Denton County News Online

U.S. Senator To Hold EV Battery Hearing If GOP Takes Control – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-senator-to-hold-ev-battery-hearing-if-gop-takes-control-reuters/ SPARTANBURG, South Carolina Oct 19 (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Wednesday said he will hold a hearing on electric vehicle batteries and sourcing issues if Republicans take control after the November elections. Graham, who would be Budget Committee chair under GOP control, said the hearing would look at the impact on automakers on the shift to EVs. “Where do the battery parts come from? Where do the raw materials come from?” Graham asked at an event to mark BMW’s $1.7 billion EV investment. “Batteries become the new oil,” he added. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

WIU College Of Business And Technology Partners With McDonough County – WIU News – Western Illinois University News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wiu-college-of-business-and-technology-partners-with-mcdonough-county-wiu-news-western-illinois-university-news/ WIU College of Business and Technology Partners With McDonough County October 19, 2022 MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology is partnering with the McDonough County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program to bring Midland Institute Program Developer Ryan Follis to campus Tuesday, Oct. 25. “McDonough County CEO and WIU have a strong relationship,” said WIU Instructor of Business Communication and McDonough County CEO Board Member Michelle Howe. “Many WIU faculty and staff members serve as presenters, mentors and board members for the CEO program. We are thrilled to host these students and show them Leatherneck hospitality.” In addition to the McDonough County CEO group, there will be students from Hancock County CEO and Brown/Schuyler CEO attending. Fifty high school students from the area will be on campus for this event. “CEO is the standard for entrepreneurial education. Students meet in host businesses, never in a classroom,” said Follis. “The CEO experience includes over 40 speakers and 40 business visits and the experience of their first professional mentoring relationship.” The CEO program is a year-long course for high school students that teaches them entrepreneurial concepts, partners them with area businesses and provides an opportunity to start their own businesses. “Students also lead the development and implementation of a shared business and their own personal businesses, which launch at the annual trade show. CEO students are regularly sought after by universities and employers who take notice of their professional development as learners, owners, creators, communicators and connectors,” said Follis. For more information on the CEO program, visit midlandinstitute.com. For more information on the College of Business and Technology, visit wiu.edu/cbt. Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu) Office of University Communications & Marketing

Microsoft Wants To Build An Xbox Mobile Gaming Store – TrueAchievements https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/microsoft-wants-to-build-an-xbox-mobile-gaming-store-trueachievements/ As revealed in filings with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) over Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft plans to build an Xbox mobile gaming store to compete with Apple and Google. In a response to the CMA (spotted by The Verge), Microsoft revealed that the acquisition would help expand the company’s presence in the mobile gaming space and that it plans to “scale the Xbox Store to mobile, attracting gamers to a new Xbox Mobile Platform.” Microsoft wants to bring the Xbox Store to mobile In the filing, Microsoft said: “The transaction will improve Microsoft’s ability to create a next generation game store which operates across a range of devices, including mobile as a result of the addition of Activision Blizzard’s content. “Building on Activision Blizzard’s existing communities of gamers, Xbox will seek to scale the Xbox Store to mobile, attracting gamers to a new Xbox Mobile Platform. Shifting consumers away from the Google Play Store and App Store on mobile devices will, however, require a major shift in consumer behaviour. Microsoft hopes that by offering well-known and popular content, gamers will be more inclined to try something new.” Activision Blizzard has numerous successful mobile games under its belt, including the likes of Call of Duty: Mobile and Candy Crush Saga. Microsoft says it sees the acquisition as a way to expand its presence in the mobile gaming space. “The transaction gives Microsoft a meaningful presence in mobile gaming. Mobile gaming revenues from the King division and titles such as Call of Duty: Mobile, as well as ancillary revenue, represented more than half of Activision Blizzard’s revenues in the first half of 2022. Mobile customers account for around three-quarters of its MAU,” Microsoft said. “Microsoft currently has no meaningful presence in mobile gaming and the transaction will bring much needed expertise in mobile game development, marketing and advertising. Activision Blizzard will be able to contribute its learnings from developing and publishing mobile games to Xbox gaming studios.” Taking on Apple and Google’s app stores would be quite the challenge, but The Verge reports Microsoft could allow developers to run their own app stores on its Xbox mobile platform and offer their own payment systems to process purchases made in apps. This could potentially sway a lot of developers to Microsoft’s platform if it goes ahead with the idea. In more news surrounding the CMA’s probe into the deal, Microsoft claimed that Sony’s existing deal with Activision prevents the publisher from putting Call of Duty on Game Pass. What do you make of this? Perhaps we’ll get achievements in mobile games? Maybe even Gears POP! 2? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments.

Frios Gourmet Pops Signs A Sweet Deal To Bring Happiness On A Stick To Denton And Collin County – Franchising.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/frios-gourmet-pops-signs-a-sweet-deal-to-bring-happiness-on-a-stick-to-denton-and-collin-county-franchising-com/ Home: News: Frios Gourmet Pops: By: Frios Gourmet Pops |  0 Shares     16 Reads Mobile Frozen Dessert Brand Signs Agreement with Local Couple to Expand Footprint in Aubrey October 19, 2022 // Franchising.com // AUBREY, Texas – Frios Gourmet Pops has announced a recently signed franchise agreement to roll out a new Frios Sweet Ride in Aubrey with local residents and entrepreneurs, Manuel and Desiree Cordova. The new venture will bring happiness on a stick to community members in Aubrey through the Cordovas’ mobile Frios truck, delivering sticky fingers and a reminder for guests to slow down and enjoy the magic in every day through a Frios pop. Manuel and Desiree are planning to unveil the new Frios Sweet Ride in the fall of 2022, serving customers all the way from Aubrey, Celina, Melissa, Anna and Princeton to Wylie, Rockwall and Murphy. Upon the opening, Frios fans will also have the chance to book a Sweet Ride to crash their parties and celebrations of all sorts, such as weddings, birthdays and community gatherings. “Throughout my career as a teacher and coach, and Desiree’s career as a NICU nurse, we have been a part of many people’s lives, sharing special moments and memories with them,” said Manuel, who will continue his full-time positions on top of his ownership of Frios Aubrey. “We’re thrilled to be able to continue to share moments of joy in our guests’ major life accomplishments and create even more relationships with our friends and neighbors in Aubrey and the surrounding Denton and Collin County communities with our Frios business.” With its mission to sell happiness on a stick, Frios’ commitment to giving back to local communities stands at the forefront of the band’s values. Each Frios owner, also known as a Happiness Hustler, pledges to donate and contribute to a local charitable partner upon rolling out a new Sweet Ride. In addition to the company’s already established, nationwide philanthropy partnerships, the Cordovas will also carry the tradition to lead goodwill initiatives in the Denton and Collin County by partnering with local churches, schools and other organizations to bring joy to anyone in need. Driven by the mission to slow the heck down and feel the magic in every day, Frios gourmet pops offers tasty frozen desserts of all types, including creamy and fruity flavors, and pops for those looking for low sugar, dairy free, wheat free, soy free, nut free and dye free options. Frios elicits magical moments of pause, nostalgia, and reminders of what brings people happiness. The dessert on a stick harnesses the ability to spark an instance where individuals can stop and relish in their moment of joy, no matter the environment. Offered in a wide variety of flavors, Frios are made with quality ingredients and real fruit, empowering customers of all tastes to enjoy a Frios and reminisce in the carefree days of childhood. SOURCE Frios Gourmet Pops ### Comments: comments powered by

Advice | Using The Wrong ATM In Europe Could Cost You Hundreds Of Dollars – The Washington Post https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/advice-using-the-wrong-atm-in-europe-could-cost-you-hundreds-of-dollars-the-washington-post/ Using an ATM overseas isn’t like withdrawing from a cash machine in the United States. If you rush to agree to terms without paying close attention, you could wind up losing hundreds of dollars on unnecessary conversion fees. I wish I had warned my brother about this when he visited me in Athens this summer. As we were exploring the historic Plaka district one hot afternoon, he excused himself to withdraw money from an automatic teller. A few minutes later, he returned with 1,000 euros. The cost: $1,219. That couldn’t be right, I told him. But his receipt from a company called Euronet showed the breakdown: a transaction fee of 3.95 euros, an exchange rate of 0.82 euros to the dollar and a 13 percent markup from the going exchange rate. I asked him if the ATM had disclosed these expenses during the transaction. “I saw the 3.95 euro fee,” he said. “But I didn’t notice the exchange rate and the markup.” Many customers also fail to notice unfavorable exchange rates that allow some companies to cash in. “That’s one of the hidden ATM costs,” said Arun Tharmarajah, head of European banking and expansion at Wise, a financial tech company that specializes in online money transfers. “Customers don’t know about them.” So why am I kicking myself about these high ATM expenses? Because I knew about them, and I should have said something. I routinely hear from readers who report fees and surcharges that almost make the exchange rate from the ATM in Greece look like a bargain. And back in 2020, when I was living in Lisbon, I encountered a pricey ATM operated by Euronet. I had spent the last of my euros on a loaf of fresh pão de centeio at a cash-only local bakery. Just across the street, I spotted an ATM. I was relieved when it accepted my card, but that feeling quickly gave way to dismay. The exchange rate looked off. Instead of my U.S. dollar being worth 0.90 euros, it only gave me 0.80. Then I checked the numbers: The machine charged a $4 fee, plus a 12 percent markup — displayed on the screen in small print — for exchanging my dollars. Euronet Worldwide operates a network of more than 50,000 ATMs in 63 countries, according to the company. Stephanie Taylor, a spokeswoman for Euronet Worldwide, said all of its charges are “clear, transparent and prominently displayed” before every transaction. “The customer may opt out of the transaction at any time at no cost,” she said in an email. She said Euronet is committed to offering convenient cash to people around the world, but that there is a cost involved with providing this service, “which we believe is fair and reasonable.” Simone Semprini, who lives in Lisbon and is the CEO of TourScanner, a comparison site for tours and activities, says high ATM fees are a big concern for his customers. “In the last few years, we have seen the rise of ATMs that charge huge commissions,” he said. The ATMs endear themselves to locals in two ways. First, by handsomely compensating shopkeepers who host them (merchants have told Semprini they receive up to $1,000 a month to keep a cash machine at their location). And also, by allowing customers with a bank account in the ATM’s home country to withdraw with lower fees. Greg Grobmyer, a dentist from Chattanooga, Tenn., says he was stunned when he returned from a trip to Poland and found $100 in commissions and fees on his credit card bill. He’d found a cash machine in Krakow after needing to settle up a hotel bill. Although the exchange rate didn’t look great, he didn’t run the numbers before accepting his withdrawal. “It is unnerving to see those not-so-tiny commissions mounting up to hundreds of dollars,” he said in an email. “Especially if you can avoid them.” How to avoid high ATM charges So how do you avoid high ATM charges? Preparation is key. Call your bank before you leave the country to find out what kind of out-of-network ATM fees it charges for overseas transactions. Some banks waive the fees or will credit you after you return to the United States. Michael Foguth, founder of Foguth Financial Group in Brighton, Mich., recommends calling your bank before your trip to order some currency of the country where you’re traveling. He says it may be less expensive, but not free. It requires an in-person visit, and your bank may also offer a less favorable exchange rate when you buy foreign currency. There are workarounds once you’re on the ground. Mine was to head to a bank ATM, which may give you a better exchange rate. Not a perfect solution: Halfway through the transaction, the machine asked if I wanted to conduct the transaction in dollars or euros. As with credit cards, it’s best to conduct transactions in the local currency and let your bank do the conversion. Another fix: using a multicurrency debit card to reduce your exchange costs. The financial services app Revolut, for example, converts your money at the more favorable interbank rate (that’s the rate banks charge each other to exchange money). For transactions at out-of-network ATMs, Revolut doesn’t charge a fee for withdrawals of up to $1,200 (or the local currency equivalent) per month. After that, it charges a 2 percent fee of the value of an ATM withdrawal. Wise, another popular app, also uses the real rate and charges for exchanges on a sliding scale. It’ll cost about $4 to convert $1,000 to euros. For ATMs, there’s no charge for the first $250 in a month, and you pay a 2 percent fee for anything above that. Andy Abramson, who runs a communications consultancy in Las Vegas, has used both services and says he prefers them to traditional bank transactions. “I load them up with money and then use them when traveling,” Abramson said. “I can add money when needed in seconds and be spending locally in local currency without any fees.”

