickard, Lahainaluna co-head coach after last week’s 42-0 win over Baldwin ***** MIL Standings DIVISION I W L Pct PF PA x-Lahainaluna 3 0 1.000 80 24 Maui High 3 1 .750 88 20 Baldwin 0 3 .000 6 113 DIVISION II W L Pct PF PA x-King Kekaulike 2 1 .667 51 46 KS Maui 0 3 .000 33 55 x-clinched first-round championship Friday, Sept. 9 Maui High 10, Kamehameha Maui 3 Saturday, Sept. 10 Lahainaluna 42, Baldwin 0 Today’s Game Baldwin vs. Kamehameha Maui at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. Saturday’s Game King Kekaulike at Lahainaluna, 7 p.m. Second Round Friday, Sept. 23 Baldwin vs. King Kekaulike at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 Maui High vs. Lahainaluna at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Meta Finishes Off Queens Of The Metaverse Campaign With Drag Show – PR Week https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/meta-finishes-off-queens-of-the-metaverse-campaign-with-drag-show-pr-week/ Meta premiered a mixed-reality drag show, Queens of the Metaverse, last week, using virtual and augmented reality technology to bring new dimensions to drag queens’ looks. Drag act stars Blu Hydrangea, Tia Kofi and Adam All took part in the show and wore metaverse-inspired drag looks designed by aspiring LGBT+ designers: Nwora Emenike, Sal Mohammed and Christie Lau. The outfits were designed using a combination of virtual and augmented technologies, which included Meta’s VR workspace Horizon Workrooms. On the night, the drag acts took to the runway and AR technology produced a dynamic version of the acts’ outfits on the screens behind them, complete with filters to give the outfits a living look. Ineke Paulsen, Meta’s director of EMEA marketing, said: “Creative communities will help make the metaverse inclusive and inspiring – with the technologies underpinning it helping creatives overcome some of the barriers that might exist in the physical world, like access to studio space and raw materials.  “Meta’s Queens of the Metaverse is a celebration of how communities can push the boundaries of creativity and social connection physically and online.,” Paulsen said.  The night itself was the culmination of Meta’s Queens of the Metaverse campaign by We Are Social. “This is We Are Social’s most ambitious metaverse-based campaign, and we’re incredibly excited to bring such innovative content to life, culminating in a jaw-dropping, mixed-reality event,” said Jon Mobbs, business director at We Are Social. Events agency Seeper also assisted with the show, hosted by Glow Up presenter Dominic Skinner. “Even though the metaverse is in the early stages of development, the technologies behind it are already bringing exciting new ways for the drag community and LGBT+ creatives to express themselves and experiment,” said Blu Hydrangea. “I can only imagine how much further virtual reality would have taken my creativity when I was younger than hiding with bin-bags and sharpies in my bathroom.” This story first appeared on campaignlive.co.uk. Have you registered with us yet? Register now to enjoy more articles and free email bulletins Register Already registered? Sign in

‘Never Sleeps, Never Even Blinks’: The Hi-Tech Anduril Towers Spreading Along The US Border – The Guardian US https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/never-sleeps-never-even-blinks-the-hi-tech-anduril-towers-spreading-along-the-us-border-the-guardian-us/ On a hot May afternoon in southern California, near the border with Mexico, white-and-green border vehicles patrol the two-lane highway, black helicopters glide across the sky – and their latest companions, autonomous surveillance towers built by the tech defence company Anduril, peek over the ridges. One Anduril tower, perched on a hill, has a clear view over the rusty brown border wall and into the Mexican town of Tecate. From here, it can detect people who climb over the wall and walk across the rugged landscape on the US side. Approach the hill and the camera atop the tower swivels toward you. These boulder-speckled hills of the Otay Mountain Wilderness of California have seen a sharp increase in border crossings in the last year, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Since March 2020, the US has expelled nearly 2 million people under Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that closes safe ports of entry to asylum seekers. Rather than wait in Mexico border towns, where they are at risk of kidnapping and sexual assault, migrants have instead attempted to reach US soil via dangerous routes – across deserts, mountains, rivers and oceans. More than 50 died in June after they were abandoned in a truck in the sweltering Texas heat. Now, as migrants cross the border, they are being watched full-time. Powered by solar panels, the Anduril towers operate day and night and can be set up in remote areas, including near military bases, airports and oil and gas pipelines, the company boasts on its website. The towers use an artificial intelligence system called Lattice to autonomously identify, detect and track “objects of interest”, such as humans or vehicles. The cameras pan 360 degrees and can detect a human from 2.8km away. When the system identifies an object, it sends a notification to border agents on their phone or desktop, and an image appears with bright green rectangles around the item, according to an Anduril promotional video. CBP