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Richland County Farm Bureau Leader Visits Lawmakers In Washington, D.C. – Richland Source https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/richland-county-farm-bureau-leader-visits-lawmakers-in-washington-d-c-richland-source/ Breaking News We send the biggest breaking news stories directly to you. Daily Headlines from Richland Source Read Richland Source’s latest headlines every morning. A Look at Local Events Highlights for the coming weekend, delivered 1x / week. Area History Explore the history of Richland County, Ohio. Recounted with articles, photographs, original art, and video. Email delivered on the 15th of each month.  Ashland Source Get all the latest headlines from Ashland County. Crawford Source Headlines from Crawford County, delivered 1x / week. Richland County Business Digest Delivered monthly with the latest Richland County property transfers, small business news and more.  Subscribe To All The weekly thrive newsletter Start your week off with local inspiration, recipes, wellness advice and more. Get the thrive newsletter in your inbox every Monday. Area Job Openings See all the latest local job openings, delivered 1x / week.

Get Ready For Flu Day: Protect Your Health And Get Your Shot | Florida Department Of Health In Pasco – Pasco County https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/get-ready-for-flu-day-protect-your-health-and-get-your-shot-florida-department-of-health-in-pasco-pasco-county/ Pasco County, Fla. – September 21 is National Get Ready for Flu Day, and health departments in West Central Florida—Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties — strongly encourage residents older than six months of age to get their flu shot for the 2022-23 flu season. The flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. Get the Flu Shot The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals who are at most risk for getting severely ill from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older. It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s strains. Even if the vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications. The CDC reminds everyone that it is safe to receive your flu vaccine the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine, making it convenient to take care of both at the same time. For more, visit: Flu Vaccine Safety Information | CDC Where to Get the Flu Shot Each of the Tampa Bay area county health departments and most pharmacies and primary care physician offices offer flu shots. For information about the flu and to find other locations to get the seasonal vaccine, go to www.FluFreeFlorida.com or call your county’s health office: DOH-Citrus (352) 527-0068 DOH-Manatee (941) 748-0747 DOH-Hardee (863) 773-4161 DOH-Pasco (727) 619-0300 DOH-Hernando (Flu shots only available to children 17 and under) (352) 540-6800 DOH-Pinellas (727) 824-6900 DOH-Highlands (863) 386-6040 DOH-Polk (863) 519-7900 DOH-Hillsborough (813) 307-8000 DOH-Sarasota (941) 861-2900 Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu Good health habits like washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing may prevent those around you from getting sick. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it’s just as important to contain the virus, and that means staying home when you’re sick. To learn more about Florida flu statistics, please visit the Department’s Florida Flu Review website. About the Florida Department of Health The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Could A Pill To Strengthen Muscle And Bone Replace Exercise? – Medical News Today https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/could-a-pill-to-strengthen-muscle-and-bone-replace-exercise-medical-news-today/ Scientists are edging closer to finding solutions for muscle and bone loss. Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images Physical activity is known to promote bone and muscle health. Aging, lifestyle, and chronic disease can lead to physical inactivity, which is associated with bone and muscle loss. New research has now identified a drug that can mimic physical exercise in mice. The new drug, called locamidazole, can increase bone formation, mineral density, muscle thickness, and muscle strength in mice. When we are physically active our bones and muscles work together to make them stronger. To maintain bone health, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends a combination of weight-bearing activities 3–5 times per week and resistance exercise 2–3 times a week. Research has shown exercise to be beneficial for preserving bone health, and a physical exercise results in bone loss. The advocates regular physical activity to strengthen and maintain muscle and bone, has shown improving muscle strength can have a moderate effect in relieving joint pain for people with . Despite its benefits, modern-day living is associated with a lack of physical activity. According to the , physical inactivity is a serious but “insufficiently addressed public health problem” with up to 85% of the world’s population leading a sedentary lifestyle. Inactivity is also associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. The British Heart Foundation attributes more than 5 million deaths worldwide to physical inactivity, which equates to one in nine deaths overall. Chronic conditions, injury, and aging may mean it is more difficult to undertake physical activity, which can lead to muscle weakening ( and bone loss (osteoporosis). New research undertaken at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) has identified a new drug that can mimic exercise, and promote similar changes in muscle and bone. The work, led by Professor Tomoki Nakashima, has been published in Bone Research. In the , the research team identified a new compound called Locamidazole (LAMZ) as a potential therapeutic drug that can cause similar effects to exercise. To test the new compound, the researchers administered either 10mg/kg of LAMZ orally once daily, 6mg/kg LAMZ by injection twice daily, or a control solution for 14 days to male mice. Administration of LAMZ orally and by injection showed changes in both muscle and bone. Researchers noted that the treated mice had wider muscle fibers and increased muscle strength when compared to the non-LAMZ-treated mice. Endurance was studied using a treadmill device, the LAMZ-treated mice were less fatigued and traveled a longer distance than the non-treated mice. In an interview with Medical News Today, Dr. Joseph Watso, assistant professor at Florida State University, who was not involved in the study, explained: “It is thought-provoking that while the changes in distance traveled by the animals were small (around 2%), the increases in adjusted maximal muscle strength and muscle fiber width were quite substantial after 14 days of LAMZ administration.“ Using gene analysis, the researchers showed that LAMZ increased the number of mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell—in muscle and bone cells. They noted an increase in the expression of the gene for the PGC-1 alpha, a protein known to maintain muscle and bone cells and increase the production of mitochondria. “PCG1a is a known transcriptional coactivator that increases mitochondrial biogenesis. This is an interesting feature of the agent they identified as mitochondrial biogenesis is a hallmark physiological adaption of exercise training,” Dr. Watso explained to MNT. To understand the pathway further, the researchers orally administered LAMZ to mice whilst blocking PGC-1 alpha. They found no increase in muscle strength, indicating the effects of LAMZ on muscle and bone through PGC-1 alpha. 3D images of bone samples generated using Micro-CT showed an increase in bone thickness, density, and bone mineral content, confirming the cell study findings of increased formation and a reduction of bone loss. “We were pleased to find that LAMZ-treated mice exhibited larger muscle fiber width, greater maximal muscle strength, a higher rate of bone formation, and lower bone resorption activity,” the study’s lead author Takehito Ono commented. The study has shown that LAMZ can reinforce bone and muscle with no negative effects on surrounding tissues, and can function as a therapeutic drug by reinvigorating muscle and bone via PGC- 1α, mimicking physical exercise. Dr. Watso summarized the findings: “The article provides convincing evidence in animals for an agent with a high potential to improve bone and muscle health. Like most agents evaluated in animals, the key next question is whether those findings will translate to humans. Of course, without any harmful side effects that may not have been observed in the animal studies.” He cautioned that “it will be an arduous task to develop one elixir of health to replace the innumerable benefits of regular physical activity and exercise. That said, continued efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of, and burden associated with, preventable diseases.” In certain cases, medication may be the safer option than exercise, but where possible, “exercise should be the first consideration for those who have the capability to be physically active,” said Dr. Watso. Despite this, “it is certainly worthwhile to continue to examine population-specific risk factors and pathophysiology for potential treatment targets,” he added.

Is There Room For Independent Artists In The Metaverse? – Rolling Stone https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/is-there-room-for-independent-artists-in-the-metaverse-rolling-stone/ What could the metaverse hold for independent artists? Despite Ariana Grande not releasing new music this past year, she was still nominated for an MTV Video Music Award last month. Her 2021 space-themed concert on Fortnite competed for the newly added “Best Metaverse Performance” category. She was up against Blackpink’s performance on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile, BTS’ on Minecraft, Charli XCX’s and Twenty One Pilots’ efforts on Roblox, and Justin Bieber’s VR experience on Wave. Blackpink took home the MTV Award for the category. Most of these partnerships are headline-grabbing examples of how, by harnessing the gaming audience’s interest in consuming music on such platforms, these artists have made hugely lucrative transitions into the future of the music business. But what could the metaverse hold for independent artists who might not necessarily have the fame, resources and partnerships to deliver such virtual experiences?  The metaverse, a virtual universe that incorporates different immersive digital technologies that interconnect with the real world, promises a whole new ecosystem with many of the same monetizable aspects as real life. This includes clothing, events, parties, etc., as well as new revenue streams that could catapult the music industry to new heights. So far, many independent artists have been able to build additional revenue streams in Web3 by selling albums, merchandise and exclusive content as NFTs. Some are even selling streaming royalty rights to some of their songs and others are monetizing listening parties surrounding new music releases. Yet, a metaverse takeover by artists outside the major-label system still seems out of reach.  The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify? For now, the use of platforms such as Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft is not an easy task for emerging artists. Aside from the widely discussed challenges in tech stack, the combination of technologies and interoperability needed, there’s the issue of cost, as it involves software developers, 3D modelers, tool builders and other resources usually unavailable for creators with limited budgets. Companies working toward making world-building and digital assets simple and affordable could make a difference for those independent artists looking to find their way into the metaverse. Yet asset management and content creation solutions designed particularly for music artists are still lacking. Some companies like Unity and Unreal Engine provide support to game developers, and others like Blender are developing open-source asset creation tools. Pixelynx is another organization working to make entry into the virtual world more accessible specifically for artists. Founded by musicians deadmau5 and Richie Hawtin as well as gaming industry leaders Ben Turner, Dean Wilson and Inder Phull,the company’s first release will be Elynxir, a music gaming platform developed in partnership with Niantic, which will provide an experience similar to Niantic’s smash hit Pokémon Go! mobile game. But a formal platform that allows all artists to create playable metaverse experiences for fans doesn’t yet exist. Although the metaverse is still in development, its growing popularity within the music industry is undeniable. While it will not fully replace in-person concerts, it could surely impact the way fans consume music. Artists could interact with fans, sell their music and create digital products. Building a digital ecosystem in which tools are accessible to more than just major artists with big budgets will be a collective enterprise, and inclusivity is just one of many aspects that need attention. I’m looking forward to seeing how the next generation of artists, fans and tech companies take this to the next level.

USC: Counterforce Announced For PC In Q1 2023 – Bleeding Cool News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/usc-counterforce-announced-for-pc-in-q1-2023-bleeding-cool-news/ | Firesquid Games and Angry Cat Studios revealed their latest game today as USC: Counterforce is coming to PC in Q1 2023. This will take you back to late ’90s/early ’00s versions of tactical squad shooter titles as you’ll be taking your team into dangerous sci-fi scenarios where you’ll need to breach and clear in some of the most precise ways possible without losing a team member. You can check out a trailer for it below, along with additional info as we wait to see exactly when it will drop, although we are pretty much expecting this one to have an Early Access release date. Credit: Firesquid Games Players control a hardened strike team of suited-and-booted commandos tasked with investigating and neutralizing the remainders of an unidentified alien threat on planetary body M-8322. But upon arrival, things don’t go according to plan… With a class-free skill system and a multitude of weapons and gadgets to utilize against the alien wave, players must lead their marines through extremely challenging missions across multiple game modes. The demo already showcases the infinite replayability of the finished game with hours of unique challenges. Featuring fully interactable, multi-layered destructible environments, players can leverage terrain and building layouts to maximize their defensive or offensive positions. Coupled with environmental hazards, buildable barricades, and walls that can be destroyed, the tactical possibilities for assaulting or retreating from combat positions are vast. With alien foes also able to execute similar tactics, USC: Counterforce builds on its layers of depth to create a unique, atmospheric experience. Create your ultimate squad to face every situation thanks to our unique class-free skill and progression system; hundreds of weapons & gadgets are available to suit your playstyle Outsmart aliens in epic fights taking impactful tactical decisions, triggering combos and environmental interactions of all kinds; Access to massive content at launch: USC:CF offers huge replayability through a fully randomized Campaign, customizable missions, multiple game modes, and local co-op using Steam’s Remote Play Together Experience a genuine space/alien horror fantasy; explore and fight through abandoned bases and mining facilities in a dark, tight, deadly environment, where dangers lurk about in every corner–you must be ready for anything! Head cameras on every marine bring the terror even closer to you! Discover the truth behind the demise of colony MC83-A, and protect Humankind from an ancient alien threat. Enjoyed this? Please share on social media! About Gavin Sheehan Gavin is the current Games Editor for Bleeding Cool. He has been a lifelong geek who can chat with you about comics, television, video games, and even pro wrestling. He can also teach you how to play Star Trek chess, be your Mercy on Overwatch, recommend random cool music, and goes rogue in D&D. He also enjoys hundreds of other geeky things that can’t be covered in a single paragraph. Follow @TheGavinSheehan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vero, for random pictures and musings. Latest by Gavin Sheehan Firesquid Games and Angry Cat Studios revealed their latest game today as USC: Counterforce is coming to PC in Q1 2023. Bose announced this morning that it has started collaborating with esports organization Gen.G as its Audio Lifestyle Partner. Digerati Games and indie developer Buffcorp announced they’ll be bringing Super Buff HD to consoles and PC in 2023. Navigator Games revealed a new Within Temptation collaboration launched today in Iron Maiden: Legacy Of The Beast. Blizzard Entertainment revealed a new Diablo IV testing event on the way as they’ll be holding a Closed End Game Beta shortly. Riot Games has revealed a brand new ChronoVoid skin line for Valorant today, as it will arrive in the game on September 21st. Latest in Games Firesquid Games and Angry Cat Studios revealed their latest game today as USC: Counterforce is coming to PC in Q1 2023. Pokémon TCG Value Watch: Darkness Ablaze in September 2022 shows virtually no movement in this easy-to-complete, Charizard-themed set. Heritage Auctions has put a rare, sealed copy of Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards, a game for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, up for auction! Bose announced this morning that it has started collaborating with esports organization Gen.G as its Audio Lifestyle Partner. Dragon Ball Super Card Game’s new set Dawn of the Z-Legends continues the focus on the Other World Tournament with a Goku SPR. Heritage Auctions has put a rare, sealed copy of Assassin’s Creed II, a game for the Xbox 360 console, up for auction!