Richard Feldstein: A Rock Star Business Manager – Hollywood Reporter https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/richard-feldstein-a-rock-star-business-manager-hollywood-reporter/ Depending on whom you ask, career aptitude tests can be perceived as valuable psychological tools or dressed-up BuzzFeed quizzes. In Richard Feldstein’s case, it doesn’t matter which is true, just that the one he took decades ago at the UC Berkeley career center happened to be right. “My father passed away when I was 11. So by the time I was entering college, I was pretty much self-sufficient financially,” Feldstein recalls, adding that he knew he’d have to find a well-paying job after graduation for that to continue. He wasn’t sure exactly what that was, though, so he took the test. “They said, ‘Oh, you’d make a pretty good accountant.’ That kind of popped off the screen to them.” These days, Feldstein is much more than a pretty good accountant. He’s a veteran business manager of nearly 50 years, advising A-listers across entertainment, including Adam Levine, Kate Hudson and Paul Rudd. Feldstein grew up on Long Island before his family moved to L.A. when he was 14. After graduating from Berkeley with a business degree in 1973, he started his career in the audit department at Price Waterhouse in New York. He made the jump to business management two years later, after he moved back to L.A. with his wife, Sharon. Feldstein’s uncle, TV director Alan Rafkin, had been college roommates with industry icon Marshall Gelfand, and that led to a job and a new path. “Marshall was a very good person and an excellent mentor,” says Feldstein. “But after seven years there, the last four as a partner, I decided going on my own would move my career along faster because I was starting to generate clients.” (The first Hollywood client he signed, Taxi’s Marilu Henner, is still a close friend.) Since then, his practice has grown and diversified, in part thanks to the help of “nice referrals” from clients, entertainment lawyers, agents and managers. “I met Rich over two decades ago through a client who was working with him. I thought he was exceptional at his job and a pleasure to deal with, so I referred him to several clients, who equally benefited from his intelligence and expertise,” says Aleen Keshishian, founder of Lighthouse Management + Media. “In addition to being brilliant at his job, he has a personal quality that makes people feel like he is a member of their family and that you can trust him. He is always available and willing to answer any question at any time.” Alan Epstein, co-chair of Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s entertainment transactions group, lauds Feldstein’s decision-making skills. “He’s able to digest complex facts and circumstances and make clear, practical recommendations to his clients,” says Epstein. “He’s also really steady and stays calm in challenging situations. He does it all right.” Over the years, those challenges have included handling tour logistics with a lot of moving parts. Feldstein notes, “When you’re running 25 trucks and 12 buses and charter flights, it’s quite a massive undertaking.” He also prides himself on being able to problem-solve for clients. “I’ve done things like getting on an overnight flight to Washington, D.C., to meet with the IRS about a non-U.S. rock band that had not previously filed their taxes appropriately in this country,” he recalls. “This is before the withholding agreements became routine. We met with them at length and were able to get an agreement in place.” Richard Feldstein was photographed Oct. 4, 2022 at PMC Studios in Los Angeles. Photographed by Josh Telles Feldstein is a partner at business management behemoth NKSFB, where he’s been since 2007. His colleague Melissa Earnhart says his clients and colleagues stay with him for the long run because he’s the “best at connecting with people and making them feel valued.” NKSFB Managing Director Mickey Segal adds, “His knowledge and expertise has provided many young staff members the ability to grow and succeed in our firm.” One of them, Mabel Tash, describes Feldstein as “truly an icon” and says he has been “an amazing mentor and partner all of these years.” During his time in the industry, there has been significant transformation — “Computers were a huge change,” he notes — but his core philosophy has remained consistent: “I’m an old-school pretty conservative guy with my own money,” he says. “Entertainers, like ballplayers, can have a short career or a long career, one never knows. So I preach being conservative with money, with saving, with asset allocation. Some of the wealthiest clients I have out-earn their spending pattern, shall we say, but it doesn’t always work out that way.” Feldstein adds, “I give a lot of credit to people who survive in the business management world because it keeps getting increasingly complex, not only from an advisory point of view, but the compliance work is extraordinarily more complex today than it was when I started. As good as the business has been to me, I’m not sure if I was counseling a super bright business student that I would tell them to go into accounting because the hours, the stress and the wear and tear on relationships can be trying.” When Feldstein isn’t at the office, he’s spending time with his close-knit family. He’s been married to Sharon — whom he met while working as a camp counselor in the Poconos — for 47 years. Together, they’ve raised three children, actors Jonah Hill and Beanie Feldstein and late music manager Jordan Feldstein, and have two grandkids. He says: “If my grandchildren want to go into business and asked me, I’d say, ‘Great. Get an MBA, go to work at Goldman Sachs for a couple of years and find out which end of the business you like and go from there.’ ” And if that aptitude test he took at Berkeley decades ago had been inconclusive? Feldstein says, playfully, “I would be a rock star.”

American College Of Lifestyle Medicine Adds Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® Resource To Its Corporate Roundtable To Promote Avocado’s Role In Healthy Eating – PR Web https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/american-college-of-lifestyle-medicine-adds-fresh-avocados-love-one-today-resource-to-its-corporate-roundtable-to-promote-avocados-role-in-healthy-eating-pr-web/ “It is important for health professionals to have the latest research and evidence-based tools to support their recommendation of avocados.” ST. LOUIS (PRWEB) October 19, 2022 The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) has announced the addition of Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® to its Lifestyle Medicine Corporate Roundtable, a group of thought leaders and industry professionals who explore effective clinical innovations, activate marketing strategies, accelerate reimbursement and policy adoption, and pursue research and demonstrations of lifestyle medicine in practice. ACLM launched its Corporate Roundtable in 2016 and it now includes nearly 50 active member organizations in the lifestyle medicine ecosystem. Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine-certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions. Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections— also provides effective prevention for these conditions. Love One Today is a science-based nutrition resource that provides facts about fresh avocados in relevant and credible ways to help make it easy for health professionals to recommend them and for consumers to learn more about their nutritional benefits. A program of the Hass Avocado Board, Love One Today was established in 2013 to encourage Americans to include fresh avocados in everyday healthy eating plans to help increase fruit and vegetable intake and as a delicious source of fiber and naturally good fats. Thanks to nutrition research shared by Love One Today, more is known about avocado’s potential role in heart health, type 2 diabetes, and weight management as well as general healthy living aspects like gut health. The Avocado Nutrition Center is the world’s only independent resource for comprehensive avocado nutrition research and seeks to understand the importance of eating avocados on human health. This research is integrated into Love One Today’s programming. Without this research, the vast majority of scientific evidence about avocado as a whole food would not be available to health professionals. There is still a lot to understand and work continues in order to contribute to nutrition knowledge that ultimately helps advance the practice of lifestyle medicine. Through the Corporate Roundtable, Love One Today will be sharing a variety of free resources with ACLM members to support their practice of lifestyle medicine, including continuing education materials, summaries of the latest nutrition research, simple and delicious recipes, and informative materials like handouts for clients and patients. “Fresh avocados are a common, popular ingredient, and it is important for health professionals to have access to the latest research and evidence-based tools to support their recommendation of the fruit in their practices,” said ACLM President Cate Collings, MD, FACC, DipABLM. “A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that avocado consumption may play an important role in reducing risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. We welcome the Love One Today program to our Corporate Roundtable.” ABOUT FRESH AVOCADOS – LOVE ONE TODAY® — Love One Today® is a leading source of the healthiest reasons and tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados. A science-based resource, it provides facts about fresh avocados in relevant and credible ways to help make it easy for health professionals and consumers to learn more about the nutritional benefits of fresh avocados and ways to include them in everyday menus. ABOUT ACLM — The American College of Lifestyle Medicine is the nation’s medical professional society advancing lifestyle medicine as the foundation for a redesigned, value-based and equitable healthcare delivery system, leading to whole person health. ACLM educates, equips, empowers, and supports its members through quality, evidence-based education, certification, and research to identify and eradicate the root cause of chronic disease, with a clinical outcome goal of health restoration as opposed to disease management. Share article on social media or email:

NBC 10 Today Women In Sports Celebrates Galen Brooks, Emma Jones And Seven Seniors On Grambling State Soccer Team – KTVE – Myarklamiss.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nbc-10-today-women-in-sports-celebrates-galen-brooks-emma-jones-and-seven-seniors-on-grambling-state-soccer-team-ktve-myarklamiss-com/ WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On NBC 10 Your Morning News, we highlighted two athletes and one college women’s soccer team for women in sports. Watch the video above to see the young ladies we featured this week, as well as learn how you can be one of our spotlighted athletes. Galen Brooks from Bastrop, Louisiana brooks played for Bastrop High School Lady Rams Softball team. Galen played third baseman for the team. Brooks graduated from Bastrop in 2016 and continued her athletic career as a college softball player for Bossier Parish Community College. After scoring two goals in a 2-1 conference road win over Florida Atlantic last Sunday. Emma jones was named the Conference USA offensive player of the week on Tuesday. Emma, who recently returned back to soccer field this season after suffering an ACL injury Which sidelined her during the 2021 season. This season in fall 2022 Emma has started 15 out of 16 matches. The honor is the first C-USA Player of the Week in Jones’s career. Emma has scored three goals this season. Teammates Josie Studer and Sophie Fijneman had said in an interview on Tuesday “It’s so exciting just watching your teammate comeback and scores two goals which send us to the tournament. To watch her perform so well, as a teammate, seeing everything she does it just breaks your heart, says Studer.” Sophie then adds, “Emma worked so hard for it, and when you’ve seen all the work, she’s put in and seeing comeback and do it.” Josie concludes with saying “It’s really rewarding.” Seven Seniors were honored during Grambling State’s “Senior Day” Soccer match against the Alcorn Braves State last Sunday. Reece Scott – Mackenzie Rastatter – Imogen Fowler – Kennedy Moore – Laila Loring – Stevie Maddox Mackenzie Rastatter, Imogen Fowler and Laila Loring each have combine for scoring seven goals this fall season.