has described these towers as “a partner that never sleeps, never needs to take a coffee break, never even blinks”. Albert Miller walks by the new CBP camera tower near his property in Valentine, Texas. Photograph: The Washington Post/Getty Images The Anduril tower near Tecate is just one in a chain of hundreds of surveillance towers installed over the last two decades along the southern border. Not all are made by Anduril, but the company is making aggressive moves. According to a freedom of information request shared with the Guardian by Empower, CBP has a contract with Anduril to deploy a total of 189 autonomous surveillance towers on the south-west border. All this new surveillance is driven by investment from big tech – specifically the billionaire PayPal co-founder and Trump supporter Peter Thiel, whose venture capital firm Founders Fund is a large investor in Anduril. The firm itself was set up in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, a former Facebook employee who identifies as a libertarian and has donated to a pro-Trump group. Luckey’s goal, he says in his bio on the company site, is to “radically transform the defence capabilities of the United States and its allies by fusing artificial intelligence with the latest hardware advancements”. Anduril, he told Wired, was named after a sword from The Lord of the Rings. Initially, the company pitched its towers to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in California, framing them as a cheap border security option. But in 2020, after a successful pilot project in the San Diego sector, the Trump administration approved a contract to deploy autonomous towers along the full length of the south-west border. Boasting of the towers’ effectiveness, Anduril’s chief revenue officer, Matt Steckman, told the Big Bend Sentinel that data showed a spike in alerts in the weeks after they are installed, then a decrease as smugglers appear to learn their locations and avoid them. “You’ll see traffic sort of squirting to the east and west,” Steckman said. Anduril did not respond to requests for comment. Border patrol agents are certainly big fans. In April, a tower alerted agents to 171 migrants crossing the border into Texas, where agents detained them and sent them to CBP stations for processing. Agents also regularly share photos of large groups they intercept using the towers. In April, Chief Patrol Agent Sean McGoffin tweeted a photo of about a dozen people standing in the Texas desert. “Agents working the midnight shift were able to spot the group with the assistance from surveillance tower technology,” he wrote. The Anduril towers fit into an expanding virtual wall, one that doesn’t just trace the border but also extends 100 miles into the US interior and includes highway checkpoints, predator drones, licence plate readers, facial recognition, ground sensors, and mobile surveillance mounted on vehicles, not to mention the digital tracking of migrants in detention. CBP is even piloting robot dogs to help agents patrol the border. This expansion of border security is largely bipartisan: Trump attracted a lot of attention for trying to expand the physical wall and approving new surveillance, including Anduril’s towers, but the legacy of the last four administrations continues under Joe Biden. During the 2020 election campaign, Biden said building a physical wall had not deterred people from crossing and that “not another foot” of border wall would be built on his watch. Instead he has promised more DHS funding for “smart security” along the border. (In July, his administration did authorize new wall construction in Arizona, to close gaps in a border wall first approved by Trump.) An aerial image shows steel bollard-style border wall barriers along the US-Mexico border between San Diego county and the Mexican city of Tecate, Baja California. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images Biden’s promise of more surveillance is being made good: CBP took $21m from Congress in the 2022 omnibus bill for autonomous surveillance towers, and its budget request for 2023 includes another $13.5m, which would be used to consolidate and support more than 700 surveillance towers, built by different companies, with varying degrees of functionality, along the northern and southern borders. CBP confirmed the plan to integrate the towers to the Guardian. In its draft budget request, it said that although the surveillance towers provide “significant situational awareness”, they rely too much on humans to detect people crossing the border. The goal now is to “seamlessly” combine the various operating systems of the different towers, to “easily control the towers and exploit useful data” as part of a long-term goal to use more automation to stop “threats”. The agency did not answer a list of questions regarding border surveillance. Sheriffs in border communities argue that new technologies, like rescue beacons and the Anduril towers, are helping to save lives. “We have rescued quite a few people in distress because of new tools,” the Culberson county sheriff, Oscar Carrillo, told the Dallas Morning News. But in August, members of Congress representing immigrant and border communities sent a letter to the House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, and House majority leader, Steny Hoyer, in which they expressed their concern over the harm the