Best Crypto To Buy Trending Today: USTC, APE, HNT, CHZ, LUNC, ALGO, CVX, LUNA, QNT, LDO, IBAT – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/best-crypto-to-buy-trending-today-ustc-ape-hnt-chz-lunc-algo-cvx-luna-qnt-ldo-ibat-cryptonews/ The cryptocurrency market has experienced modest gains over the past day after trading significantly below average to begin the week. Despite investors’ cautious optimism about coin prices, it appears that there are still opportunities to profit. In this article, we’ll examine the best crypto to buy trending today: 1. TerraUSD Classic (USTC) The first option among the top trending coins is USTC. Formerly the stablecoin of the Terra ecosystem, USTC has depegged against the dollar but is striving towards regaining its value.  USTC currently trades at $0.032, marking a 0.92% price increase in the past 24 hours. The asset is poised for a major 1.2% tax burn which should go live on September 21. Along with Terra Classic (LUNC), USTC is expected to see some upside once the tax burn takes effect.   2. ApeCoin (APE) APE, the native token for the ApeCoin non-fungible token (NFT) and metaverse ecosystem, is one of the most valuable assets in the market – despite only launching in March 2022. The coin currently trades at $5.87, a 12.53% uptrend in the past day.  APE investors will be anticipating an important coin unlock that should happen this week. The ApeCoin ADO is expected to unlock 25 million APE tokens, which have been allocated for “launch contributors.” These unnamed companies and contributors could flood the market with their tokens, although investors are optimistic that APE would withstand the selling pressure.  3. Helium (HNT) HNT is the native token for Helium Network – a blockchain that allows anyone to own and operate a wireless network of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The asset is currently trading at $4.47, marking a 4.3% price drop in the past 24 hours.  It would appear that HNT is among the top trending coins because of a bug on Binance that led to the mishandling of HNT tokens. Binance reportedly misallocated about 4.8 million HNT tokens, sending them to random users who quickly sold the coins for profits.  4. Chiliz (CHZ) The Chiliz platform is one of the most popular Web3 services available. Chiliz runs Socios, which allows sports and entertainment franchises to launch fan tokens that allow them to engage better with their fans.  Trading at $0.23, CHZ, the platform’s native token, surged by 0.28% in the past 24 hours. Investors are especially excited about Chiliz’s intention to transition from the Ethereum blockchain to its native chain, CHZ 2.0.  The move is expected to make Chiliz a self-sustaining platform, allowing it to compete with some of the biggest platforms in the NFT and Web3 spaces. 5. Luna Classic (LUNC)  LUNC is the former primary asset for the Terra ecosystem. After the USTC stablecoin was depegged, LUNC lost over 99% of its value in a downturn that affected the entire market. However, LUNC remains a hot-ticket item for many who still believe in the environment.    Trading at $0.00028, LUNC’s price slumped by 4.73% in the past 24 hours. However, like USTC, investors anticipate the 1.2% tax burn launch later this week. The tax burn already has support from exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, and MEXC, and it could be a major catalyst for a price surge.   6. Algorand (ALGO)  ALGO powers Algorand – a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain that describes itself as the home of FutureFi. The asset currently trades at $0.34, an uptrend of 8.3% in the past 24 hours.  Algorand appears on the list of the top trending coins because the blockchain protocol recently signed a partnership deal with FIFA – the global football governing body. As part of the deal, FIFA will launch FIFA+ Collect, an NFT platform, on the blockchain. With FIFA+ Collect, football fans can purchase soccer highlights, imagery, and art. Also, as the World Cup is less than two months away, this could be a bullish time for the asset. 7. Convex Finance (CVX) Convex Finance is a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that allows users to earn rewards, interest payments, and trading fees. While it isn’t one of the largest DeFi protocols, users are attracted to Convex because of the opportunity to earn extra income.  CVX trades at $4.70, a price jump of 1.48% in the past 24 hours.  8. Terra (LUNA) LUNA is the new asset for the Terra ecosystem. After the initial ecosystem crashed, investors moved on to LUNA, a fork of the old blockchain. LUNA currently trades at $2.70, a price drop of 4.87% in the past day.  The digital asset is trending as South Korean investigators continue their search for Do Kwon, Terra’s founder. Kwon has maintained that he isn’t on the run, although his whereabouts remain unknown.  9. Quant (QNT)  QNT is the native token for Quant – a blockchain interoperability network that ensures seamless collaboration and resource movement between multiple blockchains. It is popularly known as the first operating system to be built for blockchains to connect different blockchains and networks.  With a price of $103.93, QNT has been trading up by 1.74% in the past 24 hours. 10. Lido Finance (LDO)  LDO powers Lido Finance – a liquid staking protocol that allows users to stake cryptocurrencies and earn returns. The asset is controlled by the Lido DAO – a decentralized autonomous organization that operates Lido.  LDO, which currently trades at $1.77, has surged by 3.21% in the past 24 hours. LDO appears to be experiencing a bull run as more investors turn to Lido Finance to stake their coins. Days before the Ethereum Merge, Lido reportedly held 30% of all staked ETH. It is expected that this should increase, further bolstering LDO’s prospects. 11. Battle Infinity (IBAT) Rounding out the list of top trending coins is IBAT. The native token for the Battle Infinity fantasy sports ecosystem is shaping to be one of the most exciting new coins in the market. Battle Infinity’s seamless blend of the metaverse, NFTs, and fantasy sports has led to massive investor interest in the platform.  IBAT currently trades at $0.0029. The asset experienced a 5.54% increase in the past 24 hours, although investors are even more excited about the asset’s staking launch later this week. Staking should add more functionality to the coin, which recently completed its presale and is seeing growing investor demand.

In A First, Health Panel Calls For Routine Anxiety Screening In Adults – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/in-a-first-health-panel-calls-for-routine-anxiety-screening-in-adults-the-washington-post/ In a nod to the nation’s pressing mental health crisis, an influential group of medical experts for the first time is recommending that adults under age 65 get screened for anxiety. The draft recommendations, from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, are designed to help primary care clinicians identify early signs of anxiety during routine care, using questionnaires and other screening tools. Anxiety disorders are often unrecognized and underdetected in primary care: One study cited by the task force found the median time for initiating treatment for anxiety is a staggering 23 years. While the task force’s initial deliberations on anxiety screening predated the coronavirus pandemic, the new guidance comes at a critical time, said task force member Lori Pbert, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, Mass. “Covid has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health of Americans,” Pbert said. “This is a topic prioritized for its public health importance, but clearly there’s an increased focus on mental health in this country over the past few years.” In April, the task force made similar recommendations to begin anxiety screening in children and teens, ages 8 to 18. The proposal announced Tuesday focuses on young and middle-aged adults, including those who are pregnant or postpartum, citing research showing that screening and treatment can improve anxiety symptoms in those younger than 65. But the guidance, somewhat surprisingly, stops short of recommending anxiety screening for people 65 and older. One reason: many common symptoms of aging, such as trouble sleeping, pain and fatigue, can also be symptoms of anxiety. The task force said there wasn’t enough evidence to determine the accuracy of screening tools in older adults, which may not be sensitive enough to distinguish between anxiety symptoms and conditions of aging. The task force advised clinicians to use their judgment in discussing anxiety with older patients. The task force also reiterated an earlier recommendation that adults of all ages undergo routine screening for depression. The task force, an independent panel of experts appointed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, wields enormous influence, and while its advice isn’t mandatory, the panel’s recommendations often change the way doctors practice medicine in the United States. Some doctors questioned how the recommendations would play out in the real world, where mental health providers say they already can’t meet patient demand, and patients complain of waiting months for an appointment with a therapist. “Screening is great, but with a dire shortage in the workforce, it’s perplexing unless there are plans for increased funding of clinicians,” said Eugene Beresin, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds. Global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25 percent during the first year of the pandemic, the World Health Organization reported earlier this year. By the end of 2021, the WHO said, “the situation had somewhat improved but today too many people remain unable to get the care and support they need for both pre-existing and newly developed mental health conditions.” Anxiety, with its telltale dread and gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, palm-sweating physical signs, can manifest in a number of distinct diagnoses, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and others. Together, these make up the most common mental illnesses in the United States, afflicting 40 million adults each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Treatment can include psychotherapy, notably cognitive behavioral therapy; antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications; as well as various relaxation, mindfulness and desensitization therapies, physicians said. The panel also considered the benefits of screening patients for suicide risk but concluded that even though suicide is a leading cause of death among adults, there is “not enough evidence on whether screening people without signs or symptoms will ultimately help prevent suicide.” Still, the panel urged providers to use their own clinical judgment to determine whether individual patients should be screened for suicide risk. For primary care physicians, already in the throes of a “crisis” of burnout, pandemic-driven stress and their own mental health challenges, adding yet another screening test to a long list of clinical tasks may feel burdensome. “If primary care providers are asked to screen for one more thing, we are going to break without more resources,” said a nurse practitioner in Northern California, who asked not to be named because she didn’t have permission from her clinic to speak about the issue. Ticking off current requirements, like verifying up-to-date screenings for cervical, colon and breast cancer, as well as food insecurity, domestic violence, alcohol and tobacco use, she said everything must be packed into a 15-minute appointment, while also treating patients with complex, chronic conditions. “It just feels wrong if people are positive for depression or anxiety, and we don’t have the mental health support to help them,” said the practitioner. But Mahmooda Qureshi, an internal medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, said that additional support for patients suffering from depression or anxiety will help. “After 2020, it’s the rare patient who is not anxious,” said Qureshi, who noted that she now routinely asks patients, “How’s your stress?” “We have found that when it comes to mental health, if we don’t ask, often we don’t know.” The task force acknowledged the challenges of delivering mental health care to all those in need, adding that fewer than “half of individuals who experience a mental illness will receive mental health care.” The panel also cited “racism and structural policies” that disproportionately affect people of color. The panel noted that Black patients are less likely to receive mental health services compared to other groups, and that misdiagnosis of mental health conditions occurs more often in Black and Hispanic patients. Pbert said the latest guidance is just one step in addressing the urgent mental health needs of patients. “Our hope is that this set of recommendations can bring awareness of the need to create greater access to mental health care throughout the country,” she said, as well as highlight “gaps in the evidence so funders can support critically needed research in these areas.” The proposed recommendations are open for public comment through Oct. 17, after which the task force will consider them for final approval.