Metaverse Market Dominance Raises Competition Worries, EU Antitrust Officials Say – CoinDesk https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/metaverse-market-dominance-raises-competition-worries-eu-antitrust-officials-say-coindesk/ Jack Schickler is a CoinDesk reporter focused on crypto regulations, based in Brussels, Belgium. He doesn’t own any crypto. Metaverse companies could limit users’ choice and raise prices if they grow to dominate their market, two officials from the European Union’s antitrust authority said in a blog published Monday. The EU is preparing its own strategy for virtual online worlds in which people could interact, socialize or trade via avatars – and the metaverse could be the latest front in a long-running antitrust campaign against tech giants that threaten consumer welfare. With Facebook renaming itself Meta as it seeks to reorient around the technology, policymakers are worried the company might seek to create a “walled garden” which users can’t easily leave. A big company that forms a closed ecosystem “may constrain its consumers, business partners and competitors in numerous ways,” forcing them to buy own-brand products, charging exorbitant prices, or misusing people’s personal information, said Friedrich Wenzel Bulst and Sophie De Vinck of the European Commission’s antitrust unit. The EU has long complained about anti-competitive behavior by tech giants, imposing a fine worth over 4 billion euros ($4 billion) on Google for how it authorized phones running the Android operating system. It even passed new legislation, the Digital Markets Act, which could see the likes of Apple or Amazon fined 20% of turnover. “There are good reasons for competition law enforcers on both sides of the Atlantic to be actively accompanying technological and market evolutions in this area” to keep the metaverse innovative and open, said Bulst and De Vinck, who both work on the media sector unit of the commission’s antitrust division. They called for more discussions with U.S. counterparts the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission on the issue. But policymakers are wary about the entry of big tech into the area. “Meta is in danger of becoming the AOL of Web3,” U.K. lawmaker Matt Hancock told CoinDesk in an interview earlier this month, referring to how users were boxed in to using single email and search provider in the early days of the internet. “I’d love Web3 to be able to go back to a much more vibrant and diverse range of players.” But the way to avoid that – through different industry players working together on common standards and technology – poses competition risks of its own, warn Bulst and De Vinck. The EU’s worry extends beyond competition, into areas like data privacy, intellectual property, and free speech, De Vinck and Bulst said. That may give a clue as to the areas the EU will be looking at in a non-legislative policy paper on virtual worlds such as the metaverse, which has now been promised for spring of next year. Sign up for Money Reimagined, our weekly newsletter exploring the transformation of value in the digital age. By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk product updates, events and marketing and you agree to our terms of services and privacy policy. DISCLOSURE Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG . Jack Schickler is a CoinDesk reporter focused on crypto regulations, based in Brussels, Belgium. He doesn’t own any crypto. Jack Schickler is a CoinDesk reporter focused on crypto regulations, based in Brussels, Belgium. He doesn’t own any crypto.

Be Kind To Your Wallet With These Cool Gift Options – TMZ https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/be-kind-to-your-wallet-with-these-cool-gift-options-tmz/ Gift Season Be Kind to Your Wallet … With These Present Options 10/19/2022 7:14 AM PT TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. The holiday season is fast approaching! If you’re looking for some great gift ideas that don’t break the bank, check out these unique options. Mad Hungry 3-Pc Pakka Wood Spurtle Set (Natural) TV personality Lucinda Scala Quinn designed these multi-tasking Mad Hungry three-piece Pakka Wood Spurtle Set made of Pakka wood, which are going for just $14.99. 3-in-1 Apple Watch, AirPods & iPhone Charging Cable The 3-in-1 Apple Watch, AirPods & iPhone Charging Cable provides one convenient cable to power up multiple gadgets at once, and it’s currently on sale for just $25. Soft Eyes Sleep Mask Set Made of silky, comfortable fabric, the Soft Eyes Sleep Mask Set blocks out light and helps wearers fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed, and it’s on sale for only $12.99. Sam’s Club 1-Year Membership From health screenings and cheap prescriptions to tire services and travel deals, a one-year membership to Sam’s Club provides endless perks and is currently on sale for just $25. Self-Stirring Mug Your coffee-loving loved one will go crazy for this Self-Stirring Mug that stirs beverages while keeping drinks warm with just one press of a button, now on sale for just $14.99 KiTiDOT: The Amusing Cat Collar Toy Cat lovers will go as crazy as their cats for the KiTiDOT: The Amusing Cat Collar Toy, a laser collar toy made of cat-safe materials that provide kitty entertainment for just $23.95. Teleflora Fresh Flower Delivery: Pay Only $25 for $50 Credit Everyone loves flowers, so this Teleflora Fresh Flower Delivery: Pay Only $25 for $50 Credit is perfect for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list. LED Rechargeable Running Bracelet Show your favorite runner you care with this handy LED Rechargeable Running Bracelet that includes a reflective stripe and fluorescent color and is now on sale for $12.99. Portable Night Light Humidifier We love a good multitasker, and this Portable Night Light Humidifier improves air quality and provides a soft light at nighttime for just $16.99. 8-in-1 Maglight Mini Super Bright Utility Flashlight This portable 8-in-1 Maglight Mini Super Bright Utility Flashlight is equipped with 800 lumens, provides 3.5 hours of light, serves as a bottle opener and carabiner, all for only $19.99. Prices subject to change.

South Korea To Roll Out Digital IDs As Banks Push Blockchain Driver’s Licenses – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/south-korea-to-roll-out-digital-ids-as-banks-push-blockchain-drivers-licenses-cryptonews/ Source: Tippapatt/Adobe South Korea may soon do away with plastic – and ditch physical forms of ID in favor of blockchain technology-powered alternatives. Smartphone ownership is estimated to be upward of 88% in South Korea – with some sources claiming the figure may be as high as 95%. And tech firms, the government, the police force, and banks have responded by launching initiatives aimed at doing away with plastic driver’s license cards and social security ID cards. Instead, they now favor blockchain-powered digital alternatives. Woori Bank, one of the nation’s largest commercial banks, announced that it would begin actively “promoting the issuance and use of mobile driver’s licenses” at the 2022 International Security Industry Expo, E Today reported. Bank staff will begin informing customers on how to go about receiving a blockchain-powered ID. These digital cards can be obtained on-the-spot by using machines in nationwide branches of the National Police Agency and the Road Traffic Authority. Banks – such as Woori – have also begun accepting smartphone-based driver’s licenses as a form of identification at branches this year. Blockchain ID Push Intensifies The move comes hot on the heels of a report from Bloomberg this week, which quoted Suh Bo-ram, the Director-General of South Korea’s digital government bureau, as stating that smartphone-based ID cards would be the norm by 2024. Suh told the news outlet that the government hopes to roll its solution out in 2024. Seoul hopes to transition 45 million of its 52 million citizens onto the cards by 2026. Suh also confirmed that the solution will make use of decentralized identity (DID) solutions (also known as distributed identity authentication). He called the solutions an “advanced strand of blockchain technology.” Suh stated: “Every service that hasn’t been able to fully transition online will now be able to do so.” DID solutions have been in the pipelines for several years in South Korea. Both the private sector and the government are keen to develop contact-free, online ID solutions that make use of blockchain technology. Tech giants like Samsung and LG have entered the fray, with some predicting a coming “war” of rival blockchain-powered ID offerings. Following a successful launch in 2020, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security announced in July this year that citizens nationwide could use mobile driver’s licenses stored on its own app. Earlier this year, two of Woori’s rivals, Kookmin Bank and IBK Industrial Bank, announced that they would use DID services to allow military personnel online access to banking products. The solution will allow soldiers to prove their identities without the need to visit bricks-and-mortar branches.

Paxton Sends Letter To U.S – Texas Attorney General (.gov) https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/paxton-sends-letter-to-u-s-texas-attorney-general-gov/ Attorney General Ken Paxton has signed a Tennessee-led letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland in response to the medical establishment asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to censor and prosecute speech that criticizes permanent, life-altering procedures currently being done to children suffering from gender dysphoria.   The recent demand by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and the Children’s Hospital Association would–if carried out by the federal government–violate the Constitution and limit the ability of concerned parents, physicians, and elected leaders to criticize the types of disturbing treatments, such as chemical castrations and double mastectomies, that are becoming alarmingly common in minors.   Meanwhile, across the world, other advanced countries are imposing limits on these disturbing medical trends and radical procedures, and protecting their citizens’ rights to criticize them. It is incumbent upon Attorney General Garland, who is tasked with defending American citizens and their Constitutional rights, to stand up for freedom of speech, which includes the right to criticize procedures that permanently change our children’s lives.   “Nothing matters more than protecting our children,” the letter reads. “We need to make sure we are doing that right. The only way to obtain that certainty is through rigorous interrogation of current practices. Criticism must be welcomed, not silenced.”  To read the full letter, click here.

Ventiv Technology Appoints Steven Woods As New VP Of Solutions – Business Wire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/ventiv-technology-appoints-steven-woods-as-new-vp-of-solutions-business-wire/ ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ventiv Technology, the leading provider of advanced analytics for risk, claims and underwriting solutions, today announced the appointment of Steven Woods as Vice President responsible for Ventiv’s customer solutions. The addition of Woods to the Ventiv team is another strategic move to accelerate the company’s leadership position as the vendor of choice for operational risk, claims administration, policy, and billing. Today, Ventiv’s suite of claims administration and risk management solutions includes: Ventiv IRM, Ventiv Claims, Ventiv Policy, Ventiv Billing, Ventiv Digital and Ventiv Analytics, including Ventiv Predict. “Ventiv has a rich history within the insurance industry as a trusted and dedicated partner to their clients,” says Woods. “Through direct experience, I know that Ventiv offers one of the most robust platforms in the industry. I am excited about the vision and direction of the Ventiv product road map and truly believe in the value that we deliver to risk managers, claims administrators, insurers, third-party administrators, and corporations that need to identify, quantify, and mitigate risks.” Woods, a dynamic leader and technology visionary, has over 15 years of RMIS experience specializing in digital transformation, cybersecurity operations, and risk mitigation. He has earned the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation and specializes in digital transformation. His experience working with risk pools to apply a technology-based strategy to reduce their exposure and tenure as CIO of a leading TPA makes him uniquely qualified to support companies in their adoption of new technologies. “We are excited to welcome Steven to our leadership team. He is a highly motivated self-starter who anticipates and adopts technology to align with our clients’ strategic goals,” say Ned Myers, Ventiv CRO. “Woods’ leadership and personal insights will allow Ventiv to match our highly- configurable software to our clients’ needs. Moreover, Steven personifies the caliber of Ventiv’s professional staff that make Ventiv a trusted partner.” About Ventiv Technology Ventiv Technology is a leading global provider of claims administration, risk management information systems (RMIS), enterprise risk management (ERM), insurance claims, billing, policy, and administration technology integrated with its market-leading analytics and predictive models. Ventiv Technology’s SaaS and on-premise solutions are deployed by insurers, brokers, insured corporate entities, federal and regional governments, public entities, third party claims administrators (TPAs), and risk pools across a variety of industries, including transportation & logistics, retail, financial services, leisure & hospitality, energy, aviation and manufacturing among several others. With over 45 years’ experience, Ventiv serves 450 customers and more than 450,000 users spanning 40 countries. Ventiv’s global footprint and experienced team of industry veterans deliver insights to organizations that allow our customers to predict, manage, and respond to risk. For more information, please visit http://www.ventivtech.com.