new border surveillance money would cause migrants, border residents, Indigenous communities, journalists and protesters. “We have strong reservations about funding more invasive technologies that are wasteful and insidious,” they wrote. Pedro Rios, director of the US-Mexico border program for the American Friends Service Committee, a US-based social justice organisation, goes further. He calls the expansion of the digital wall “deadly” because it pushes people to take longer routes to evade detection, contributing to thousands of deaths at the southern border. Rios lives in Chula Vista, a short drive from the border wall that slices across the sandy beach and into the Pacific Ocean, dividing Imperial Beach from Tijuana. Here, too, the ubiquitous border patrol agents drive their ATVs along muddy roads, helicopters hover above, and surveillance towers watch from higher ground. Pedro Rios at the border. Photograph: Hilary Beaumont Rios indicated a recently installed surveillance tower that was aiming its infrared camera at the crashing waves. He said smugglers carry migrants on jet skis and other marine vessels. “There’s been an increase in people that are crossing through smaller panga boats,” he said. It has become significantly harder to cross the border without detection in the last decade, according to CBP data published by the American Immigration Council, and last year Maria Eugenia Chavez Segovia from Mexico City drowned along with two other people when a smuggler boat ran aground off Point Loma. Agents had already twice intercepted her on land and returned her to Mexico. Rios argues the bipartisan project of hardening the border is killing people. He has spotted makeshift ladders hanging from the wall, and since 2019, when the DHS increased the height of the wall in southern San Diego from 17ft to 30ft, the number of severe injuries and deaths has increased. (In another reversal of Biden’s campaign promise, his administration announced in June that it would increase the height of the wall in other sections, too.) As well as being deadly, increased surveillance infringes on the civil liberties of people living near the border, Rios believes, because they are often not consulted before new tech is deployed. He grew up in south San Diego, and identifies as a “fronterizo”, or borderlander, and has family on both sides of the...

“Newegg Exclusively Offering First ASRock Gaming Monitors” – Games Press https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/newegg-exclusively-offering-first-asrock-gaming-monitors-games-press/ Curved 34-inch Phantom Gaming monitor features first built-in Wi-Fi antenna for a monitor; available in North America only from Newegg CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. – Sept. 16, 2022 – Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEGG), a leading global technology e-commerce retailer, today announced that the ASRock Phantom Gaming monitors, ASRock’s first gaming monitors, are exclusively available in North America from Newegg.com.   The Phantom Gaming 34” Curved Gaming Monitor is the first gaming monitor with a built-in Wi-Fi antenna to ensure uninterrupted Wi-Fi signals. The monitor’s Wi-Fi antenna connects to the Wi-Fi signal in the PC and, if the system is located under a desk, ensures the desk does not mask the signal. The antenna offers 7dBi peak gain improvement of a PC’s Wi-Fi signal and helps gamers enjoy fluid gameplay without latency.   While the ASRock Phantom Gaming brand is well established in PC components, gaming monitors represent the company’s entry into a new market.   Newegg offers the first Phantom Gaming monitors, which are:   ASRock Phantom Gaming 34” Curved Gaming Monitor (PG34WQ15R2B) 34-inch WQHD (3440×1440) 1500R VA display Integrated Wi-Fi antenna 165Hz rapid refresh rate 1ms (MPRT) response time 91% DCI-P3 / sRGB 115% color space Wide 178-degree viewing angles VESA DisplayHDR 400 AMD FreeSync premium technology Flicker free technology 2 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort 1.4 Height, swivel, tilt adjustment   ASRock Phantom Gaming 27” Gaming Monitor (PG27FF1A) 27-inch FHD (1920×1080) flat IPS display 165Hz rapid refresh rate 1ms (MPRT) response time 94% DCI-P3/sRGB 123% color space Wide 178-degree viewing angles AMD FreeSync premium technology Flicker free technology 2 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort 1.2 Swivel, tilt adjustment   ASRock Phantom Gaming monitors are based on a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, meaning players will stay up to speed with opponents because of fast refresh rates.   “ASRock is well established in gaming components, so we have high expectations for the performance of the company’s first monitors,” said Oscar Wong, Senior Director of Product Management for Newegg. “The monitors set a high standard for graphics and rendering, while the built-in Wi-Fi antenna is a game-changer because it enables a more dependable Internet connection.”   About Newegg Newegg Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEGG), founded in 2001 and based in the City of Industry, Calif., near Los Angeles, is a leading global online retailer for PC hardware, consumer electronics, gaming peripherals, home appliances, automotive and lifestyle technology. Newegg serves businesses’ e-commerce needs with marketing, supply chain, and technical solutions in a single platform. For more information, please visit Newegg.com.   Follow Newegg on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Discord.   Notes: For monitor photos, visit https://newegg.io/phantom_gaming_monitors Monitor screen images showing a video game are simulated. Monitor screens in photo with host do not represent actual monitors’ screen quality.     Contact:   Eric Wein Newegg Commerce Inc. eric.j.wein@newegg.com

