Denton County News Online

Reuters US Domestic News Summary – Devdiscourse https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/reuters-us-domestic-news-summary-devdiscourse-2/ Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs. Bezos’ Blue Origin suffers rocket failure during uncrewed mission A rocket from Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin failed mid-flight shortly after liftoff on Monday, aborting its cargo capsule to safety before crashing into the Texas desert, according to the company and a live video stream of the mission. Without any humans on board, the rocket lifted off from Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site Monday morning as the company’s 23rd New Shepard mission, aiming to send NASA-funded experiments and other payloads to the edge of space to float for a few minutes in microgravity. U.S. Justice Dept issues dozens of subpoenas in Jan 6 probe, New York Times reports The U.S. Justice Department has issued about 40 subpoenas over the past week seeking information about efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election, the New York Times reported on Monday. Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump adviser, and Mike Roman, a campaign strategist for Trump, had their phones seized last week as evidence, the Times said, citing people familiar with the situation. No delay for Trump Organization criminal tax fraud trial The New York judge overseeing a tax fraud case against the Trump Organization on Monday rejected any effort to delay next month’s trial, acknowledging concern that former President Donald Trump’s company might be trying to “stall” the criminal case. At a pre-trial hearing in a New York state court in Manhattan, Justice Juan Merchan warned against delaying tactics, even as a Trump Organization lawyer said the decision by longtime chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg to plead guilty changed how the defense will present its case. Trump lawyers oppose Justice Department request on classified documents Former President Donald Trump’s attorneys on Monday opposed a U.S. Justice Department request to immediately resume examining the contents of classified documents seized by the FBI from his Florida estate last month in an ongoing criminal investigation. His lawyers in a filing also asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to make those roughly 100 documents – among the more than 11,000 records found in the court-approved Aug. 8 search – part of a review that an independent arbiter, called a special master, will conduct to vet all the materials. Legendary street photographer William Klein dies in Paris Legendary street and fashion photographer William Klein has died in Paris, aged 96, his son said in a statement to French news agency AFP on Monday. Klein, a New York-born American who made his reputation shooting scenes of urban life in the world’s biggest cities, studied painting with Fernand Leger but found fame as a photographer. Biden touts ‘Cancer Moonshot’ on JFK speech anniversary in Boston President Joe Biden signed orders on Monday to push more government dollars to the U.S. biotechnology industry, as he promoted his initiative to create new treatments and cut the death rate from cancer. Cancer “doesn’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat,” Biden said at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, on the 60th anniversary of JFK’s ‘Moonshot’ speech that urged Americans to lead in the exploration of space. Biden drew a parallel between the former president’s goal of reaching the moon and his own goal of cutting cancer death rates in half in the next 25 years. Biden administration presses unions, railroads to avoid shutdown The Biden administration urged railroads and unions to reach a deal to avoid a railroad work stoppage, saying on Monday it would pose “an unacceptable outcome” to the U.S. economy that could cost $2 billion a day. Railroads, including Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway’s BNSF, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, have until a minute after midnight on Friday to reach tentative deals with hold out unions representing about 60,000 workers. Failing to do so opens the door to union strikes, employer lockouts and congressional intervention. Pentagon needs an extra $42 billion due to soaring inflation -industry group The U.S. Department of Defense will need an extra $42 billion in the next fiscal year to make up for a shortfall in how much it can buy as rising prices eat in to its procurement budget, a defense industry group said in a report coming out this week. “Significant inflation is a major challenge” for the Pentagon and its thousands of contractors, compounding the challenge from COVID-19 and dealing with the supply-chain crisis, said the National Defense Industrial Association report, which was reviewed by Reuters ahead of publication. U.S. Justice Department says it would support Trump-backed candidate as special master The U.S. Justice Department on Monday said it would support Raymond Dearie, a candidate backed by former President Donald Trump, for the role of independent arbiter, known as a special master, to examine the contents of classified documents seized by the FBI from Trump’s Florida estate last month. It backed either of its own two candidates or Dearie, it said in a court filing, but rejected a second Trump pick, Paul Huck. Biden touts U.S. crackdown on airlines over passenger treatment President Joe Biden said on Monday his administration had cracked down on U.S. airlines to improve treatment of passengers, a claim rejected by the carriers. Biden said prior to changes made in customer service plans by major airlines “if your flight was canceled or delayed, no top airline guaranteed covering your cost of hotels and meals.” (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Denton Physician Guilty Of Over-Prescribing Opioids – The Gilmer Mirror – Gilmer Mirror https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/denton-physician-guilty-of-over-prescribing-opioids-the-gilmer-mirror-gilmer-mirror/ SHERMAN – A Denton physician has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today. Stanley Charles Evans, 63, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances and health care fraud today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine Nowak. “Evans gives other physicians a bad name,” said U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston.  “Sworn to do no harm, Evans failed by illegally prescribing narcotics that harmed many people.  More people die by opioid drug abuse than by vehicle and gun related deaths combined in the U.S. today.  This is a big problem and those who are supposed to heal the sick, but choose to become illegal drug dealers, will be investigated and prosecuted.” According to information presented in court, beginning in 2017, Evans, a licensed physician operating a family medicine practice in Denton, unlawfully prescribed approximately 370,000 dosage units of hydrocodone outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.  An investigation began after it was reported that Evans was pre-signing opioid prescriptions for patients that were exhibiting drug seeking behavior.  Evans would pre-sign the scripts and the patients would be seen by his four nurse practitioners.  An investigation revealed patients were repeatedly able to obtain the strongest prescription for Hydrocodone from Evans and one of the nurses without ever being fully examined or providing any documentation regarding their “pain.”  It was also determined that Evans was only present at the office approximately half the time he claimed and that prescriptions for Schedule II opioids were being written for patients even while Evans was out of the country on vacation.  The investigation also revealed that nurses were seeing 20 to 30 patients a day and their salaries were production based, receiving a percentage of what they billed instead of a set salary.  Additionally, nurses were billing Medicare and TriCare under Evans’ medical identification number, which results in an increased charge to the government for physician services. In all, Evans faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Task Force Group, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, and Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson. ### Davilyn Walston Public Affairs Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator

Expedia CEO: ‘Business Travel Is Back’ Like I Predicted All Along During The Covid Pandemic – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/expedia-ceo-business-travel-is-back-like-i-predicted-all-along-during-the-covid-pandemic-cnbc/ Expedia CEO Peter Kern told CNBC on Monday business travelers have returned. During the dark times of the Covid pandemic in late 2020, he predicted they would make a comeback and that day has come. “You’re here in Seattle. And I’m traveling all the time. So, I think business travel is back. I said from the beginning business travel would come back. We’re seeing it all over,” Kern said, speaking with Jim Cramer, who was in Expedia’s home city for “Mad Money.” Fast forward to today and it has, Kern said. “People are traveling like crazy. If you’ve been in an airport you know that. Everyone is complaining about it. They’re too crowded, not enough staff.” Last year, Expedia agreed to sell its corporate travel arm to American Express Global Business Travel. As part of the deal, Expedia became a shareholder in Amex GBT and struck a long-term strategic partnership. Kern’s company also operates its namesake Expedia service as well as others in the travel sector including Hotels.com, Hotwire, Travelocity and Orbitz. The company is also behind Vrbo, short for vacation rentals by owner. It competes against Airbnb. With all those brands under one roof, Kern and Expedia certainly have their fingers on the pulse of the travel industry. The CEO said travel has been booming. “There’s no question all summer and still has been strong into September. There doesn’t appear to be much let up,” he said.

Business Highlights: Twitter Whistleblower, Biotech Push – Federal News Network https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/business-highlights-twitter-whistleblower-biotech-push-federal-news-network/ ___ Twitter whistleblower bringing security warnings to Congress WASHINGTON (AP) — Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, the Twitter whistleblower who is warning of security flaws, privacy threats and lax controls at the social platform, will take his case to Congress on Tuesday. Senators who will hear Zatko’s testimony are alarmed by his allegations at a time of heightened concern over the safety of powerful tech platforms. Zatko, a respected cybersecurity expert, was Twitter’s head of security until… READ MORE ___ Twitter whistleblower bringing security warnings to Congress WASHINGTON (AP) — Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, the Twitter whistleblower who is warning of security flaws, privacy threats and lax controls at the social platform, will take his case to Congress on Tuesday. Senators who will hear Zatko’s testimony are alarmed by his allegations at a time of heightened concern over the safety of powerful tech platforms. Zatko, a respected cybersecurity expert, was Twitter’s head of security until he was fired in January. He has brought the allegations to Congress and federal regulators, asserting that the influential social platform misled regulators about its cyber defenses and efforts to control millions of fake accounts. ___ Biden’s midterm self-edit: Less talk about inflation woes WASHINGTON (AP) — In recent speeches, President Joe Biden has stopped talking so much about inflation worries. Missing is a once-common refrain about families at the kitchen table straining under the rising costs of food and gasoline. It’s a self-edit ahead of the midterm elections in November, prompted in part by the easing of inflationary pressures. But Biden is also attempting to shift the spotlight to his legislative wins, the loss of abortion protections and the threats that he says are posed to democracy by the many Republican leaders still under the sway of former President Donald Trump. When he does talk about inflation, he insists his policies are bringing prices down. ___ Biden to announce new support for US biotech production WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is announcing a new initiative to encourage biotech production and research in the U.S. It’s the latest move by the White House to boost domestic industry. Biden on Monday signed an executive order launching the initiative and later in Boston will address how biotech can help fight cancer during a visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. On Wednesday, the Democratic president’s administration will host a summit and announce new investments from several federal agencies. A senior administration official says the White House wants to support manufacturing biotech products developed in the U.S., rather than seeing American innovations produced abroad. ___ Wall Street rallies further ahead of inflation report NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks rose again on Wall Street ahead of a high-stakes report that will hopefully show inflation hammered the economy less hard last month. The S&P 500 climbed 1.1% Monday, while gains for tech companies pushed the Nasdaq up a bit more. Traders are making their final moves before a report on Tuesday that’s expected to show inflation slowed again during August. It likely won’t change minds at the Federal Reserve, which is preparing for another hefty hike to interest rates next week. A continued slowdown in inflation would give the Fed more of a chance of avoiding a scarring recession. ___ UAW workers in Indiana, Stellantis reach tentative deal KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) — United Auto Workers union members who went on strike Saturday at the Stellantis casting plant in Indiana, is announcing a tentative deal with the company. The UAW Local 1166 bargaining committee announced the agreement in a blog post, saying that a ratification vote would be held Monday. Stellantis confirmed the tentative deal. The strike was related to health and safety issues, including the company’s alleged refusal to repair and replace the plant’s air conditioning and heating systems. The 35-acre plant in Kokomo makes parts used in the power trains of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles. ___ Pressure mounts on US railroads and unions to reach a deal OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Freight railroads and their unions are facing increasing pressure from business groups and the White House to settle their contract dispute. They face a looming strike deadline on Friday and business groups say a stoppage halting deliveries of raw materials and finished products that so many companies rely on would be an economic disaster. The railroads have announced eight of the 13 deals they need to avert a strike, but two key unions representing conductors and engineers want the railroads to go beyond the 24% raises they are offering to address their concerns about working conditions. ___ As small businesses raise prices, some customers push back NEW YORK (AP) — Inflation isn’t only costing small businesses money. It’s costing them customers as well. For much of the pandemic, small business customers were largely tolerant of price increases and kept on spending. Now, owners are seeing some pushback. But with inflation close to a 40-year-high, there’s not much small businesses can do. Sixty-five percent have raised prices to offset higher costs, according to a Goldman Sachs survey. And 38% say they’ve seen a decline in customer demand due to price increases. With consumers forced to spend more for food and gasoline, businesses that sell non-essential goods or services are especially feeling the pinch. ___ Hard Rock spends $100M to raise pay for non-tipped US staff ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Hard Rock International says Monday it is spending over $100 million to give significant raises to 10,000 non-tipped workers, most of them in the U.S. The global gambling, entertainment and hospitality company is giving the employees an immediate increase to a minimum starting salary of $18 to $21 an hour. It’s designed to help employees deal with persistent inflation, and to help the company attract and retain top talent, lessening turnover. The raises apply to job categories including cooks, housekeepers, front desk clerks, security workers, cage cashiers and others. ___ The S&P 500 gained 43.05 points, or 1.1%, to 4,110.41. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 229.63 points, or 0.7%, to 32,381.34. The Nasdaq added 154.10 points, or 1.3%, to 12,266.41. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies advanced 23.24 points, or 1.2%, to 1,906.09. Copyright © 2022 . All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

