James Kelso

Wearable Fitness Trackers Market Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 15.8%by 2026 – Exclusive Report By Future Market Insights, Inc. – Digital Journal https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/wearable-fitness-trackers-market-is-expected-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-15-8by-2026-exclusive-report-by-future-market-insights-inc-digital-journal/ The worldwide wearable fitness trackers market is supposed to enroll a CAGR of 15.8% during 2017 – 2027, with North America, Western Europe, Japan and China representing critical market esteem shares toward the conjecture time frame’s end. Future Market Experiences conveys key bits of knowledge on the worldwide wearable fitness trackers market in its report named “Wearable Fitness Trackers Market: Worldwide Industry Examination 2012 – 2016 and Opportunity Evaluation 2017 – 2027.” Development in the market worth of the worldwide wearable fitness tracker market will stay alluring as the market is supposed to develop consistently at a CAGR of 15.8% as far as worth during the gauge time frame 2017 – 2027. The worldwide yearly income from the wearable fitness tracker market was esteemed at US$ 21,661.3 Mn toward the finish of 2017, as would be considered normal to develop at a consistent speed throughout the next few years. The overwhelming locales, i.e., North America, Western Europe, Japan, China and Ocean and Other of APAC, are supposed to by and large record for a greater part portion of the worldwide wearable fitness tracker market. The North America wearable fitness tracker market, Western Europe wearable fitness tracker market and APEJ wearable fitness tracker market are probably going to rule the worldwide market over the estimate period. Request a Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4887 Wearable Fitness Trackers Market: Factors Boosting Adoption Since last few years, the adoption of wearable fitness trackers has been increasing considerably, especially in the 25-44 years category. Development in the imaging technologies of wearable fitness trackers and continuously emerging new features in the products are boosting the adoption of wearable fitness trackers in the consumer segment. Nowadays, consumers prefer modern ways of fitness tracking as “guesstimating” is not accurate to keep track of the fitness data. Hence, the availability of technology-based smart wearable devices for keeping track of fitness activities is driving the wearable fitness trackers market. Disposable income and rising concerns regarding a healthy lifestyle are also driving the wearable fitness trackers market across major economies of the world. Continuous technological developments intended to reduce the overall cost of various components of wearable fitness trackers are facilitating a decrease in the overall cost of wearable fitness trackers, which is making it more affordable for the middle-income population.  At present, wearable fitness trackers are largely being used by the high-income population for an enhanced end-user experience with reference to fitness and health aspects. Wearable Fitness Trackers Market: Segmental & Regional Analysis On the basis of FMI analysis, the wrist wear sub-segment of the product type segment is expected to dominate the wearable fitness tracker market since wrist wear is easy to use and increases the focus of users towards fitness. On the basis of application, the pedometer segment is expected to be a dominating segment in the global wearable fitness tracker market. The development and integration of healthcare processes with technology and the evolution of new functions/features are some of the major factors driving the adoption of wearable fitness trackers. The North America wearable fitness tracker market is expected to dominate the global wearable fitness tracker market due to high growth in the overall revenues generated from the wrist wear segment, high disposable income as well as the high standard of living in the region. The wearable fitness tracker market in Western Europe has high potential owing to the increasing adoption of wearable fitness trackers as one of the solutions for living a healthy life. The APEJ wearable fitness tracker market will be a target market for market participants owing to the high growth opportunities in countries such as India and China. For More Information on this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/wearable-fitness-trackers-market Wearable Fitness Trackers Market: Competition Landscape Vendors in the wearable fitness tracker market are now focusing on introducing advanced innovative features and functionalities, as well as on expanding their sales channels across the globe. Some of the vendors in the wearable fitness tracker market vendors included in this study of the global wearable fitness tracker market are Apple Inc.; Fitbit Inc.; Samsung Electronics; Sony Corporation; Xiaomi; Garmin Ltd.; Fossil Group; Jawbone; TomTom International BV and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Vendors are continuously innovating their wearable fitness tracker products to penetrate the technology-influenced global market. For instance, in May 2017, Apple Inc. partnered with Nokia, a provider of information & communication technology. As per the partnership agreement, Nokia provides certain network infrastructure products and services to Apple. In June 2017, Fitbit Inc. partnered with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a Minnesota-based American professional basketball team. Under this partnership, Fitbit is an “Official Wearable” and “Official Sleep Tracker” for the players of Minnesota Timberwolves. In March 2017, Samsung partnered with Under Armour, one of the leading manufacturers of sports, casual apparels, shoes, etc., to support the “Under Armour Connected Fitness suite,” which includes various fitness applications. Key Segments Covered Product Type: Wrist wear Leg wear Smart garments Others Application: Pedometer Heart rate monitor Daily activity tracker Call text & calendar Sleep tracking GPS tracking Others Distribution Channel: E-Commerce Retail Stores Age-Group: 0-5 Years 6-18 Years 19-24 Years 25-44 Years 45-60 Years 60+ Years Ask for Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-4887 Table of Content Executive Summary 1.1. Market Overview 1.2. Market Analysis 1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations Market Introduction 2.1. Market Taxonomy 2.2. Market Overview 2.3. Market Definition 2.4. Market Facts 2.5. Pricing Analysis Market View Point 3.1. Macro-Economic Factors 3.2. Opportunity Analysis 3.3. Technological Trends 3.4. Key Regulations Global Market Analysis 2012–2016 and Forecast 2017–2027 4.1. Market Volume Projections 4.2. Market Size and Y-o-Y Growth 4.3. Absolute $ Opportunity 4.4. Value Chain To Continue TOC… Future Market Insights Most Trending Reports of Technology – Lead Management Market Trend: The lead management market is expected to reach US$ 12,342 Million by 2032 at a CAGR of 17%. The market is expected to reach US$ 2,558.2 Million in 2022. VOIP Services Market Forecast: The VoIP services market revenue by the end of 2021 was US$ 123.3 Bn. The VoIP services market is expected to reach US$ 354.7 Bn by 2032, as it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% for 2022-2032. Residential Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Growth: The overall demand for residential robotic vacuum cleaners is projected to rise at an impressive CAGR of 14.5% from 2022 to 2032 totaling a market valuation of ~US$ 9,665.4 Bn by 2032. About Us Future Market Insights (ESOMAR certified market research organization and a member of Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) provides in-depth insights into governing factors elevating the demand in the market. It discloses opportunities that will favor the market growth in various segments on the basis of Source, Application, Sales Channel and End Use over the next 10-years. Contact: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] For Media Enquiries: [email protected] Browse latest Market Reports: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs The post Wearable Fitness Trackers Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 15.8%by 2026 – Exclusive Report by Future Market Insights, Inc. appeared first on Future Market Insights.

James William Tibbetts Sr. | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/james-william-tibbetts-sr-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ James William Tibbetts Sr., 86. Born June 16, 1936, and passed away Sept. 27, 2022, in Belton Texas. He will be buried on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Nolanville Texas. Full obituary can be read at https://www.dossmanfh. com/

Is AR Paving The Way For The Industrial Metaverse? – The Edge Singapore https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/is-ar-paving-the-way-for-the-industrial-metaverse-the-edge-singapore/ Checking if the site connection is secure www.theedgesingapore.com needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.

25 Birthday Gifts Under $50 For Anyone On Your List – Mashable https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/25-birthday-gifts-under-50-for-anyone-on-your-list-mashable/ Find the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Credit: Bialetti, Coalatree, NOMATIC, Yeti, amika, ASTI / Mashable Photo Composite With so many people to shop for, it can be difficult to come up with unique, thoughtful birthday gift ideas every time you have a celebration. While it might be easy to come up with ideas for your own birthday wish list, shopping for others isn’t always so simple — especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget.  No matter who you’re shopping for — the foodie, the techie, the outdoors person, or even kids — we want to help keep you on track with a creative idea that won’t break the bank. Every item on our list of the best birthday gifts comes in at under $50, which includes luxurious splurges, practical presents, and offerings that are purely fun! After all, you want to give them something special. You want them to actually use your gift and not just tuck it away in a closet. Your giftee should look at your present and smile, not wonder what the heck you were thinking. (Just a heads up that we did include a couple of quirky gift ideas, just in case you’re shopping for an oddball, or someone who enjoys the stranger things in life). Most of the items on our list are available on Amazon, so you can get them in just a day or two — in case you get a last-minute invite or (gasp!) forgot their special day. Check out these 25 best birthday gifts under $50! A fancy hand soap(opens in a new tab) It smells like rosemary. Credit: Aesop No one in their right mind would spend $40(opens in a new tab) on a hand soap for themselves, which is what makes this such a special gift idea. It brings a little bit of luxury to an everyday item, and elevates it for a unique present. Available in a variety of scents, this soap is paraben-free, and Leaping Bunny certified. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A soothing sound machine(opens in a new tab) Sleep, relaxation, study, and more with this sound machine. Credit: Adaptive Sound Technologies They’ll want to take this all-in-one sleep sound machine and portable Bluetooth speaker with them everywhere they go. Pair it with a smartphone for streaming audio and making calls with the built-in microphone, or select sleep sound mode and enjoy a choice of five digital fan sounds, four variations of white, pink, and brown noise, and two ocean surf sounds. It’s just $34.95 on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A cozy, wearable blanket(opens in a new tab) It comes in 16 colors. Credit: Wearable Blankets Your recipient is sure to stay warm and cozy whether at home or on the go with the Comfy. The blanket’s huge, one-size-fits-all design combines an ultrasoft microfiber exterior with a luxurious, sherpa-lined interior to make the wearer feel like they are being hugged by a cloud. And it comes in just under our $50 limit, at $49.99 on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A unique candle(opens in a new tab) The Wiggle Candles come in a pack of two. Credit: 54 Celsius We bet you’ve probably never seen a candle like this before — in a unique, squiggly shape. This set comes in a pack of two candles for $25(opens in a new tab), and is available in a choice of four colors. It fits any standard-sized candle holder, but you could always add one in for a larger gift. The unscented paraffin wax won’t cause headaches like some scented candles, and it’s made in the USA. Get it at 54 Celsius(opens in a new tab). A nourishing hair mask(opens in a new tab) Seal your split ends and tame your frizz. Credit: amika This ultra-rich mask is packed with vitamins and nutrients to condition the hair — making it soft, silky, and smoother than ever. Used as a weekly treatment or as a daily deep conditioner, this sea buckthorn-infused formula is rich and creamy but will never weigh hair down. Formulated with jojoba seed oil, powerful antioxidants, and vitamins, this $30 per container(opens in a new tab) mask leaves hair 7x more moisturized after one use, and is suitable for all hair types.​ Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A low-tech option for kids(opens in a new tab) A great gift for ages 5 and up. Credit: Stomp Rocket You certainly can’t stop kids from asking for their own iPad, but you can give them low-tech toys that are just as fun. This racer set of cars uses the power of their stomp to shoot forward and race for the win. It retails for $29.99(opens in a new tab) and comes complete with two cars, so they can play with a friend. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). An indestructible coffee mug(opens in a new tab) This vacuum insulted tumbler is 20 ounces. Credit: YETI This isn’t just any coffee mug — it’s a Yeti. And while it might be tough to swallow shelling out $35(opens in a new tab) on a coffee mug for yourself, it makes a really thoughtful gift idea. Puncture- and rust-resistant, the double wall vacuum insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold down to the last sip. Cleanup is a breeze — just pop it in the dishwasher for effortless washing. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A minimalist wallet(opens in a new tab) It holds up to 15 cards. Credit: NOMATIC Some people are notoriously hard to buy for, and birthday gifts are no exception. This sleek yet affordable ($19.99)(opens in a new tab) wallet gives them the best of both worlds: a slim profile and easy access to all of their cards. There’s also room for a bit of cash and a key. Classy, professional, casual, or active — the NOMATIC wallet is right for any situation. Choose from multiple colors to match your recipient’s personal style. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A sustainable body wash(opens in a new tab) This body wash is made for sensitive skin conditions. Credit: Dr. Jacobs Naturals Dr. Jacobs Naturals is the only castile soap brand that has been awarded the NEA (National Eczema Association) seal of acceptance, and is also the first and only castile soaps that are certified hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested! Priced at $32(opens in a new tab), this set includes a lavender option to calm and soothe, and a peppermint version to cleanse and cool. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A snuggly plushie(opens in a new tab) An easy (and cuddly) emotional communication tool. Credit: TeeTurtle Gift the kiddos in your life an adorable reversible mood plushie on their big day! This octopus mood plushie is available in a wide range of vibrant colors and makes a fun gift for little ones. TeeTurtle also makes reversible unicorns, narwhals, cats, dogs, pandas, turtles, and more, in tons of different colors for just $15 on Amazon(opens in a new tab).  A gift box to bring abundance(opens in a new tab) Good fortune is coming your way. Credit: Spitfiregirl Spitfire Girl is a uniquely curated online store for gift boxes, candles, teacup sets, jewelry, and more. While they have a number of different gift boxes to suit recipients of all walks, this $42 Abundance Box(opens in a new tab) has been curated to bring the recipient good fortune. Included in this set is a candle, aventurine bracelet, aventurine stone, feather, and dried flowers in a wood box tied up with a bow for easy gifting. Get it on Spitfiregirl(opens in a new tab). Reusable beverage stir sticks(opens in a new tab) Seriously upgrade your coffee stirrer game. Credit: Homestia A great gift for the host(ess) with the most(ess) in your life, these reusable beverage stir sticks are perfect for mixing up their favorite cocktail or ice coffee. There are 6 pieces in this $12.95 set(opens in a new tab), which includes a mix of animals and fruit characters on top. Simply wash and reuse again and again! You can even upcycle the stirrers by giving houseplants cute new accessories that add some flair. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A puzzle for grown-ups(opens in a new tab) The pieces are shaped like cats. This is not a drill. Credit: Nautilus Puzzles The perfect birthday gift for the homebody in your life, this $49.95 puzzle(opens in a new tab) is a lovely at-home activity to pass the time away and sharpen anyone’s mind. Nautilus Puzzles elevate the growing enthusiasm for this time-honored pastime to new levels. They craft intricate wooden jigsaws uniquely designed with fun and vibrant pieces. Hundreds of designs to choose from means there is something anyone would enjoy. All puzzles are made in the USA, in California. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). A packable hammock(opens in a new tab) Take the adventure with you everywhere. Credit: Coalatree If you’ve got an outdoors lover on your gift list, this $39.99 hammock(opens in a new tab) makes a practical present. The lightweight, packable hammocks from Coalatree are perfect for anywhere adventure calls, be it backpacking through the deep woods or a glamping trip with their pals. It packs into itself so they’re always ready for adventure. Two ropes are included with carabiners, making it easy to secure this hammock anywhere. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). Playing cards with a twist(opens in a new tab) Bye, Felicia. Credit: Lingo Enjoy a card game with a twist with Lingo Cards. What better way to learn a language or pick up some slang? Choose from uniquely themed, premium-quality playing cards with the world’s most popular languages and slang. Featuring the most commonly-used phrases essential for travel accompanied by phonetic pronunciations, these $11.99 playing cards(opens in a new tab) offer a fun and easy way to learn a new language while playing some of your favorite card games. Get it on Amazon(opens in a new tab). An old-fashioned cocktail kit(opens in a new tab) Just add the whiskey! Credit: The Cocktail Box Co. Make cocktails anywhere with this $22.99 kit(opens in a new tab) — just add your favorite whiskey. This compact metal box is easy to wrap, and comes with everything needed (minus th...