Your Mission: Deliver A Winning Raspberry Pi Project To Space – MUO – MakeUseOf https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/your-mission-deliver-a-winning-raspberry-pi-project-to-space-muo-makeuseof/ The Raspberry Pi allows teachers to create an entertaining learning environment without students realizing that they’re actually working through a classroom curriculum. Students can stretch their imaginations when creating games and animating characters, tracking objects in real-time, or constructing a classroom piano made with fruit. With the school year in full swing, it’s a great time to introduce a coding competition. All that is needed is a willing mentor and an eager group of students. Are you ready? Mission Briefing The European Space Agency and the Raspberry Pi Foundation have teamed up to create an exciting way for students to get their work into space. For Mission Space Lab, your assignment is to build a scientific experiment that is capable of working with the Astro Pi computers aboard the International Space Station. Teams with winning ideas will receive their Astro Pi kit and will move on to making their experiment come alive! What Is Astro Pi? ESA“” data-img-url=”https://static1.makeuseofimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Astro_Pi_Ed_and_Izzy_on_the_ISS.jpg” data-modal-container-id=”single-image-modal-container” data-modal-id=”single-image-modal” Image Credit: ESA The two Astro Pi devices aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are space-hardened Raspberry Pi computers equipped with gadgets and environmental sensors enabling astronauts to complete experiments during missions. The idea of running student-led programs in space goes back to 2015. The sensors that are paired with the Astro Pi devices help do some really cool stuff: Measure temperature readings from ISS electrical signals. Determine motion, orientation, and heading. Speed up machine learning model calculations. Detect moving objects with infrared light. Check out the Astro Pi Sensors page to dive into more details about these sensors in space. Getting Ready for Takeoff Before you can take part, you’ll need to do the following: Confirm your team is eligible to participate. Complete mentor sign-up for the team. Pick a theme: investigate life on earth or life in space? Design your scientific experiment. Submit your idea by October 28th, 2022. All competition details including timelines and checklists, theme information, helpful resources, as well as eligibility criteria, can be found on the Mission Space Lab page. Design Your Idea Ensure that you are thorough with your design as only teams with winning ideas will receive an Astro Pi kit. The kit includes everything your team needs to create your experiment. If this happens, your team will be able to move on to phase 2: Create! Which theme will you choose? If your team has an interest in photography, then consider investigating the planet’s surface by making use of the Astro Pi camera. Alternatively, your team can investigate life inside the International Space Station Columbus module. You’ll be able to have fun with both camera and sensors; however, no photo or video recording features can be included as the astronauts prefer to work in private. Both themes will have design considerations that your team will have to place additional thought around. Head over to the Astro Pi Life on Earth or Life in Space contest page for details on the experiment requirements. As you work through testing your design, familiarize the team with our guide on setting up a Raspberry Pi camera module. While you’re researching, it will also be a good time to review our introduction to the Raspberry Pi device with your students. Try This At Home You can still participate in a smaller Astro Pi project if you’re not competing, or just want to practice your skills before the Mission Space Lab idea results are officially announced. You can send astronauts a message that includes the relative humidity on board the ISS using the newest Mark II Sense HAT. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser that can view this virtual Sense HAT using trinket.io. The Raspberry Pi Foundation provides a step-by-step project resource that will guide you through the Mission Zero experiment. Teachers may want to download the Astro Pi PDF instruction guide (should you need to make learning easier for a larger audience). Although Mission Zero is not an eligible contest at this time, it’s still a great way to interact with the Astro Pi at home. Life on Earth? Life in Space? Don’t worry too much about which scientific experiment to complete. Choose what is exciting for you and your team. As you get involved in the design process, the likelihood is that you’ll forget you’re even learning at all. Enjoy the process and hopefully your idea will be chosen to move on to the Create phase. Experiments that pass that phase will be awarded ‘flight status’ and be deployed on board the ISS!