Annie Ruth Mitchell – Wise County Messenger https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/annie-ruth-mitchell-wise-county-messenger/ MITCHELL Annie Ruth Mitchell, 90, of Saint Jo, passed away Thursday, Oct. 13, in Decatur. She was born Annie Ruth Baker to Claud and Martha (McMahan) Baker Aug. 1, 1932, in the Dye Mound area of Montague County. She was one of seven siblings. Annie Ruth married Loyd Daile Mitchell July 10, 1953, in Saint Jo. Together, they had three children. He preceded her in death April 27, 2006. Annie Ruth graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1950. She attended North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas), where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also completed coursework in pursuit of a Ph.D. in education from Texas Woman’s University. She was a teacher in school districts throughout Montague County for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1995 from Saint Jo ISD. Annie Ruth spent most of her career teaching kindergarten and special education. She received multiple awards and recognitions, including the Outstanding Teacher award from the Council for Exceptional Children in 1984. Her dedication to Saint Jo ISD and her love of her students led her to help with numerous school organizations, including serving as cheerleader sponsor, class sponsor, Special Olympics sponsor, as well as helping with many other district activities. Annie Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church in Saint Jo, where she was involved in various ministries such as Sunday School, GAs, Vacation Bible School, and Camp Copass. Annie Ruth enjoyed listening to gospel and country music. She also loved family vacations to Branson, Mo., the Grand Canyon and Colorado, balancing these trips with her husband’s oilfield work schedule. She enjoyed hobbies such as crocheting and knitting, creating various pieces for friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, James Wilson Baker and Claude Baker; her sister, Dellie Baker; and granddaughter, Melissa Norseworthy. She is survived by her sisters, Bernice Southerland, of Duncan, Okla., Martha Curtis (Craig) of Fritch; her brother, Tom Baker (Linda) of Gainesville; daughters, Daifletta Norseworthy, of Saint Jo, Cecelia McCuistion (Marty), of Lake Kiowa; son, Nathan Mitchell (Melissa), of Decatur; grandchildren John Daile and Christopher McCuistion, of Lake Kiowa, Stephanie Norseworthy, of Saint Jo, and Maci Talley (David), of Denton; and one great-grandchild, Natalia Norseworthy, of Saint Jo. Funeral services led by Pastor Mark McBride and Gerre Joiner were held Monday, Oct. 17, at First Baptist Church of Saint Jo. Memorials are suggested to Saint Jo ISD. Wise County Messenger, October 19, 2022

Some Recent Disney Price Hikes Outpace Inflation. But The Crowds Keep Coming For Now – CNN https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/some-recent-disney-price-hikes-outpace-inflation-but-the-crowds-keep-coming-for-now-cnn/ (CNN) — Victoria Wade flew from the East Coast to Southern California earlier this month to go to Disneyland. On the day she was set to buy her ticket, she saw the news: Prices went up overnight at US Disney parks, including admission to the original resort in Anaheim that she was about to visit. Wade had budgeted her trip carefully. She said with a price tag that was suddenly $40 or $50 more, she cut her visit one day short. “I had the money ready, and then they increased it,” said Wade, a content creator who lives in Maryland. “It was too much to pay.” While many theme parks raise prices annually, some of the Disney price hikes on October 11 outpaced the annual inflation rate of 8.2%. Prices went up for busier-season admission at Disneyland in California, hotel valet parking, the Genie+ skip-the-line service, hundreds of food items at Disney World in Florida and custom-built light sabers and droids, among other things. For a family of two adults and two children (ages 3 to 9) to park a car at Disneyland Resort during the busier season around Christmas, hop between its two parks and use the Genie+ service, they would now spend $1086 for that single day. That’s before they eat any food or buy any souvenirs. Before the recent price hikes, the cost was $988 (an increase of almost 10%). Pete Werner, CEO of wdwinfo.com, one of the oldest Disney fan websites, said he thinks the Disney company has neglected its longtime fans and passholders in favor of attracting more casual visitors who generally spend more money per visit. “The bottom line is ‘make more money with fewer people. And we don’t care who we price out to do it.’ And I’m going to tell you that the quality of the product is less, in my opinion, is less now than it was prior to the pandemic, yet the price has gone up considerably,” he said. When asked about earning more per guest with fewer in attendance, a Disney official instead described “the positive outcome of a strategy that prioritizes the guest experience. When we focus on delivering a world-class experience, we know our guests will spend more time with us immersed in our stories.” There are fewer of the least expensive tickets While the cheapest single-day ticket at Disneyland has stayed at $104 since 2019, there are fewer days of the year where this kind of “low season” ticket is available. On the other end of the spectrum, a single-day ticket in Anaheim, California, that allows entry to one park during a busy season such as Christmas jumped from $164 to $179, about 9.2%. To add the ability to hop between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is an extra $65, up 8.3% from $60. And some things that were once rolled in with park admission now cost extra. Carlye Wisel, a theme park journalist and podcaster, gave an example of an extra cost that used to be included: the line-skipping service called Genie+ that has replaced FastPass. “These parks cannot be more expensive and more difficult to visit,” Wisel said. “And what we’re seeing with Genie+ and individual lightning lanes is that you are now paying even more not just for a product that used to be complimentary, but for one that can be very burdensome to use during your visit,” she said. In Southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood has also increased prices, but the rise wasn’t as steep as at Disney. Lisa O’Connor/AFP/Getty Images Admission price increases at Disney’s main competitor in Southern California, Universal Studios Hollywood, were not so steep this year. Universal Studios Hollywood has a more expensive “low season” ticket priced at $109, which has not changed since 2018. But its most expensive single-day ticket increased 3.9% during its last round of price hikes in January, according to MouseSavers.com. A skip-the-line service at this park can cost guests more than $100 extra per day. “Universal’s ticket pricing is reflective of the dynamic entertainment and immersive experiences we offer, and we have a wide range of ticket options available to meet the individual needs of our guests,” a Universal Parks & Resorts spokesperson told CNN on Tuesday. Disney crowds are still coming for now A monorail train zips past flower displays at Epcot, one of the four big theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Joseph Prezioso/Andadolu Agency/Getty Images Werner said every time prices go up, he hears the same refrain. “For 25 years, I’ve heard that ‘I’m not going to Disney World’ on one hand, while they’re handing them their wallet with the other,” said Werner, who also owns Dreams Unlimited Travel. And while people may be facing a potential recession, he said that is very different from actually being in a recession. Right now, he said he’s not seeing people canceling their vacations to Disney’s Florida resort. Wade, the recent Disneyland visitor who was once a Walt Disney World employee, said she ended up visiting Disneyland in California this month on a Monday and found it “ridiculously busy.” She said she saw a lot of people buying Genie+, which allows Disney visitors to skip the regular line for a faster one called a “lightning lane.” The service went from a flat fee to a dynamic pricing structure dependent on demand in the October 11 price hikes. On the West Coast, the base price jumped from $20 to $25. On the East Coast, the service that launched at $15 last year is now supposed to range between $15 and $22 for October, with further increases possible. “People were still buying them, and the lightning lanes were as long as the standby lines,” Wade said. A park reservation system that began with the Covid-19 pandemic is still in place, and popular dates are booked up well in advance. ‘Cheaper’ season Guests take a spin on “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant” ride at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort. Handout/Disney Still, Disney touts its broad range of prices to meet all budgets. A Disney official told CNN that the company is purposeful about creating tiers of ticket and hotel price points to allow more guests who want to visit the parks to have that opportunity. “There are more ways than ever before to visit a Disney Park. Our focus is to provide a great guest experience, and we do that by putting choices in the hands of our guests to decide how and when to experience our resort,” a Disney official said. For example, a Disneyland ticket for a Tuesday in February will cost much less than a crowded Saturday in December. Disney also pointed to its 35 hotels in the United States that range from AAA four-star to budget. Disney guests are also allowed to bring in their own food and nonalcoholic drinks, as long as they’re not in glass containers. Don Munsil, president and co-owner of Mouse Savers Inc., has tracked theme park prices for more than 20 years. “I’m a longtime fan. I don’t love this. But it’s pretty clear that it’s working. Like, Disney is making money,” Munsil said. Munsil said the tiered pricing by season, or the optional add-on costs of Genie+, are ways to allow people of different income levels to visit the parks, rather than keeping prices flat across the board. As far as finding those deals to go during a slower season, “Is it possible? Sure. Going to Mars is possible,” said Werner. “It’s not just the cost of the hotel room. It’s the combined cost of all the things associated with the Disney vacation. And we haven’t even gotten to souvenirs yet. So the cost of popcorn has gone up, the cost of a hamburger has gone up. You have to take these things in totality.” Are would-be guests going elsewhere? Recent Disneyland guest Wade once had an annual pass at the Orlando resort, but she gave up her Disney pass this year because of the cost. She still holds annual passes at Hershey Park, Cedar Fair Parks and Universal Orlando Resort. “They’re essentially pricing out lower-middle-class families. … They want to bring in that more luxury-brand market. I’ve seen it with certain products that they put out just testing the waters,” Wade said. “I see them losing a lot of loyalty from this generation.” While cost is a major factor, she said there are also more burdensome rules and complicated systems to visiting Disney parks in the post-Covid era compared with other resorts. Wade said she was recently in Orlando for a week visiting various theme parks: “I was actually just there at Disney World last month. And it was literally the most stressful day out of my whole trip.” She said teasing out all the strategies she needed in terms of reservations, line-shortening apps and such involves much more work than visiting other resorts. Competition to Disney Disney touts its ongoing new additions, such as the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience at Walt Disney World. Matt Stroshane/HANDOUT/DISNEY Some experts say other brands are making gains as they focus on higher quality entertainment and new attractions to draw traditional Disney fans away. “Granted, it is not the same experience as Disney,” Wisel said. “But Universal does have a lot of really, really big banner openings coming down the pike.” Super Nintendo World opens in the Hollywood park in early 2023. A new theme park called Epic Universe will be added to its Orlando resort in 2025. Werner said that his travel agency is booking triple the amount of Universal Orlando trips compared with the years before the pandemic while his audience has not changed. “I call it the ‘Trail of Tears’ up I-4. People going from Disney World up to Universal,” he said. But he added that while fans are discovering other options beyond Disney World, his agency is booking an unprecedented number of Disney Cruise Line trips. A Disney official told CNN that since 2016, its parks around the world have seen more than 200 new...