Three Ways ‘bossware’ Surveillance Technology Is Turning Back The Management Clock – Phys.org https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/three-ways-bossware-surveillance-technology-is-turning-back-the-management-clock-phys-org/ This demo dashboard from Work Examiner shows the ‘productivity’ of an individual worker. Credit: Work Examiner If you’re reading this during work hours, there’s a chance your boss knows about it. The market for “bossware”—digital tools that enable managers to keep tabs on what workers are up to—is reportedly booming. News reports recount tales of health-care workers being ranked “idle” for not typing while counseling drug patients, and hospice chaplains losing “productivity points” for spending too long with the bereaved or dying. In the United States 60% of employers with more than 200 workers now use “employee productivity monitoring technologies,” according to market research firm Gartner. Once loaded on your computer, these tools (with names such as Clever Control, Time Doctor, Staffcop and Work Examiner) can track a dizzying array of data—key strokes, how often you move your mouse, if you are using messaging apps, your search queries and the websites you visit. They can view your screen and record video from your webcam. Work Examiner boasts it can “record every second of an employee’s screen activity.” They then turn this into easily digestible data on a dashboard (for your manager), highlighting your active hours and “idle time,” awarding you a productivity score, and ranking you against your colleagues. This may be happening without you even realizing. Even if you are informed, it’s done without your input. Too few mouse clicks? There may be a very good reason, but the software doesn’t care. These technologies are relatively new but the thinking behind them—that productivity can be reduced to simple measurements, and that workers must be constantly surveilled and managed for maximum efficiency—is relatively old. More than a century ago techniques to observe and control workers movements intensively were developed into a theory of “scientific management” by U.S. engineer Frederick Winslow Taylor. Tracking mouse clicks remotely is a high-tech version of the same game. The promises of bossware—of better performance and more control—are tempting to management. But they are also profoundly wrong. Inventing ‘scientific management’ Taylor, who was born in 1856, developed his management ideas while working at the Midvale Steel Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he rose through the ranks to become chief engineer. His book Principles of Scientific Management was published in 1911. The fundamental “science” of management involved intensive surveillance of workers’ activities, breaking them down into constituent parts, and determining the most efficient way everything should be done. If workers went about drilling holes in different ways, for example, the scientific manager should time each method and then require everyone do it the fastest way. Even if the manager had never handled a drill, the stopwatch enabled them to judge what was most efficient. Taylor’s book went on to become one of the most influential management books of the 20th century. But it has also been blamed for a “ghastly sublimation of the human spirit.” Three problems with surveillance So what’s wrong with excessive managerial surveillance? First, it can be harmful to health—both mental and physical. This has been well-documented by research on call centers, which pioneered many of the white-collar surveillance techniques now spreading to other workplaces. Second, measurement techniques create misleading accounts of what workers do. We have reviewed 100 years of performance management research and found that performance management systems are far from “scientific.” CC BY-SA” data-thumb=”https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/tmb/2022/3-ways-bossware-survei-2.jpg” CC BY-SA“ Frederick Taylor’s Principles of Scientific Management, published in 1911. Credit: CC BY-SA Measurement is not just observation. It requires reducing work to elements that can be categorized and compared. A “productivity score” based on measuring keystrokes and mouse clicks illustrates this starkly. It involves a misleading simplification. A stopwatch cannot tell whether a hole was drilled with precision or not. Neither can a mouse tracker capture a worker‘s thoughtfulness and experience. Third, intensive surveillance can actually decrease outcomes. This has been shown in multiple studies. For example, a 2016 study found intensive surveillance of cleaners prevented them cleaning rooms well. With just three minutes allowed per room, some resorted to scrubbing school floors and bleaching toilets for free on their weekends. A 2107 study of electronic monitoring of nurses providing home care to the elderly and disabled found a similar loss of work quality. If they want to improve productivity, managers need to talk with workers. E-surveillance and performance dashboards that allow judgment from a distance, without context, undermine this relationship. Measuring less, understanding more The resurgence of management surveillance is a worrying trend. But the fundamental problem is not the technology. It is managers’ desire—which technology enables—to know more than they can, and to trust workers less than they should. Bossware promises managers that illusion. A different path would be to accept that most people want to work well, and generally know best how to do so. Managers might then measure less, but understand more. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Citation: Three ways ‘bossware’ surveillance technology is turning back the management clock (2022, September 20) retrieved 20 September 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-09-ways-bossware-surveillance-technology-clock.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

YouTuber Confesses To Secretly Being Gaming Industry Leaker After Getting Caught – Kotaku https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/youtuber-confesses-to-secretly-being-gaming-industry-leaker-after-getting-caught-kotaku/ Image: Ubisoft / Dan Allen Gaming / Kotaku It turns out a Twitter account called TheRealInsider, the latest in a crop of leakers posing as gaming industry insiders, was actually run by YouTuber Dan Allen Gaming. The account had convinced many in the scene that it was the real deal after accurately teasing which new Assassin’s Creed games would be revealed at Ubisoft’s 2022 gaming showcase. But it now appears Allen was simply leaking embargoed, privileged information he received as an influencer. “I’m sorry to everyone for my actions,” he wrote on Twitter before deleting both accounts. Allen has 189,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel where he posts guides, interviews with voice actors, and playthroughs of everything from Multiversus to Elden Ring. No one suspected him of secretly leaking industry marketing materials he received under embargo until he accidentally responded to someone asking TheRealInsider a question on Twitter as his main Dan Allen Gaming account. After that, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier combed through past tweets from both accounts and discovered plenty of overlap. “If this is legit — and looking through both accounts, they sure seem to tweet about the same games around the same time — it would explain how this ‘real insider’ knew the AC codenames,” Schreier wrote in a Discord comment. “He broke the embargo himself.” But people didn’t have to speculate for long though. Allen admitted it shortly after and posted an apology. “I’m sorry to everyone for my actions,” it read. “I’m ashamed and disappointed in myself. I’ll be taking some time to reflect on my poor decisions, which will never occur again. To everyone that has supported me over the years, I’m truely [sic] sorry I let you down.” G/O Media may get a commission $10 or more Humble Bundle – Starlight Bundle Benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation For $10 or more, you can help hospitalized kids get access to video games—and get some sweet games for yourself too, including Lego Star Wars – The Complete Saga. There’s a difference between when a journalist uncovers information they consider to be of public interest and presents it to the world, and when a person agrees to an embargo or an NDA, and a company shares information under the assumption that the details won’t be disclosed until a specified date and time. TheRealInsider’s biggest claim to fame was the Ubisoft leak, teasing the Japan open world RPG called Project Red and several other Assassins’ Creed games four days before the official showcase, and before they were reported on by TryHardGuides and, later that same day, Bloomberg. As Axios’ Stephen Totilo points out, that was the same day Ubisoft briefed press on the showcase (Kotaku did not participate). More often, however, the account has teased upcoming things like hands-on previews, as in the case of Square Enix’s Forspoken. This track record recently turned TheRealInsider into one of the fixtures of the Gaming Leaks and Rumors subreddit, a popular watering hole for fans to speculate about upcoming releases based on industry reports and, more commonly, random tweets. Allen’s outing comes within a week of the massive Grand Theft Auto VI leak and a Nintendo Direct where many rumored games once again failed to materialize. It’s spurred a renewed debate about the value and ethics of leaking gaming industry secrets, which can run the gamut from where the next Fallout will take place to whether a studio has been mistreating its employees. Plenty of people are sick of the rumor mongering, and developers and marketing specialists are understandably not fans of seeing their work discussed online outside of their control, especially when it revolves around incomplete information or inaccurate information. Does that mean it will end any time soon? Consider me doubtful. Read More: Rockstar Responds To ‘Illegal’ GTA 6 Leak As The Messy Aftermath Continues Coincidently, the first outlet to break the news about TheRealInsider was a new publication by industry insider Tom Henderson called, what else, Insider Gaming. While some were critical of the name, which is even invoked on the about page where sources are encouraged to “become an insider” by reaching out, the site immediately broke after launching yesterday when too many people tried to visit it at once. Responded one apparent fan, “Fuck criticism, see you on the inside.”

Obituary: Boyce Ray Guffey – White River Now https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/obituary-boyce-ray-guffey-white-river-now/ Boyce Ray Guffey, of Cash, departed this life on Saturday, September 17, at the age of 86. He was born May 3, 1936, in Jackson County to Doyle and Bernice (Goatcher) Guffey. He married Thelma Christine Eudy in 1958 and they enjoyed 64 years together. He was an Army veteran and spent 2 years in Germany. Throughout his life, he has been a blessing to many people who have crossed his path, He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, and spent many years ministering at nursing homes and was awarded the Governor’s Volunteer of The Year Award. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching NBA basketball, NFL football, and MLB baseball with his loving wife “Thelma Lou”. He loved his family and had a multitude of friends. More than anything, he loved serving the Lord and teaching others about the bible. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law Jack Matheny, and one brother-in-law Darrell Vickers. He is survived by his wife; Thelma Guffey of Cash, one daughter; Denise Matheny of Scurry, Texas, one son; Kendall Guffey of Forrest City, two sisters; Una Jo Vickers of Newport, and Janice Baxter (John) of Cash, and three grandchildren; Elisabeth Guffey of Imperial Beach, California, Madison Rawlinson (Jake) of Kaufman, Texas, Aaron Matheny of Scurry, Texas, two great-grandchildren; Zoey and Logan. Pallbearers will be: Gary Barker, Larry Tribble, Jay Parnell, Alvin Tackett, Shannon Tribble, and Darrell Denton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Tackett, Noah Barnett, Carl Dixon, Eugene Dixon, Bo Riley, Jason Runsick, and Ricky Benson. Funeral Services will 2:00 Wednesday, September 21, at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Ballew’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 till service time.

5 Travel Hair Styling Tips For On-The-Go Guys – Hornet https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/5-travel-hair-styling-tips-for-on-the-go-guys-hornet/ Anyone who travels regularly knows that every inch counts… especially when it comes to your luggage. With flight delays and airport overcrowding, managing to get everything you need into a ‘carry-on and one personal item’ is a win. So when defining your essential travel hair styling needs, it’s important to pack smart. Prioritize compact items that will come in handy throughout your entire trip (and even serve multiple purposes in a pinch). Items like the Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer with nanoe and oscillating quick-dry nozzle — and before you ask, we’ll talk more about nanoe and why it’s important later. Travel is tough on hair, and proper hair care when you’re on-the-go is vital. Airplanes are drying and ever-changing climates, and altitudes can wreak havoc on your follicles. It’s important to have go-to travel hair care tips that will keep your mane properly maintained.  Here are our top 5 tips for quick travel hair styling and maintenance: 1. You need a good travel hair dryer. My own recent travels have shown me that hotel hair dryers can be unreliable – sometimes even nonexistent. That’s why a good travel-size option is essential. The Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer will take up minimal space in your carry-on and will prove to be a lifesaver in just about any situation.  Nanoe technology creates moisture-rich particulates nearly 1,000 times more effective than general negative ions. That means you’re keeping your mane’s moisture, smoothness and shine even in the driest of climates. This technology also helps protect from damage caused by over-brushing and styling.  You can use this at the hotel gym, or even shove it in a backpack if you think you might not make it back to your hotel between sight-seeing and dinner. (Plus, if you’re clumsy like me and sometimes need to quick-dry spots on clothing that you maybe got wet while getting ready — this lightweight dryer comes through in a pinch. Bonus!) 2. Ditch the hotel shampoo. Every once in a while hotels supply top-end, high-quality products. Quite often, they don’t. Supplies are bought in bulk and sit in dispensers for weeks, if not months. And even if it is top-quality, that doesn’t mean it’s the right product for your hair.  So, yeah, it’s beneficial to pack your own shampoo and conditioner from home or swing by a local drug store to pick up a brand you’re familiar with. And when it comes time to style, the Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer comes with an oscillating quick-dry nozzle that’s perfect for enhancing curls, giving your hair some body, or just a quick dry for that messy look that’s all the rage.  3. Avoid washing your hair every day. Seriously, stop it. Over-shampooing is a top cause of dried-out hair, so give your mane a break when you travel. Consider using a dry shampoo or moisturizing product, which is also great for days when you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time for a wash and style… which, let’s face it, feels like every day on a work trip. 4. Hats, bandanas, and hair bands are your friend. Now, this may not be ideal for work trips or fancy dinners, but if you’re sight-seeing or adventure traveling, who says you need to do your hair at all? Get it wet in the shower, give it a quick dry with your Panasonic Compact Hair Dryer, then wrap your hair in a bandana or a hair band and go.  Experiment with fun colors and patterns to give your head a fun, fresh look. It also pops in vacation photos (trust me). And if all else fails, throw on a hat. Over-styling your hair can take a toll. You’re on vacation, so your hair might as well get some time off, too.  5. When in doubt, remember Mariah Carey’s words. Mariah Carey made “I don’t know her” famous when she dissed JLo. And depending on where you’re traveling, you might not know anyone you encounter… which means they don’t know you… which means this is the perfect time to try something new.  Try a new hair product, or a new hairstyle. Maybe give your hair a break for a few days and don’t do anything at all. Who’s going to judge you if it doesn’t look fantastic? The beauty of being a man in a strange land is that if you try something out and it doesn’t look good, no one needs to know.  And if you stumble upon a new style that makes you look like a million bucks, well, now you’ve got your new Hornet profile pic.  This story about travel hair styling was sponsored by Panasonic. Find their state-of-the-art Compact Hair Dryer here.