What We Know About Kourtney Kardashian’s New Wellness Gummy Brand – Screen Rant https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/what-we-know-about-kourtney-kardashians-new-wellness-gummy-brand-screen-rant/ The Kardashians star Kourtney Kardashian has found a new way for fans to connect with her famous family, as she’s launching a gummy vitamin brand. Kourtney cemented herself in the wellness world when she launched her Poosh website in 2019. The platform is similar to actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop brand, and is focused on helping women to live healthier lifestyles. There are articles about healthy eating, exercise, and self-care. In early June, Kourtney and Gwyneth teamed up to create a collaborative candle called, “This Smells Like My Pooshy,” and even featured behind-the-scenes footage of the project on a The Kardashians episode. The mother of three has been open about her lifestyle, saying that she does her best to follow a vegan diet. Kourtney even fought with her younger sister Kim Kardashian during an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, over their daughters’ joint candy-themed birthday party. Kourtney didn’t want the party to feature real candy, thanks to its chemical ingredients, and Kim felt that this was ridiculous, since the theme was “Candy Land.” Kourtney’s also an environmentalist, but fans have called her a hypocrite on several occasions, including recently, when she announced a collaboration with fast-fashion company, Boohoo. The reality TV star is taking her health consciousness to another level with her new gummy vitamin brand. Kourtney told a Wall Street Journal reporter all about the company, which she named, Lemme. It took Kourtney five years to create her brand, which features all-natural, non-CBD vitamins. Kourtney had a very interesting approach when creating her gummy vitamins. The star tested the gummies with her doctor, to see how they would react to her body. When the vitamins did not test well on her, her doctor would explain, “Oh, it’s because they’re using corn or corn syrup or it’s genetically modified.” In her brand, Kourtney uses non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and gelatin-free ingredients. She also steered clear of corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Kourtney compared naming her business to naming a child, saying that the moniker was very difficult to come up with. However, once Kourtney realized how many times she and her team used the phrase “lemme,” as in, “lemme focus on this,” she realized that Lemme should be the brand name. So far, Lemme offers three different vitamins, an anti-stress supplement called “Lemme Chill,” a b-12 energy gummy called “Lemme Matcha,” and a concentrated vitamin called, “Lemme Focus.” The brand, which Kourtney has spent years of her time and energy perfecting, will be available to buy later this month. With Kim launching her private SKKY equity company, rumors of Kim and Kylie launching an app, and Kourtney launching a vitamin company, this is clearly a very busy month for the Kardashians. The vitamin company is right on brand for the Poosh founder, and goes well with her healthy living philosophy. The official Lemme Instagram account already has over 150 thousand followers, and their first post has nearly 500 thousand likes. It’s clear that fans can’t wait to get their hands on Lemme vitamins. The family will also soon start promoting The Kardashians season 2, which premieres shortly. Lemme might be featured on the new season, with all the other career endeavors that the Kar-Jenners have been dabbling in lately. Source: Wall Street Journal

On Air Today: Michael Koh Talks Sports – Chapelboro.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/on-air-today-michael-koh-talks-sports-chapelboro-com/ © Chapelboro WCHL University Place 201 South Estes Drive, Suite C6a Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 933-4165 Office

Lavazza’s Metaverse Soccer Game Highlights Deforestation – Adweek https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/lavazzas-metaverse-soccer-game-highlights-deforestation-adweek/ As brands dip their toes into the burgeoning space that is the metaverse, coffee producer Lavazza has launched its own game on virtual platform Roblox aiming to raise environmental awareness among young people. Enjoying your content? You Have 1 Free Article Left. Register to continue reading!

16 Best Free Competitive Games You Can Play On Nintendo Switch – Gameranx https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/16-best-free-competitive-games-you-can-play-on-nintendo-switch-gameranx/ Get competitive. Are you looking to scratch that competitive itch? In this list, we’re looking at some of the best available free competitive games on the Nintendo Switch. From battle royale games to revamp classics, there’s something in here for everyone. #16 Roller Champions A free-to-play Ubisoft Original title that trades guns for roller skates. Roller Champions pits teams of three against each other to take a ball, maintain a lap whilst keeping hold of the ball, dodge opponents to then score. If you keep hold of the ball for more laps, your team will score more points. Customize your characters, gain fans and compete in the best arenas. Now’s the time to show who’s the champ.  #15 Super Animal Royale Battle royale with cute animals? I’m in! Super Animal Royale is a 64-player, top-down 2D battle royale game where various (aggressive) animals will face off against each other in a race to become the number one. Search for and collect your weapons of choice and shoot your way to victory. Play solo or team up as a squad of four, the choice is yours. Unlock hundreds of different animal breeds and customize them with thousands of cosmetic items, outfits and umbrellas! What’s better? IT’s consistently being updated to include bigger and better content.  #14 Paladins A free-to-play fantasy game that already has a 50+ million player base. Paladins is a fantasy team shooter similar to the likes of Overwatch. Choose your desired champion from a large selection, all with their own attributes and special moves. This game gives you a little more customisation regarding your abilities though, with the option to choose your desired core abilities. On top of that, Paladins allows you to choose what your playstyle is with the deck-building system. Choose from dozens of cards to create your perfect champion.    #13 Knockout City Despite its name, Knockout City is not a boxing game or a punch-em-out game. No, this is a game that features epic dodgeball battles. Team up and battle against rival crews in this intense but mega-fun team-based multiplayer game. Customise your character, form your own crew and take on the world. Knock out opponents with cool trick shots and coordinated teamwork, dodge flying balls and even become a ball yourself.. Yes, I said what I said. A variety of ball types, locations and game modes will keep you entertained for hours to come. Not to mention each season comes with new maps, balls, rewards and events. So, get to it. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.  #12 Super Bomberman R Online Who remembers playing the classic that is Bomberman? Facing off against 3 other friends to become the champ? Well, Super Bomberman R has taken that to the extreme with the classic Bomberman gameplay we know and love supercharged to 64 players online. Customise your character with outfits and bomb skins and pick up exciting power-ups to give you the advantage. Nintendo Switch online subscribers will be able to download this free of charge. So go on, get downloading one of the most addictive games out there.  #11 Pac-Man 99 Similarly to the above, Pac-Man 99 is available for free as a special offer to Nintendo Switch Online members. Again, taking everything we love about the original Pac-Man games and making it into a hectic battle royale game. Roam the maze, avoid ghosts (or eat them) and stay alive, all whilst you’re playing against 98 other players. Collect power-ups to knock your opponents off your tail and become the champ. Not only that, but there are a range of game modes to explore, including offline play so there is something for everyone. Sounds hectic, right? It is. But, it’s a ton of fun.  #10 Rogue Company A third-person tactical action shooter that tasks you with defeating enemies in objective and action based game modes. Explore exotic locales, take out the enemy team is thrilling gun-play and cause many explosions. Rogue Company features 4v4 and 6v6 game modes such as King of the Hill, Strikeout and Demolition or see how you fare in more competitive ranked modes. Each player has their own unique set of skills, weapons and gadgets, allowing you to choose your own play style. Do you prefer to get up close and personal? Get yourself a katana. Or maybe you prefer to lurk in the dark with a sniper rifle? What’s better though is that all rogues can be unlocked for free, with no in-game purchases necessary. Just playing the game is enough.  #9 World of Tanks Blitz The 3D tank shooter features a 7×7 format that can be enjoyed both on your own or with friends. Featuring over 350 unique combat vehicles with elaborate 3D models and historically accurate vehicles, this will be a blast. Over 25 battle arenas are at your disposal with a well-developed progression system which allows you to research vehicles from Tier 1 tanks to mighty Tier X machines. A range of in-game events await you that allow you to unlock rare vehicles and offer a different gameplay experience. If you like your heavy vehicles, this one’s for you. #8 Ninjala Ever wanted to be a ninja? Well, now is the perfect time. Up to 8 players compete is a battle royale-style match to be the best of the best. The player who earns the most points throughout the course of the match will be crowned the winner. Defeat opponents, collect items, destroy drones and more to score the points that will allow you to be the winner. Ninjala also features cooperative play in a 4-on-4 team battle where you must work together to gain a higher score than the enemy team. Of course, what would it be without a form of customisation? Players can use a variety of costumes and accessories to create their own unique look for their character. Perfect! #7 Smite The ever-growing popular action multiplayer online battle arena game Smite is free-to-play on the Nintendo Switch! Choose from over 100 Gods to play as and unleash pain and suffering on your opponent’s. You name it, you can play it! Zeus, Thor, Monkey King – all playable. Featuring an auto-buy and auto-level mechanic, Smite makes it super easy to jump in on the action. With different game modes and unlockables, what’s not to love about this MOBA that already has over 35+ million players. Join the ranks! #6 Brawlhalla An epic platform fighter for up to 8 players online or locally. Featuring casual free-for-alls, more competitive ranked matches and even private battles with friends, Brawlhalla is a blast. With over 50 legends to choose from and customisable options on all of them, you are bound to find one you love. With themed events including famous Street Fighter characters as well as it being cross-platform, there are many reasons to play Brawlhalla. #5 Fortnite Do we really even need to describe Fortnite at this point? The game that blew up has become a phenomenon around the world. It’s also a key battle royale game available on just about every mainline platform. Players drop into the map and scavenge for resources, build up structures, and attempt to take out the competition. Meanwhile, the map continues to shrink down in size, forcing every player to move just a bit closer to one another. So if this game has somehow slipped past your radar, give it a download and try it out today. #4 Fall Guys Fall Guys took the world by storm when it was released on PlayStation 4 back in 2020, heading straight onto PlayStation Plus, and the world went wild for it. Offering a different type of battle royale experience that doesn’t include guns and killing, instead Fall Guys has players partaking in various mini-games to see who comes out on top. Race games, team games and even memory games will be among the many you need to master in order to win. Think of ninja Warrior mixed with Takeshi’s Castle. The game recently came to Nintendo Switch consoles with Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout, a free-to-play version of the game. Will you come out with the crown? Go find out!  #3 Apex Legends For the lovers of Fortnite that want a more competitive style of play, there is Apex Legends. Each character has a background and lore from the Titanfall universe with their own unique abilities. No matter how you play, there will be a legend for you. If you prefer to stay back and heal your teammates, there’s Lifeline with her useful healing drone. If you prefer to rush into the fight and do as much damage as possible, there’s Wraith who can phase to avoid any incoming damage. Unlike Fortnite, there is no option to join a 4 man squad but instead they have 3 man and duos for battle royale or there are Arenas which is a round based elimination type game mode. There are always new events with limited time game modes and skin cosmetics for you to obtain along with customizations for your banner so you always look good when you wipe out the enemy squads.  #2 Rocket League A game of football with a twist. Rocket League is an arcade-style soccer game where instead of controlling people, you control cars. Yes, that’s right. Boost, jump, bash your way to the ball in order to knock it into the net. Unlock various items in their version of a battle pass with the Rocket Pass, test your skill in competitive tournaments, complete challenges, or just have some relaxing fun with friends. It’s a ton of fun, and it features cross-platform progression and play. Now is the best time to play, what are you waiting for? Shoot your shot! #1 Tetris 99 Another Nintendo Switch Online offering, Tetris 99 pits 99 players together in an all out Tetris Frenzy. All 99 players are playing a game of Tetris at the same time. The goal? To survive for longer than the others. Dominate your opponents by clearing your own grid as quickly as possible, making more drops for other players. Various times events are held which hold awesome prizes too, which is awesome! It’s str...

LUNA Top Crypto Loser, TAMA Presale At $15M – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/luna-top-crypto-loser-tama-presale-at-15m-cryptonews/ Terra LUNA is the biggest crypto loser today, down 27%. In other altcoin news, ERC-20 token Tamadoge (TAMA) has raised $15 million in its presale. Latest Crypto News Bitcoin is steadily climbing, with a 3% rally to the upside in the past 24 hours, hitting an intraday high of $22,500 and many altcoins are following – notably Solana is up 7% and one of the top 10 crypto gainers on Binance.  Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) is putting on an even stronger performance, up 13% and breaking into the 5 biggest crypto gainers on Binance since news of its upcoming Coinbase listing broke today.  The two Terra crypto assets are red on the day however and appear to be retracing their recent bull runs. Terra Classic (LUNC) is also crashing today – down 20% and the second highest loser after LUNA. Top Crypto Trader Sells LUNC Altcoin Sherpa tweeted out to his 183k followers yesterday that he opened a short position on LUNC, timing the top well. Sell LUNA, Buy TAMA? Retail investors tend to buy the top of bull cycles by FOMO’ing into green candles – by the time Terra (LUNA) and Terra Classic (LUNC) had made mainstream headlines for their explosive run ups in the past weeks, the top was in. A potentially better way to invest in cryptocurrency is to research new crypto projects at their presale or initial coin offering (ICO) stage, yet to begin trading on crypto exchanges and pump to a high valuation in the billions of dollars. Tamadoge (TAMA) is the native token of an upcoming play to earn crypto game, adopting the aesthetic and mass appeal of dog themed meme coins but having a use case and being deflationary with a low fixed supply – unlike e.g. Dogecoin which has an infinite supply and is inflationary. In that way it addresses some of the issues that faced DOGE and Shiba Inu (SHIB) in that they had little utility or scarcity as reasons to hold them after they achieved fully diluted valuations (FDV) in the tens of billions in mid to late 2021. Learn more about TAMA, its roadmap and team at tamadoge.io. At the time of writing the Tamadoge presale is on pace to sell out this month, with under $4 million remaining before its hard cap of $19 million is hit. Visit Tamadoge Presale