BL Explainer: Why Is Ethereum Merge Important For Crypto Industry – BusinessLine https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/bl-explainer-why-is-ethereum-merge-important-for-crypto-industry-businessline/ Haripriya Sureban | Bengaluru, September 16 | Updated on: Sep 16, 2022 Developers believe ‘Ethereum Merge’ will lower energy use by 99 per cent “Happy merge to all,” tweeted Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin on Thursday afternoon. The entire global crypto industry celebrated the event. #Ethereummerge was a trending tag on Twitter. Over 40,000 people watched the “Ethereum Mainnet Merge Viewing Party” on Youtube. Here’s why the entire industry was interested in “The Merge”. What is Ethereum? Ethereum is the second most popular cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. But, it’s more than a medium of exchange or a store of value. Ethereum is generally defined as a “decentralised, open-source blockchain—a distributed public ledger—with smart contract functionality”. Founded by Vitalik Buterin and Gavin Wood in 2015, Ethereum is a network powered by the Ether (ETH) token that enables users to make transactions, trade in cryptocurrencies, buy and store NFTs, etc. It is a platform on which decentralised apps and exchanges can be built. What is Ethereum Merge? ‘The Merge’ is a long process of shifting the consensus mechanism of the blockchain from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS). As Ethereum is a decentralised platform, it does not have a centralised authority like banks that validate and verify transactions between two people. Hence, the platform uses PoW as a consensus mechanism—a process in which all the members of the network agree and validate the transaction. This validation is done by the members of the network popularly called miners. All the miners compete to solve complicated mathematical puzzles and the first one to solve becomes the validator, who adds the new block to the blockchain. Mining is done using computers and a hardware system that consumes enormous amounts of electricity. On the other hand, in PoS, there is no competition to become a validator. A validator is randomly selected by an algorithm from a pool of people who ‘stake’ their coins. This eliminates the need for miners. Staking means pledging ETH tokens on the network. One has to stake 32 ETH tokens to be a part of the pool. One lucky winner will become the validator who adds the clock to the blockchain. This is more or less like a lottery system. Hence, one has a higher chance of winning if one stakes more tokens. The major upside of this method is it is energy-efficient as it does not require computational power to validate. Why is it called ‘The Merge’? Ethereum introduced a PoS network called the Beacon Chain in 2020. However, transactions are not yet processed through it. In order to complete the process of changing the consensus mechanism, the Beacon Chain has to be merged with Ethereum’s PoW functioning network, also called as ‘mainnet’. Hence the term, ‘The Merge’. In the words of a researcher that spoke to CoinDesk, a global crypto news platform, the Merge is “the idea of switching out an engine from a running car.” Why was Ethereum Merge a significant event? To begin with, The Merge will make the Ethereum blockchain—the second biggest after Bitcoin—energy efficient. Its developers believe this process will lower energy use by 99 per cent. According to a report by Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute(CCRI), Ethereum uses 23 million megawatt hours of power per year. With the Merge, the power consumption is expected to come down to 2,600-megawatt hours per year. This is a significant change because one of the biggest criticisms the decentralised networks face is that they are highly ‘power hungry’ in a world where climate change has becoming the biggest issue. In addition, Ethereum investors are of the view that ‘The Merge’ will revive the fortunes of the Ethereum token which has lost 49 per cent of its value since hitting all-time high in 2017. However, the event has not showed any positive effect on the price of ETH as of now. In fact, at the time of writing this report, it has lost 9.81 per cent in the last 24 hours and was trading at $1,450.51. The event is also important because the Ethereum developers expect ‘The Merge’ to make all the projects on the blockchain “more secure and scalable.” Reports suggest the Ethereum blockchain houses $60 billion ecosystem of crypto exchanges, lending companies, NFT marketplaces, and other apps and projects. The crypto industry also believes that the event will make decentralised networks more attractive and adaptable for new projects. Published on September 16, 2022 You May Also Like Recommended for you

U.S. Climate Envoy Kerry Cautions Against Long-Term Gas Projects In Africa – Reuters.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-climate-envoy-kerry-cautions-against-long-term-gas-projects-in-africa-reuters-com/ Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com DAKAR, Sept 16 (Reuters) – U.S. climate envoy John Kerry cautioned against investing in long-term gas projects in Africa as countries in the region, some hoping to tap recent oil and gas discoveries, wrestle with how to power their development with clean energy. “We are not saying no gas,” Kerry told Reuters on the sidelines of an African environment ministers’ conference in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday. “What we are saying is, over the next few years, gas replaces coal or replaces oil,” the former secretary of state and Democratic presidential candidate said, adding that gas can be used as a transition to cleaner energy sources. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com But after 2030, it will be important to capture the emissions from gas too, Kerry added. Continued financing of oil and gas projects in Africa has become a key issue for the countries, which they plan to push during a United Nations climate summit in Egypt in November. Senegal and other countries in the region aim to start producing oil and gas, which they hope will help boost their electricity production, power industries and curb energy poverty. read more Over 600 million people, or 43% of Africa’s population, lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the International Energy Agency. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry speaks during an interview with a Reuters journalist in Dakar, Senegal September 15, 2022. REUTERS/Christophe Van Der Perre African countries argue that they need investments to develop their energy resources, including oil and gas, and a pledge by developed nations including the United States last year to curb investments in fossil fuels, was unjust. read more Kerry said the question now is how to help the nations, which account for only a small amount of carbon emissions, develop without making mistakes that others made, enabling them to be as green as possible without creating more problems. He said the viability of long-term gas projects could become a problem beyond 2030, the target date many developed nations have set to move to mostly renewable and curb the need for gas. Kerry said such long-term projects likely would not recoup their investments within 10 years, adding that some countries are talking of projects with lifespan as long as 40 years, which was not necessary. “We do not have to rush to go backward, we need to be very careful about exactly how much we are going to deploy, how it is going to be paid for, over what period of time and how do you capture the emissions.” Kerry said. He said developed nations need to step up efforts and meet the urgency to help other countries adapt and get over the initial hurdles of developing renewable energy systems. Kerry said the United States has committed $12 billion for “adaptation and resilience,” and was working on a new structure to bring more the big investors with trillions of dollars. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Bate Felix; Editing by William Mallard Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

North Texans Now Eligible For SBA Loans Repair August Flood – KRLD https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/north-texans-now-eligible-for-sba-loans-repair-august-flood-krld/ Photo credit audioundwerbung/GettyImages The US Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for Dallas County and the surrounding counties in connection with flooding between August 22nd and August 25th. The decision means people and businesses in north Texas are eligible for low-interest loans to help them recover from damage caused by that flooding. Texas Governor Greg Abbott had requested the declaration earlier in the week and it was granted by the SBA. “We’re offering disaster loans for businesses of all sizes. Low-interest government loans, basically, for business, homeowners and non-profits,” said Barbara Nitis with the SBA. The declaration covers Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant Counties. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins urged people affected by the flooding to consider applying for federal aid. “If you are unable to get a loan somewhere else, you are able to get a loan (from the SBA) it can last as long as 30 years and it’s up to $200,000,” he said. The loan guidelines for individuals and families allows for loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace real estate damage and up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Renters can also apply for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Businesses can seek loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets that were damaged or destroyed. That program is available to businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations. “I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management for working with the SBA to determine Texas’ assistance eligibility for the long-term, low-interest loans now available to Texans,” Gov. Abbott said.  “The State of Texas will continue working non-stop to help North Texas residents and businesses rebuild and recover from economic injury and physical damage caused by the flooding.” People can apply on-line through the SBA’s web site disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. They can also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The SBA will also set up two outreach centers in north Texas starting on Monday to provide assistance. Those will be located at the Samuell-Grand Recreation Center at 6200 East Grand Avenue in Dallas and the Balch Springs Recreation Department at 4372 Shepherd Lane in Balch Springs. LISTEN on the Audacy App Tell your Smart Speaker to “PLAY 1080 KRLD” Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Why You Should Visit The San Rafael Swell Recreation Area In Utah – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/why-you-should-visit-the-san-rafael-swell-recreation-area-in-utah-the-washington-post/ I wave goodbye to my husband, Derek, and our friends Chase and Tara until they disappear around a corner in a brushy wash in Utah’s San Rafael Swell. The four of us have rendezvoused here, about three hours south of Salt Lake City, for a three-day canyoneering trip. The harsh, high-desert anticline is almost as big as Delaware and home to such wildness and alien-looking geology that the Mars Society has built a Mars Desert Research Station there. Trail signs, support services and paved roads are as scarce as other visitors. But this morning, on Day 