Social Security: Three Social Security Online Musts | Business News | Tribstar.com – Terre Haute Tribune Star https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/social-security-three-social-security-online-musts-business-news-tribstar-com-terre-haute-tribune-star/ It’s never been easier to do business with us online. Often there is no need to call or visit an office. Here are three webpages that can make your life easier: • Create Your Personal my Social Security Account. Did you know you already have access to much of your Social Security information? All you need to do is create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. You can verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, instantly get a benefit verification letter, and more, with your own personal my Social Security account, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. • File for Your Retirement Online. Planning for retirement? Or looking to retire now? You can complete and submit your online application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes at www.ssa.gov/retirement. • Stay Informed! Our blog is the place to be for Social Security news. We feature messages and information direct from our Acting Commissioner and other experts. When you subscribe, you’ll get an email each time we post a new blog so you can stay informed. Visit blog.ssa.gov. Our online resources don’t end there. If you didn’t see what you need in the list above, visit us at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices. Please share these pages with your friends and family.

Book Documents Yishun Residents’ Community-Based Approach To Healthy Living – The Straits Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/book-documents-yishun-residents-community-based-approach-to-healthy-living-the-straits-times/ SINGAPORE – More than 200 Yishun residents and community partners on Tuesday attended the launch of a book featuring 38 community-led initiatives that around 10,000 residents have benefited from since 2011. The book, titled Caring Communities, was launched by Yishun Health, a network under the National Healthcare Group which serves the north of Singapore. Filled with photographs of residents in action, the book documents how these initiatives – facilitated by Yishun Health’s population health and community transformation (PHCT) team – have kept residents mentally and physically healthy. In his speech at the book launch, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted the importance of community and family support in building a sustainable healthcare environment. He said: “When we think of health, we might think of doctors and hospitals. But actually, that might not be the best way to view health. Health happens with yourself, family, and in the community.” One of the projects featured in the book is brisk-walking group Walking Kaki, the brainchild of 69-year-old resident Jeremy Wong. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, he suffered from depression and physical ailments which made walking difficult. The widower who lives alone felt lonely as he did not have many opportunities to socialise. During one regular visit to his doctor at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, he was introduced to Wellness Kampung, a community space in Yishun where residents can gather and interact with one another. He began walking from his home to the centre almost daily, which takes him about 30 minutes. In June 2021, the idea to start a brisk-walking group struck him. “If I stay at home too long, I think too much, and my brain goes haywire. When I’m walking with the group, I feel happy and can forget (about my troubles),” said Mr Wong. Today, the group of 10 brisk-walks together around the neighbourhood every Friday morning. Aside from leading the walking group, the former air-conditioner technician helps his neighbours fix faulty electrical items, such as fans and radios. Another initiative featured is 269AB Community Pride, which is run by residents of Block 269A and 269B in Nee Soon East. They coordinate the distribution of food such as cooked meals and canned food donated by sponsors to residents who are less fortunate. The book’s main author, Dr Wong Sweet Fun, the clinical director of Yishun Health’s PHCT team, said: “Our aim (of the initiatives) was to co-create solutions for a resilient health ecosystem… Over the years, it has been heartening for us to see these projects bear fruit, especially when our residents take over the ownership and grow them.”

Temporary Emergency Line Available For Westfield Hospital | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/temporary-emergency-line-available-for-westfield-hospital-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ With a damaged fiber currently making it impossible for the public to make phone calls to or from hard lines in parts of southwestern New York currently, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital has provided a cell number people can use to contact the hospital. The number is 814-397-0661. This number will serve as the main contact number to the hospital until the crisis is resolved. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox With a damaged fiber currently making it impossible for the public to make phone calls to or from hard lines in … SILVER CREEK — A village man is being charged after an altercation just before sunrise Saturday. At around 7 … HANOVER — A trespassing complaint last week has led to a pair of Irving residents being charged Chautauqua County … The New York Lottery today announced there were multiple top-prize winning tickets sold for the Friday Take 5 … A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to heroin and fentyl charges. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced Friday that …

STYLE Protocol, The Cross-Metaverse Interoperability Platform Releases Its Whitepaper – GlobeNewswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/style-protocol-the-cross-metaverse-interoperability-platform-releases-its-whitepaper-globenewswire/ Berlin, Germany, Sept. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — STYLE Protocol announced today the launch of their whitepaper which outlines their vision, values, who they are, their token launch, the different participants of their ecosystem and how they will solve the existing challenges and problems with the NFT industry. STYLE Protocol’s vision is to become the go-to multiverse-backbone that helps maximize the utility and value of smart Digital Assets and Virtual Goods. Online environments are growing. The number of active players and people with identities in virtual worlds is increasing steadily. The growth of decentralized and crypto-powered metaverses has unleashed a wave of open worlds. The availability of devices enabling hybrid experiences will further accelerate the use cases and therefore the adoption among the population. Lastly, the gaming industry is growing rapidly and the number of active players amongst the globe is increasing drastically. It is reasonable to assume that a fraction of “classic” gaming will evolve in the direction of decentralized participation models for their players and tokenized systems. Existing metaverses are marketed as open and accessible, yet different underlying technology stacks, blockchains, and 3D virtual engines prohibit the compatibility of these worlds. STYLE Protocol aims to solve the underlying interoperability problem and connects worlds beyond their virtual borders to allow full usability for users. The NFT technology is praised as the future of virtual identification and functions as a pillar technology for verifying assets. But some challenges remain:  NFTs are not automatically compatible with any environment NFTs are missing Metaverse and web3 usability, as they have no automated 3D counterparts NFTs can not be utilized for continuous monetization concerning virtual worlds Besides, only a few virtual worlds (games) utilize NFT technology to verify the individual ownership of Digital Assets or “virtual goods”. There is a deep fracture between game assets, metaverse assets, and purely 2D published NFT-Collections, here is why: NFTs and Assets are not automatically utilizable and interoperable. Assets are not immediately 3D compatible. Virtual Assets and NFTs have limitations with how they can be monetized. Foreign usage of virtual assets has no time-stamp option Example: A Crypto Punk, BAYC or Neo Tokyo Citizen can be turned into a multiverse skin that can now be rented by individuals to wear in the game, metaverse or virtual world of their choice. STYLE Protocol sees itself as the solution for all of these problems. They can be overcome with a decentralized 3D virtual asset utilization and sub licensing protocol, which by definition is what the STYLE Protocol ecosystem is The main principles of the protocol are: NFTs can be staked on the open protocol to unlock advanced usability across the multiverse. Assets can be brought into circulation and used across the multiverse. Assets can be monetized with usability and sublicensing across multiple virtual worlds. A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) governs and regulates the supply chain and the protocol’s principles. The protocol’s advantages are freely available for anyone to use and to participate in the ecosystem – Creators, Owners, Tailors, Metaverses, Games….  The protocol primarily aims to make Digital Assets available with advanced usability in an array of different environments, including games, virtual worlds and metaverses. To enable this, a new technical utility to the assets is introduced, which can best be described as sublicensing/derivatives. Each world, game or metaverse that connects to the STYLE Protocol has different engineering principles and systems. They may run on different blockchains, have different play logics or run on different 3D engines. To overcome these difficulties, the STYLE Protocol draws derivatives or sublicenses of assets and NFTs to have these applicable versions compatible with different environments on a blockchain and 3D virtualization level. Anyone looking to bring this utility to their assets can connect to the STYLE Protocol. This means that the sublicensed versions and derivatives of the initially staked NFT are applicable and usable with different blockchains and thus the correlating games. Also – and this is the major point – they are turned into functional assets inside the metaverse or game and can additionally be rented out as such to other players in these virtual worlds. The NFT or virtual asset becomes available in each world through three key pillars / participants of the ecosystem. The three pillars of the ecosystem are: Owners = NFT owners staking the NFTs for interoperability or anyone bringingDigital Assets (such as 3D files) onto the STYLE Protocol. Anyone, from the initial NFT creator or “non-chain” 3D asset owner, such as a brand or designer to a holder with an NFT in their wallet can offer this asset for bridging to the multiverse on STYLE Protocol. Tailors = Anyone interested in earning $STYLE tokens by molding and adjusting 3D assets within the protocol to adjust the versions to different games and metaverses. Tailors can also directly upload 3D files and creations into the supply chain and act as creators for assets. Environments = Connected platforms, metaverses and games offering the finalized assets and creations for sale within their environments. The customers and players within these ecosystems will be able to utilize all assets from the STYLE Protocol supply chain as avatars, skins, fashion, objects etc…  The participants mentioned above work together to make the ecosystem work harmoniously. However, they have created their own token $STYLE to incentivize different participants in the ecosystem and allow for continuous supply chain flow on a completely decentralized network. The $STYLE token is designed to be the backbone of the participants and value flow within the ecosystem. The primary beneficiaries of the token are people staking it and holding it in close participation to the protocol’s activity. Additionally, the $STYLE token allows for participation in DAO votings on the future development of the protocol. The token will be launched publicly with LBPs (Liquidity Bootstrapping Pools). The date of the public launch will depend on market and project readiness. The distribution will be asorganic as possible through the LBPs once activated for the community. Anyone can open pools and stake their token in exchange for the first 12% of the total token supply of $STYLE. The ecosystem is structured as a DAO and anyone can join the future decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) of the STYLE Protocol. There are however different levels of engagement. Three layers of participants exist. Tier 1 – Executive Board Decision makers on a higher level for strategic development of the protocol. People must be voted into the executive board. Tier 2 – Supreme $STYLE Holders Anyone staking a minimum amount of token can join the secondary decision making tier in order to vote on changes and future development of the protocol. Tier 3 – Every $STYLE holder or people wanting to vote on future collaborations and next projects can do so after verifying to be an active token holder.  Once the protocol flows are set up and the ecosystem is live for users and environments, a DAO decision-making webfront will be launched for token holders and elected decision makers to connect wallets and participate in the decision-making of the protocol development. Therefore, if one holds $STYLE token they will be able to vote in the creative, organizational and administrative processes of STYLE Protocol. Finally, most NFTs and metaverse projects share part of their revenues with the community of NFT holders. These usually come from secondary market sales and royalty fees. As the NFT market grows, developers, artists, and collectors are exploring new use cases for their NFT collections. One of the latest cases is using NFTs as utility tokens in staking platforms. For example, in some gaming metaverses, NFT collectors can stake their NFTs to boost their game character’s abilities and earn extra rewards. NFT staking refers to the locking up of NFTs on a platform or protocol to receive staking rewards and other privileges. This allows NFT holders to earn a passive income while maintaining ownership of their NFTs. Locking up NFTs on a platform can release rewards depending on the annual interest rate, the staking duration, and the number of NFTs staked. $STYLE NFTs staking is a new opportunity for NFTs owners to monetize their assets, potentially attracting more people to participate and driving up the market demand for stakeable NFTs. Staking an NFT on STYLE is like staking Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH). All that is needed is a cryptocurrency wallet with NFTs. The main purpose of staking NFTs on STYLE is to allow tailors to create derivative NFTs on another metaverse such as Bored Apes T-Shirt on Decentraland coming from original Bored Ape staked on STYLE. These newly created NFTs that are utilizable across other virtual worlds are essentially derivative NFTs of the initial asset. STYLE Protocol aims to empower the creator economy and young up-and-coming designers by adding utility, monetization opportunities and interoperability to their artwork. To build use cases for communities to utilize assets across different platforms and to provide access to exclusive virtual wearables for brands and designers. Finally, they aim to turn existing NFTs into skins, avatars or wearables for different games and metaverses, acting as a decentralized metaverse exchange. Official Links Website: https://www.protocol....