Opinion | John Fetterman Needs To Debate More Than Once For U.S. Senate – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/opinion-john-fetterman-needs-to-debate-more-than-once-for-u-s-senate-the-washington-post/ Debates about debates between candidates running for office are tedious, as barbs are traded over the number of matchups, the timing, the ground rules. But the one being played out in Pennsylvania between Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) and his Republican opponent in the race for U.S. Senate, Mehmet Oz, is worthy of attention. The race might well determine which party controls the Senate, and voters would benefit from seeing the two candidates exchange ideas and test each other. Mr. Fetterman has seemingly been reluctant to commit to firm debate dates, and that troubling stance has raised questions about whether he, still recovering from a serious stroke, is fit to serve in the Senate. After suffering a stroke in May, Mr. Fetterman was off the campaign trail for three months and has campaigned little since then; he held a rally Sunday. Mr. Oz has pressed for five debates, but Mr. Fetterman dodged and ducked before tentatively agreeing last week to one but not until “sometime in the middle to end of October.” That’s well after Sept. 19, when voters can start casting mail-in ballots, and it’s short of the two debates that had been the standard during recent competitive Senate contests in Pennsylvania. Since returning to the campaign trail, Mr. Fetterman has been halting in his performances. He stammers, appears confused and keeps his remarks short. He has held no news conferences. Mr. Fetterman acknowledges his difficulties with auditory processing, which make it hard for him to respond quickly to what he’s hearing. He receives speech therapy — and we wish him a speedy, full recovery — but the lingering, unanswered questions about his health, underscored by his hesitation to debate, are unsettling. The Fetterman campaign squandered credibility by concealing from the public for two days after his stroke that he had been hospitalized. It waited weeks longer to reveal a more complete picture of his medical history, including that he had been diagnosed in 2017 with cardiomyopathy. Mr. Fetterman had a pacemaker with a defibrillator implanted after the stroke. The campaign’s response to questions about Mr. Fetterman’s health is to point to a doctor’s note, released more than 14 weeks ago, which said “he should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem” if he takes his medications and exercises. That’s not good enough. Mr. Fetterman is asking voters for a six-year contract without giving them enough information to make sound judgments about whether he’s up for such a demanding job. We have called for full disclosure of health records from candidates for federal office in both parties, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and we believe Mr. Fetterman should release his medical records for independent review. And he should debate Mr. Oz before voters start casting their ballots. Mr. Oz, for his part, has not exactly conducted himself with glory. The campaign’s offer to fund “any additional medical personnel [Mr. Fetterman] might need to have on standby” during a debate and its mocking comment about Mr. Fetterman not eating enough vegetables were sophomoric and unseemly, made worse by the fact that Mr. Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon. Both candidates have something to prove to voters, and there is no better forum than a debate. The Post’s View | About the Editorial Board Editorials represent the views of The Washington Post as an institution, as determined through debate among members of the Editorial Board, based in the Opinions section and separate from the newsroom. Members of the Editorial Board and areas of focus: Deputy Editorial Page Editor Karen Tumulty; Deputy Editorial Page Editor Ruth Marcus; Associate Editorial Page Editor Jo-Ann Armao (education, D.C. affairs); Jonathan Capehart (national politics); Lee Hockstader (immigration; issues affecting Virginia and Maryland); David E. Hoffman (global public health); Charles Lane (foreign affairs, national security, international economics); Heather Long (economics); Molly Roberts (technology and society); and Stephen Stromberg (elections, the White House, Congress, legal affairs, energy, the environment, health care).

Official: Idaho Computer Chip Plant Makes US More Resilient – The Associated Press – En Español https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/official-idaho-computer-chip-plant-makes-us-more-resilient-the-associated-press-en-espanol/ BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Chipmaker Micron’s planned $15 billion investment in a new factory in the company’s hometown of Boise will help protect the United States from the vulnerabilities of a globalized semiconductor market, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Monday. “It is time to get America making things again, with American parts and American labor,” Granholm told a crowd of about 250 guests and Micron workers invited to a tent-covered dirt field for a ceremonial groundbreaking. The event included setting off a ground-clearing explosion far from the crowd that emitted red, white and blue smoke. The U.S. and Europe are pushing aggressively to build chipmaking capacity and reduce reliance on producers that are now mostly based in Asia. Semiconductor businesses have also been trying to diversify their operations to avoid bottlenecks caused by problems — such as a natural disaster or pandemic lockdown — in a specific region. Micron officials said that the high desert, sagebrush steppe area east of Boise is expected to have the largest chipmaking cleanroom, or fab, in the U.S. by the end of the decade, covering 600,000 square feet (55,000 square meters) and creating 17,000 jobs. Construction is expected to start in 2023, with some cleanroom working space ready by 2025 and expanding in phases. Micron is among the nation’s largest chipmakers, with product development sites in five other states and eight countries. Research and development is centered in Boise. Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron’s president and chief executive officer, said the company is committed to investing in the Idaho community — with an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in both K-12 and higher education. He said the company would focus on reaching underrepresented and rural school populations. Micron “will inspire young minds to build the STEM skills they need to succeed in our technology-based world,” he said. In recent years, state Republican lawmakers have caused dismay among Idaho’s business community by launching attacks on public education spending, which succeeded in 2021 with a $2.5 million cut to universities despite a budget surplus. Micron officials late last year announced plans to build a 500-worker, memory design center in Georgia, partly to take advantage of that area’s education system. That sent tremors through Idaho’s business and political landscape. But earlier this year, lawmakers approved a record $300 million boost to education. And earlier this month, lawmakers added another $410 million from a budget surplus in a legislative special session that was called due to high inflation. “We really needed this (semiconductor plant) in the U.S. and not overseas,” said Republican state Sen. Scott Grow, who attended Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony and has helped push through legislation beneficial to Micron. “To get a big outfit like this, and to get enough workers, we have to do all we can here in Idaho to help provide that kind of education so this can continue to grow, and they don’t have to just bring in people from out of state.” Several chipmakers last year signaled an interest in expanding their American operations if the U.S. government is able to make it easier to build chip plants. Samsung said in November it plans to build a $17 billion factory outside of Austin, Texas, and Intel broke ground last week on a $20 billon new computer chip facility in Ohio. Micron’s $15 billion investment was made possible by last month’s passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, a $280 billion bill aimed at bolstering U.S. competitiveness against China and avoiding another chip shortage like the one that derailed the auto and tech industries during the pandemic. The law sets aside $52 billion to bolster the semiconductor industry that, due to COVID-related supply chain constraints, has struggled to manufacture the chips. Besides the CHIPS law, Micron also benefits from property tax breaks in Idaho. And lawmakers earlier this year passed legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Brad Little, that eliminates sales taxes on expensive equipment Micron will have to buy to produce the chips. Of the 17,000 expected jobs, 2,000 will be employed directly by Micron, and 15,000 are expected to come from other companies working in support of the new plant. LaMarr Barnes, chief executive officer of Tokyo-based Kurita, said this company will bid to help create the supply of ultra-pure water needed for chipmaking. If successful, he expects to hire several hundred workers for the Boise area. “We’d love to be able to do the work for this new fab, and if we do, we’d have to hire quite a bit of engineering staff,” he said.

Hard Rock International And Seminole Gaming Surprise U.S. Workforce With Substantial Wage Increases Nationwide – PR Newswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/hard-rock-international-and-seminole-gaming-surprise-u-s-workforce-with-substantial-wage-increases-nationwide-pr-newswire/ Half of U.S workforce affected as part of a $100 million company investment , /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming today announced wage increases for half its U.S. workforce. The increases apply to U.S. team members and new hires at company managed Hotel, Casino and Cafe locations nationwide. Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming surprise U.S. team members with substantial wage increases impacting 95 different job classifications at Hard Rock managed Hotel, Casino and Cafe locations nationwide. Photo Credit: Redline Media Group. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood team members jump for joy after learning of surprise wage increases that will impact half the Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming workforce. Photo Credit: Redline Media Group 95 job classifications, including cooks, housekeepers, security, public space, call center and many more are among the greatest impacted. In some cases, starting wages are increasing by over 60 percent.  The new starting wages range between $18 and $21 an hour, with minimal exceptions – more than 2.5 times the Federal minimum wage and exceeding each U.S. state minimum wage.  An entry-level team member in Florida, for instance, will receive between $8 and $11 per hour above the state’s current $10 per hour minimum wage. The hourly rate increase for full time team members equates to more than $16,000 per year above the state’s minimum wage, a potentially life-changing pay increase for thousands of entry-level team members. This recent $100 million investment in its team members is part of an ongoing effort to honor and appreciate its workforce, which has recently included paying frontline employees bonuses during the pandemic and other expanded benefits. It puts Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming at the forefront of the gaming and hospitality industries, among those companies offering the most competitive wages. “My career has encompassed over four decades and I have never been involved in such a historic event. The support the Seminole Tribe of Florida has given me to enhance the standard of living for so many people is a dream come true. We have changed people’s lives and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, CEO of Seminole Gaming. For the last several years, Forbes has recognized Hard Rock as one of the Top Employers for Women, For New Graduates, For Diversity and as America’s Best Large Employer in the Entertainment and Hospitality Industry. Additionally, Seminole Hard Rock and Hard Rock Online Casino was awarded Employer of Choice in the 2022 Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey. Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming continually invest in programs that empower and support team members’ professional career growth by offering unique benefits like tuition reimbursement and mentorship for women. There are currently over 1,600 Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming jobs open at the new higher starting wage rates. Anyone interested in joining a team that values its members, at one of the most globally recognized companies, please visit https://www.hardrock.com/careers.aspx and https://www.gotoworkhappy.com/. About Seminole Gaming: Seminole Gaming manages six Florida casinos for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla. Seminole Gaming has long been recognized for its industry innovations and success. It was the first Indian Tribe in North America to open a high-stakes bingo hall and casino, which debuted in 1979 and became the forerunner of the Indian Gaming movement. Seminole Gaming is currently the only gaming company to have an investment grade rating from all three primary investment rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody’s (Baa2) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). About Hard Rock®: Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 265 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2022, Hard Rock Hotels was honored as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for the second year in a row among Upper Upscale Hotels in J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. This designation is the fourth consecutive year the iconic brand has been among top brands in this category. HRI is the first privately-owned gaming company designated U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for the second year. Hard Rock was also honored as one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com. SOURCE Hard Rock International

‘This Is Not A Win For You.’ Denton Bar Cancels Disney Drag Brunch After Threats – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-is-not-a-win-for-you-denton-bar-cancels-disney-drag-brunch-after-threats-nbc-5-dallas-fort-worth/ A Disney-themed drag brunch open to all ages in Denton was canceled after bar management hosting the event reported receiving threats, “aggressive phone calls and hateful comments.” The event at Cool Beans Bar and Grill, scheduled for Sunday, was canceled Thursday. “To those of you out there who have forced us to make this decision, shame on you!,” bar management said in a statement posted on social media. “Shame on you for putting fear into us with your threats, your horrible DMs, your aggressive phone calls, and hateful comments. This is not a ‘win’ for you.” The cancellation comes less than two weeks after another drag event at Anderson Distillery & Grill in Roanoke, also in Denton County, drew protesters and armed counterprotesters. A video of the groups shouting at each other outside the event went viral. Cool Beans management noted in their statement issued late Thursday night that fear for the safety of employees and attendees arose after the drag brunch “caught a lot of attention from certain political groups who have made it very clear they aren’t happy about this event.” Denton police officials said they are “aware of the situation” and noted that Cool Beans’ owner filed a police report “regarding the numerous phone calls and social media messages received about the now-canceled event.” Local The latest news from around North Texas. To read the rest of the story, visit our partner at the Dallas Morning News.