India Freezes Bitcoin At Binance Amid Investigation Involving Crypto Exchange Wazirx – Regulation Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/india-freezes-bitcoin-at-binance-amid-investigation-involving-crypto-exchange-wazirx-regulation-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) says it has frozen more than 77.6 bitcoins that were transferred to Binance from Indian crypto exchange Wazirx. The freeze is part of a money laundering investigation into a mobile gaming application. Indian Authority Freezes Bitcoin Held at Crypto Exchange Binance India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) announced Wednesday that it has frozen 77.62710139 bitcoins under the country’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED is the Indian government’s law enforcement and economic intelligence agency. The freeze is part of the ED’s investigation into a mobile gaming application called E-nuggets. According to the announcement, the cryptocurrency was transferred from Wazirx, a popular Indian exchange, to Binance. The ED also tweeted a summary of its action. The law enforcement agency explained that “Aamir Khan, S/o Nesar Ahmed Khan launched a mobile gaming application namely E-Nuggets, which was designed for the purpose of defrauding [the] public,” adding: After collecting seizable amount of money from the public, all of a sudden withdrawal from the said app was stopped on one pretext or the other. Thereafter, all data including profile information was wiped off from the said app servers. The ED explained that its investigations have revealed that the accused transferred part of the illegally earned funds overseas via the Indian crypto exchange Wazirx. The accused allegedly opened a dummy account in the name of “Sima Naskar (Proprietor of M/s Pixal Design)” with Wazirx and used it to purchase cryptocurrencies, the ED further described, elaborating: Thereafter the said crypto currencies were further transferred to another account in another crypto exchange, namely Binance. “The balance of said transferred cryptocurrencies i.e. 77.62710139 bitcoins [equivalent to USD 1,573,466 (Rs 12.83 crore approximately)] at Binance crypto exchange has been freezed,” the ED wrote. Binance was believed to have acquired Wazirx in 2019. However, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) recently said that the acquisition “was never completed,” emphasizing that “Binance has never — at any point — owned any shares of Zanmai Labs, the entity operating Wazirx.” The ED froze the bank assets of Wazirx worth more than $8 million in August. However, earlier this month, Wazirx said that its bank accounts have been unfrozen. Following Wazirx, the ED froze crypto and bank assets worth $46 million of Vauld, a crypto platform backed by Peter Thiel. In August, the agency searched crypto exchange Coinswitch Kuber. However, the CEO of the exchange said that it was not related to money laundering investigations. What do you think about the ED freezing bitcoin held at crypto exchange Binance? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

More Ukrainian Grain Reaching Developing Countries – U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Italy – US Embassy Rome https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/more-ukrainian-grain-reaching-developing-countries-u-s-embassy-consulates-in-italy-us-embassy-rome/ Workers at a World Food Programme warehouse in Adama, Ethiopia, offload bags of Ukrainian grain September 8. (© Tiksa Negeri/Reuters) Ukraine exported more than 4 million metric tons of food in August, reaching hungry people in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. Prior to Russia’s February 24 invasion, Ukraine shipped 6 million metric tons of grain a month. The recent shipments are the result of a deal brokered by Türkiye and the United Nations between Ukraine and Russia to resume Ukrainian agricultural exports via the Black Sea. With U.S. assistance, the U.N. World Food Programme recently made Ukrainian wheat shipments to the Horn of Africa and to Yemen — areas suffering severe droughts and conflicts. More than half of the Ukrainian exports via the Black Sea Grain Initiative have gone to countries in the Global South, which broadly refers to developing regions in Latin America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Other countries destined to receive Ukrainian food products include Bangladesh, India, Libya