The Best Mirrorless Photography Lenses Of 2022 – How-To Geek https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-best-mirrorless-photography-lenses-of-2022-how-to-geek/ Nikon What to Look For in a Mirrorless Camera Lens in 2022 The mirrorless mount SLR lenses we list here fit a variety of shooting needs, but there are certain features they all share. They’re resistant to impact and weather. They have top-tier glass inside. And they all produce amazing images. They’re among the best mirrorless lenses available from top manufacturers, so bear in mind that they’ll be priced accordingly—but we’ll recommend budget alternatives where appropriate. Advances in mirrorless SLR technology mean that even your standard 50mm f/1.8 lens is miles ahead of the one you got for your first DSLR. Nikon and Sony’s standard primes, in particular, yield great images. The lenses here are even more advanced. When shopping for a lens, think about what you shoot. What focal lengths would provide the most utility? Do you need to get close to the action, or are you doing most of your shooting in a studio? The lens you buy, especially if you’re working within a certain budget, will depend on the work you do the majority of the time. An 85mm prime, for example, works brilliantly for portraits but may not be enough reach for a wildlife shooter. An ultrawide zoom of 15-35mm would make a great addition to an architectural photographer’s bag. If you usually shoot in natural light, consider lenses with a wider aperture. They allow you to let more light into the lens and shoot handheld in dimmer lighting situations. Mirrorless systems also let you bump up the ISO pretty high. That increased ability to utilize available light is important for someone like a photojournalist shooting on the fly. As with any piece of gear, you’ll also want something that’s built well. Many lenses on this list offer increased image stabilization, weather sealing, and impact resistance to cut down on camera shake and allow for shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you’ve just switched to mirrorless or are looking for the next curated piece of gear to add to your kit, here are some of the best mirrorless SLR lenses on the market. Best Mirrorless Wide-Angle Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Canon Pros ✓ Weather sealing ✓ Wide constant f/2.8 aperture ✓ Image stabilization ✓ Compatible with screw-on filters Cons ✗ Expensive ✗ Only available for Canon users Canon’s RF 15-35mm F2.8 L is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens with an excellent max aperture, image stabilization, and the sharpness people expect from Canon’s L line of lenses. The 15-35mm focal range lets you shoot from ultrawide angles to the more standard 35mm, making it perfect for architectural work, interiors, and creative portrait photography. This is the first native lens in this zoom range for Canon’s mirrorless line, offering a hair wider angle than its DSLR counterpart, which goes to 16mm at the wide end. It also pairs a constant f/2.8 aperture with that wide angle. A bonus—it can take screw-on filters, something you don’t usually get with lenses this wide. Those features and weather sealing make a multipurpose workhorse lens that adds value to any kit. Best Mirrorless Wide-Angle Lens Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L This top of the line zoom from Canon delivers stunning wide angle shots at multiple focal lengths. Best Mirrorless Ultra-Wideangle Lens: Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 G Master Pros ✓ Ultrawide variable angle ✓ Good for video ✓ Max aperture of f/2.8 ✓ Pro-grade construction ✓ Sharp images, even wide open and at wider angles Cons ✗ Very expensive ✗ Doesn’t take front-attaching filters ✗ Only for use with Sony E mount Sony continues to earn its reputation for great optics with the FE 12-24mm F2.8 G Master lens. Providing a wide constant aperture for this zoom range at f/2.8, the 12-24mm is a solid addition to the G Master line. Architectural and interior photographers will love this lens, and the 24mm focal length makes it a good option for video. Like most high-end mirrorless lenses, this ultrawide is weather sealed for extra protection. Despite an ultrawide lens, which can show barrel distortion and lack of sharpness at wider apertures, this lens makes excellent images on even high-resolution cameras. It also focuses quickly and, while slightly heavy for this lens, is still compact. One thing to note if you use accessories like ND filters: this lens can’t take traditional front-mount filter attachments. Like many offerings from Sony, this lens has a pretty steep price tag. If your budget isn’t in that range, Sigma’s 14-24mm ultrawide is a solid pick that is over $1,000 less. Best Mirrorless Ultra-Wideangle Lens Best Mirrorless Telephoto Lens: Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Pros ✓ Excellent image quality ✓ Wide constant f/2.8 aperture ✓ Pro-grade construction ✓ 5.5 stop vibration reduction ✓ A great multipurpose zoom Cons ✗ Expensive ✗ Only for Nikon’s Z system Nikon’s 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto is the next evolution of its legendary DSLR counterpart for its mirrorless Z line. Not too bulky for a telephoto, this lens can be used for anything from portraiture to events to sports—anything you need to get a little closer to shoot. And all of that is at a wide constant aperture of f/2.8. Nikon’s updated telephoto zoom lens comes with lots of nice bells and whistles, like two customizable function buttons on the lens barrel, enhanced vibration reduction, and half the minimum focusing distance of Nikon’s 70-200mm DSLR lens. Autofocus is also super fast and very quiet, perfect for wildlife photographers who don’t want to disturb the fauna. Of course, all of this will cost a pretty penny—but when it comes to the best mirrorless lenses, that’s more or less a given. Best Mirrorless Telephoto Lens NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S The mirrorless update to Nikon’s legendary 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto is great for everything from sports to studio work. Best Mirrorless Lens for Street Photography: Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Pros ✓ High-quality images ✓ f/1.4 max aperture ✓ Multipurpose 35mm focal length ✓ Weather sealing Cons ✗ High price tag ✗ Only for Sony E mount Sony’s FE 35mm F1.4 GM puts one of the best focal lengths for street photography in a powerful and compact package with a large max aperture of f/1.4. Paired with a smaller mirrorless camera body, this unobtrusive lens still delivers quality optics and excellent low-light capability. Despite the lighter weight, Sony’s 35mm G Master is built well and weather sealed. Nice extras include an aperture ring that can operate silently and a customizable function button on the lens barrel. Fast autofocus is great for capturing street shots or just the right moments at events. If this lens is too pricey for you, Sony’s standard 35mm f/1.8 costs hundreds less and delivers surprisingly good photos. Best Mirrorless Lens for Street Photography Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM A high-end update to the classic 35mm focal length, Sony’s G Master lens delivers fantastic images. Best Mirrorless Portrait Lens: Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Pros ✓ f/1.2 max aperture ✓ Built to pro standards ✓ Incredible image quality ✓ Perfect for portraits but adaptable for other uses Cons ✗ Expensive ✗ Only for Canon R cameras The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L is a monster of a portrait lens, super sharp even wide open at f/1.2. It’s built with shock resistance and weather sealing, has excellent optical quality, and comes with extras like a customizable control ring. Being the next iteration of Canon’s already impressive 85mm 1.2 L DSLR lens, this is no surprise. Just remember that weather-sealed doesn’t mean waterproof. Some rain or a spilled drink will be fine, but we wouldn’t recommend submerging the lens completely without a waterproof housing. Widely considered an ideal focal length for portraits, this 85mm prime really shines when combined with the eye autofocus common in mirrorless camera systems. The f/1.2 aperture is a full half-stop brighter than similar lenses with a max aperture of f/1.4 and allows for even more background blur wide open. Best Mirrorless Portrait Lens Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM The classic focal length for portraits meets Canon’s L line in this updated take on a favorite. Best Mirrorless Macro Lens: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Pros ✓ f/2.8 max aperture ✓ SA adjustment ring ✓ Eight-stop image stabilization ✓ Great for portraits and macro detail work Cons ✗ Not as versatile as other lenses ✗ Expensive Another entry from Canon, the RF 100mm f/2.8L is sharp, fast, and versatile. A good lens for macro shots, portrait work, or even close-up video shots, it’s built with the quality inherent to Canon’s L line. At an impressive 1.4X magnification factor, this lens lets you get truly close up. Canon’s newest 100mm macro Includes cool extras like a spherical aberration (SA) ring that adjusts the bokeh look at wide apertures. Canon also claims eight stops of image stabilization, meaning you can pull off handheld with this lens even in dimmer lighting conditions and low shutter speeds, as the built-in stabilization should be able to compensate Best Mirrorless Macro Lens

Legacy Games Studios Are Exiting P2E – That’s Good News For Crypto-Native Projects – Business 2 Community – Business 2 Community https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/legacy-games-studios-are-exiting-p2e-thats-good-news-for-crypto-native-projects-business-2-community-business-2-community/ Several major game studios attempted to portray non-fungible tokens (NFTs) when cryptocurrency prices reached all-time highs as the next big thing in late 2021. After a few months, falling prices and criticism from gamers and workers have dampened those euphoric feelings. Crypto assets were expected to provide gamers with the ability to own their in-game digital goods while also providing publishers with a new source of revenue. The truth, however, has proven to be more complicated. NFTs Lead to Scarcity and Exclusion Speculative assets, such as NFTs or in-game cryptocurrencies, have a significant impact on game dynamics and player expectations. Whether they are magical weapons or robot costumes, these assets are financial goods. They contain a certain amount of speculative risk, which includes the possibility of both gains and losses. Their presence in a game causes both producers and players to become investors. Mojang, a Microsoft-owned video game developer, claimed that NFTs lead to “scarcity and exclusion.” The Minecraft creator prohibited corporations from building worlds on blockchain networks or game-related NFTs, effectively putting an end to several ongoing projects. Mojang said in a July blog post. “NFTs are not inclusive of all our community and create a scenario of the haves and the have-nots.” “The speculative pricing and investment mentality around NFTs takes the focus away from playing the game and encourages profiteering, which we think is inconsistent with the long-term joy and success of our players.” Axie Infinity’s Best P2E Game One of the most well-known blockchain-based games, Axie Infinity, allows users to earn and obtain Smooth Love Potion in-game tokens. These tokens can be traded on exchanges for cryptocurrencies or turned into fiat currencies like the US dollar. Axie players must pay to produce those early prizes. To be eligible for the play-to-earn, or P2E, concept, players had to first obtain three NFT “monsters.” At its peak in July 2021, that would have cost close to $1,400, or about $446 per NFT. Profits were estimated to be around $700 per fortnight. Guilds, which were popularised in games like Axie, are a throwback to the cooperative grinding for rare items that teams used to engage in classic games like World of Warcraft. In exchange, guild leaders were given a permanent share of their teams’ bitcoin earnings, sometimes as high as 90%, in exchange for footing the bill for the so-called scholars to play the game. In one of the largest crypto industry attacks ever, hackers stole nearly $600 million from the Ronin Bridge that connects different blockchains https://t.co/PjFgHDKRJa — Bloomberg Crypto (@crypto) March 29, 2022 The March hacking incident on Axie, in which hackers stole over $600 million, made it difficult for players who relied on the game for income to get their money back. The public figure who popularised the “play-to-earn” model rebranded the subgenre as “play-and-earn” to reflect the shift in focus from making money to having fun with the game. Funding for NFT Development Interoperability, a hypothetical future in which players can use an item purchased in one game in another, was one of the main arguments for funding NFT development. Players may gain ownership tokens for the goods they win. It will allow them to carry their magic swords and robot outfits between games and potentially profit from selling them in the future. Most cryptocurrency games have struggled to juggle incompatible game engines and art styles, competing for blockchains and carefully licenced intellectual property franchises. Despite some of the blockchain experiences, like Alien Worlds, Decentraland, and The Sandbox, trying to harmonise their platforms. Related: 14 Best Play to Earn Games in 2022 Axie Infinity Price Prediction 2022 – 2025 Where To Buy Axie Infinity Coin – Beginner’s Guide Tamadoge (TAMA) – The P2E Dogecoin ’10x Potential’ – CNBC Report Deflationary, Low Supply – 2 Billion Move to Earn, Metaverse Integration on Roadmap NFT Doge Pets – Potential for Mass Adoption Presale Complete – Upcoming ICO on LBank, Uniswap Join our Telegram channel to stay up to date on breaking news coverage Author: Ali B Ali is a professional live webinar speaker and derivatives (cryptocurrency, forex, commodities, and indices) analyst. He brings a broad range of skills to help beginners evaluate financial data and investment trends, carry out technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and make an informed decision on the best ways to strategize their investment … View full profile ›