Nestle September Quarter Profit Rises 8% To Rs 668 Crore – The Indian Express https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nestle-september-quarter-profit-rises-8-to-rs-668-crore-the-indian-express/ FMCG major Nestle India on Wednesday reported 8.25 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 668.34 crore for the third quarter ended September 2022, helped by a volume growth across categories. The company, which follows January-December financial year, had posted a net profit of Rs 617.37 crore in the same period a year ago, it said in a BSE filing. Net sales were up 18.24 per cent to Rs 4,591 crore during the period under review as against Rs 3,882.57 crore in the year-ago period, the company said. It has “witnessed the highest sales growth during a quarter in the last five years,” said an earning statement from the company. Nestle India Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan said this achievement has been “on continued strong volume and mix evolution with broad-based double-digit growth” across all categories. “Growth has been very strong in the large metros and mega cities and continued to be robust across smaller town classes, including rural markets,” he said. Total expenses in September quarter were at Rs 3,715.40 crore as against Rs 3,081.99 crore in the year-ago period. Domestic sales were up 18.27 per cent to Rs 4,361.15 crore as compared to Rs 3,687.37 crore in the year-ago period. The “domestic sales growth is broad-based with a healthy balance of pricing and volume,” said Nestle. During the quarter, e-commerce channel contributed 7.2 per cent of Nestle India’s sales. This was largely fuelled by new, emerging formats such as ‘quick commerce’ and ‘click & mortar’, it added. Its exports were up 15.68 per cent to Rs 205.45 crore as compared to the year-ago period. The increase in exports was led by the “proliferation of Indian product portfolio in new markets and expanding new categories, especially wider offerings in MAGGI and confectionery remains a key focus,” it said. Commenting on commodity outlook in the short to medium term, Nestle India said: “We are witnessing early signs of stability in prices of a few commodities such as edible oils and packaging materials. “However, fresh milk, fuels, grains and green coffee costs are expected to remain firm with the continued increase in demand and volatility,” it added. Meanwhile, in a separate filing, Nestle India informed that its board, in a meeting held on Wednesday, declared a second interim dividend of Rs 120 per equity share of Rs 10 each for 2022. Shares of Nestle India were trading 1.62 per cent up at Rs 19,700 apiece on the BSE.

OSF HealthCare Implements CareSignal’s Deviceless Remote Patient Monitoring® To Extend Care To Rising-Risk Patient Populations – Yahoo Finance https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/osf-healthcare-implements-caresignals-deviceless-remote-patient-monitoring-to-extend-care-to-rising-risk-patient-populations-yahoo-finance/ OSF OnCall Connect leverages CareSignal’s Deviceless RPM solution to reach rising-risk patients with chronic conditions, health literacy, and wellness needs SAINT LOUIS, October 19, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OSF HealthCare selected CareSignal, a Lightbeam company, to offer Deviceless Remote Patient Monitoring® (RPM) and help power its enterprise-wide digital health solution, OSF OnCall Connect. The Deviceless RPM solution will extend the reach of its care management services to rising-risk patient populations and remotely monitor the whole health of patients with chronic condition-specific programs for asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), high blood pressure, as well as to support healthy living. OSF OnCall Connect initially focused on providing care to high-risk patients with chronic conditions. But through the addition of CareSignal’s Deviceless RPM technology, OSF OnCall Connect can now scale to reach an additional 117,000 rising-risk patients with chronic conditions. The technology will also allow the Peoria, IL-based health system to expand health literacy and support wellness needs. The 117,000 eligible patients are part of the Medicaid Transformation Project, a national effort to transform healthcare and meet related social needs for the millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid. OSF HealthCare is one of the 17 large, innovative health systems participating in this program. CareSignal’s Deviceless RPM technology uses text messages and interactive voice response (IVR) calls to engage with patients and monitor symptoms remotely. The familiar and accessible technology enables OSF OnCall Connect to engage vulnerable populations through its Medicaid Innovation Collaborative and achieve its goals of extending care management to rising-risk patients, building chronic disease management strategies, reducing barriers to healthcare, and closing health equity gaps. CareSignal’s patient engagement specialists manage patient enrollment into the CareSignal program, enabling healthcare staff to spend time with patients and work top of license. “CareSignal helped us implement the latest technologies to expand access to care for underserved communities and vulnerable populations,” said Courtney Pilat, director Digital Care Development, OSF OnCall. “We’re already seeing improved outcomes from our pregnancy and postpartum monitoring and 24/7 support program under our Medicaid Innovation Collaborative.” Pilat added, “We also believe remote patient monitoring and education – with support from digitally enabled community health workers – will allow those we serve with chronic conditions to be more engaged and informed about how to manage their own health.” “This partnership began thanks to the clinical and strategic vision that OSF HealthCare has for its patients,” said Blake Marggraff, CEO of CareSignal, a Lightbeam Company. “Patients with chronic conditions require long-term maintenance and support, and CareSignal is proud to support the OSF OnCall Connect program with both the technology and clinical resources required to meet these patients where they are. It is a privilege to serve OSF HealthCare as we work together to improve care quality, enhance patient engagement, and touch more lives.” For more information about CareSignal’s Deviceless Remote Patient Monitoring® solution, contact media@lightbeamhealth.com. About CareSignal – a Lightbeam Health Solutions Company: CareSignal offers Deviceless Remote Patient Monitoring® which is specifically designed for value-based care by leveraging real-time, self-reported patient data and artificial intelligence to produce long-term patient engagement while identifying clinically actionable moments for proactive care delivery. Together, Lightbeam and CareSignal align best-in-class population health capabilities with proven remote engagement and monitoring solutions serving more than 42 million patient lives across the United States. Lightbeam’s vision is to shine a light on health data using analytics, and to provide the insight and capabilities healthcare clients need to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. Learn more about solutions specific to your organization and population by visiting our website or trying a self-guided demo. About OSF OnCall: OSF OnCall, the digital arm of Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare, offers unique, full-scale digital health and convenient care options. Providing an array of services anytime, anywhere, OSF OnCall includes digital platforms and software to connect people with care 24/7 using smartphone apps, text-based check-ins and video visits with live support. OSF OnCall Urgent Care offers in-person or virtual visits for minor injuries and illness. OSF OnCall Connect supports people through digital and at-home support. OSF OnCall also represents other at-home and hospital-based digital care including remote monitoring, intensive care and hospitalist programs, as well as a digital hospital option. Learn more at osfoncall.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221019005195/en/ Contacts Amanda Hunt media@lightbeamhealth.com

Faces Of Fall: Oct. 19, 2022 | Sports | News-Gazette.com – News-Gazette https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/faces-of-fall-oct-19-2022-sports-news-gazette-com-news-gazette/ Lyle Adcock, ALAH, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette LYLE ADCOCK ALAH boys’ cross-country His favorite athlete is … Jace Green. His favorite team is … the Chicago Cubs. If he could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … the World Series. His favorite sport besides cross-country is … track and field. Skyler Anderson, STM, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette SKYLER ANDERSON St. Thomas More girls’ cross-country Her favorite athlete is … Sydney McLaughlin. Her favorite team is … Illinois cross-country. If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … the World Cup. Her favorite sport besides cross-country is … rowing. Ethan Blackburn, SJ-O, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette ETHAN BLACKBURN St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ cross-country His favorite athlete is … Michael Jordan. His favorite team is … the Chicago Cubs. If he could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … a football game. His favorite sport besides cross-country is … track and field. Allison Thompson, Danville, during the Faces of Fall 2022 shoot at the News-Gazette in Champaign on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette ALLISON THOMPSON Danville girls’ cross-country Her favorite athlete is … Jordan Lang. Her favorite team is … the Chicago Cubs. If she could attend any one sporting event in person, it would be … Olympic gymnastics. Her favorite sport besides cross-country is … gymnastics.

Walmart Looks Towards Dipping Its Feet In The World Of Metaverse – Forbes India https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/walmart-looks-towards-dipping-its-feet-in-the-world-of-metaverse-forbes-india/ Image: Shutterstock Suresh Kumar, the global chief technology officer of Walmart, predicted that in the future, customers’ ability to pay for digital and tangible things would be a ‘major’ disruption caused by crypto.On October 17, Kumar talked about Walmart’s opinions on digital assets and predicted that both physical and virtual goods would be purchased using crypto. At the Yahoo Finance All Markets Summit, Kumar said:”I think that there are three major areas of disruption. Crypto falls in sort of the middle of it.” He also explained that ‘the way in which customers are getting inspired and discovering products’ is changing.Additionally, Kumar projected that live broadcasting on the Metaverse and marketing through social media platforms would both be effective ways to reach a big part of consumers. Moreover, Bitcoin might play a significant role in that environment’s payment system.”When you specifically talk about crypto, it is going to be about the discovery of products, whether physical or virtual inside, either the Metaverse or upfront, and then how people transact,” said Kumar.This could explain Walmart Land, the retailer’s most recent addition to the Roblox Metaverse, made available in late September. The company also provides virtual retail items called ‘verch’ for customers’ avatars and hosts various virtual experiences there, including games, a DJ booth, and a Ferris wheel.Crypto assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are not yet integrated into the Roblox metaverse. Walmart had made hints in January patent applications that it would eventually try to create a digital currency, tokens, and NFTs for the Metaverse. According to Kumar,”We want to make sure that we make it as friction free for customers to be able to transact, and to be able to buy, and how they are able to derive value out of it. And that is where–I think a lot of the disruption is going to start happening in terms of different payment methods, different payment options.”The multinational retail behemoth has been working on adding support for crypto payments for a while, but so far, there have only been fanciful announcements, such as the dubious agreement with Litecoin that was made public in a questionable news release from September of last year.Shashank is founder at yMedia. He ventured into crypto in 2013 and is an ETH maximalist. Check out our Festive offers upto Rs.1000/- off website prices on subscriptions + Gift card worth Rs 500/- from Eatbetterco.com. Click here to know more. Post Your Comment Email Address Required, will not be published Comment All comments are moderated

Great Jones Just Launched The 4-In-1 Full Steam Duo – The Kitchn https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/great-jones-just-launched-the-4-in-1-full-steam-duo-the-kitchn/ Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website. This may happen as a result of the following: Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example) Your browser does not support cookies Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading. Reference ID: #cfc8bbad-4fa9-11ed-a059-584f59565a56