and Tunisia. The volume of maritime traffic from Ukraine’s ports increases daily. The U.N.’s Black Sea Grain Initiative website regularly updates vessel movements from Ukraine. (State Dept./M. Gregory) “There is no single solution to the global food crisis, but the unblocking of Ukraine’s seaborne exports will address some global supply disruptions,” the WFP said in an August 30 statement. Humanitarian officials warned that a global food crisis is worsening because of climate change, conflict and supply chain disruptions from COVID-19. But Ukraine’s increasing grain exports are a source of hope. Food prices dropped in August, according to the U.N.’s Food Price Index. “The successful exit of multiple vessels was beyond the imagining of most people only a few weeks ago and to have come this far is extraordinary,” Neil Roberts, head of marine and aviation at Lloyd’s Market Association, told Reuters in August. By U.S. Mission Italy | 29 September, 2022 | Topics: News | Tags: Ukraine

From Throne Speech To Tech Speech “Techrede” – Mirage News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/from-throne-speech-to-tech-speech-techrede-mirage-news/ The Technology Drivers launched Techrede 2022. The Technology Drivers are a group of ambitious, socially engaged students from the 4 Technical Universities in Delft, Eindhoven, Twente and Wageningen; an initiative of the 4TU.Federation. State Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen, watched the Techrede and praised the usefulness and necessity of the involvement of the Voice of the Future in the debate around societal challenges and driving technological innovation. The Drivers are committed to the same themes as the cabinet, but above all they want to build momentum. – Unfortunately, your cookie settings do not allow videos to be displayed. – check your settings Last week was the week of the Throne Speech, containing the government’s plans for the coming year. Meaningful plans that can make a difference. At the same time, the feeling prevails that the plans are still too high-minded and focused more on the longer term than the short term. And it is precisely in that short term that many opportunities lie. State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen after viewing the Techrede: “Great to see that the new generation is working on smart solutions to make the world a better place. The Technology Drivers show that you can make an impact by helping that whole chain of people who also all have to participate. Good to get everyone involved, not just producers and enterprises, but also consumers.How do you ensure that you convey information about the environmental impact of products to consumers in an accessible way? That’s where the materials passport can be of help!” With an eye on the short term and the how-to of accelerating transitions, a group of ambitious, socially engaged students from the 4 Technical Universities in Delft, Eindhoven, Twente and Wageningen have been working on projects to achieve societal impact. In the Techrede, the Technology Drivers talk about the actions that have already been taken over the past year and call for concrete actions that politicians can start immediately. What can you expect from the Techrede? The Techrede is an approximately 20-minute video covering the following topics: To complete the plastic cycle, we need to go back to a much more limited number of plastics on the market. Consumers play a key role in bringing about this movement: with transparent information, people are more likely to choose packaging that is easy to recycle. With six concrete recommendations, the Voice of the Future makes its voice heard on the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. A lot of political movement and courage is needed to accelerate the transition with innovation. Prevention in healthcare, including through technological innovation, should be rewarded. With Zorgverzekeraars Nederland, the Technology Drivers worked on steps towards a future-proof healthcare system. How do we ensure that citizens understand where our food comes from, what it takes to produce it and how to optimise sustainability in our agricultural sector? Education is the answer: by having co-developed an education module, we inform the young generation. More knowledge and better choices leads to a healthy social debate. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).View in full here.