U.S. Homebuilding Buoyed By Multi-Family Projects; Permits Decline – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-homebuilding-buoyed-by-multi-family-projects-permits-decline-reuters/ New townhomes are seen under construction while building material supplies are in high demand in Tampa, Florida, U.S., May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Octavio Jones Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Housing starts surge 12.2% in August Single-family starts rise 3.4%; multi-family up 28.6% Building permits drop 10.0%; single-family down 3.5% WASHINGTON, Sept 20 (Reuters) – U.S. homebuilding unexpectedly increased in August as rising rents boosted the construction of multi-family housing to the highest level in more than 36 years, but soaring mortgage rates and high prices are undercutting the overall housing market. The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday showed permits for future homebuilding plunged to levels last seen during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. Homebuilding is also being hobbled by supply chain bottlenecks, which are raising prices for materials. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy tightening has significantly weakened the housing market. In contrast, other sectors of the economy, like the labor market, have shown incredible resilience despite the Fed’s attempts to cool demand. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “Housing construction activity is caught in the crossfire of two opposing forces,” said Conrad DeQuadros, senior economic advisor at Brean Capital in New York. “However, construction activity is likely to remain solid for a while as builders work through the backlog even as optimism about new sales plummets.” Housing starts rebounded 12.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.575 million units last month. Data for July was revised down to a rate of 1.404 million units from the previously reported 1.446 million units. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast starts would come in at a rate of 1.445 million units. Housing starts dipped 0.1% on a year-on-year basis in August. Starts for housing projects with five units or more soared 28.6% to a rate 621,000 units, the highest since April 1986. Multi-family housing construction is being supported by strong demand for rental apartments, with rising borrowing costs pushing homeownership out of the reach of many Americans. Single-family housing starts, which account for the biggest share of homebuilding, increased 3.4% to a rate of 935,000 units. Single-family homebuilding rose in the Midwest, the densely populated South and the West, but plunged in the Northeast. MORTGAGE RATES SOARING The U.S. central bank is expected to raise its policy rate by 75 basis points on Wednesday for the third time in as many policy meetings. Since March, the Fed has lifted that rate from near zero to its current range of 2.25% to 2.50%. Mortgage rates have risen even higher. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.02% last week, from 5.89% in the prior week, breaking above 6% for the first time since November 2008, according to data from mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac. Reuters Graphics Permits for future homebuilding tumbled 10.0% to a rate of 1.517 million units, the lowest level since June 2020. Single-family building permits dropped 3.5% to a rate of 899,000 units, the lowest level since June 2020. Permits for multi-family housing projects declined 18.5% to a rate of 571,000 units. Residential fixed investment declined at its steepest pace in two years in the second quarter, contributing to the second straight quarterly drop in gross domestic product during that period. Homebuilding is likely to remain on the back foot for the rest of the year. A survey on Monday showed the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market sentiment index fell for the ninth straight month in September. The survey found almost a quarter of builders reported reducing home prices and more than half were offering incentives to bolster sales, including mortgage rate buydowns and free amenities. read more An outright housing market collapse is, however, unlikely because of an acute shortage of single-family homes for sale. Though house price inflation has started slowing, there are fewer homes being built because of financial constraints, suggesting the pace could be moderate. That could pose a conundrum for the Fed, which is seeking to bring down house prices by slowing demand for houses. The number of houses approved for construction that are yet to be started fell 2.7% to 290,000 units. The single-family housing backlog decreased 3.4% to 143,000 units, but the completions rate for this segment increased 0.4%. The inventory of single-family housing under construction fell 0.4% to a rate of 812,000 million units. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Paul Simao Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Teradata Again Ranked A Top 100 Global Provider Of Financial Technology In The 2022 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100 – Business Wire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/teradata-again-ranked-a-top-100-global-provider-of-financial-technology-in-the-2022-idc-fintech-rankings-top-100-business-wire/ SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Teradata (NYSE: TDC) today announced that it has ranked #30 on the 2022 IDC FinTech Rankings, moving up seven places from the previous year’s ranking. This annual vendor ranking represents the leading hardware, software, and technology service providers to the financial services industry. Vendors are ranked based on 2021 calendar year revenues attributed to financial services and FinTech industries. This is the 3rd consecutive year Teradata has been named on the list, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to help financial institutions successfully execute their digital transformation initiatives by leveraging the full power of data analytics. IDC Financial Insights publishes a comprehensive report about the year’s findings that is available to view or download from http://www.idc-fi.com. “In today’s macroeconomic climate, a new approach to data and analytics is essential as businesses across the financial sector contend with global regulation and compliance measures, rising security concerns, and a shift from delivering generalized products to tailored services,” said Jacqueline Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at Teradata. “The future of financial services is built on data-driven capabilities that enable one-to-one financial experiences; the IDC FinTech Rankings recognize Teradata’s critical role in helping the industry achieve this future through rapid digital transformation, powered by analytic insights.” The Fortune 500-style ranking categorizes and evaluates the top global providers of financial technology based on 2021 calendar year revenues and the percentage of those revenues exclusively attributed to financial institutions, including banks, capital markets firms, and insurers or directly to fintech solution providers for hardware, software, and/or services. These providers supply the technological backbone of the financial services industry, an industry in which IDC forecasts worldwide spending on IT across the globe to be $590 billion (USD) by 2025. With 15 of the top 20 global banks as customers, Teradata’s strong and growing presence in the financial services sector will be bolstered by the recent launches of Teradata VantageCloud Lake, its first product based on all-new, next-generation cloud-native architecture, and ClearScape Analytics, the company’s significantly expanded, industry-leading in-database analytics. With the introduction of Teradata VantageCloud Lake, financial services organizations will have greater ability to innovate by quickly spinning up ad hoc, exploratory, and departmental analytic workloads, enabling them to be nimbler and more experimental without giving up the governance and cost controls for which they depend on Teradata. And with ClearScape Analytics, financial services customers can rapidly activate massive amounts of data to solve complex business challenges and create an environment designed for emerging AI/ML applications. These data-driven applications will be ever more critical for forecasting, auditing, anomaly detection, and experimentation. To learn more visit: https://www.teradata.com/VantageCloud About Teradata Teradata is the connected multi-cloud data platform for enterprise analytics company. Our enterprise analytics solve business challenges from start to scale. Only Teradata gives you the flexibility to handle the massive and mixed data workloads of the future, today. Learn more at Teradata.com. The Teradata logo is a trademark, and Teradata is a registered trademark of Teradata Corporation and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and worldwide.

Valkyrae And Hasan Mock Claim That Playing Games Is A “form Of Depression” – Dexerto https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/valkyrae-and-hasan-mock-claim-that-playing-games-is-a-form-of-depression-dexerto/ Valkyrae and Hasan streaming together Streaming stars Rachell ‘Valkyrae’ Hofstetter and Hasan ‘HasanAbi’ Piker hit back after reading a viral tweet claiming that playing video games for long periods of time is a “form of depression.” There have been numerous concerns over the years about the effect that gaming can have on a player’s mental wellbeing. While the WHO considers ‘gaming disorder’ to be a mental illness, others argue that gaming can provide escapism for a player. As two of YouTube and Twitch’s most popular streamers, Valkyrae and Hasan have enjoyed many hours chatting to their fans and friends over a game title. So, understandably, the pair disagreed with a “lifetime gamer” who argued that playing video games relentlessly is a “form of depression.” Valkyrae argues that gaming can be an “escape” Valkyrae joined Hasan’s Twitch livestream as the duo spent a good deal of time catching up and watching YouTube videos together. However, they then came across a tweet as the mood turned more serious. The Twitter user claimed: “As an adult, playing video games for long periods of time is a form of depression […] Think about the 100 greatest moments of your life. Do any of those moments include video games? Probably not.” As an adult, playing video games for long periods of time is a form of depression. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself this. Think about the 100 greatest moments of your life. Do any of those moments include video games? Probably not. And this comes from a lifetime gamer. — DJ Vlad (@djvlad) September 11, 2022 However, Valkyrae disagreed saying “people definitely use video games as an escape.” Hasan similarly responded by listing some of the “greatest moments” he’s experience which involve a gaming title. Although, the “lifetime gamer” stressed that they weren’t targeting those who’d “turned gaming into a career” such as streamers. Rather, it was more directed for those who “consistently devote” a good deal of time to playing games. “I’ve had a lot of happy moments with video games,” Valkyrae added. “Like, playing Super Nintendo. Playing Lion King and my sister’s just watching me with the little cheat book. My Mom is like cooking dinner and my Dad just got home […] those are good memories.” The debate over the influence of video games is still a hot topic of discussion across the internet. However, Hasan and Valkyrae made it very clear just how much happiness gaming has brought them.

Voters Will Soon Decide Whether Denton’s Future Includes Decriminalizing Marijuana – KERA News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/voters-will-soon-decide-whether-dentons-future-includes-decriminalizing-marijuana-kera-news/ Published September 20, 2022 at 4:00 AM CDT If the ballot proposition passes in November, Denton would eliminate arrests and penalties for misdemeanor marijuana possession. And Denton police officers who smell marijuana would not be able to use that as probable cause for a search. Deb Armintor, is with Decriminalize Denton. The nonprofit group supports the proposed “Ordinance to Eliminate Low-Level Marijuana Enforcement.” The former Denton city council member says many people who’ve been arrested for marijuana have suffered. And she says that has affected a disproportionate number of black residents in Denton. “We would be a healthier city,” Armintor said. “It would mean fewer people in jail…. We would save money,” she said. Other proponents have suggested that decriminalizing marijuana would enable law enforcement agencies to focus more on serious criminal offenses. Armintor said she believes that Marijuana is safer than many over-the-counter drugs and is becoming more acceptable in communities across America. “This is the way the nation is heading…. It’s even the way Texas is heading,” she said. “And we as a home-rule city have the authority to make decisions about police enforcement priorities.” Critics of decriminalizing marijuana raise concerns about potential health consequences and and say that it would create a more permissive attitude toward drug use. And they claim that decriminalizing marijuana would lead more car accidents because of impaired drivers. Voters in Austin voted to decriminalize marijuana in May. Other cities have similar proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot, including Killeen, San Marcos, Harker Heights and Elgin. Decriminalize Denton supporters rallied outside of the county courthouse Saturday. Early voting begins in October and the election is Nov. 8. Got a tip? Email Mya Nicholson at  mnicholson@kera.org. Mya Nicholson reports for KERA’s government accountability team. She studies broadcast journalism at the University of North Texas. KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

Briscoe’s Magical Vacation Planner Ford Mustang Will Be On Display On Sept. 23 In Mitchell During Persimmon Festival – WBIW.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/briscoes-magical-vacation-planner-ford-mustang-will-be-on-display-on-sept-23-in-mitchell-during-persimmon-festival-wbiw-com/ MITCHELL – Their hometown connection grew to take on the national stage when the travel industry powerhouse and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner announced the sponsorship of Briscoe’s No. 14 Team for five NASCAR Cup Series races. Briscoe drove the Magical Vacation Planner Ford Mustang at the All-Star Race in Texas in May, and in this past weekend’s race at Kansas. MVP will again be Briscoe’s main sponsor during upcoming playoff races at Bristol, Talladega, and Homestead. Now, the two are taking the stage off the racetrack as they bring the Magical Vacation Planner Ford Mustang to town for Mitchell’s Persimmon Festival’s 75th Anniversary. The car will be showcased at Hatfield Elementary School on September 23 and in the festival’s parade the following day. The public will also be able to view the car on September 23 from 2:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Mitchell’s Post Office parking lot. “I remember as a kid watching all the planning and hard work it took for many people to plan the festival, and I remember the joy it brought to them,” said Eubanks. “It taught me so much about what the sense of community means, and how working hard as a team to accomplish something is the best way to do things.” “The Persimmon Festival was always a big deal,” said Briscoe. “Every year we’d go and hang out with friends and everyone in town. The festivals were one thing I always loved about growing up in Indiana.”