Nationwide Travel Insurance Review: Plans, Coverage, Who It’s Best For – Business Insider https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nationwide-travel-insurance-review-plans-coverage-who-its-best-for-business-insider/ Nationwide has been around close to 100 years after being founded in 1926. The Ohio-based company has many different products in the insurance and finance space, including coverage for trips. Nationwide travel insurance policies are available for single or multiple trips and can cover cruise trips too. Nationwide travel insurance Nationwide travel insurance Pros & Cons Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available Dash icon A dash. It often indicates an interaction to shrink a section. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan Dash icon A dash. It often indicates an interaction to shrink a section. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans) Cancel for any reason coverage available Travel insurance plans from Nationwide Nationwide travel insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There’s also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.  The travel insurance policies offered by Nationwide are available to consumers and are divided up by the type of trip: single trip, multiple trips, or cruise coverage.  Single-trip travel insurance policies Nationwide offers two single-trip travel insurance policies: the Essential plan and the Prime plan. As the name suggests, Nationwide Essential plan covers the basics. It offers some protection should anything happen ahead of your trip or while you’re on your trip.  The Prime plan takes your coverage to the next level, with higher coverage limits and the option to add on the coveted Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage at an extra cost. Both plans include trip cancellation or interruption coverage in the event of terrorism in your destination city, travel assistance from Nationwide at no additional charge, and refunds with a 10-day review period (except in WA and NY). Note that for baggage and personal effects coverage, there is a $500 combined maximum limit for valuable items (see your policy’s terms and conditions for details on what’s considered valuable). Here’s how the two plans stack up in terms of coverage limits. For trip delay coverage, you’ll be eligible for reimbursement for delays of six hours or more. Annual and multi-trip travel insurance policies If you’re looking for travel insurance coverage for more than one trip and want to cover your partner and children, the Travel Pro Plan may be an affordable option. It’s important to note that this policy only covers events after departure, not pre-departure events. This policy could be as low as $59 as of the time of writing. The Travel Plus Plan is another multi-trip policy from Nationwide that has flexible term limits for trip interruption and cancellation coverage, up to $10,000. This covers the gaps from the Travel Pro Plan, which only covers post-departure events. So if you needed to cancel the trip due to a covered illness or other reason, this is the plan for you. If you want to increase the level of benefits for your after departure coverage, the Travel Pro Deluxe Plan does just that. It builds on the Travel Pro Plan, hence the name, and includes higher coverage limits for just $20 more.  All plans include the same travel assistance from Nationwide that’s included with the single-trip policies. Here’s how the multiple-trip plans compare: Cruise coverage Nationwide offers three cruise travel insurance plans. If you’re going on a short cruise or going for the first time, the Universal Cruise Plan may be a good starting point if you want added protection and to recoup nonrefundable costs. Just make sure that you qualify based on your state, as cruise coverage isn’t available in all states. If you’re going on a longer cruise and want added coverage to protect your trip, the Choice Cruise plan is an option to consider. And if you’re looking for the most benefits and go on many cruises, the Luxury Cruise plan offers the most coverage options. All three policies can be refunded with a 10-day review period, except in WA and NY states. Here’s a comparison of the coverage you’ll get with Nationwide’s three different cruise travel insurance policies: Additional coverage options from Nationwide  Nationwide travel insurance has a number of additional coverage options that can add more protection to your policy but also add to the cost as well. These include: Financial default coverage, in the event your travel supplier ends up in default or bankruptcy. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.  Pre-existing condition waiver, which may offer coverage for pre-existing illnesses or diseases if certain conditions are met. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.  Accidental death and dismemberment, which can have limits of $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 depending on the plan. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.  Accidental death for flights only, which can have limits of $100,000, $250,000, or $500,000. This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies.  Rental car collision or loss coverage, in the event something happens to your rental car, you can add on this coverage for up to $25,000 or $35,000 depending on the plan.This is available with the Essential and Prime single-trip policies (except in TX or NY).  Cancel for any reason (CFAR), which must be added to a policy and is available through the single-trip Prime Plan, the Choice Cruise Plan, and the Luxury Cruise Plan.  How much does travel insurance from Nationwide cost? The cost to get a travel insurance policy through Nationwide will depend on several factors, including what type of coverage you get, whether you purchase any add-ons, as well as your destination, length of trip, and more.  On Nationwide’s website, you can get a quote for a travel insurance policy by providing the following: Destination Departure date Return date Age Residence Total trip cost Initial trip payment date Let’s review some potential costs. If you’re a 35-year-old from Florida heading to Brazil for the last two weeks of the year in December and your total trip cost is $5,000 with an initial payment on September 1, your policy would be:  $196.89 for the Essential Plan $273.20 for the Prime Plan  If you’re a 55-year-old from Oregon heading to Mexico in the first 10 days of January via Carnival Cruise lines and spending $4,000 on the trip with an initial payment on September 1 and last payment on November 30, your policy would be: $172 for Universal Cruise Plan  $206 for Choice Cruise Plan  $244 for Luxury Cruise Plan  How do I file a claim with Nationwide? If you purchased travel insurance through Nationwide and need to file a claim, you can contact a Nationwide representative.  Claims through Nationwide are handled by Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC. You can use their claims portal or call a representative, based on your type of policy.  Single trip policy phone number: 888-490-7606  Annual plan policy phone number: 866-281-1017  Cruise policy phone number: 866-281-0334  Rather reach out via email? You can contact Nationwide via NWTravClaims@cbpinsure.com. If you need to send documents via mail, the mailing address is: Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies P.O. Box 26222 Tampa, FL 33623 Insider’s Featured Travel Insurance Companies World Nomads Travel Insurance Allianz Travel Insurance Travelex travel insurance Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Editor’s Rating 4.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor’s Rating 4.7/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor’s Rating 4.45/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Compare Nationwide vs Allianz  Nationwide offers many different types of insurance coverage. While the company may be most well known for auto insurance, it offers travel insurance as well and has eight options. Allianz, a major player in the travel insurance space, has 10 options listed.  Allianz may offer higher coverage limits for the policies offered and have a streamlined process for filing a claim online. Where Nationwide wins out is the fact that you can add Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) for an added cost, whereas CFAR coverage isn’t available when purchasing an online policy via Allianz.  Compare Nationwide vs John Hancock  John Hancock is similar to Nationwide in that it provides a wide...

Wall Street Rallies Ahead Of High-Stakes Inflation Report – 69News WFMZ-TV https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wall-street-rallies-ahead-of-high-stakes-inflation-report-69news-wfmz-tv/ NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks rose again on Wall Street ahead of a high-stakes report that will hopefully show inflation hammered the economy less hard last month. The S&P 500 climbed 1.1% Monday, while gains for tech companies pushed the Nasdaq up a bit more. Traders are making their final moves before a report on Tuesday that’s expected to show inflation slowed again during August. It likely won’t change minds at the Federal Reserve, which is preparing for another hefty hike to interest rates next week. A continued slowdown in inflation would give the Fed more of a chance of avoiding a scarring recession. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are climbing further Monday, as Wall Street makes its last moves ahead of a high-stakes report that will hopefully show inflation hammered the economy less hard last month. The S&P 500 was 0.9% higher in afternoon trading, putting it on track for a fourth straight gain. That would be its longest winning streak since July, in the early days of the market’s bounce back from its battering earlier in the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 192 points, or 0.6%, at 32,344, as of 2:45 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 1% higher. The nation’s punishingly high inflation, and the steps the Federal Reserve is taking to combat it, have been the driving forces on Wall Street all year. Economists expect a report on Tuesday to show that prices for consumers were 8.1% higher in August than a year earlier, but that inflation was not as bad as July’s 8.5% rate. A slowdown would bolster hopes that inflation topped out in June at 9.1% and is on its way back down. That in turn could allow the Federal Reserve to avoid a worst-case scenario for markets, where it jacks short-term interest rates up to recession-causing levels and holds them there a long time. “This week is going to be very telling,” said James Demmert, founder and managing partner at Main Street Research. Beyond Tuesday’s headliner report on inflation at the consumer level, a report on Wednesday is expected to show inflation slowed at the wholesale level last month. A report on Thursday will show how U.S. households have altered their spending amid high inflation, while a Friday report will show how much inflation households are preparing for in upcoming years. They’re all crucial data points for the Federal Reserve as it mulls how much to raise interest rates at its meeting next week. Fed officials have loudly reaffirmed recently their plans to raise rates high enough to slow the economy, plus their commitment to keeping rates high for long enough to ensure the job is done on inflation. But with Tuesday’s report possibly continuing a trend, many investors and economists are hopeful that inflation could return to more “normal” levels quickly, unlike the 1970s, when it took many years. Jonathan Golub, chief U.S. equity strategist at Credit Suisse, wrote in a report that investors and economists expect inflation to collapse within the next 12 to 18 months. Markets are fairly convinced the Fed will hike its key short-term interest rate by another hefty 0.75 percentage points next week. But the hope is that an easing of inflation will allow the Federal Reserve to remain on its very narrow pathway for a “soft landing” of the economy. That’s where higher rates slow the economy enough to halt inflation but not so much as to cause a scarring recession. Higher rates hurt the economy by making it more expensive to buy a house, a car or anything else bought on credit. They also push down on prices for stocks, bonds and other investments. Many traders are forecasting the Fed to begin easing up on the size of its rate increases after next week through the end of the year, before potentially keeping rates steady through the first half of 2023. Of course, such hopes could also be setting up Wall Street for disappointment. The economy has given head fakes on inflation before, with hopes percolating that a peak has passed only to begin accelerating again. Demmert said the broader market is looking for inflation to not just peak, but to start cooling meaningfully. He said the strong hopes for Tuesday’s inflation report are likely “not going to be healthy for stocks.” Wall Street economists are still split on whether the U.S. economy will fall into a recession next year because of higher interest rates and other factors. The Fed has already raised short-term rates four times this year, and its aggressive moves have helped the value of the U.S. dollar soar against many other foreign currencies. A strong dollar helps to limit inflation at home by pushing down on prices for commodities and imports, but it can also hurt profits for U.S. companies that have a lot of sales coming from overseas. The dollar gave up some of its gains on Monday after slipping against the euro, British pound and several others. Treasury yields were mixed. The 10-year Treasury yield, which helps control where mortgages and rates for other loans are heading, is back at 3.35%, close to its highest level in more than a decade. The two-year yield, which tends to track expectations for Fed action, held steady at 3.56%. It remains close to its highest level since before the 2008 financial crisis. In the stock market, the vast majority of stocks were on the rise. Energy producers were close to the top of the leaderboard, benefiting from a rise in oil prices. Bristol-Myers Squibb jumped 4.5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 after federal regulators approved its treatment for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Healthy Living For ME Recognizes September As Falls Prevention Awareness Month – The County https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/healthy-living-for-me-recognizes-september-as-falls-prevention-awareness-month-the-county/ AdobeStock_87836936 (AdobeStock) (AdobeStock) September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact that falls have on the lives of millions of Americans each year and take steps to prevent falls.  The U.S. CDC reports that each year one in four adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall. Additionally, the National Council on Aging reports that an older adult is seen in an emergency room every 11 seconds due to a fall-related injury.   “Healthy Living for ME is actively making a difference for Mainers who are at risk for falls. Through workshops and resource connections, network partners throughout the state are helping Mainers reduce their risk of falls and improve their quality of life,” said Jennifer Fortin, training & fidelity manager of Healthy Living for ME. “During this Falls Prevention Awareness Month, we encourage Mainers to assess their own risk for falls and have conversations about preventing falls with loved ones who may be at risk.”   In May 2022, Healthy Living for ME announced that over 2,100 Mainers had participated in the network’s falls prevention workshops, with 98 percent of participants reporting they have made positive changes due to their experience.   In 2022, Healthy Living for ME will be marking Falls Prevention Awareness month with several events in addition to the network’s regularly offered falls prevention workshops.   Falls Prevention Awareness Week is held during the awareness month, Sept. 18-24. During this week, Healthy Living for ME will be holding two public drop-in events to provide free balance assessments and information/resources to Mainers.   Aroostook Agency on Aging will partner with HL4ME during the Falls Prevention Awareness Month to host several events including regional informational sessions, as well as several demonstration events for ongoing wellness classes that are designed to improve balance, strength, and mobility to prevent falls. For a complete listing of September events in Aroostook County, please visit www.aroostookaging or call 207-764-3396/800-439-1789.  Among the factors that may put someone at risk for falls are balance and gait, as well as the presence of chronic conditions that lead to inactivity or pain. Throughout the year, the Healthy Living for ME network offers free and low-cost evidence-based workshops that can help adult Mainers of all ages prevent falls through addressing balance, flexibility, and activity levels. These include A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Health and Balance, Bingocize, and EnhanceFitness.   To learn more about these workshops, to register for one, or to make a referral, visit Healthy Living for ME’s website at www.healthylivingforme.org, call at 1-800-620-6036, or send an email to info@healthylivingforme.org.  Healthy Living for ME is a statewide network of local organizations, health systems and volunteers that work together to empower individuals to take control of their health. Through tailored services, we provide free and low-cost options that are personalized to focus on the entire individual rather than a single condition to improve overall quality of life. Thank you for reading your 4 free articles this month. To continue reading, and support local, rural journalism, please subscribe.

There’s Optimism That Steelers’ T.J. Watt Did Not Fully Tear His Pec And Could Return In Roughly A Month – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/theres-optimism-that-steelers-t-j-watt-did-not-fully-tear-his-pec-and-could-return-in-roughly-a-month-cbs-sports/ The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ worst fears may not be realized. It was a bittersweet start to the year for the franchise as they were able to fend off the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 with an overtime win, but it came at a cost as a number of players departed due to injury, including star pass rusher T.J. Watt. He went down with a pec injury in the second half and it was reported that Watt was believed to have suffered a torn pec.  A day removed from the game, however, there is a more optimistic tone surrounding the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reports that there is optimism in Pittsburgh on Monday that Watt did not experience a full pec tear and will be able to return after sitting out for a month or so.  Of course, further tests will fully determine the scope of the injury and a clearer timetable, but this is far more encouraging news than how ominous things seemed immediately coming out of Sunday. Watt will get second and third medical opinions on the injury Tuesday, according to ESPN. If he needs surgery, he’ll likely miss the rest of the season, per Adam Schefter. If he doesn’t, he could be back in about six weeks. Before leaving due to the injury, Watt was his typical dominating self, tallying six tackles (three for a loss), a sack, and an interception as Pittsburgh’s defense did a good job against Joe Burrow. The Bengals quarterback was sacked a total of seven times and was forced into four interceptions and one fumble. Watt is coming off a 2021 season where he tied the single-season sack record with 22.5.  “Having T.J. out there definitely benefits us,” Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward said of Watt’s impact following Sunday’s win. “He’s a leader. He’s the defensive player of the year. However long it takes, other guys have got to step up. Alex [Highsmith] stepped up pretty good today. Malik and Jamir [Jones] are coming along. We had to do some different stuff out there. We rally around him, and when he gets back, we’ll be ready.”  Over the next month, the Steelers are slated to host the Patriots in Week 2, visit the Browns in Week 3, play the Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Week 4, and take on the Bills in Buffalo in Week 5. If Watt does sit out for just a month, that could be the window of games he misses with a return against the Buccaneers in Week 6 on Oct. 16 as a possible return date.  Again, a clearer timetable for his potential return and a true gauge of the severity of the injury should be unearthed in the coming days.