2 of our trip, I decide it will be better for everyone if I hike and hang out in camp instead of going on the group’s planned canyoneering adventure down Knotted Rope Canyon. Derek offers to stay behind, too, but I tell him no. Just because I can’t do Knotted Rope doesn’t mean he shouldn’t. Also, I enjoy solo time, especially when the landscape is as big as the thinking I have to do. Yesterday in another canyon, symptoms from multiple sclerosis, an incurable, degenerative neurological disease with which I was diagnosed when I was 30, put myself and the group in danger. Today, after 16 years of fighting against and/or ignoring MS-caused limitations — denying them allows me to believe, if only one adventure at a time, that I’m in control — I’m trying something different, albeit reluctantly. My wave goodbye is accompanied by tears. The first four hours of our first canyoneering adventure, in Lower Eardley Canyon, are most excellent. From a camp we established near the Eardley Canyon Trailhead in the southern section of the Swell, we walk up Straight Wash, a wide slash of sand sometimes shaded by cottonwood trees and sometimes congested with nests of cottonwood carcasses deposited by flash floods. (Although there are two major rivers that cut through the Swell, it is Interstate 70 that has been the dividing line between north and south sections since 1970.) After two miles, we leave the wash to make our way up a jumbly ridge seemingly stitched together by the arthritic, extensive roots of dwarf juniper and pinyon trees. After about 45 minutes and 800 vertical feet of elevation gain, we’re at the top of a gully that, once we descend it, will drop us into the middle of Eardley Canyon. At the bottom of the gully, we’re no longer hiking, but canyoneering, which does include hiking, but also scrambling, wading, stemming, problem-solving, rock climbing, swimming, rappelling, squeezing and even butt sliding. When canyoneering, you wear a climbing harness and helmet and, depending on the time of year and amount of swimming, maybe a wet suit. There are many ways canyoneering can injure or kill you, including hypothermia, drowning and falling. According to Christopher Hagedorn, the owner and lead guide of Get in the Wild Adventures, which specializes in combining guided trips in Utah and Washington with teaching clients how to be safe and recreate responsibly in the outdoors, the San Rafael Swell is “one of the very best canyoneering destinations in the world.” Until recently, the Swell’s landscape had no protective designations, even though there had been a decades-long push for it to be recognized as a national park or monument. In 2019, though, the bipartisan John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act established wilderness areas within the Swell, totaling about 663,000 acres, and also established the approximately 217,000-acre San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. The Bureau of Land Management manages the wilderness areas and the recreation area. The act also roughly tripled the size of Goblin Valley State Park, in the southern part of the Swell and one of Utah’s most popular, to nearly 10,000 acres. There is canyoneering to be done in the Swell’s wildernesses, recreation area and state park. Because we wanted solitary car camping — pitching our tent within feet of our parked car and with no neighbors in sight — we’re in the recreation area. Wilderness camping requires backpacking (i.e., carrying all of your equipment with you); Goblin Valley State Park has a developed campground with 25 sites, two yurts and showers, but it’s also crowded — relatively speaking. In Eardley, we don wet suits, harnesses and helmets. I’m fortunate that the progression of my MS, which about 2.8 million people have worldwide, has been minor. My balance can get wonky and sometimes my body is unable to regulate its temperature. A feature of slot canyons is that little sunlight reaches their floors. In October in the sun in the Swell, the air temperature is in the low 70s. In Lower Eardley Canyon, the water and air temperature are both about 50 degrees. To keep myself from spiraling into hypothermia, I put on extra layers of clothing beneath my wet suit that Derek, Chase and Tara don’t bother wearing. Then we set off. There are boulders to be negotiated, sandstone slabs we slide down on our butts, and places in which our feet stem out to the side, our sticky-rubber-soled shoes creating friction against the narrow walls. We rappel into porcelain-smooth sandstone bowls filled with water the color and clarity of chocolate milk. We swim through the chocolate milk and then, on the far side, problem-solve how to climb out of the featureless rock. It’s part obstacle course, part escape room. A helping hand or a rope is almost always required. It is the best adventure ever until Chase starts setting up the fourth of six rappels. I had been keeping a chill at bay by, where the topography allowed, doing air squats, lunges and jumping jacks. These work until they don’t, and I go from chilly to freezing quickly: My lips turn blue and my fingers white. Derek takes off the Gore-Tex jacket he’s wearing over his wet suit and puts it on me. I’m shivering too hard to manage the zipper on my own, though. I’ve never gotten this cold before, and I become terrified we won’t make it out of the canyon and into the sunshine of Straight Wash before I’m fully hypothermic. If this happens, it will be the responsibility of Derek, Chase and Tara to rescue me. Full-on hypothermia doesn’t happen, but it does take an hour of lying almost naked on a sunbaked sandstone slab in Straight Wash at the mouth of Eardley Canyon for my shivering to stop. Hours later, brushing my teeth, I drop my toothbrush into the sand, because my fingers