Shiba Inu Price Prediction – This Is Where SHIB Can Bottom Out, Buying Opportunity? – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/shiba-inu-price-prediction-this-is-where-shib-can-bottom-out-buying-opportunity-cryptonews/ Shiba Inu price is trading at $0.00001183, consolidating around a support level. It seems that SHIB is in the buy zone but lacks a catalyst to trigger a sustainable uptrend. Buying Opportunities in Shiba Inu Price Shiba Inu’s supply held by top non-exchange wallets continues to maintain a positive outlook despite the extended declines in the bear market. According to Santiment, this address cohort currently accounts for nearly 600 trillion of SHIB’s total supply compared to 558 trillion in April 2022. This 7% growth implies that sentiment toward Shiba Inu price is still positive, despite the ongoing bear market forces. With whales (large holders) continuing to add to their stack, it is perhaps an indication that current prices are a bargain worth buying. Shiba Inu supply held by top non-exchange wallets The market value realized value (MVRV) on-chain metric position below the mean line corroborates the narrative that SHIB presents serious buying opportunities. With an MVRV reading at -5.30%, Shiba Inu is said to be undervalued. Investors tend to hold onto their assets or buy more in such situations, thus propping SHIB for a roll to the upside. Shiba Inu Price Prediction A descending parallel channel is the governing chart pattern on the daily chart. Shiba Inu price anticipates another retracement, possibly below the middle throughline at $0.00000900. If overhead pressure intensifies, Shiba Inu may fall down to $0.00000700. However, this seems unlikely at the moment. The daily chart foreshadows a double-bottom pattern, where the Shiba Inu price will eventually tag its crucial support price. Shiba Inu ended June’s strong downtrend at $0.00000700, rendering the level solid support.  Short-term losses will likely carry on based on insight from the Directional Movement Index (DMI). The widened gap between the -DI (orange) and the +DI (blue) means that bears have the baton and are currently unwilling to give up control. Furthermore, the 50-day SMA (Simple Moving Average (SMA) position below the 100-day SMA reinforces the bears’ influence on the price. Although this is not a typical death cross, its occurrence shows that sellers have the upper hand. A Shiba Inu price recovery north of its current price could fizzle out as soon as it starts, especially if bulls fail to collect enough liquidity. The IOMAP model by IntoTheBlock paints a grim picture at $0.00001100. As the Shiba Inu price rebounds, the 23,000 addresses which previously purchased 70.41 trillion SHIB tokens around that area may sell to breakeven. Due to the propensity of overhead pressure to rise as holders offload their bags, the Shiba Inu price may fail to break out to its recent peak at $0.00001800.  Meme Coin Alternative – Tamadoge Another meme coin that has also entered the buy zone is Tamadoge (TAMA). TAMA has retraced from its all-time high and has now entered the dip-buying zone. Tamadoge holds the potential to rise to $1.00 more than any other meme coin, such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Tamadoge uniquely brings together P2E gains, NFTs and the Metaverse all in its unique and expanding ecosystem. The team has also recently announced a 1,000-piece rare NFT collection on OpenSea, which has been getting significant attention online. Buy TAMA on OKX CEX Buy TAMA on OKX DEX

U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-energy-information-administration-eia/ October 19, 2022 U.S. power plants received 449 million short tons (MMst) of coal in 2021, less than half of the 957 MMst they received in 2010. Coal shipments to U.S. power plants declined over the past decade as coal-fired generation in the country fell and coal-fired power plants shut down. Although coal shipments have been trending down over the past decade, 2021 shipments increased 5% from 2020 because coal-fired generation increased. In 2021, coal-fired generation rose for the first time since 2014 because of higher electricity demand and higher natural gas prices versus relatively stable coal prices. A power plant’s location and the cost-efficiency of the shipping method primarily determine how it receives its coal. Minemouth coal-fired power plants—or plants that are built beside coal mines—receive coal directly from the adjacent mine, usually through a long conveyor belt. Minemouth shipments accounted for 8% of coal shipments to power plants in 2021, compared with 6% in 2010. For non-minemouth plants, coal must be transported from coal mines to the plant. Coal can be transported to power plants via freight railroad, river barge, truck, or a combination of these shipping methods. Although shipments have declined since 2010, the mix of shipping methods used to transport coal to power plants has largely remained the same. More coal is transported over the extensive U.S. freight rail network than any other shipping method; around 70% of the coal delivered to U.S. power plants in both 2021 and 2010 was shipped either completely or in part by railroad. Although more expensive on a per-ton basis than truck or river barge, freight rail has been the most cost-effective way to move large volumes of coal over the long distances between mines in remote regions to coal-fired power plants, which are usually located near electricity customers. Because so much of the coal delivered to U.S. power plants is transported by railroad, widespread or sustained disruptions to the country’s rail network can cause significant delays in coal deliveries to power plants. In September 2022, a dispute between freight rail companies and labor unions over a new worker contract nearly resulted in a nationwide strike that would have shut down freight railroad tracks, halting coal shipments. A strike was averted when a tentative agreement was reached just hours before the deadline. River barges are typically the lowest-cost way to transport large amounts of coal over long distances, but their use is limited to the relatively few coal-fired power plants located on navigable rivers. Barges accounted for 11% of coal shipments to power plants in both 2010 and 2021. Shipping coal entirely by truck is only cost-effective over short distances or for smaller shipments; this mode is generally used when a mine or plant doesn’t have direct rail or barge access and is relatively close to a supplying mine. Truck-only shipments accounted for 9% of coal shipments to power plants in 2021, compared with 10% in 2010. You can find more information about coal transportation, including shipments by transport mode, origin, and destination, in our summary of coal transportation costs. Additional information from our coal and electricity industry surveys is available in our interactive coal data browser and electricity data browser. Principal contributor: Elesia Fasching

Stock Futures Give Up Earlier Gains, Turn Negative Despite Netflix’s Strong Results – CNBC https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/stock-futures-give-up-earlier-gains-turn-negative-despite-netflixs-strong-results-cnbc/ U.S. stock futures gave up gains from earlier in the day Wednesday, even after the release of strong quarterly results from Netflix. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 121 points, or 0.4%. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures traded lower by 0.5% each. Netflix shares rallied 13% after the streaming giant posted earnings and revenue that beat estimates as well as strong subscriber growth for the third quarter. Other tech-related names such as Meta, Amazon and Microsoft traded higher in the premarket. United Airlines, Intuitive Surgical and Procter & Gamble were among the other names rising in premarket trading after strong quarterly reports. The solid start to earnings season comes as many on Wall Street have been resetting their earnings projections lower and investors are worried about a recession. Even though equities have rallied in the first two days of the week, Treasury yields remain high and were climbing on Wednesday, suggesting that recession fears are still intact. “On the plus side, corporate earnings season may help investor confidence somewhat, just given current oversold conditions and reduced expectations. That should help equities keep their footing, but until we see 2-year and 10-year yields start to decline we think traders and investors should remain wary of expecting too much from this rally,” said Nick Colas of DataTrek Research. Tech earnings will be in full swing next week, but IBM and Tesla are on deck to report Wednesday. Social media firm Snap will report later in the week. In economic data, investors are looking forward to housing starts on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve’s so-called Beige Book, the central bank’s report on the current state of economic conditions, will come out as well. Wednesday’s moves came after another strong day for stocks, with the Dow rallying about 337 points Tuesday and the S&P 500 gaining 1.1%. Interest rates still a risk for stocks, says Goldman’s Kostin High interest rates will likely keep this week’s stock rally from turning into a more lasting period of strength, Goldman Sachs chief U.S. equity strategist David Kostin said in a note to clients on Tuesday evening. “Equities have not yet fully priced the rapid rise in interest rates year to date and will continue to digest interest rate moves in the months ahead. … Until economic data improves, our baseline forecast is that elevated rates will keep the S&P 500 P/E multiple hovering around 15x,” Kostin said. Kostin also said that recommends a generally defensive portfolio of stocks for this environment but cautioned that utilities names look expensive at current levels. — Jesse Pound, Michael Bloom Yields rise, with 2-year Treasury topping 4.5% Yields moved higher on Wednesday morning, with the entire Treasury curve moving up. The 2-year Treasury yield, which is seen as highly sensitive to the path of Federal Reserve policy, pushed above 4.5%. The benchmark 10-year Treasury rose nearly 9 basis points to 4.086%. A basis point is equal to 0.01 percentage points, and yields move opposite of price. The rise in yields could be the culprit for the swoon in futures this morning. Higher interest rates have weighed on stocks all year, particularly growth-oriented tech names. — Jesse Pound Procter & Gamble pops on strong earnings Procter & Gamble posted quarterly numbers that beat analyst expectations, sending the stock up 2%. The consumer goods giant earned per share of $1.57 on revenue of $20.61 billion. Analysts expected the company to report earnings of $1.54 per share on revenue of $20.28 billion, according to Refinitiv. Organic revenue, which strips out the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency, rose 7%. Read more here. — Amelia Lucas What Wall Street analysts have to say about Netflix’s quarter Many analysts cheered Netflix‘s quarterly results, which could signal the start of a bigger turnaround for the streaming giant. Deutsche Bank analyst Bryan Kraft also upgraded Netflix to buy, noting that there’s now “visibility into a subscriber growth inflection point next year given that Netflix management has confirmed both the early 2023 introduction of its new measures designed to better monetize account sharing.” JPMorgan’s Doug Anmuth also upgraded the stock to overweight from neutral, noting that he sees the company’s crackdown on password sharing and new advertising initiatives as tools to help the company accelerate revenue growth. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Sam Subin European markets: Here are the opening calls European markets are heading for a higher open on Wednesday, looking to build on gains in the previous session. The U.K.’s FTSE index is expected to open 17 points higher at 6,960, the German DAX up 29 points at 12,824 and the French CAC up 12 points at 6,090, according to data from IG. — Hannah Ward-Glenton CNBC Pro: Goldman Sachs outlines four economic scenarios and predicts how gold will perform in each It’s been a choppy year for gold, with the precious metal “torn between growth and inflation risks and higher real rates and the strong dollar,” Goldman analysts wrote in an Oct. 11 note. “In our view, there remains a lot of uncertainty around the future path of U.S. inflation, growth, rates and the central bank (CB)’s reaction functions.” Goldman ran four different economic scenarios, and predicted where gold prices could end up in each case. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Weizhen Tan U.S. crude futures move up $1 per barrel on expectations that Biden will release oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve Futures of West Texas Intermediate crude moved up around $1, or 1.33% and futures of Brent crude rose $0.83, or 0.92% as the Biden administration is expected to release more oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The plan could be announced as early as Wednesday, sources told CNBC. The move aims to extend the current SPR delivery program, which began this spring, through December, the sources said. –Kayla Tausche, Jihye Lee Company earnings are beating expectations Of the 9.15% of S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings so far this season, 70% of them have posted positive surprises, according to data from FactSet. Earnings expectations have been lowered considerably and the market is braced for a good amount of negative news in earnings season, Yung-Yu Ma, BMO Wealth Management chief investment strategist, told CNBC. However, he added, “to the extent that that doesn’t actually transpire, that we get more of a nuanced message that companies on average are doing okay, okay is still pretty good in an environment where the market is braced for volatility, turmoil, slowing growth, declines and a challenging environment.” — Tanaya Macheel Netflix pops after hours on earnings Shares of the streaming giant Netflix jumped in extended trading after it reported quarterly results, including the addition of 2.41 million net global subscribers, which is more than twice what it projected a quarter ago. Stock futures open higher Tuesday night Stock futures opened higher Tuesday evening after the major averaged posted a second straight day of gains and Netflix reported strong earnings after the bell. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 124 points, or 0.4%. S&P 500 futures gained 0.7% and Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1.2%. — Tanaya Macheel