Bored Ape NFT Metaverse Band Taps Beyoncé, Bruno Mars Producers – Decrypt https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/bored-ape-nft-metaverse-band-taps-beyonce-bruno-mars-producers-decrypt/ In brief Kingship, a virtual band based on Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT artwork, has named Hit-Boy and James Fauntleroy its co-executive producers and songwriters. Universal Music Group’s 10:22PM label created the group in partnership with NFT collector Jimmy “j1mmy” McNelis, who owns the NFTs. Universal Music Group announced today that its virtual metaverse band, Kingship—which features characters based on Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT artwork—has tapped a pair of very real music producers that have created hits for superstars like Beyoncé, Jay Z, and Bruno Mars. The veteran producers—Chauncey “Hit-Boy” Hollis and James Fauntleroy—will take the roles of co-executive producers and songwriters behind the Bored Ape band, and work to create music for the NFT-inspired characters to perform in videos and immersive online metaverse worlds. Kingship hails from UMG’s 10:22PM label and was created by label head Celine Joshua. The characters in the band are based on Bored Ape Yacht Club and Mutant Ape Yacht Club NFTs licensed from notable collector Jimmy “j1mmy” McNelis. It’s similar to the seminal virtual band Gorillaz, albeit with a handful of valuable NFTs used as source material. Hit-Boy is a well-known hip-hop producer and three-time Grammy winner who has produced hit singles for artists like Beyoncé, Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay Z, and Ariana Grande. Fauntleroy, meanwhile, is best known as a four-time Grammy-winning songwriter for artists like Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, and Justin Timberlake, plus he’s produced music for various other musicians. A recent Kingship teaser video, released in August to mark a promotion with the M&M’s candy brand, offered the first taste of their musical contributions to the project. In July, Kingship released its own NFT project, launching 5,000 Ethereum key cards that provide special access to exclusive content and token-gated future experiences. An NFT is a blockchain token that represents ownership of a digital item, and can be used for things like artwork, Bored Ape-style profile pictures, collectibles, and access passes to online communities and live events. The NFT market swelled to $25 billion worth of trading volume in 2021, per data from DappRadar. The Bored Ape Yacht Club is arguably the best-known project in the space, racking up billions of dollars’ worth of trading volume while amassing numerous celebrity and athlete holders. Yuga Labs, the creator of the Ethereum project, raised $450 million earlier this year at a $4 billion valuation, and is working on its own metaverse game called Otherside. Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT holders are given broad rights to use their owned images to create and sell derivative artwork and products. Some owners have used their Bored Ape imagery for things like fast food restaurants, cannabis and alcohol packaging, toys, and apparel. UMG and 10:22PM aren’t the only creators that see opportunity at the intersection of Bored Apes and music: Storied producer and Ape owner Timbaland has also produced music from Bored Ape-based artists. He also released a single as his Bored Ape and sold NFTs of the music video itself. Meanwhile, rappers Eminem and Snoop Dogg—also both Bored Ape NFT owners—recently released a collaborative single called “From The D 2 The LBC” that features their Ape images in the music video. They also performed the song live via 3D Ape avatars at the MTV Video Music Awards, and sold limited-edition merchandise based on their NFT characters. Stay on top of crypto news, get daily updates in your inbox.

Wall Street Posts Fourth Straight Day Of Gains Ahead Of CPI Report – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wall-street-posts-fourth-straight-day-of-gains-ahead-of-cpi-report-reuters/ Raindrops hang on a sign for Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S., October 26, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Segar Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Headline CPI seen easing Tuesday Bristol Myers rises on FDA approval for psoriasis drug Twitter says Musk’s latest attempt to scrap deal invalid Indexes up: Dow 0.71%, S&P 1.06%, Nasdaq 1.27% NEW YORK, Sept 12 (Reuters) – Wall Street extended its winning streak on Monday, rallying to a sharply higher close as investors awaited crucial inflation data that could provide clues about the duration and severity of the Federal Reserve’s tightening policy. Energy (.SPNY) and technology (.SPLRCT) shares helped the three major U.S. stock indexes touch two-week highs and notch their fourth straight session of gains, in which growth (.IGX) stocks were slightly favored over value (.IVX). The Labor Department’s consumer price index (CPI), expected before Tuesday’s opening bell, is this week’s main event, and will be scrutinized for any signs regarding the number and size of future interest rate hikes from the Fed. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “CPI is expected to see a little bit of a decrease,” said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth in Fairfield, Connecticut. “The market is hoping that news translates into smaller rate hikes after the Sept FOMC meeting.” “Because of that, you’re seeing a risk-on type of mentality today,” Pavlik added. On Thursday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell affirmed the central bank remains “strongly committed” to tackling decades-high inflation, and that it would “keep at it until the job is done.” read more Economists polled by Reuters expect monthly CPI to have contracted 0.1% in August from July, edging down to 8.1% year-on-year, mainly due to the recent cool-down of commodity prices. read more Financial markets have currently priced in a 92% probability that the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) will implement its third straight 75-basis-point interest rate hike at the conclusion of next week’s policy meeting, according to CME’s FedWatch tool. “The market has now fully priced in 75 basis points for September,” Pavlik said. “The market is hoping the next one is 50 basis points and that we’ll see a slight decrease in rate hikes after that, and Wall Street can live with that.” The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI) rose 229.63 points, or 0.71%, to 32,381.34, the S&P 500 (.SPX) gained 43.05 points, or 1.06%, to 4,110.41 and the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC) added 154.10 points, or 1.27%, to 12,266.41. All 11 major sectors of the S&P 500 closed green. Energy companies (.SPNY), boosted by rising crude prices , enjoyed the biggest percentage gain. Economically sensitive transports (.DJT) outperformed the broader market, while market-leading megacaps provided the most lift. A 3.9% jump in Apple Inc (AAPL.O) shares gave the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq their biggest boost, days after the gadget maker unveiled updates to its iPhone and Apple Watch. read more Drugmaker Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY.N) rose 3.1% following the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of its psoriasis drug late on Friday. Rival Amgen Inc (AMGN.O), maker of psoriasis drug Otezla, slid 4.1%. Twitter Inc ended the session down 1.8% amid its legal wrangling against Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) chief Elon Musk for scrapping a deal to acquire the social media platform. read more Car selling platform Carvana Co (CVNA.N) hopped 15.5% higher following Piper Sandler’s upgrade of the stock to “overweight.” Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 3.37-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.78-to-1 ratio favored advancers. The S&P 500 posted 11 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 47 new highs and 59 new lows. Volume on U.S. exchanges was 9.63 billion shares, compared with the 10.22 billion average over the last 20 trading days. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Stephen Culp in New York; Additional reporting by Sinead Carew; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Cynthia Osterman Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Senators Tell Meta To Crack Down On Crypto Scams – Investor’s Business Daily https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/senators-tell-meta-to-crack-down-on-crypto-scams-investors-business-daily/ Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website. This may happen as a result of the following: Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example) Your browser does not support cookies Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading. Reference ID: #8d8a8cc2-32d9-11ed-b75d-48526745784a

WATCH: President Biden Vows To Modernize Aging, Outdated U.S. Airports – PBS NewsHour https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/watch-president-biden-vows-to-modernize-aging-outdated-u-s-airports-pbs-newshour/ President Joe Biden traveled to Boston Monday where he spoke at Logan International Airport and vowed to modernize aging, outdated U.S. airports. Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above. The president was highlight spending from last year’s bipartisan infrastructure law and a $62 million investment in Logan Airport. He pledged improvements to other major airports are also on the way. Biden said Logan currently serves four times the number of passengers than it did when it opened in 1974. But with few upgrades, he said it “means crowded gates, longer taxi times, airplanes full of passengers just waiting, all of which is causing congestion and flight delays.” “America invented modern aviation, but we’ve allowed our airports to lag behind our competitors,” Biden said. “Today, not a single, solitary American airport, not one, ranks in the top 25 in the world. In the United States of America, not one airport ranks in the top 25 in the world. What the hell’s the matter with us?” Biden said the infrastructure grant for Logan Airport is “one of the largest federal investments in airports ever.” He said the project would add more gate, baggage claims, ticket counters and additional accessibility as well as create nearly 6,000 jobs. The infrastructure bill signed last year includes billions of dollars for aging airports across the U.S. – something Biden says is urgently needed to stay on top of global competitors like China. “We risk losing our edge as a nation to China, and the rest of the world is catching up,” Biden said. “That stops now, with investments like we’re celebrating here today.”

Small Business UCaaS M&A: Ooma Acquires OnSip – ChannelE2E https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/small-business-ucaas-ma-ooma-acquires-onsip-channele2e/ by Joe Panettieri • Sep 12, 2022 Ooma has acquired OnSip, a unified communications service provider that supports small businesses. The price tag was $9.75 million in cash, or roughly 1X OnSip’s annual revenues. This is technology M&A deal number 799 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. UCaaS M&A Deal: About OnSip and Ooma OnSip, incorporated as Junction Networks Inc., was founded in 2004. The company, based in Manhattan, New York, has 33 employees listed on LinkedIn. OnSip services — spanning VoIP, unified communications and hosted PBX capabilities — support more than 100,000 businesses. OnSip’s previous owner was Intrado. Ooma, founded in 2003, is based in Sunnyvale, California. The company has 1. 2 million core users and 1,067 employees and contractors. Omma’s annual revenue was $192.3 million in fiscal year 2022. Roughly 90% of that revenue is recurring, and customer retention is about 94%, according to a September 2022 presentation to financial analysts. In a prepared statement about the deal, Ooma CEO Eric Stang said: “We’re delighted to welcome OnSIP into the Ooma portfolio of business solutions. OnSIP serves a marquee collection of approximately 50,000 primarily small business users and is well-respected for the ease of use and flexibility of its services and strong customer support. We believe the acquisition of OnSIP is complementary to our strategy to extend our leadership in serving SMB customers and will accelerate overall growth of Ooma Business. We are also thrilled to expand our Ooma team with the addition of OnSIP’s highly experienced employees.” UCaaS Market: Still Hot or Cooling Off? Demand for UCaaS remains strong, but ChannelE2E believes the market will increasingly consolidate around Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce Slack and Cisco Webex. Among the anecdotal items to note in the UCaaS market: August 2022: RingCentral cut some employees, and 8×8’s stock fell sharply amid a bid to refinance $500 million in debt. July 2022: Avaya’s board of directors “removed” James Chirico from his role as president and CEO, and named Vonage veteran Alan Masarek to succeed him. The company also is planning cost cuts, though Avaya did not mention if the cuts involve layoffs. December 2021: Mitel confirmed layoffs after selling certain assets to RingCentral. Take a closer look, and you’ll notice that RingCentral invested in Avaya in 2019, and RingCentral acquired certain Mitel technologies in 2021. Elsewhere, UCaaS provider Intermedia canceled an IPO in 2021 amid “adverse conditions” in the IPO market. Shortly thereafter, NEC announced plans to invest $40 million in Intermedia. UCaaS Mergers and Acquisitions Meanwhile, M&A activity in the UCaaS market has slowed down in 2022 after a strong showing in 2021.