Twitch Streamer Builds Gaming Chair That Dunks Him Whenever He Dies In-Game – TheGamer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/twitch-streamer-builds-gaming-chair-that-dunks-him-whenever-he-dies-in-game-thegamer/ Imagine sitting in this while you play Elden Ring. Playing certain games can be pretty tense. The threat of an opponent jumping out at any moment, or one misstep undoing a level’s worth of work. Now imagine how much tenser it would be if every time you died in a game, you fell into a bucket of water. That’s exactly what happens to one streamer while he plays Jump King. You’ll find a number of niche and new ideas on Twitch as streamers attempt to stand out, but finding something no one has done before is pretty rare. That’s exactly what KeatDawg has managed to do though, even if the idea is likely inspired by contestants getting dunked on kids’ game shows. Whenever KeatDawg streams Jump King, he sits in a chair that gives way whenever he dies in-game. Waiting beneath that chair is a big bucket of water. After a dunk, he rigs the chair back up and continues on with the game. As for making sure his hardware doesn’t get wet, his headset is attached to a wire so it doesn’t take the plunge along with him. The dunks in the video above are all from one stream, and according to KeatDawg’s Twitch channel, at last count he has been dunked 345 times. The streamer is currently studying engineering. He wrote the code for his dunking project back in June and then built the contraption in July. After two months of work, he started his dunk streams and already has 1700 followers. A number that will likely continue to rise as more people learn about his dunking exploits. While he only appears to have tried the chair out with Jump King so far, KeatDawg apparently intends to give it a go with Valorant and Fall Guys in the future. How exactly it will work with the latter is a little unclear. If the streamer gets dunked every time they fall from a stage, and not just when they’re eliminated from the round, that could make winning crowns pretty tricky. NEXT: The Biggest Gaming News For September 29, 2022

Another Blow To Haltom City’s Beleaguered Corridors As Coffee Shop Start Up Closes – Digital Journal https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/another-blow-to-haltom-citys-beleaguered-corridors-as-coffee-shop-start-up-closes-digital-journal/ HALTOM CITY, TX, September 30, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ — Recently, Fire Cup Coffee, a business that opened not long ago on Denton Highway in Haltom City announced it was closing. There was speculation in a Facebook post that perhaps the demographics weren’t just right, and that they were regrouping and hope to come back. The city and many Haltom City residents had welcomed Fire Cup Coffee with open arms as the coffee shop was a bright spot in a blighted corridor within a block of where CVS recently closed an underperforming drugstore, and just a few blocks from where Kroger closed its grocery store a few years ago. Joe Palmer, Director of Communications for Haltom United Business Alliance, stated, “I am sorry to see Fire Cup Coffee go because Haltom City badly needs more pioneering entrepreneurs to open businesses along Denton Highway, Belknap, and other main corridors in the south and central parts of the city.” “It’s hard when you’re one of the first to open in an area where traffic has been declining for decades and there are lots of empty buildings. We need more investment, more innovators and more people willing to bring products and services to these corridors,” added Palmer. Unfortunately, Palmer said, as the business alliance has been saying for over a year, the city’s codes and zoning use matrix make it very hard to open a new business in Haltom City. Ron Sturgeon, one of the founders of the business alliance, speaks with business people wanting to open new businesses almost weekly. Sturgeon says many entrepreneurs go to nearby cities to start businesses because Haltom City’s requirements are so onerous. He adds, “Our city leaders don’t understand the machinations of business ownership, and though hundreds of millions of dollars are needed in the main corridors of the declining southern and central city, they aren’t incenting that investment, and, in fact, are doing the opposite, discouraging landlords and future tenants. Our current city leaders seem to think they should attract only the perfect businesses, only the ones they see as desirable, excluding all others, from snow cone stands to a day care center, both of which were recently turned away.” In addition, members of the current Haltom City Council and the zoning department continue to state that they are hoping for more retail to fill the spaces along these corridors. “Retail is declining because of new buying habits, a major trend that was only accelerated by Covid,” says Sturgeon. Placing hope in retail to bring the corridors back is a mistake, he said. The business alliance has put forward a plan to create special zones in the areas that need to be revitalized and hired a third-party to do a set of studies of economic development and gave the city recommendations to attract more small businesses. “So far, HUBA’s efforts to help Haltom City have been completely ignored by current city leaders,” said Sturgeon. The current council is focused on new developments on the north side of town, said Sturgeon. “City leaders should also work on restoring the older south and central parts of the city at the same time,” Sturgeon said. HUBA has offered the city a concept plan to revitalize the southern central parts of the city, bringing back commerce and traffic so that businesses can thrive and offer residents products and services and job opportunities. Palmer adds “None of the current council lives in the declining southern and central parts of the city or has ever owned a business. We hope that new candidates will present themselves who are pro-business as well as pro-Haltom City. Sturgeon asks that those interested in running for council or mayor contact him directly. About Haltom City Haltom City is a medium-sized city between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, TX. The city is diverse and majority working class, with a growing population that is approximately 10% Asian-American and 45% Hispanic. Haltom City benefits from being only minutes from both DFW Airport and Downtown Fort Worth, with direct access to major highways including I-820 and SH-121. Small businesses that have historically