Bids Confirmed For Low-Tax North East Investment Zones To Create ‘23,000 Jobs And 8,000 Homes’ – Chronicle Live https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/bids-confirmed-for-low-tax-north-east-investment-zones-to-create-23000-jobs-and-8000-homes-chronicle-live/ A bid to establish two low-tax investment zones stretching across Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside has been confirmed – with hopes they could deliver 23,000 jobs. The Government announced plans last month to set up areas across England where businesses will benefit from tax breaks and relaxed planning regulations. The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) was named among the bodies keen on being involved in the scheme, which was part of sacked Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s ill-fated mini-budget, and has now revealed two vast bids. One of the proposed low-tax zones would run along the length of the Northumberland Line railway, which is due to reopen to passenger services next year for the first time in decades. Council leaders have recently spoken of their hopes to kickstart a £130m regeneration of the towns served by the route, which will run between Ashington and Newcastle Central Station, with an influx of new jobs and homes. Read More: Worry over ‘incredibly challenging’ West Denton leisure centre as work delayed and costs rise The second investment zone proposal is for an “Arc of Energy Innovation” focused on creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. NTCA officials confirmed that this zone would be made up of a series of separate sites across the region – including Royal Quays in North Shields and industrial sites along the banks of the Tyne, the Newcastle International Airport Business Park, Blyth Energy Central, and Lynefield Park in Lynemouth. North of Tyne metro mayor Jamie Driscoll had warned last month that the investment zone plan could simply displace jobs from one area to another and urged ministers not to bring in “anything about reducing workers’ rights or environmental legislation”. The Labour mayor said on Tuesday: “We’ve been working hard to create a greener, fairer, more prosperous region. And we’re achieving it. North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll (Image: newcastle chronicle) “We’ve made it clear to Government that Investment Zones must support our work. So that’s why our proposal builds on our existing plans. Plans to help businesses grow, attract investment, and access land for new homes and commercial use. We want to take full advantage of sustainable transport systems and our growing green industries.” The NTCA claimed that the low-tax zones would create “23,000 more job opportunities in the region and 8,000 new homes”. Durham County Council has also lodged bids for investment zones at NETPark in Sedgefield and Aykley Heads in Durham City, while the International Advanced Manufacturing Park and Sunderland riverside have also been touted as possible locations. Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, said that the plans could “act as a catalyst for businesses along the Tyne, the automotive cluster around the Nissan plant and the region’s innovation assets and academic institutions”. He added: “We firmly believe that IZ status will shift the dial on business investment decisions and will drive more inward investment in the years to come.” James Young, chief strategy and compliance officer at JDR Cable Systems, said the tax breaks would allow the company to boost investment at its sites at the Northumberland Energy Park and East Sleekburn. He said: “Existing developments and future phases would offer the potential for new product lines and more production capability to assist the UK in securing its energy supply from low carbon energy sources in the decades to come.” Read More: Major doubts over whether ‘blindsided’ council leaders will let Durham into North East devolution deal New plans revealed for derelict West End police station – with drive-thru Burger King axed Council accused of ‘nitpicking’ after taking Newcastle Quayside flats row to High Court ‘A massive shame’ – Reaction to Blackett Street plans as shelving of traffic ban sparks Labour divisions Metro engineers to strike over ‘miserable’ pay offer – but bosses say network won’t be shut down

Holidu Pockets $98M To Keep Growing Its Vacation Rentals Business In Europe – TechCrunch https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/holidu-pockets-98m-to-keep-growing-its-vacation-rentals-business-in-europe-techcrunch/ Munich-based software and services vacation rental startup, Holidu, has topped up its coffers with an oversubscribed €104 million (~$102M) Series E funding round of equity and debt, led by existing investor 83North, after seeing its year-over-year revenue grew 100% in 2021. The round saw a mix of other existing and new investors chipping in, including in the latter camp Northzone, HV Capital, Vintage Investment Partners and Commonfund Capital, and with (in the former) Prime Ventures, EQT Ventures, coparion, Senovo, Lios Ventures and Possible Ventures. The €100M raise also includes a chunk of venture debt — €25M — that’s been put up by Claret Capital and Silicon Valley Bank. So the equity component of the Series E comprises €75M. While travel startups were hit hard by coronavirus lockdowns in the early wave of the pandemic, vacation rentals picked up fairly quickly as lockdowns eased later on in 2020 and 2021, and as platforms retooled to cater to reconfigured demand from travellers opting for more domestic breaks over going further afield, for example. Holiday homes were also better positioned than other travel options like hotels (or, er, cruise ships) to offer attractive private spaces where people could feel safer about taking a break even as vaccine rollouts were still ramping up. And Holidu and its investors are banking on that increased demand sticking around. The German startup tells TechCrunch travel and booking patterns have now largely returned to resembling the pre-pandemic picture, from 2019, with a rise in international (vs domestic) travel bookings. It also says holidaymakers are feeling more comfortable about planning ahead again and back to booking around a month in advance vs the shorter timeframes people switched to during the height of COVID-19 uncertainty. Post-pandemic (or, well, post-the-peak-of-the-crisis), demand for travel has rebounded fiercely as plenty of people hankered to finally get away again — which is reflected in the larger growth Holidu booked in 2021 (100%) vs 2020 (when it was up around 50% y-o-y). It says its vacation rentals metasearch engine, which compares listings across over 1,500 websites, reached more than 110 million visitors in the last 12 months. And — with fresh funding in its back pocket — Holidu is gearing up to further press on the growth gas by expanding its rollout of local office locations to support its market outreach efforts. A second strand of its business is aimed at increasing supply via a software and services play, called Bookiply, targeting vacation rental hosts — helping them get their properties online by streamlining administration and supporting them to grow bookings. The startup says the unit grew 13x between 2019 and 2022. In 2021 specifically, Bookiply’s revenue growth was 4.4x — and in the first nine months of 2022 its revenues have grown 3.3x. While the number of managed Bookiply homes has stacked up from 5,000 three years ago to nearly 20,000 now — but it sees plenty of room to keep building that out. “As a group we are growing at a high double digit rate,” CEO and co-founder, Johannes Siebers, told TechCrunch. “We see that our company delivers true value to hosts and guests, which is reflected in our very strong host retention and guest satisfaction. We will now scale our region-by-region approach into Europe’s large and attractive hosting market. This financing round is a great vote of confidence in the current environment. We are on the path to build a big company,” he added in a statement. Holidu’s growth has been fuelled by a number of acquisitions in key markets — with Holidu buying a veteran holiday home portal Spain-Holiday.com last year; and picking up a couple of vacation rental services firms focused on German speaking markets (Lohospo and my.IRS) earlier this year to boost its services offering in the DACH markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). “With the Series E raise, we are open to further acquisitions on the supply side,” Siebers also told us. While the startup reported reaching profitability with its search business back in 2020 he says it remains focused on scaling — saying its too early to consider an IPO at this stage (NB: Holidu was founded back in 2014). “With close to 20,000 Bookiply properties we consider it still ‘early days’ for us,” he said. “The global market is very large and we are fully focused on expanding our property base in new and existing areas and on working on our products for hosts and guests.” Discussing trends it’s seen accelerating over  the last three years, he flags the adoption of vacation rentals as a big one — pointing to a McKinsey study that found that 43% of travellers during 2021 booked a vacation rental for the first time, and reported that three-quarters of respondents planned to continue to stay in vacation rentals for at least half their trips in the future. Flexible work patterns established as a result of the pandemic are also resulting in travel seasons broadening, per Siebers, who says they’ve seen stronger booking demand for “shoulder seasons” outside of core school holidays. And a final (contradictory) trend he flags is demand for “sustainable” vacation rental homes, with accommodations that are marked by Holidu with an “Eco” label achieving a 12% higher click through rate and a 29% higher conversion rate than properties which do not possess such a label — suggesting travellers are looking for ways to offset any environmental guilt they may feel about jetting off by taking steps to reduce the overall emissions load of their holiday. One growth trend Siebers does not mention is rising rents for long term tenants looking for accommodation they can actually live in. Housing costs are being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis that’s driving inflation and interest rates, atop a long term undersupply of affordable housing stock across many regions, but vacation rentals complicate the picture by further reducing accommodation units available for long term tenants to rent. This trend is fuelling a fresh wave of calls for regulators to clamp down on short term lets that could encourage more towns and cities to adopt measures to restrict vacation rentals — especially in cities and regions that are also popular tourist destinations. So rising housing costs is one pressure-point that could throw up some harder roadblocks to future growth of the vacation rentals sector in the coming years. This report was updated with a correction to the total amount raised after Holidu provided us with an incorrect (rounded down) figure for the amount of euros raised initially. They told us they had raised €100M — but subsequently said the actual amount is €104M — so we have amended the figures

Business News — Oct. 19, 2022 – Sequim Gazette https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/business-news-oct-19-2022-sequim-gazette/ Submitted photo Robin’s Nest Adult Family Home offers 24-hour care. Adult family home opens Robin’s Nest is an adult family home that opened in the past year and was started with the goal of expanding housing options for seniors that need a higher level of care living in rural areas, company representatives said. The home, on Fox Hollow Road, was designed “to provide a calm and inviting atmosphere where residents can receive comprehensive care,” they said. Robin’s Nest has views of the city of Sequim, Dungeness Spit, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Olympic Mountains. For more information, visit robinsnestafh.com, email to KrohsNestAFH@gmail.com or call 360-477-2772. Piroshky Piroshky offers pre-order pick-up Piroshky Piroshky, an Eastern European-inspired bakery with a flagship location based out of Pike Place Market in Seattle, is “touring” the United States with a pre-order pop-up tour. The company will return to Sequim for pre-order pick-up on Nov. 4. Guests select pies online at piroshkybakery.com ahead of the visit. Their piroshky is then hand-made and made-to-order, and then is flash-frozen and delivered for pick up on the event day. For more information, call 206-764-1000 or email to cs@piroshkybakery.com.

Healthy Living For Your Brain And Body – BCTV – Bctv.org https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/healthy-living-for-your-brain-and-body-bctv-bctv-org/ The health of the brain and the body are connected, and now, science provides insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. To help people age as well as possible, Penn State Extension partnered with The Alzheimer’s Association® to provide Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. When: Tue., Nov. 1, 2022 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET) Format: Live Online via Zoom The program is intended for individuals of any age who are looking for information on ways to age well. It is not designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Current research on healthy aging and brain health Reasons for taking care of yourself as you age Practical strategies to age well in the areas of: Cognitive activity Physical health and exercise Diet and nutrition Social engagement This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recording. Registration Deadline: October 30, 2022 11:45 PM