Deadmau5: “The Moog Voyager – I Can’t Seem To Escape That Synth. It’s The Last Good Moog” – MusicRadar https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/deadmau5-the-moog-voyager-i-cant-seem-to-escape-that-synth-its-the-last-good-moog-musicradar/ Home News Computer Music (Image credit: Press/deadmau5) It’s something of a cliché to state that an artist needs no introduction, but with deadmau5, this may in fact be true. His big-eared mouse helmet might possibly be the most recognizable brand in electronic music.  Finding globe-sweeping success in the late ‘00s, deadmau5 played a pivotal role in pushing EDM into the musical mainstream, becoming one of the world’s highest-played and highest-paid electronic artists in the process. Grammy nominations, platinum records and world tours soon followed, as the producer courted adoration and controversy in equal measure over the next decade.  Fast forward to 2022, and he remains as influential as ever, and no less exploratory: continuing to produce electrifying singles that reimagine progressive house with each release, he’s nurtured the careers of like-minded artists through his label, mau5trap, and entered into the software world with the release of OSC/PILOT, an innovative performance tool for electronic artists. For a man that’s notoriously averse to interviews, we find mouse-headed superproducer deadmau5 in a relatively good mood. Speaking to us, sans headgear and cigarette in hand, from his home in Ontario, Joel Zimmerman seemed content to spend an expletive-sprinkled thirty minutes talking shop, painting a picture of an artist equally excited by the technology used to create and perform music as the music itself. Can you tell us about some of your favourite software tools? “I don’t know, man. I guess everyone was like “fuck it” during the pandemic. Nothing really crazy has really advanced that far. To be honest, I feel like we’ve kind of ceilinged on music software. There’s a lot more of the same that’s come out, like… oh hey, it’s a new reverb. Nothing’s really stood out. But then again, I hadn’t really been looking.” So you think we’ve hit a wall in terms of advancements in music software? “Well, you can always do better, faster, more efficient. But in the realm of DSP, I almost feel like we’ve hit it all. It’s just a lot of the same. And I’m just like, waiting for a lot of things to get overhauled and done a different way. I’m seeing some new DAWs come out, and stuff like that. The ones that I’m liking the most are the ones that have a lot of really cool protocol control inside of them.  I feel like we’ve kind of ceilinged on music software. In the realm of DSP, I almost feel like we’ve hit it all “Ableton’s been cool, just because it’s 18 years in development, it’s nice and stable and all that stuff. And it’s shell-ready. But it really lacks in protocol modularity. It’s just like, oh, here’s MIDI. Here’s an antiquated 60-year-old protocol you guys can still use… like what? Just have OSC! And they do, but you have to do it in Python or use Max for Live, and there’s no native OSC stuff. So actually, a lot of the time I’ve spent during the pandemic was developing a VST that will allow for the interchange of different protocols in and out of any DAW.” What DAW are you using the most these days? “I switch between all sorts of things depending on what it is that I’m trying to do. For MIDI-deep stuff like I tend to go to Cubase for better control. Because Ableton is not so great for that, but Ableton is good for quick and dirty. So if I just need something quick and dirty, I’ll just go in there and do some quick edits.  “It just depends on what it’s called for. Because a lot of the mixing I’ll do on my desk, and neither Cubase or Ableton supports SwiftMix for my Neve console, but Pro Tools does. So I gotta use that for that, so I can recall faders and stuff like that on my desk. It’s a big mess of different DAWs for different things.” (Image credit: Matt Barnes) Tell us about the approach behind the production on your latest single, XYZ? “I don’t think I really had one. It was just like, okay, time to sit down in the studio and crank one out. It was just a lot of farting around and tooling and playing with some synths, and just coming up with this main hook thing. And I was like, okay, I can work with that. And then I just built around that.”  Were there any particular instruments, synths or effects that were fundamental to the track? “I did get to finally try out VCV Rack 2.0. I’ve been waiting so long for this. VCV Rack has always been great. But 2.0 finally has sample-accurate sync with the plugin in a DAW now. The other one, you had to use a host and it was a little late here and there, and the sync wasn’t nice and all that stuff. But now in VCV Rack 2.0 Pro, they have a host that works in any DAW that’s sample-accurate, finally, and it’s fucking amazing.  “Because a lot of the modules, these days at least, with modular racks, if you go out and buy a bunch of mods, chances are one in three, it’s going to be a digital module, which means it’s just lines of code. So there’s all the Mutable Instruments stuff, and all the really cool fancy expensive ones, you can buy for like next to nothing through VCV Rack, and they’re the exact same module. Even better, because you don’t have to record the analogue path. It’s just printing it digitally, right there.  “A lot of those oscillators are great. Obviously, not so much the analogue oscillators like you’d get out of a Cynthia or something like that. But the digital oscillators, all the wavetable stuff and the digital FM ops, and stuff like that are fucking great. So I actually did get to use that on XYZ. That was kind of cool.” Do you have a physical modular set-up too? “Oh, you clearly didn’t Google that. Yeah, I’ve got a 30-foot wall. I’ve been known to collect the analogue modulars.”  What was the last module you bought? “The last module I bought was probably my third Yarns from Mutable Instruments, because like I said, it’s got to be at least a good 20, 30 feet. Having just one MIDI-to-CV converter somewhere in there is kind of inconvenient, because I have to patch out to mults, and then into other things. So I had to get three to space them out throughout the system, so I can reach cables to certain banks of oscillators without having to go through like 20 mults just to get to the other side of the synth.” (Image credit: Matt Barnes) Having a modular synth that large, is there ever a point where you’re confronted with too many options? “Yeah, but it’s not crippling. It just means I get a different result every time, which is kind of nice, as opposed to just doing the same thing over and over.” Looking back now to when you first started producing, you were using Impulse Tracker, right? “Yeah, actually. Wow, see – he knew that. [laughs] Actually, if you want to be stupid about it, my first song was written in Turing. Then I upgraded to MS-DOS. Jeffrey Lim, the Australian guy, wrote Impulse Tracker. Scream Tracker was their other one, those were the two big trackers back in the early ‘90s. I did cracktros – that was fun.” How did things progress from there? “I hung around in that scene for a while, and then met some dudes and hung out with like minded people who did the same thing, and then showed them what I was using, versus what they were using. It was a very small collective back in the day, because the Internet was not as big. And there definitely weren’t any real life clubs of people using trackers or anything like that. It’s not like I had a friend within 100 miles of me that even knew what a tracker was, much less knew they could make music on a computer alone.  “It was just a case of putting feelers out there, putting in some footwork and meeting a couple of likeminded people. Then moving within those tribes and creating opportunities for myself to apply those skill sets into real world practicalities, like working in a radio station, or making advertisements or composing music for stock library stuff. And that’s kind of where it all stemmed from.” (Image credit: Matt Barnes) Do you still use trackers today? “Not really. Matter of fact, I don’t even think I could probably get around an Impulse Tracker anymore. I’ve seen it, I know what it looks like in my brain. You know the old monitors when they would burn the image into the monitor? That’s what I’m seeing in my brain, but I don’t think I could figure it out. I don’t know if it’s like riding a bike. They’re all very programmatic. It was a lot of using the arrow keys. And no mouse – once you load the tracker, you just put the mouse to the side and use your keyboard and navigate around that way.  “There are some plugins that will emulate what trackers do. Even then, if you just want to run a pure tracker, you’ve got to run a virtual machine or something to emulate that MS-DOS functionality and all that stuff, too. I think that’s all deprecated in Windows now.” Would you describe yourself as more of a keyboard-and-mouse producer or someone that’s more tactile, and likes working with real instruments? “Keyboard and mouse all the way. Some people will have that kind of muscle memory and those skill sets ingrained in their brain to be able to put their hands on some tactile instrument and put out their idea and do whatever they want. But I’ve gone through those motions where I tried to train myself to be a proficient player, but the right brain turned on and I’m like, well – why? So I just kept doing what I was comfortable with. There’s no better way to do that, and everyone’s different. For me, it just worked out that I’ve just got a very input/output brain.” How often are you experimenting with new gear? “I’ve got my mainstays, which contribute to the tone and sound you’ll hear in my music. You know – you hear a fucking saxophone and you know it’s Kenny G. I do introduce new stuff from time to time just for fun, and playing with it ...

Top High School QB Recruits: How The Nation’s Elite Prospects Fared Over The Weekend – The Athletic https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/top-high-school-qb-recruits-how-the-nations-elite-prospects-fared-over-the-weekend-the-athletic-2/ Happy Monday and welcome back to another edition of our high school quarterback recruiting roundup. It was another eventful week in college football, and the high school level didn’t disappoint, either. Each week, we’ll track how the top 2023 quarterbacks in the 247Sports Composite fared and check in on a top performer in the 2024 class. Here is the last week’s report. Let’s get to it. Arch Manning School: New Orleans Isidore Newman Committed to: Texas Ranking: No. 1 nationally, No. 1 QB (247Sports Composite) Things didn’t go as planned for Arch Manning’s Longhorns on Saturday — though it was an impressive showing by his future school — but back in New Orleans, the nation’s top recruit played his best game of the season when Newman beat rival Riverside Academy 42-20 on Friday night. Manning completed 19-of-22 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns, with two of his three incompletions coming on drops from teammates. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound QB also had this rushing touchdown, which has garnered more than a million views on Twitter: Little razzle dazzle from Arch. pic.twitter.com/SgjmFppmI1 — Cooper Petagna (@cpetagna247) September 10, 2022 “I’m sure you saw a clip of that,” Newman offensive coordinator Logan Kilgore said, laughing. “It was extremely apparent that he was the best player on the field.” Kilgore said Manning went 3-of-3 for 60 yards and a touchdown on the first drive of the night, showing off moxie and a comfort level that were hard to miss. Newman knew that it would be up to Manning to control the game with his arm, and he delivered with “exceptionally accurate throws,” Kilgore said. This Arch Manning fella looks alright. pic.twitter.com/QifjdkL0CL — CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) September 10, 2022 “He played well last week. I just think that even by his own admission, it took a little time to settle in,” Kilgore said. “It was exciting to see him jump out from the opening snap and be in complete control of the game. There was never a time where he did not look poised. He was trusting different things in the progressions and the protections and all the things that you love to see from a quarterback.” The most impressive throw of the night, Kilgore said, came on a corner ball to wide receiver Makai Donaldson that extended Newman’s lead to two touchdowns. The play begins around the 30-second mark of the following video. Arch Manning now with 3 TD passes Adding one final minute of the 1st half to Anthony Jones Then another in opening drive of 2nd half to Kai Donaldson Newman 21 Riverside 7 3rd Q 5:55 pic.twitter.com/UTrYGy61Rx — Varsity Sports Now (@VSNLouisiana) September 10, 2022 “He came off (the) play-action fake,” Kilgore said. “His first read was not there, (so he) reset his feet, kind of flipped his hips and dropped in a corner ball as nice as you’ll see. That was really exciting.” Malachi Nelson School: Los Alamitos (Calif.) Committed to: USC Ranking: No. 2 nationally, No. 2 QB Coming off consecutive losses, Malachi Nelson’s Los Alamitos team was due for a bounce-back performance Friday night against Servite. With a 47-14 victory, the Griffins got just that, with Nelson going 13-of-21 for 311 yards and four touchdowns. The most impressive part? He got the job done in the rain. “Being from Southern California, it doesn’t rain a ton. And with the ball being wet, the ball being slick … it’s just a little bit new or different for us,” Los Alamitos offensive coordinator TJ Fenton said. “The way he was still able to throw it, do all of his reads and just kind of manage the game just as it would be on a normal weather Friday night was really great to see.” Fenton said Nelson also impressed him with his ball placement on a night when the QB averaged 14.8 yards per attempt. Nelson linked up with fellow USC commit Makai Lemson for “at least three explosive plays,” Fenton said, including this 70-plus yard touchdown that put the Griffins ahead 7-0. Malachi Nelson hits Makai Lemon in stride for a 76-yard TD. Los Alamitos takes a 7-0 lead over Servite with 5:50 left in the second quarter. @Sunset_Rewind pic.twitter.com/VkF1K6D1oB — Eric Ramos • Sports Reporter (@EricRamosZepeda) September 10, 2022 “And then he had another ball — we were doing this concept where he perfectly put it over one of their defenders and dropped it into Gavin Porch,” Fenton said. “That was in the first half.” Nelson was named player of the game and told Bally Sports in an interview after the victory that the two losses leading into Friday night motivated him. “It’s the anger buildup. You’ve gotta hate losing more than you like winning, and I think really do,” he said. “Obviously, we took two losses, but it fueled us and we came out with a win (Friday).” Next up, the Griffins hit the road Thursday to play Santa Margarita, a team that came from behind last season and scored three touchdowns in the first five minutes of the third quarter to beat Los Alamitos 42-21. Nico Iamaleava School: Warren (Calif.) Committed to: Tennessee Ranking: No. 4 nationally, No. 3 QB Nico Iamaleava’s Warren team lost a close one Friday night, falling 16-13 to Serra on the road, also in the rain. The future Tennessee quarterback threw two interceptions, according to the Los Angeles Times, on a night that belonged to four-star Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant. Iamaleava’s first pick came when his pass appeared to bounce off the helmet of his receiver and into Pleasant’s hands. Top #USC Cornerback Target RODRICK PLEASANT with Two INTERCEPTIONS Tonight vs Warren Pleasant’s Sideline Pick Sealed the @Serra__Football 16-13 Victory @On3USC @fredoshotthat @RodrickP16 #FightOn pic.twitter.com/NPH1p8Ry7K — Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) September 10, 2022 His second interception came late in the game when he was under pressure and threw a pass down the Serra sideline that Pleasant promptly snagged. It’s over. Rodrick Pleasant second interception. 2:53 left. Serra 16-13. pic.twitter.com/V5bfwBUCLm — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) September 10, 2022 Pleasant, the nation’s No. 82 player and No. 8 cornerback, also had this 90-yard kick return for a touchdown. Why are they kicking the ball to the fastest high school athlete in America? Rodrick Pleasant 90 yards coasting. Serra 14, Warren 13. pic.twitter.com/KTW4M7royW — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) September 10, 2022 Pleasant announced a top six in July that consisted of Boston College, Cal, Oregon, Penn State, UCLA and USC. Playing against Iamaleava allowed him to shine on a national stage. “Nico’s like my best friend,” Pleasant told a local television station after the game. “It was like a family reunion. I told him, ‘Don’t throw it at me this week.’ … It was fun.” Dante Moore School: Detroit Martin Luther King Jr. Committed to: Oregon Ranking: No. 6 nationally, No. 4 QB Detroit King was back in action after an open date and rolled past Mumford 68-0 on an easy night for the Oregon-bound quarterback. Moore was 8-of-10 passing for 70 yards and a touchdown. He added a rushing touchdown to help improve Detroit King to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. His touchdown pass, which went for 36 yards according to this game recap video, gave King a 14-0 lead. The five-time state champion Crusaders play at rival Cass Tech this week in a rematch of last year’s division title game. Jackson Arnold School: Denton (Texas) Guyer Committed to: Oklahoma Ranking: No. 14 nationally, No. 5 QB Another week, another dominant performance for Jackson Arnold, the five-star Oklahoma commit. Arnold and Guyer beat Lancaster 50-27, with Arnold completing 14-of-22 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns, according to The Dallas Morning News. Arnold’s offensive coordinator, Jordan Johnson, told The Athletic last week that Arnold has always been comfortable in the pocket but is on “another level now.” That was evident again Thursday when Arnold was able to extend plays with his legs and make big downfield throws. Jackson Arnold is dealing pic.twitter.com/zFxfcHC2Mv — solvingfootball (@solvingfootball) September 9, 2022 #BoomerSooner QB commit @_JacksonArnold_ is an escape artist. pic.twitter.com/l4M59K4iDw — Greg Powers (@GPowersScout) September 9, 2022 With Arnold running the offense, Guyer is now 3-0 and hasn’t scored fewer than 44 points in a game. The Wildcats host Prosper this week. “His eyes never drop to the rush. He can feel the pocket. He’s gonna keep his eyes downfield. He’s gonna keep a good base,” Johnson said of Arnold’s progress this season. “He’s gonna be able to make a great throw. It’s all those kinds of things that he’s really excelled (at). His feet have gotten a lot better and just the confidence and playing fast and making really good decisions is something he’s continued to progress at.” Christopher Vizzina School: Briarwood (Ala.) Christian Committed to: Clemson Ranking: No. 20 nationally, No. 6 QB Thursday was a tough outing for Christopher Vizzina’s Briarwood team, which fell to Pelham 35-34 after Pelham trailed by 20 points to open the fourth quarter, according to AL.com. But one week after Vizzina threw two picks and completed just 46.4 percent of his passes against Chilton County, the future Clemson quarterback dazzled with his accuracy Thursday. Vizzina went 22-of-27 passing for 274 yards, three touchdowns and an 81.5 percent completion percentage. TD Lions!! @BCS_Lions 27, Pelham 7 | Halftime With 8 seconds left in the opening half, @vizzina2 gets his 3rd passing touchdown of the half and 4th overall on this 14-yard touchdown pass to Sawyer Smith. Briarwood scored 20 unanswered to end the half. pic.twitter.com/GT4PY8YmQF — Alec Etheredge SCR (@AlecEtheredgeSC) September 9, 2022 He also rushed 19 ...