still aren’t fully functional. Knotted Rope Canyon has at least as many pools as Lower Eardley and is longer. The decision not to go is as right as it is hard. By myself in camp is not hard, though. It is cheesecake for breakfast followed by a nap in the sunshine. It is no pressure. It is picking out a mesa in the near distance and seeing whether I can get to the top of it. It is sitting on the mesa’s summit and straining to see whether there are any marks of humanity beyond the road to our campsite and our car and tent. (There aren’t.) It is relaxing in camp, reading our canyoneering guidebook and finding a slot canyon that doesn’t require swimming for all of us to do together tomorrow. It is giving up being good. Everybody has something. I have MS. I have also had cancer, been divorced and had more close friends die than the average 46-year-old. None of us get to choose our somethings, or choose how they respond to our attempts to control them. Our choice is how we perceive and live with the limitations and baggage of our things. In the Swell’s limitless landscape, I choose to see my limits as an opportunity to be free. Mishev is a writer based in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Her website is dinamishev.com. Find her on Instagram: @myspiritanimalisatrex. Goblin Valley Campground Green River, Utah 435-275-4584 Two yurts; 25 campsites for tents, groups and RVs; showers; a dump station; and restrooms in Goblin Valley State Park in the southern section of the Swell. Tent and RV sites $45 per night; yurts, which can hold five people, $150 per night. San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Price, Utah 435-636-3600 Aside from the San Rafael Bridge Campground, dispersed car camping in the recreation area is a free-for-all and there are many amazing spots, all of which are primitive. Please only use existing sites, which are not marked but are obvious because of fire rings and trampled vegetation. Pack out all garbage. Free. River Terrace 1740 E. Main St., Green River, Utah 435-564-3401 Fifty-one basic rooms and nice outdoor spaces on a hillside just above the Green River. Buffet breakfast included. Rooms from about $140 per night. Whispering Sands Motel 90 S. Highway 95, Hanksville, Utah 435-542-3238 Spare but clean rooms in the town where Butch Cassidy and crew used to come for supplies. Rooms from $149 per night. San Rafael Bed & Breakfast 15 E. 100 N., Castle Dale, Utah 435-381-5689 Four themed rooms in a Victorian-style home built in 1906 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms and breakfast from $85 per night. San Rafael Bridge Campground (Swinging Bridge Campground) Buckhorn Draw Road, San Rafael Recreation Area, Utah 435-636-3600 Seventeen car-camping sites on the San Rafael River with picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets, but no drinking water. Sites cannot be reserved in advance. Sites $6 per night, payable on-site. Chow Hound 30 E. Main St., Green River, Utah 435-564-3563 Hearty breakfasts, pizzas, burgers and milkshakes in a town just off I-70 in the middle of the Swell. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pizzas from $12.99, sandwiches from $4.50. Melon Vine Food Store 80 S. Broadway, Green River, Utah 435-564-3228 Campers can stock up on ice and food at this grocer. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sunday. Fatty’s Pizza & Grill 340 E. Main St., Castle Dale, Utah 435-381-50...

AP Top Business News At 10:10 A.m. EDT – WTMJ https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-1010-a-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 10:10 a.m. EDT  WTMJ

YMCA Hosts Blood Drive In Partnership With The American Red Cross – The Zebra https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ymca-hosts-blood-drive-in-partnership-with-the-american-red-cross-the-zebra/ Photo: iStock.com/stefanamer ALEXANDRIA, VA – A dire blood shortage continues across the U.S. It is the worst blood supply shortage in over a decade, according to the American Red Cross. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is partnering with the American Red Cross in holding blood drives throughout the region. The YMCA Metropolitan Washington has branches and program centers in Washington, D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia. “We encourage everyone who is healthy to sign up to give blood,” said Angie Reese-Hawkins, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. “The blood shortage is risking the lives of all of us.”  The YMCA has a 170-year history of stepping up to help in the communities it serves. The dates and times for the blood drives are as follows: Friday, September 23, Thursday, October 20 and Thursday, November 10 and Thursday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA Anthony Bowen, Conference Room 2, 1325 W Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 Friday, Oct. 7 and Friday, December 9 from noon to 6 p.m. at the YMCA Alexandria, 420 East Monroe Ave., Alexandria, Va. 22301 Friday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. YMCA Fairfax County Reston, 12196 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, Va. 20190. Potential donors may sign up online here, or ​ http://ow.ly/fw9g50KvQeu. For more information on the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, visit www.ymcadc.org. # # # About the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a not for profit 501(c)3 charity organization that has been serving the communities and families of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for nearly 170 years. Through opportunities in wellness, aquatics, youth sports, summer camps, childcare and more, the Y engages more than 250,000 individuals and families. Visit www.ymcadc.org for more information. Post Views: 0