provided products, services, and jobs to residents included a once thriving automotive industry. The city has seen a decline in small businesses, especially automotive businesses. The city is healthy financially, with median household income growing around 8% in the past year. Haltom City has an opportunity for continued growth through undeveloped land and many vacant buildings, especially in major corridors close to the city’s center. The city has good staff and a city manager who is interested in seeing more businesses come to Haltom City, but they can only do as directed by City Council. About Haltom United Business Alliance Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wants to give members of Haltom City’s business community an advocate and to keep those businesses informed about issues that affect them. They want to make sure Haltom City is business friendly and nurtures small business growth, including automotive businesses, and bring more restaurants including breweries and a major grocery store to the city. New businesses and growth in existing businesses will create a stronger tax base which will allow the city to pay its first responders wages that are competitive with surrounding cities while improving Haltom City’s facilities and infrastructure. HUBA believes that the southern and central parts of the city need a revitalization plan, to prevent further degradation in those areas, and wants that to happen before the inner-city experiences increased crime and more blight. As retail and office uses are in decline, its more critical than ever to attract new businesses. They believe that such a plan requires a strong relationship and support of the business community. Anyone who owns a business in Haltom City is eligible to join HUBA. Dues are $20 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership, and membership is 100% confidential. To join, contact Joe Palmer at (682) 310-0591 or by email at [email protected]. Visit the group’s Facebook at Haltom United Business Alliance. — Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

Should You Check Your Email On Vacation? – Condé Nast Traveller India https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/should-you-check-your-email-on-vacation-conde-nast-traveller-india/ Travel Debates is a series in which our editors weigh in on the most contentious issues that arise in-transit, like whether you should ever switch seats on a plane or if you should check your work email while on vacation. Traveling for work as often as they do, it’s unsurprising that our editors hold strong opinions about whether or not to check their emails when actually on vacation. The truth is, though, that one’s inbox looms large no matter your line of work nor how far you’ve strayed from your desk. It’s on your phone, you don’t necessarily need Wifi to access it, and the line between work and play blurs easily with the rise of remote work. What’s the difference, one might ask, between logging in on your couch at home and taking a peek from your hotel room? And, ultimately, is checking the only way to quell that creeping suspicion that a fire only you can put out has erupted in the office? Is ignorance truly bliss? Our editors weigh in. Check-in to unwind “Does anyone really go a whole vacation without opening their inbox? And how? Is a gaping black hole of the unknown—in the place of where your inbox once was—really giving you inner peace while you attempt to enjoy laying on a beach? I don’t believe it! I resist replying, but doing a daily scroll to make sure nothing is on fire helps appease anxiety before leaving the hotel in the morning.”—Alex Erdekian, travel bookings editor “The universal compulsion to ‘check’ is at near-OCD status amongst the smart phone generation. Check Instagram. Check Facebook. Check headlines. Check email, both personal and work. All. The. Time. I bet most of you won’t even make it through this whole debate without clicking back to at least one other app on your phone first (right?). It’s just how we’re wired. When we don’t check, we get a very 21st-century version of anxiety that causes stress. Checking relieves that stress. So whether I’m in Puebla or Rome happily enjoying getting paid while technically off the clock, I check in on my work email constantly to get a handle on things back at work, and carry on sipping my margarita. But respond? Well, unless it’s something that’s non-negotiably urgent and that only I can handle (which is the case almost zero percent of the time), my ‘out of office’ has done that for me. I’m on vacation, after all.”—Erin Florio, executive editor I’ll respond when I get back “I draw a hard line on checking email on vacation (or anytime outside my set working hours, thank you very much). I need boundaries between my work and personal life, which already blur as a travel editor, and I want to allow myself to fully experience the place I’m in or the trip I’m on without being dragged back to responsibilities at home. It also feels like an important standard to set—if all of us are unreachable while on vacation, people will start respecting OOO’s a little more, right?”—Megan Spurrell, senior editor “Is anyone writing in favor of checking their emails on vacation? I sincerely hope not, mainly because of this story I wrote about how crucial detachment from work is to relaxation. It details how a material rise in heart disease in recent years has been linked to long working hours, and how remote work has only made the average work week longer. Not to mention, you’re doing your coworkers (and yourself) a favor by taking a true break and setting boundaries so you can come back well rested, and better at your job for it.”—Shannon McMahon, editor First published in CNT UK

Seattle DJC.com Local Business News And Data – Business – Economy Drops At 0.6% Annual Rate – Seattle Daily Journal Of Commerce https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/seattle-djc-com-local-business-news-and-data-business-economy-drops-at-0-6-annual-rate-seattle-daily-journal-of-commerce/ WASHINGTON (AP) — Battered by surging consumer prices and rising interest rates, the U.S. economy shrank at a 0.6% annual rate from April through June, the government announced Thursday, unchanged from its previous second-quarter estimate. It marked the second consecutive quarter of economic contraction, one informal rule of thumb for a recession. Most economists, citing a strong and resilient American job market, believe the world’s biggest economy is not yet in a downturn.   . . .