These Striking Mirrored Cabins Are Now Available To Rent In Tennessee’s Countryside – Robb Report https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/these-striking-mirrored-cabins-are-now-available-to-rent-in-tennessees-countryside-robb-report/ An immersive new glamping experience has arrived in the heart of Tennessee’s countryside. Bolt Tree Farmhouse just unveiled five new mirrored cabins on a mountaintop outside Chattanooga that are designed to steep you in the natural surroundings. The luxurious campground, which is set across 55 acres on Whitwell Mountain, first opened in May 2020 with a range of luxe domes and tree houses that recently appeared on Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. The aptly named Mirror Cabins appear to be equally amazing. Designed by Estonia-based hotel group ÖÖD, the striking structures feature a sturdy steel frame and glass walls that provide spectacular panoramic views of the rugged environment. The special glazing reflects 97 percent of UV rays to ensure the living quarters stay nice and cool. It also gives you complete privacy since it’s impossible to see inside the cabins while outside. Cabins are framed from recyclable steel and glass.  Bolt Farm Treehouse “Nature has this magical way of melting away stress, so it’s worth the hard work of anchoring these mirrored structures atop giant rock faces and next to waterfalls,” campground owners Tori and Seth Bolt said in a press statement. “The visually stunning architecture blends perfectly with nature, providing a fully immersive experience like no other.” The brand’s mantra “live like kings and queens” is apparent within the 200-square-foot interior of each cabin. You can expect a comfy bedroom with a queen-size bed, a bathroom with a rainfall shower, a well-equipped kitchenette and an in-room movie theater. The abodes come equipped with all the mod cons, too, including A/C, heated floors, high-speed Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth record player. Outside, each cabin has a private terrace that comes fitted with a hot tub, Adirondack chairs, a bistro table and a smokeless fire pit. It’s the perfect place to take in that fresh mountain air. Guests can chill by one of the fire pits or partake in activities like horseback riding.  Bolt Farm Treehouse Bolt Tree Farmhouse is about more than glitzy accommodation, though. While at the campground, adventurers can also opt to partake in a range of blood-pumping outdoor activities, including horseback riding, scenic hikes and ATV tours. See you on the camping trail. Rates for the cabins start at $475 per night. Click here to see the Bolt Tree Farmhouse in photos.

Hostess Brands Outlines Innovation Blueprint – Food Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/hostess-brands-outlines-innovation-blueprint-food-business-news/ BOSTON — Baby Bundts, Hostess Donettes caffeinated Boost and Bouncers stand out as new product success stories and shining examples of how insight is driving innovation at Hostess Brands, Inc.   Executives at the Kansas City-based snacks manufacturer discussed how the company’s customers are recognizing the power that Hostess brings from an innovation perspective to drive category growth at the Barclays Consumer Staples Conference held Sept. 8 in Boston. “We’re starting to talk to our customers about a three-year innovation pipeline,” said Arist R. Mastorides, executive vice president and chief customer officer. “So not only what we’re doing today, but how we’re thinking about that over three years and really leveraging the (snacking) occasions … and those occasions also inform how we go to market in each of our channels. And all of that is supported with broad-based digital media, including with some of our retail partners. And that’s the power of this new Hostess that we’re talking about.” Mr. Mastorides said Hostess’ strength of innovation is disproportionately amplified by the company’s ability and unique go-to-market capabilities. Specifically, he mentioned the company’s warehouse distribution model, which he said gives Hostess the ability to reach into every store in the channels it competes in. “Our customers see that,” he said. “They’re expecting us to be in stock to help them drive their category and our growth. And candidly, that’s something that our DSD (direct-store delivery) partners just simply can’t do.” Hostess also is driving innovation by leveraging data in its proprietary performance model. “We’re using that data to collaborate with our retail partners, and we’re setting distribution and merchandising goals for the year and then leveraging that data to make sure that we stay on track and to reward our retail partners for that execution,” Mr. Mastorides said. “The other part that we’re doing with that data is dynamically sending our retail store team into the stores where we have the biggest opportunities. And that’s really working well for us. So we are accelerating our distribution. This year alone, we’ve closed over 100,000 distribution voids. And we’ve sold about 20% more of the single-serve display racks. And so while we have really broad-based distribution, we believe that we’re just getting started.” The commitment Hostess has shown to the convenience store channel also has been instrumental in its growth. Andrew P. Callahan, president and chief executive officer, said Hostess never stopped investing in the convenience channel, even when things were extremely difficult during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We never stopped investing in the consumer,” he said. “When capacity was really tight, we looked at it and said, how do we get more efficient versus how do we cut off our most strategic issues? We’re not stopping investing in advertising now. So a lot that we … kept doing, which is paying off now all in the mindset of profitable growth.” Mr. Mastorides added that Hostess remains “very bullish” about the convenience store channel and about Hostess’ business within convenience stores. “So we leverage some industry data and our own data,” he said. “And what we’re seeing in the c-store channel is that as gas prices came up, we did see transactions dip a little bit. But as gas prices have moderated, we’re also seeing those trips start to moderate again. And so I feel like from a trip perspective, we’re in a good shape in the c-store channel. “I would also say that our category continues to perform really well. We’re up over 15% in the c-store channel. And that’s ahead of some of the other really big categories within c-store, including beverage. … We continue to invest in our business model. C-store has been one of those places where we’ve invested. Over the last four years, we’ve grown 5 points of share in the c-store channel behind some of those investments. And I’m very confident in what we’re doing and how we’re going to continue to drive growth in that channel going forward.” Mr. Callahan also alluded to what he described as a “secret element” key to Hostess’ success in new product innovation: quality. He said that part of the reason that Hostess moved to a warehouse distribution model and invested in data insight was to make sure that it not only is able to deliver products to consumers, but to deliver products that consumers really enjoy. Hostess has been able to deliver, he said, generating a repeat buy rate of greater than two times the category. “That repeat sale is really, really good to be twice,” he said. “That’s the math and we spend a lot of time investing in the drivers of liking, understanding, being able to do it at scale, testing it throughout the shelf life. And that’s part of the things that I’m really, really proud of. If you ever tasted our products or you thought about it before, our Baby Bundts products or our Twinkies, they are really, really good products.”

400 Brand New Homes In Dhaka From BTI – Dhaka Tribune https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/400-brand-new-homes-in-dhaka-from-bti-dhaka-tribune/ Building Technology and Ideas Ltd (BTI) is going to organize a grand launching event where some very important matters such as DAP, wellness communities and healthy living will be discussed.  “This event is going to add value to the prospective customers as well as the landowners,” said FR Khan, the managing director of BTI in a press conference held recently at their own premise, BTI Celebration Point in Gulshan, reads a press release. BTI is going to host a two-day long ‘BTI Grand Launching Event 2022’ on September 16-17 at Celebration Point, Gulshan-2.  The event will mark the occasion of launching 400 brand new apartments in the presence of their customers, added FR Khan. The Chief Architect of BTI Sabrin Zinat Rahman mentioned that under the wellness communities, BTI has planned homes for all age groups, for example, toddlers, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens.  “Here your loved ones will be your neighbours and your neighbours will be your loved ones. We have focused on both your physical and mental fitness while designing the wellness communities,” she added. The day-long event will also hold two-panel discussions on the newly approved Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and its implications, as well as healthy living in wellness communities.  Project Director of DAP Md Ashraful Islam, other real estate experts, acclaimed health experts, and international award-winning architect Rafiq Azam will grace the panel discussions with their presence, informed by the managing director. In this press conference, FR Khan, the chief architect, executive director of brand and the general manager of sales were present among others.

Cowboys Vs. Buccaneers Final Score, Results: Tampa Bay Defense Shuts Down Dallas Offense In Dominant Week 1 Win – Sporting News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/cowboys-vs-buccaneers-final-score-results-tampa-bay-defense-shuts-down-dallas-offense-in-dominant-week-1-win-sporting-news/ If someone had told Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy that his defense would hold Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to just 19 points in their Week 1 matchup, he likely would have taken that. Why not? His offense produced the most yards and points in the NFL during the 2021 regular season. But it’s a new year, and this is a new Dallas offense with fewer playmakers. And it showed. Even before quarterback Dak Prescott left in the fourth quarter with a hand injury, the Cowboys looked anemic on offense. A first-quarter field goal was their only scoring in a 19-3 Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. It was clear early that this game was not going to be the offensive tour de force that many believed it might be. After one quarter, the only points had come from field goals, with Brett Maher’s 51-yard boot giving Dallas the early lead and two makes by Ryan Succop putting Tampa Bay up before the end of the frame. It was more of the same in the second quarter. Tampa Bay had two drives stall out in the red zone, both ending on sacks of Brady by reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons. The Buccaneers twice tried for three. Succop missed his first try from 36 yards out but made his second from 29. He was called on once more just before the end of the half to make a 47-yarder. MORE: Watch NFL football live with fuboTV (free trial) The Dallas offense looked lost all game as Prescott clearly missed having a reliable second receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. He had one last year in Amari Cooper, who was traded to the Browns in the offseason. Prescott connected on just 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards with an interception. He found tight end Dalton Schultz the most; five of Prescott’s 14 completions went to him. Noah Brown was the leading wide receiver with five receptions, three from Prescott. Late in the fourth quarter, Prescott abruptly exited the game after back-to-back hits to his throwing hand. Backup QB Cooper Rush. Rush moved the Cowboys to the Tampa Bay 42 with 3:21 left but later turned the ball over on downs. Dallas got the ball back, but Rush could move them only to the Dallas 41 before another turnover on downs. MORE: Chris Godwin injury update After the game, it was reported that Prescott would need surgery for an injury to a joint above the thumb on his throwing hand miss several weeks. Jerry says Dak will be out “several weeks” due to injury above thumb back behind joint. A “tremendously disappointing” 19-3 loss to Buccaneers. “Real disappointed before Dak’s injury,” Jerry says, “and certainly disappointed after it.” — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 12, 2022 It certainly wasn’t a vintage performance by Brady, even if he did have a handful of eye-opening throws. The 45-year-old quarterback completed 18 of 27 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Running back Leonard Fournette shouldered a heavy load. Though he didn’t score a touchdown, he had 127 yards on 21 carries as he consistently picked up big yardage by rushing to the left side. MORE: Why Buccaneers’ Jake Camarda had to re-kick on ‘Sunday Night Football’ The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Cowboys vs. Buccaneers. Below are the key moments from the first “Sunday Night Football” game of the 2022 NFL season. Cowboys vs. Buccaneers score   Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F Buccaneers 6 6 7 0 19 Cowboys 3 0 0 0 3 Cowboys vs. Buccaneers updates, highlights from Sunday night football (All times Eastern) Fourth quarter 11:19 p.m.: Check-down pass to Pollard, who can’t get the ball past the first-down marker, and that will do it as Dallas turns the ball over on downs. Brady will take two kneel downs and open the year with a 19-3 win. 11:19 p.m.: Vita Vea sacks Rush to bring up a 3rd-and-25, but he picks those yards up with a 13-yard pass to Schultz. Fourth down upcoming. 11:17 p.m.: Rush is chased out of the pocket and throws the ball away, and it looks like he’s going to be flagged for intentional grounding with no one in the area and the ball not crossing the line of scrimmage. Cowboys are now backed up to a 2nd-and-23 with a 10-second runoff. 11:15 p.m.: Brown makes a leaping catch up the middle of the field for a gain of 17 to the Dallas 43 right before the two-minute warning. 11:14 p.m.: Fehoko makes a 7-yard grab up to the Dallas 19 to bring up 3rd-and-3, but Rush’s next pass carries well over Lamb. Fourth down coming up. 11:13 p.m.: Elliott drops a pass in the flat from Rush to start the drive. 11:12 p.m.: Camarda’s booming punt goes 43 yards, and is returned three yards up by Turpin to the Dallas 19 with 2:47 left. 11:11 p.m.: Perriman is blown up on an end-around for a loss of seven yards. Dallas is all out of timeouts now with 2:59 remaining in the game. Tampa Bay will punt on 4th-and-11. 11:10 p.m.: White rushes ahead for a gain of two to bring up a 3rd-and-4. Dallas burns its second timeout with 3:04 remaining. 11:08 p.m.: White starts the Tampa Bay drive with a gain of four, and Dallas immediately uses its first timeout at 3:08. 11:06 p.m.: Rush tries to hit Fehoko on a deep pass down the right sideline, but he can’t hold onto it. Tampa Bay will get the ball back at its own 42 with 3:14 remaining. 11:05 p.m.: White gets to Rush and sacks him for a critical loss of 10 yards. With under four minutes left, Dallas has no choice but to go for it on 4th-and-15. — NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2022 11:04 p.m.: Rush hits Simi Fehoko for the former Stanford receiver’s first NFL reception. 3rd-and-5. 11:02 p.m.: Barrett thought he had the clock timed up well, but jumped early trying to get to Rush. The Cowboys backup QB hits Schultz for a 5-yard gain on 4th-and-1 to give Dallas a first down at the Tampa Bay 37. 11:01 p.m.: Prescott was injured after he was hit by Shaq Barrett on that Brown completion, and he goes off to the sideline to get his hand looked at. Cooper Rush is in at quarterback, and misses Lamb on back-to-back pass attempts to bring up fourth down. — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) September 12, 2022 11 p.m.: Another catch by Brown, who again picks up the first down after a gain of 13 up the middle. 10:59 p.m.: Brown gets open on an out route to catch a pass by Prescott and take it for a gain of 22 out to the Dallas 36. Next pass by Prescott out to Lamb goes incomplete. 10:58 p.m.: Following a false start penalty, Camarda’s punt is fair caught at the Dallas 14-yard line. The Cowboys have seven minutes left on the scoreboard to try and climb back from a two-score deficit. 10:55 p.m.: Dallas blitz nearly gets to Brady, but he’s able to get a pass away that Brate nearly catches for a first down, though it falls incomplete. Tarell Basham is injured on the play after falling at Brady’s feet. 10:53 p.m.: White rushes out to the right for a gain of five, Darden gains two on an end-around and the clock keeps winding down, with Tampa Bay facing a 3rd-and-3 from the 45. 10:52 p.m.: Parsons nearly chases White down as the running back tries to hit the edge, but White just gets past the first-down marker for a gain of three up to the 38. 10:51 p.m.: White darts up the middle for a modest gain of two. 3rd-and-2 coming up for Tampa Bay at its 35. 10:50 p.m.: Gage hauls in his second pass of the quarter and the game, this one for six yards out to the right. 10:49 p.m.: Fournette’s strong night continues as he rushes down the left sideline for 14 yards and a first. 10:46 p.m.: Fair catch called for by Darden at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line. Buccaneers will have another chance to keep ticking time off the clock with 11:12 remaining and a 16-point lead. 10:45 p.m.: A carry by Elliott gets the Cowboys up to midfield, but Prescott misses Houston on a back-shoulder pass down the field. Prescott rolls out and throws it to Brown, who was wide open in the field, but the ball was behind Brown and wide to his right. Punt coming up for the Cowboys. 10:41 p.m.: Russell Gage brings in his first catch of the night with a gain of six out to the right, then Brady throws an interception right to safety Donovan Wilson. Cowboys get a chance to start at their own 48. — NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2022 10:40 p.m.: For one of the few times tonight, Fournette is bottled up for a modest gain of one. 10:37 p.m.: White nearly picks off Prescott on the attempt — and very possibly could have taken it to the house had he brought it down — but instead, it’s an incomplete pass out to Houston. The Buccaneers will take over at their own 41 leading by 16 with 13:31 remaining on “Sunday Night Football.” 10:36 p.m.: Prescott finds Schultz for their fifth connection of the night, this one for 13 yards down the left side, three yards shy of the first. Pollard tries to rush for the first, but is stopped two yards shy of the first. At Tampa Bay’s 41, the Cowboys will go for it on fourth. 10:35 p.m.: Pollard kicks off the fourth quarter with a rush for a first, but Steele is flagged for holding. He’s now been called for three penalties on this drive. This one wipes away a first down and brings up 2nd-and-16 at the Dallas 45. Third Quarter 10:30 p.m.: Prescott connects with Lamb for a 13-yard gain and a first, but Terence Steele is called for his second false start on the drive. Pollard rushes up for a gain of nine to the Tampa Bay 45 to set up a 2nd-and-6 as the third quarter comes to an end. 10:29 p.m.: Cowboys gain five on a completion to Schultz, but a false start moves them right back to a 2nd-and-10. 10:28 p.m.: After a defensive offsides penalty, Prescott hits Schultz for a gain of 14 to give Dallas the first at its own 38. Huge pickup of a first for the Cowboys. 10:26 p.m.: Prescott’s rough outing continues. He misses Brown on...