Fifth Third Bank Launches Mortgage Warehouse Finance Business – News – ABL Advisor https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fifth-third-bank-launches-mortgage-warehouse-finance-business-news-abl-advisor/ Fifth Third Bank has launched its Mortgage Warehouse Finance business to meet the needs of independent mortgage bankers. As one of the largest regional banks in the U.S., Fifth Third offers the liquidity, credit and banking solutions independent mortgage bankers require, all in one place. “At Fifth Third, we look to be the banking partner of choice for independent mortgage bankers,” said Kevin Lavender, head of commercial banking at Fifth Third Bank. “Our resources and focus on relationships position us to provide solutions to our clients’ most pressing business problems. We can collaborate to deliver value for today’s independent mortgage bankers’ business.” Warehouse lending is a commercial financing arrangement between banks and non depository mortgage lenders that originate or aggregate residential mortgage loans. The financing arrangement provides interim liquidity until the loan is sold or securitized in the secondary market. Loans are held in “warehouse” from the time they are funded on the facility until they are sold. Fifth Third’s Mortgage Warehouse Finance business is led by industry veteran Donnie Martin, who brings more than 25 years of mortgage industry experience to the bank. Martin has assembled a team of knowledgeable warehouse lending professionals across the U.S. The team is based in Dallas. “We offer our clients a full banking relationship, industry expertise and technology to deliver excellence in daily execution and consistency through business cycles,” said Martin, group head of mortgage warehouse finance at Fifth Third. “We’re bringing the resources of Fifth Third’s Commercial Bank to the mortgage industry to help our clients achieve their long-term strategic objectives.” Fifth Third’s Mortgage Finance Connect technology platform will provide clients efficient, same-day funding that integrates with existing processes. The quick fulfillment, together with a broad product offering, provides the tools necessary for mortgage bankers to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. Mortgage Warehouse Finance joins Fifth Third’s Correspondent Lending Group, Capital Markets Whole Loan Trading Desk and Treasury Management Solutions Team in serving the business needs of independent mortgage bankers across the country.

AprilAire Sponsored And 10 Employees Rode In The FairShare CSA Coalition Bike The Barns Event – PR Web https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/aprilaire-sponsored-and-10-employees-rode-in-the-fairshare-csa-coalition-bike-the-barns-event-pr-web/ AprilAire executive Heather Hartwig rode the Bike the Barns Sept. 18 and AprilAire sponsored the event. “We have a mission to be a good community servant through healthy living and making a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. The Bike the Barns event certainly checked all those boxes. We were very happy to be a part of the ride.” MADISON, Wis. (PRWEB) September 20, 2022 AprilAire, the nationwide leader in professional-grade Healthy Air solutions for the home since 1954, sponsored the 14th annual Bike the Barns in Madison on Sept. 18 and 10 employees rode in this large fundraising event for the FairShare CSA Coalition. AprilAire’s participation showcases its core value of making a difference in communities as well as its commitment to healthy living, including not only clean air to breathe but clean food to eat for everyone. Madison-based FairShare CSA Coalition is a non-profit organization providing locally produced, organic food from small-scale farms to families throughout the Midwest, including those with low incomes, through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. In addition to individual fundraising efforts by AprilAire employee cyclists, the company was a premier sponsor for the event, providing banner signage, t-shirt logos, and more including sponsor branding as riders entered the finish chute. Bike the Barns began with breakfast at Lake Farm County Park and long route bikers began their approximately 60-mile ride at 9:00 a.m., while those riding 30 to 40 miles departed at 10:00 a.m. Depending on the mileage, participants could make two, three, or four interactive farm stops as they wheeled through scenic southeastern Dane County to enjoy tours, activities, food, beverage, music, and other barnyard fun. “It was a great day weather-wise for a bike ride,” said Heather Hartwig, AprilAire’s senior product manager – sensors, who rode the 30- to 40-mile route. “I enjoyed spending time with my AprilAire work friends outside of the office and challenging my cycling legs in the beautiful, clean Wisconsin air.” FairShare Coalition CSA’s Bike the Barns event perfectly mirrors one of AprilAire’s five core values, healthy living, because the brand believes inherently that everyone deserves the healthy, clean air provided by AprilAire solutions just as much as they deserve the healthy, clean food from a CSA. Participation in the biking event also strongly supports another core value: making a difference. In addition to those health and community service values, other AprilAire core messages include simplicity of design, inspired innovation, and delivering straight talk and real results, as promised. “We have a mission to be a good community servant through healthy living and making a difference in the lives of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues,” said David Carlson, director of marketing for AprilAire. “The Bike the Barns event certainly checked all those boxes. We were very happy to be a part of the ride.” AprilAire’s suite of healthy air innovations for homes nationwide is led by the company’s signature solution, the AprilAire Healthy Air System®, a set-it-and-forget-it, whole house system for all-in-one fresh air ventilation, air purification, humidity control, zoning, control, and radon mitigation which are all essential to maintaining proper indoor air quality no matter the weather outside. Other products are available individually including whole-house dehumidifiers, whole-house humidifiers, air purifiers and a complete line of filters, including the highest rated MERV 16 filters that capture 98%* of airborne viruses and 99%* of allergy and asthma triggers. To find the right solution for their residence, homeowners should contact their local AprilAire Healthy Air Professional for a consultation and to recommend the proper AprilAire solution to help reduce pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pet dander, dust, dust mites, tobacco smoke, and pollution indoors. *Contaminants removed based on air passing through the filtering system. About AprilAire AprilAire is on a mission to make homes healthy. We believe everyone deserves Healthy Air and envision a future with Healthy Air in every home. We value healthy living, customer-inspired innovation, simplicity of design, straight talk and delivering real results as promised, and most importantly making a positive difference in the lives of our customers, families, and communities. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin since 1954, AprilAire has been creating and delivering Healthy Air solutions to manage air purity, humidity, fresh air supply, radon mitigation, and temperature for all types of homes, in all environments. We have an unparalleled reputation as the brand of choice among tens of thousands of professional contractors and make a Healthy Air difference in the lives of the millions of families who rely on our products every day. To learn how to turn your house into a Healthy Home with the AprilAire Healthy Air System® and learn about other solutions, visit http://www.aprilaire.com. # # # Share article on social media or email:

Premier League News Live Updates: Tables, Fixtures And Build-Up To International Football – The Athletic https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/premier-league-news-live-updates-tables-fixtures-and-build-up-to-international-football-the-athletic/ Premier League news live updates: Tables, fixtures and build-up to international football  The Athletic

Coinllectibles To Host Metaverse Web 5.0 Leadership Conference In Singapore On 1 Nov 2022 – PR Newswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/coinllectibles-to-host-metaverse-web-5-0-leadership-conference-in-singapore-on-1-nov-2022-pr-newswire/ Visionaries, Luminaries, Advocates and Thought Leaders within the centralised (Web 2.0) and decentralised (Web 3.0) space will be gathered in Singapore on 1 November 2022 to exchange insights on what Web 5.0 is and how stakeholders can prepare for it. , /PRNewswire/ — Metaverse Blockchain company Coinllectibles, a fully owned subsidiary of Cosmos Group Holdings Inc. (OTC: COSG), is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the region’s first Web 5.0 Conference in Singapore at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel on 1 November 2022. What is the Web 5.0 Conference about? The development of how we engage with centralised and decentralised platforms through the evolution of the internet will be a defining area in the evolution of the metaverse.  Coinllectibles, as a metaverse company, defines Web 5.0 as the seamless interoperability between centralised (Web 2.0) and decentralised (Web 3.0) apps and platforms for the primary purpose of achieving the ideal balance of user experience, control and ownership. Coinllectibles seeks to bring together thought leaders to engage around the key issues and help shape this new Web 5.0 ecosystem.   Julian So, Vice Chairman of Coinllectibles, notes that, “We do not profess to have all the answers. I also do not think that anyone can definitively say what Web 5.0 is at the moment.  However, one thing is for sure – in a fast-evolving space like technology, collaboration is key.  That is why we think that it is important for industry players  to start sharing ideas and to seed a broader based Web 5.0 discussion.” “Web 5.0 Conference is also positioned as a more holistic conference with emphasis across 4 key themes, which are – (1) Innovation, (2) Technology and Security, (3) Legal and Regulations and (4) Investment and Applications. Based on our observation, unlike Web 1.0 or Web 2.0 – which are primarily technology focused, a more cross disciplinary approach should be taken when looking at Web 5.0 development. Hence, it is this view that has shaped how we have put the event together,” added Julian. Highlights of the Web 5.0 Conference The Web 5.0 Conference seeks to bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, legal minds, investors, and industry insiders to create a unique in person event with many sessions made available to an online audience. The conference will address key technical issues as well as have plenty of fun and surprises.   There will be several thought leaders in the fields of legal, technology, intellectual property and media from all over the world as well as a number of leading Singapore based firms. The founder and Chairman of Coinllectibles, Dr Herbert Lee, will also be at the event to welcome the attendees. In terms of event highlights, apart from the speakers and topics, there will be the World Premiere of an exclusive trailer for a crime drama television series that is produced by the award-winning Phoenix Waters Productions. There will also be an exhibition showcasing arts and collectibles NFTs. These physical items have a NFT that serves as form of digital ownership tokens (DOTs) whereby collectors can buy and sell physical collector pieces via third party NFT platforms. With respect to the arts and collectibles showcase, Terry Lee, Head of Art for Coinllectibles, said, “As the Head of Art for Coinllectibles, I see NFTs adding a lot of value to the collectibles market. Often, the key issues collectors face relates to provenance and authenticity of the artwork – which are things blockchain technology can solve. We have been implementing this technology with collectors, galleries and auction houses over the last year. I see this as a real-world use case for blockchain technology and I am excited to show that blockchain can be used to support real progress in the art markets.” Why is Coinllectibles organizing the Conference in Singapore? Since its launch in September 2021, Coinllectibles has been gaining traction in regions like United Kingdom and the United States. Coinllectibles has also participated in numerous technology exhibitions as well as organized outreach events in Hong Kong. However, this is the first time it is organizing such a conference in Singapore. Commenting on why Coinllectibles has decided to hold the Web 5.0 conference in Singapore, Joshua Chu, Chief Risk Officer of Coinllectibles, said, “Singapore is recognized as an innovative technology hub with great legal and technical infrastructure and a logical base to expand our presence in. As a lawyer by training, I am acutely aware of the push the Singapore government is making with respect to intellectual property law as well as protection. As a company, we think the next innovation in that intellectual property space will come in the form of blockchain adoption.” “With most of the world reopening from the Covid-19 shutdown, we see Singapore as an excellent B2B hub. This is because we are ultimately a technology company that is looking to work with businesses in the application of blockchain technology – and there is no better place to be than Singapore.” Coinllectibles Web 5.0 Conference is a free event. As seating is limited for certain conference sessions, attendees will be required to register to gain admission to the event. To register your attendance, please visit www.coinllectibles.art/Web5Conference. For more information on the key highlights of the Web 5.0 Conference 2022, please refer to the Annex below. Web 5.0 Conference 2022 1 November 2022 Grand Copthorne Waterfront 392 Havelock Road, Singapore 169663 9am – 10pm Registration: www.coinllectibles.art/Web5Conference #Web5Conference Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future business activities including the expansion into the decentralized financing space. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated with operating a business in Singapore and Hong Kong, risk of interference by the PRC government, ability to compete, that financial resources do not last for as long as anticipated, and that COSG is a holding company that may not realize the expected benefits of DOT’s offered by Coinllectibles. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in COSG’s regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in its current report on Form 8-K  filed on September 17, 2021. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. COSG undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For media queries, please contact: [email protected]  About Cosmos Group Holdings Inc Cosmos is a business group that operates in two business segments: Arts and Collectibles Financing Through CoinllectiblesTM, the group provides authentication, valuation and certification (AVC) service, sale and purchase, hire purchase, financing, custody, security and exhibition (CSE) services to art buyers through traditional channels, as well as through leveraging blockchain technology through the creation of digital ownership tokens (DOTs). With subsidiaries licensed under Hong Kong’s Money Lenders Ordinance, the group currently primarily provides unsecured personal loan to private individuals, with a small portfolio of mortgage loans. The group is integrating the two business segments by offering secured financing services to prospective art and collectibles purchasers to provide a one-stop arts and collectibles purchasing and financing experience. About the Company – Coinllectibles Coinllectibles is a technology company supporting the collectibles industry with a focus on rare memorabilia and artworks that exist and have intrinsic value in the real world, whether tangible or intangible in nature. Coinllectibles applies blockchain, marketplace, metaverse and DOT technologies as tools to disrupt and enhance the real world collectibles industry. The technology underpinning DOTs (digital ownership tokens) has multiple functional use cases that Coinllectibles is applying to areas including art, sports, watches, numismatics, limited edition toys, limited edition fashion wear and sneakers. DOTs have the power to transform our societies and some areas may be subject to regulations. Coinllectibles uses DOT technology solely to provide a legally-binding digital ownership token (DOT) to a tangible or intangible collectible. Website:             www.coinllectibles.art Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/Coinllectibles Instagram:          https://www.instagram.com/coinllectibles/ Twitter:                https://twitter.com/coinllectibles LinkedIn:             https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinllectibles Telegram:            https://t.me/Coinllectibles  About Coinllectibles Fusion DOT  Coinllectibles prides the Fusion DOT as the industry “Gold Standard”.  Being a Gold Standard, a Fusion DOT contains the following on Arwea...