What Channel Is Yankees Vs. Astros On Today? Time, TV Schedule For The 2022 ALCS Game 1 – Sporting News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/what-channel-is-yankees-vs-astros-on-today-time-tv-schedule-for-the-2022-alcs-game-1-sporting-news/ The two American League Division Series shaped up in wildly different ways. For the Astros, the ALDS was a breeze. Yordan Alvarez’s walk-off dinger in Game 1 capped off a momentous rally, one that seemingly propelled them through the remainder of their three-game beatdown of the Mariners. Jeremy Pena’s 18th-inning blast in Game 3 proved the ultimate dagger, as Houston notched its sixth straight ALCS appearance in style. For the Yankees, the path to the Championship Series was far more treacherous. Between postponements, delays and tightly-contested games, the New York-Cleveland series proved to be an absolute doozy. It went the full five games, ending with the Yankees winning over the Guardians behind the bats of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Now comes the fun part. The ‘Stros and Yanks are just four wins away from the World Series. For Houston, the focus is clear: get to the end of the month and give yourself a chance to wash away the sins of last year’s World Series loss. Meanwhile, the Yankees are in a slightly more uncertain situation. The Bronx Bombers haven’t taken part in the Fall Classic since 2009, but this is their third ALCS since 2017. But perhaps that inexperience can buoy them to the promise land, just as it did for the Braves last year or the Nationals in 2019. Either way, it should be a peach of a series. And it gets kicked off on Wednesday. MORE: Watch select MLB postseason games live with fuboTV (free trial) So without further ado, here’s what you need to know about Game 1 of the ALCS, including broadcast information and start time. What channel isYankees vs. Astros on today?  Channel: TBS Live stream: Fox Sports Go, TBS app, fuboTV (U.S) | Sportsnet NOW (Canada) Game 1 of the ALCS will be broadcast on TBS. Brian Anderson will be on the call, handling play-by-play duties. He’ll be joined by Ron Darling in the studio and Lauren Shehadi from the dugout, who will interview players and provide reports as they happen. Cord-cutters can find Wednesday’s game on Fox Sports Go or the TBS app, as well as fuboTV, which offers a free trial. Canadian fans can track all the action from Minute Maid Park on Sportsnet. Yankees vs. Astros start time Date: Wednesday, Oct. 19 First pitch: 7:37 p.m. ET (6:37 p.m. local time) Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas) Game 1 of the ALCS between the Yankees and the Astros will start at 7:37 p.m. ET (6:37 p.m. local time) on Wednesday, Oct. 19. MORE: TSN’s baseball experts pick winners for every postseason series MLB playoff schedule, results (All times Eastern) National League Wild Card Series Date  Game  Result  Friday, Oct. 7 Phillies at Cardinals (Game 1) Phillies 6, Cardinals 3 Friday, Oct. 7 Padres at Mets (Game 1) Padres 7, Mets 1 Saturday, Oct. 8 Padres at Mets (Game 2) Mets 7, Padres 3 Saturday, Oct. 8 Phillies at Cardinals (Game 2) Phillies 2, Cardinals 0 Sunday, Oct. 9 Padres at Mets (Game 3) Padres 6, Mets 0 Division Series  Fox and FS1 will handle the broadcast for all NLDS games in both series. Date  Game  Start time (ET) TV channel  Result  Tuesday, Oct. 11 Phillies at Braves (Game 1) 1:07 p.m. Fox PHI 7, ATL 6 (PHI 1-0) Tuesday, Oct. 11 Padres at Dodgers (Game 1) 9:37 p.m. FS1 LAD 5, SDP 3 (SDP 1-0) Wednesday, Oct. 12 Phillies at Braves (Game 2) 7:30 p.m. Fox ATL 3, PHI 0 (1-1) Wednesday, Oct. 12 Padres at Dodgers (Game 2) 8:37 p.m. FS1 SDP 5, LAD 3 (1-1) Friday, Oct. 14 Braves at Phillies (Game 3) 4:37 p.m. FS1 PHI 9, ATL 1 (PHI 2-1) Friday, Oct. 14 Dodgers at Padres (Game 3) 8:37 p.m. FS1 SDP 2, LAD 1 (SDP 2-1) Saturday, Oct. 15 Braves at Phillies (Game 4) 2:07 p.m. FS1 PHI 8, ATL 3 (PHI 3-1) Saturday, Oct. 15 Dodgers at Padres (Game 4) 9:37 p.m. FS1 SDP 5, LAD 3 (SDP 3-1) Championship Series  Fox and FS1 will continue their National League playoff coverage with coverage of every NLCS game. Date  Game  Start time  TV channel  Result  Tuesday, Oct. 18 Phillies at Padres (Game 1) 8:03 p.m. FS1 — Wednesday, Oct. 19 Phillies at Padres (Game 2) 4:35 p.m Fox/FS1 — Friday Oct. 21 Padres at Phillies (Game 3) 7:37 p.m. FS1 — Saturday, Oct. 22 Padres at Phillies (Game 4) 7:45 p.m. Fox — Sunday, Oct. 23 Padres at Phillies (Game 5*) 2:37 p.m. FS1 — Monday, Oct. 24 Phillies at Padres (Game 6*) 8:03 p.m. FS1 — Tuesday, Oct. 25 Phillies at Padres (Game 7*) 8:03 p.m. Fox/FS1 — * – If necessary American League Wild Card Series Date  Game  Result  Friday Oct. 7 Rays at Guardians (Game 1) Guardians 2, Rays 1 Friday, Oct. 7 Mariners at Blue Jays (Game 1) Mariners 4, Blue Jays 0 Saturday, Oct. 8 Rays at Guardians (Game 2) Guardians 1, Rays 0 (15) Saturday, Oct. 8 Mariners at Blue Jays (Game 2) Mariners 10, Blue Jays 9 Division Series  Turner Sports will carry all the ALDS games. Date  Game  Start time (ET) TV channel  Result  Tuesday, Oct. 11 Mariners vs. Astros (Game 1) 3:37 p.m. TBS HOU 8, SEA 7 (HOU 1-0) Tuesday, Oct. 11 Guardians vs. Yankees (Game 1) 7:37 p.m. TBS NYY 4, CLE 1 (NYY 1-0) Thursday, Oct. 13 Mariners vs. Astros (Game 2) 3:37 p.m. TBS HOU 4, SEA 2 (HOU 2-0) Friday, Oct. 14 Guardians vs. Yankees (Game 2) 1:07 p.m. TBS CLE 4, NYY 2, 10 innings (1-1) Saturday, Oct. 15 Mariners vs. Astros (Game 3) 4:07 p.m. TBS HOU 1, SEA 0, 18 innings (HOU 3-0) Saturday, Oct. 15 Guardians vs. Yankees (Game 3) 7:37 p.m. TBS CLE 6, NYY 5 (CLE 2-1) Sunday, Oct. 16 Guardians vs. Yankees (Game 4) 7:07 p.m. TBS NYY 4, CLE 2 (2-2) Monday, Oct. 17 Guardians vs. Yankees (Game 5) 7:07 p.m. TBS NYY 5, CLE 1 (NYY wins 3-2) Championship Series  TBS will also have coverage of the ALCS. Date  Game  Start time  TV channel  Result  Wednesday, Oct. 19 Yankees at Astros (Game 1) 7:37 p.m. TBS — Thursday, Oct. 20 Yankees at Astros(Game 2) 7:37 p.m. TBS — Saturday, Oct. 22 Astros at Yankees (Game 3) 5:07 p.m. TBS — Sunday, Oct. 23 Astros at Yankees (Game 4) 7:07 p.m. TBS — Monday, Oct. 24 Astros at Yankees (Game 5*) 4:07 p.m. TBS — Tuesday, Oct. 25 Yankees at Astros (Game 6*) 6:07 p.m. TBS — Wednesday, Oct. 26 Yankees at Astros (Game 7*) 7:37 p.m. TBS — * – If necessary World Series schedule Every World Series game will be on Fox. Date  Game  Start time  TV channel  Result  Friday, Oct. 28 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 1)  TBD Fox — Saturday, Oct. 29 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 2) TBD Fox — Monday, Oct. 31 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 3) TBD Fox — Tuesday, Nov. 1 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 4) TBD Fox — Wednesday, Nov. 2 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 5*) TBD Fox — Friday, Nov. 4 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 6*) TBD Fox — Saturday, Nov. 5 AL champion vs. NL champion (Game 7*) TBD Fox — * – If necessary

Learn About The Metaverse For Less Than $30 – TechRepublic https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/learn-about-the-metaverse-for-less-than-30-techrepublic/ on October 19, 2022, 2:00 AM PDT Learn about the metaverse for less than $30 Dive into this new digital frontier with The 2022 Metaverse & AR Developer Bundle. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. Image: denisismagilov/Adobe Stock For a while, the metaverse seemed like a strange pet project of Mark Zuckerberg doomed to only be adopted by the most ardent of internet hipsters and crypto nerds. According to a recent PwC study, however, 66% of organizations are invested in the metaverse, putting money and time into business opportunities in augmented reality, the blockchain, NFTs and more. With so much money pouring into the metaverse, it’s high time you got involved. In The 2022 Metaverse & AR Developer Bundle, you’ll learn not only how to invest and create wealth in the metaverse, but also how to build programs and technology that benefit from this new frontier. This bundle includes nine courses. In these courses, you will be introduced to augmented reality, virtual reality, webVR, XR and more. You’ll learn how to set up Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit to create interactable objects that can communicate with hand-grabbing controllers and exist in the metaverse. You’ll also learn how to build a variety of AR and VR games to get familiar with programming basics. From there, you’ll delve more into the business opportunities, creating an AR app for the retail industry, building VR websites and more. Finally, there’s a deep dive into wealth creation in the metaverse, teaching you how to find good projects to work on and understand the skills you need to leverage this groundbreaking technology to earn money and build your own business empire. The metaverse is one of the most exciting new digital frontiers in recent memory. Dive in with The 2022 Metaverse & AR Developer Bundle, on sale for a limited time for just $29. Prices and availability are subject to change. Innovation

HidrateSpark Adds An Insulated Flip Lid Smart Bottle To Its Collection – Gadgets & Wearables https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/hidratespark-adds-an-insulated-flip-lid-smart-bottle-to-its-collection-gadgets-wearables/ HidrateSpark has announced a new addition to its collection of smart water bottles. This one comes with an insulated flip lid to cater to the coffee and tea consumer market. Earlier this year HidrateSpark brought us the largest smart water bottle in existence. Packing a 32oz design, it is sure to keep you hydrated. Unlike the predecessor generations, smart water bottles that are a part of that range eliminate the need for battery replacements. They introduce the ability to charge the smart LED sensor puck. Which makes them easier to maintain. Now the company is back with another variant. Something for those that prefer hot drinks. A smart water bottle for coffee and tea lovers The HidrateSpark PRO 21oz Insulated Flip Lid smart bottle is here just in time for the colder weather in the US and Europe. Its novelty is the new flip lid accessory which allows users to consume tea, coffee and other hot drinks safely. As with other smart bottles in its range, this one will maintain the cool temperature of your drink for up to a day. If you prefer the hot drink option, the new HydrateSpark will keep your drink warm for up to 6 hours. Those who already own a bottle from the HidrateSpark PRO range will be happy to know that the $9.99 flip lid accessory can be fitted on to their device. If you own a 17, 21 or 32oz size from that line, simply slot the accessory onto your bottle. You can purchase it in choice between Black or Grey. HidrateSpark Flip Lid accessory The company has also expanded its software to be able to also track coffee and tea consumption. Users will get a breakdown of their liquid intake in the smartphone app. All of this will go towards your daily hydration goals, together with your water intake. Beyond that you get the same functionality as the predecessor generations. This includes the customisable lights which shine in one of 6 different colour combinations to remind you to stay hydrated. The HidrateSpark Insulated Flip Lid Smart Bottle comes in various colour options, but only one 21oz size. It retails for $69.99 and you can pick it up in a choice between Black, Deep Blue and Brushed Stainless Steel. If you want a different sized bottle we suggest you go for one from the Pro line and upgrade it with the Flip Lid attachment. For now the Flip Lid option is only available on the HidrateSpark website. Check availability on Amazon. Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!