DBS, The Sandbox Partner To Build Sustainable Metaverse Space – Retail Banker International https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/dbs-the-sandbox-partner-to-build-sustainable-metaverse-space-retail-banker-international/ DBS BetterWorld will help visitors learn about current environmental, social and governance concerns. Credit: Geralt from Pixabay. Singapore-based financial services group DBS has collaborated with The Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, to venture into the metaverse space.  The partners will introduce an interactive metaverse experience, dubbed DBS BetterWorld, for visitors. As part of this, DBS will buy a 3×3 plot of LAND, a unit of virtual real estate in The Sandbox metaverse. The space will feature immersive elements to highlight the need for building a sustainable world. DBS BetterWorld will serve as the bank’s additional engagement platform that leads visitors to The Sandbox to learn about current environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. Under the latest agreement, DBS will purchase carbon offsets to make production on DBS BetterWorld carbon neutral. To further develop meaningful concepts on the platform, the bank will partner with government, community, business and technology sectors. Additionally, DBS plans to promote DBS BetterWorld through its digital platform LiveBetter. This will enable customers to opt for an eco-conscious lifestyle including donating for initiatives focused on sustainability and investing in sustainability-themed funds. According to DBS, it is the first Singaporean bank to tap the metaverse to benefit its customers and the community at large.  DBS CEO Piyush Gupta said: “Metaverse technology, while still evolving, could also fundamentally change the way banks interact with customers and communities. “Our partnership with The Sandbox and Animoca Brands marks the start of an exciting collaboration as we push the boundaries of what is possible in the metaverse.” The Sandbox COO and co-founder Sebastien Borget said: “We welcome DBS to The Sandbox as the first bank in Singapore to step into the open metaverse and join our efforts to create the SingaporeVerse, a neighbourhood on our virtual map that will bring the culture of Singapore to life in the metaverse in a very engaging, equitable, inclusive way that is open to all. ESG issues are important to us.” So far, DBS and DBS Foundation have supported nearly 800 social enterprises improve their businesses, and committed over $7.14m (SGD10m) to fund nearly 100 social enterprises.

The Best Grills, Gear And Goods For Outdoor Cooking – Maxim – Maxim https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-best-grills-gear-and-goods-for-outdoor-cooking-maxim-maxim/ Feast on the ultimate gear guide to outdoor cooking and entertaining. There have never been more options for outdoor cooking, but it can be hard to separate the gimmicks from the gold. This guide will help you live your best outdoor cooking life, from pizza slinger to pitmaster to wood-oven wizard.  Large Big Green Egg (Big Green Egg) If you’re just looking to grill some steaks and burgers, there are lower-cost alternatives, but if you want to seriously improve your cooking skills, the Big Green Egg is outdoor cooking grad school––a grill, an oven, a pizza oven, and a smoker. Plus, it looks great compared to most backyard grill setups. The Big Green Egg is an investment, but it does more than other grills and will last much longer, especially if you live in a place where high humidity or saltwater air is prone to rusting out other grills.  The thick ceramic walls are so efficient that you can cook for hours and only burn through a small amount of charcoal. I filled it with a load of BGE Oak & Hickory Charcoal and smoked a pork shoulder for nine hours, then closed the upper and lower vents to quickly shut down the fire. The next day more than half of the charcoal was still pristine, and I could’ve cooked the same charcoal load for another nine hours.  Be sure to get the convEGGtor or half-moon convEGGtors for indirect cooking of things like ribs, brisket and pulled pork. The pizza stone is another must accessory, as is the Egg Genius––a small computer-controlled fan that attaches to the lower vent and takes all the guess work out of air flow control to maintain a certain temperature. Using the companion app with the Genius, you can control the temperature of the egg, monitor the temperature of your meat, and set alerts to tell you when your meat reaches target temperature. $999 Gozney Dome Wood-Fired Oven (Gozney) With the Dome, Gozney brings a residential version of their commercial wood-fired ovens, adding a more pro-level option alongside their well-regarded compact Roccbox pizza oven. The Dome lets you take your wood-fired cooking beyond pizza and is large enough for steaks, roasts, and even a whole chicken. You can get a wood-only version for $300 less, but the dual fuel allows you to use hardwood charcoal, wood, or even propane for when you don’t have time to get a fire going. The temperature gauge makes it easy to monitor the internal temperature—even if you’re cooking with wood or hardwood charcoal—and has an integrated meat probe. When cooking pizza on the Dome, there’s plenty of room to adjust the distance to the open flame for the perfect crust. Using cast-iron roasting pans with steaks and vegetables will give anything you cook a nice char and a woody flavor. The entire set up with the stand, fold-out side tables, and shelving make this a patio centerpiece to channel your inner Wolfgang Puck. $1,799 REC-TEQ RT-B380 Bullseye Wood Pellet Grill (REC-TEQ) If I had to use one grill daily, it would be the Rec-Teq Bullseye. It has the ease and instant start-up of a gas grill with the flavor of hardwood smoke. Even within my Southern, owning-every-grill-under-the-sun in-laws, it’s number one on their list. While the build is not as robust as some more expensive grills on this list, it’s the most affordable and it does everything. Ribs and wings cooked low are smoky and delicious, but you can turn it up to “Riot” mode for a 749-degree char on your steak. The griddle top is a great addition and works like a giant cast-iron skillet—perfect for sautéing, cooking hibachi style, or getting a better char on a steak than you can get with the grates. This is the only grill on which I was able to create a true Pittsburgh style rare, charred on the outside and rare inside. The Bullseye is extremely easy to use—just a couple of button pushes to get exactly what you want, whether a smoky 225-degrees or a white-hot 749 or somewhere in between. If you’re used to tinkering with your grill constantly, get ready to have extra time on your hands (just don’t tell your significant other). $399 Breeo X-Series 24 Fire Pit (Breo) Breeo X-series fire pits are perfect for those who want a fire to sit around in the colder months and one to cook on during warmer months. Plus, they look great in your yard after they develop a nice patina. They are built like tanks, and the 24 is the perfect size for both socializing and cooking. A key feature is Breeo’s smokeless design, which dramatically reduces the amount of smoke it puts out by promoting optimal air flow under the fire. You can order it with a wide lip around the top edge that serves as a griddle surface, and when hot, it becomes concave so that any grease will channel into the fire rather than your yard or patio. The optional cooking grate is easy to install on the fly, height adjustable, and sturdy enough to load up with steaks, chops, chicken or even a cast-iron skillet. Just bear in mind that because the coals are at the bottom of the fire pit, you can’t get the grate as close to the coals as you can with an asado grill. For enjoying the fire when you’re not cooking on it, Breeo’s X Series Chair looks great next to the pit, and it’s made of poly lumber that is impervious to the elements. $579 For fire pit cooking, Cutting Edge Firewood’s cooking wood comes in different varieties—like pecan, oak, hickory, or maple—so you can control exactly what wood flavor your food picks up. Prices vary Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven (Ooni) If you’re interested in getting into pizza cooking for the first time, the Ooni Karu 12 is a great entry point. The legs fold in and the chimney is removable so you can pack it into your vehicle easily. In my testing, I found the Karu works best with a mix of hardwood charcoal, such as Fogo Super Premium, and Cutting Edge Firewood Mini Pizza Cuts. With an adapter (sold separately) it can also work with propane, allowing you to ditch the chimney for a far more svelte cooking setup. Having the option to get it up and running fast with propane when you don’t have time to mess with wood or charcoal is a nice convenience. And between the three fuel modes you will always have some way to heat the Karu, no matter where your adventures take you. The only downside to the light weight and portability is that the heat retention is not as good as heavier and thicker-walled ovens, so you’ve got to keep the fuel going to maintain optimal temperature for pizza. $399 B.B. Prime Salamander Broiler B.B. Prime Salamander broilers are the secret to that steakhouse crust while keeping a medium rare center. This propane broiler has a 1,500-degree heat element that will give you that crust in seconds. There’s a lower tray for melted butter so you can dredge a fillet through it to maximize the crust, and a warming tray up top that works great for buns if you’re making burgers on it, which cook in seconds per side. I found that the best way to use this was to smoke a steak low, and at the very end, put it on the BB prime for a crust à la Ruth’s Chris. $399 Fuego F24C Gas Grill (Fuego) Gas grills are boringly boxy and tend to take up too much space for what they do, but the Fuego fixes that. The circular grill offers plenty of surface area for grilling and the round shape optimizes both grilling space and storage for your propane tank. Design-wise, if you appreciate a grill that doesn’t look like every other grill out there, the Fuego has its own personality. The small footprint makes it ideal for an apartment balcony or small porch, but unlike other “small” grills, grilling can be done at normal height and with the capacity to cook for a group. $599 Magma Crossover Series Modular Grill (Magma) If you want to seamlessly move from backyard cooking to tailgating or camping, the Magma crossover series is designed around flexibility. You buy a base “firebox” with one or two burners, and then you can configure it however you want: Use a hitch mount for your vehicle, get a quad-pod and make it free-standing, and then add accessories to use the firebox in different applications. There’s a pizza oven, a griddle top, a traditional gas grill top, and a steel plancha top. I tried out the pizza oven and the griddle top and that covered everything. You can use the pizza oven as an all-purpose oven, and the griddle not only makes killer pancakes and eggs, but also gives your steak a perfect char. $399 PK300 Charcoal Grill (PK Grills) PK Grills are made of cast aluminum that is hand poured, giving them excellent heat retention and an incredibly long rust-free lifespan. PK (originally Portable Kitchen) has been making charcoal grills since the 1950’s, and the PK300 is their flagship grill—blending a modern wheeled carriage with a retro grill capsule that evokes the original. The frame of the carriage is extremely sturdy and well designed, and the vents have precise marking lines so you can consistently dial in your air flow for longer cooks and follow recipes that require specific airflow measurements. It comes with grates for grilling and smoking, and if you buy one currently, they’ll throw in a stainless-steel griddle top for searing and sautéing, meaning you can cook nearly anything on a PK300. While it’s not a small grill, it detaches easily from the wheeled carriage making it easy to load into the back of your SUV or truck bed for travel. $559 Zwilling Kramer Damascus Chef’s Knife (Zwilling) Bob Kramer is a legend in the world of knife making. His handmade blades sell for tens of thousands of dollars and have been prized by chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Thomas Keller, and Mario Batali, among others. Kramer partnered with Zwilling to create a line of knives that are up to his standards, but obtainable for those without Keller or Batali’s knife budget. “Zwilling was willing to go...