Miller: MotoGP Bike Gadgets Can’t Be Blamed For Aragon Lap 1 Chaos – Autosport https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/miller-motogp-bike-gadgets-cant-be-blamed-for-aragon-lap-1-chaos-autosport/ The returning Marquez was rear-ended by championship leader Fabio Quartararo when the Honda rider had a small moment applying the throttle through Turn 3 on the opening lap. This sent Quartararo into a sickening crash while bits of his Yamaha got stuck in the rear of Marquez’s Honda. When the six-time MotoGP world champion engaged his rear ride height device exiting Turn 7, he lost drive from the rear wheel as the system locked, which caused a second collision with LCR’s Takaaki Nakagami. This incident has led to a renewed debate on whether the later technical advances in MotoGP, such as ride height devices and aerodynamic wings, should be banned on safety grounds. But Miller – whose Ducati team has been against all proposed bans to these items in recent years – feels the gadgetry can’t be blamed for what happened on lap 1 at Aragon. “Yeah, I mean, that’s a part of it. At the end of the day this is racing, shit’s going to happen,” Miller began. “Are we blaming them [gadgets] are we now? Shit seems to happen when you ride up the arse of other people. “The bike on its own seems to be perfectly fine, so I don’t think we can blame the gadgetry in this circumstance. Jack Miller, Ducati Team Photo by: Dorna “Someone running up the arse of someone else and breaking a lot of components off the motorcycle, of course the motorcycle’s not going to work properly. “I mean, either way whether that broke it or the subframe broke it, whatever, shit’s going to break when two bikes come together. It’s inevitable.” He added: “When we came up there, there was shit all over the track: wings and rocks and all sorts. “Right up the apex of Turn 4, where you go right up the kerb, there were thousands of stones. “Pecco [Bagnaia] ran up to the kerb in between four and five because we all went in there and all lost the front on all those stones across the track. So, it’s part of it. That’s why this sport is so cool.” Quartararo – who was involved in a scooter incident on his way back to the paddock after his retirement – only suffered some abrasions to his chest in the incident with Marquez, while Nakagami’s Japanese GP is in doubt after he suffered lacerations to his hand in his collision.

FTX Builds $1 Billion War Chest To Buy Up Distressed Crypto And Other Assets – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ftx-builds-1-billion-war-chest-to-buy-up-distressed-crypto-and-other-assets-cryptonews/ Image credit: FTX CEO and co-founder of major cryptocurrency exchange FTX Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) has revealed that the company has built an estimated $1 billion war chest to continue deploying capital in order to bail out distressed crypto firms and buy their assets.  Speaking in an interview with CNBC, he declined to state the specific amount in order not to sound too certain of the answer but noted that FTX is still within its comfort zone in the amount of funds it is willing to deploy without emptying its coffers.  “You have the issue of ‘how much do we feel comfortable deploying.’ Saying there’s another part billion here that is completely unencumbered will get you within a factor of too certain of the right answer,” SBF said when pressed on how much more FTX had to deploy.  SBF further highlighted that going into the bear market, FTX had a couple of billions of its own funds, added to funds it raised from venture capital and profits it has made this year and from last year as well.  Meanwhile, the 30 years old billionaire continues to maintain that his company’s philosophy is guided by the need to both protect consumers, as well as stop contagion from spreading across the crypto ecosystem due to the failure of any asset or firm. He holds that this will in the long term be good for customers, regulations, and the ecosystem at large.  FTX’s bailout activities producing mixed results so far The Bahamas-headquartered exchange has engineered bailout deals with an estimated value of around $1 billion in the crypto industry this year. According to a Bloomberg report, some of these deals have already performed poorly while the results of others are showing hopeful signs.  In the report, SBF noted a $485 million loan made out to Voyager Digital Ltd. as one potentially sour deal as the amount had not been enough to keep the company from filing for bankruptcy in July. In contrast, the $400 million revolving credit bailout given to BlockFi, another troubled crypto lender, was showing signs of being effective.  SBF is not perturbed by the possible outcomes as he says FTX is not extending the aid to only earn a profit from every deal but to meet the need for capital in the market.  FTX reached a market valuation of around $32 billion following a Series C funding round it conducted in January as reported by CNBC. Regardless, the exchange has continued to explore ways to diversify its revenue stream away from just crypto fees amidst the market turmoil.

Will The Queen’s Death Change The “special” U.S.-U.K. Relationship? – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/will-the-queens-death-change-the-special-u-s-u-k-relationship-the-washington-post/ The reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022) ran almost directly parallel with the British state’s most crucial diplomatic project of the post-war period, claiming a “special relationship” with the United States. In the hands of successive British governments, this was a project which has used the ties of history — and an occasional dose of royal spectacle — to secure a close partnership with Washington. Queen Elizabeth II was pivotal to this work. Taking the throne in 1952, at the very moment Britons grappled with a profoundly changed world after World War II, the queen was one of those figures (Winston Churchill was another) whose very life was woven into a mythic-history of Anglo-American relations. A key challenge before the new king, therefore, will be to assume this imposing mantle in a post-Brexit age in which British power and prestige have declined even further. The British monarchy’s connections to the United States reach back over 250 years (and of course the relationship with the American colonies goes beyond even this). From the War of Independence — precipitated in part by the obstinance of George III — to the outpouring of grief in the U.S. following news of the death in 1901 of Queen Victoria (a response not unlike that which we have just witnessed) British royalty has often engaged American interest. The first British royal to visit the U.S. was in fact Victoria’s son, the Prince of Wales, who toured North America in 1860. His itinerary included a visit to Mount Vernon in Virginia, where the future King Edward VII paid homage at the tomb of George Washington, the man who had repeatedly bested the armies of his ancestor in the 1780s. During the 20th century, however, the sight of British royalty in the U.S. became a more regular occurrence, especially when international tensions escalated. The first monarch to tour in an official capacity was the late queen’s father, George VI, who visited America in 1939, just as storm clouds gathered in Europe. Supported by his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later affectionately known as the Queen Mother), the king’s task was to cultivate American sympathy and support, a significant challenge given the strains that were placed on Anglo-American relations by his predecessor, Edward VIII, who had renounced the throne to pursue his relationship with an American divorcée, Wallis Simpson. President Franklin D. Roosevelt hosted the king and queen, and like the Prince of Wales in 1860, they also took time to visit Mount Vernon, laying a wreath to Washington (a powerful symbolic expression of the distance traveled since Washington’s victory at Yorktown in 1781). By all accounts their visit was a success, and they were greeted by flag-waving crowds in both Washington and New York. After World War II, Anglo-American relations entered a new era. The call for a U.S.-U.K. “special relationship” was first made by Churchill in a 1946 speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. During the speech, the former British prime minister famously declared that an “Iron Curtain” had descended across central Europe. As Churchill saw it, world peace, stability and security at the onset of the Cold War demanded a close relationship between the United States and the “British Empire and Commonwealth.” In the years that followed, some close connections were certainly established, perhaps most notably between the U.S.-U.K. militaries and intelligence agencies. But Britain was an empire in decline. Decolonization, growing global industrial competition and of course the severe drain on resources occasioned by two world wars all combined to ensure that after 1945, Britannia’s former economic and military might was much reduced. This became especially apparent in the aftermath of the Suez Crisis of 1956, an event that placed an enormous strain on the Anglo-American relationship. Washington went so far as to reprimand Britain for its role in the Anglo-French-Israeli invasion of the Suez Canal zone. And so, Britain’s contribution to the “special relationship” has increasingly hinged on cultivating image and historical memory, with ritual and ceremony becoming especially useful. Be it the dedication of Anglo-American memorials and monuments (such as the unveiling by the queen of the American Memorial Chapel at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1958) or the various ceremonies hosted at Balmoral or Buckingham Palace, memory became the coin of British transatlantic diplomacy. The queen has been integral to this assertion of “soft power,” and her historically resonant meetings with American presidents (from Harry S. Truman in 1951, when she was still Princess Elizabeth, to Joe Biden in 2021) have usefully bolstered the activities of successive British prime ministers and foreign secretaries. In 1957, for example, the queen was hosted at the White House by wartime friend and confidant Dwight D. Eisenhower, an invitation reciprocated in 1960 when Eisenhower visited her in Scotland (for several years the two also corresponded via letter). Their relationship was a powerful reassertion — in the aftermath of the rancor and recriminations connected to the Suez Crisis — of underlying Anglo-American unities born of World War II. A year later, there was an eagerly anticipated meeting in London with President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy (rumor had it that Her Majesty felt rather upstaged by the glamour that accompanied the King and Queen of Camelot). With the British establishment initially fearful that Kennedy — the first Irish American president — might be less committed to maintaining close Anglo-American ties, this meeting once again reaffirmed (and re-performed) the idea of transatlantic connection and common purpose. In June 1982 — following several weeks of occasionally tense Anglo-American relations linked to the Falklands crisis — the queen was seen chatting amicably with President Ronald Reagan as the two rode on horseback through the grounds of Windsor Castle. And in the 21st century, several carefully choreographed state visits for presidents George W. Bush (2003), Barack Obama (2011) and Donald Trump (2019) took place. Indeed, inviting American presidents to make a state visit (and thus be formally greeted and hosted by the queen) has emerged over the last 20 years as a key feature of the U.K.’s diplomacy toward the U.S. While the fine details of such visits might differ, the fundamentals were always consistent. These were purposeful and planned rituals that used history, memory and ceremony for diplomatic gain. And for 70 years, such rituals have frequently revolved around the figure of Queen Elizabeth II. Seen like this, the queen’s death has profound consequences for the “special relationship” — already strained by the tumult of recent years — and now her son, King Charles III, is left to fill the substantive diplomatic void she has left.

YouTuber Apologizes For Breaking NDAs To Leak Gaming News Posing As TheRealInsider – Dexerto https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/youtuber-apologizes-for-breaking-ndas-to-leak-gaming-news-posing-as-therealinsider-dexerto/ YouTuber DanAllenGaming has issued an apology after the content creator leaked vital information for Assassin’s Creed and more under the name TheRealInsider. Dan Allen, known on YouTube as DanAllenGaming, is a content creator that often focuses on gameplay, guides, and walkthroughs. The YouTuber is a regular social media user, engaging in debate and discussion revolving around the latest titles such as Assassin’s Creed, GTA 6, and more. As Allen amassed a passionate following and increased his viewership, the creator was soon able to gain early access to highly sought-after titles as long he signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Now, it has been revealed that Allen is actually the mind behind TheRealInsider, a popular leaker account. DanAllenGaming caught out and revealed to be leaker TheRealInsider TheRealInsider gained notoriety among the gaming community after leaking information regarding the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, before Ubisoft Forward. Alongside this leak, Allen had been breaking confidential agreements after receiving games for review, which in turn increased his following. However, Allen was caught out on social media, after forgetting to switch accounts while replying to another user. The question which Allen responded to was aimed at his leaker account, which had no prior association with the YouTuber. After responding, many Twitter users such as @Alain707x were quick to make the connection between the two. @ggMikkael nose si es tema de fullHP, pero te dejo aquí lo ocurrido por mera curiosidad con TheRealInsider para que tengáis contexto xd, en resumen Jason pillo al insider, era Adán y estaba rompiendo contratos con embargo con su multicuenta. pic.twitter.com/8ywJI8FVol — RhasegonVT (@Alain707x) September 19, 2022 Investigation of Allen’s actions went further, as known industry reporter Jason Schreier began to put the pieces together. Schreier connected multiple tweets between Allen’s personal and leaker account, in which both of them tweeted about the same pieces of information. For a brief time, Allen opted for radio silence on social media amid the aftermath of his mistake. Since then Allen has briefly returned to Twitter, to offer an apology for his actions, though it has been mocked by many members of his community. Allen said “I’m sorry to everyone for my actions. I’m ashamed and disappointed in myself.” “I’ll be taking some time to reflect on my poor decisions, which will never occur again. To everyone that has supported me over the years. I’m truly sorry I let you down,” added the YouTuber. In the wake of the reveal, TheRealInsider account is now deactivated on Twitter.