Kiobo Declared Health Promoting Village – FBC News – FBC News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/kiobo-declared-health-promoting-village-fbc-news-fbc-news/ News September 30, 2022 4:30 pm Pictured above is President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere with a villager. Kiobo Village in Kubulau has become the first village in the country to be declared a Health Promoting Village or Healthy Village under the revitalised Healthy Islands Initiative. The concept comes under the Ministry of Health’s Healthy Settings Program, which is a part of the revitalised Healthy Islands Initiative initially launched by Pacific Island countries in 1995. Launching the Program in Kiobo Village today, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says this initiative promotes healthy living in the village setting which will decrease pre-mature deaths and ensure a healthy and productive population. Article continues after advertisement Ratu Wiliame believes the initiative will change the way villagers have been living and enable them to adopt a healthier lifestyle that will give them a long life so they are able to teach the younger generation values and tradition. He adds, it gives him so much pride to launch the inaugural initiative in a place where he has maternal links. Ratu Wiliame has encouraged the villagers, to support and adopt the initiative for the betterment and good health of the future generation of Kubulau. The President, who will now champion the Health Settings Program, says the Ministry of Health will roll out the initiative to other communities. The event also marked the closing of a five-day training, in which all villagers were taught the pillars of healthy living under Program. Ratu Wiliame says this is a remarkable achievement and it will not only be beneficial for them but also the district as a whole. Minister for Health, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says they already have the health settings program in some workplaces, government departments and schools and will also be including other communities. They also intent to implement the program by districts and provinces.

Prep Roundup: Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 | Local Sports News | Havasunews.com – Today’s News-Herald https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/prep-roundup-friday-sept-30-2022-local-sports-news-havasunews-com-todays-news-herald/ Sep 29, 2022 Sep 29, 2022 Updated 32 min ago 0 Wednesday 9/28 9/10 Football: Youngker 42, Havasu 20 Welcome to the discussion. Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article. The Phoenix Suns are bringing back most of their star players in an effort to win an elusive NBA title. One man who apparently won’t be along on the journey is team owner Robert Sarver. The Suns met in downtown Phoenix for media day less than a week after the embattled Sarver announced his intention to sell the team. Sarver was suspended one year and fined $10 million by the NBA over workplace misconduct that included racist speech and hostile behavior toward employees. All-Star Devin Booker, guard Chris Paul and coach Monty Williams all said reading the final report on Sarver’s conduct was difficult. Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly kept up his mastery of the San Francisco Giants this season, pitching the Diamondbacks to a 5-2 win. The loss ended the Giants’ five-game winning streak. Kelly went seven innings and permitted just four hits and two runs to drop his season ERA to 3.13. He struck out six and walked one. He is 3-0 against the Giants this season with a 1.53 ERA in five starts. It’s possible he could pitch against them again next weekend when the teams meet in San Francisco. Jaydn Ott ran for 274 yards and three touchdowns and California opened Pac-12 play with a 49-31 victory over Arizona. Ott scored on a 73-yard run on the second play from scrimmage, an improbable 18-yarder in the third quarter after he had appeared to be stopped for a short gain, and then another 72-yarder to ice it late in the fourth. Ott had the third most rushing yards in school history, 37 shy of Jahvid Best’s record 311 against Washington in 2008. Jayden de Laura threw two touchdowns passes for the Wildcats. Arizona lost its 12th straight conference road game.

Patenting Virtual Reality (VR) Inventions In The Age Of The Metaverse – Patent – United States – Mondaq https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/patenting-virtual-reality-vr-inventions-in-the-age-of-the-metaverse-patent-united-states-mondaq/ To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. PatentNext Summary: Virtual Reality (VR)-related patents are expected to rise with the onset of the Metaverse. Given that VR is fundamentally a software technology, how do courts review VR-related patents? Early cases show that courts will apply similar scrutiny as for other software-related technologies, where VR-related patents will need to satisfy current patent eligibility standards, e.g., by showing an “improvement” to underlying computing technology. **** The “Metaverse” is an expansive online world that can be experienced via multiple technological platforms – from a screen of a mobile device to the lens of a virtual reality (VR) system. VR systems typically comprise 3D-based software that controls a VR device, such as a VR headset. A popular example of a VR headset is the Oculus series of headsets as provided by Reality Labs and its parent company Meta Platforms. Patenting VR Technology Given that VR is fundamentally a software technology, how do courts analyze VR-related patents? As for other software technologies, it is expected that VR patents will need to satisfy current patent eligibility standards required under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International. See Are Software Inventions Patentable? One way is to argue that a VR invention provides an “improvement” to underlying technology compared to the prior art. See How to Patent Software Inventions: Show an “Improvement.” The below example case explores how demonstrating an “improvement” can overcome a patent eligibility challenge for a VR-related patent. Example Patent Case Involving VR technology Early cases show that courts will apply similar scrutiny for VR-related patents as for other software-related technologies, where VR-related patents will need to satisfy current patent eligibility standards, e.g., by showing an “improvement” to underlying computing technology. In one example case, AR Design Innovations LLC (“AR Design”) asserted a VR-related patent against several furniture manufacturers, including Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.’s (“Ashley”), La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s (“La-Z-Boy”), and Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. (“Ethen Allen”) (collectively “Defendants”). The cases were ultimately consolidated into a single action. See AR Design Innovations LLC v. Ashley Furniture Indus., Inc., 4:20-cv-392 (E.D. Tex. filed May 12, 2020). The patent owner, AR Design, had asserted U.S. Pat. No. 7,277,572 (the “‘572 patent”) titled “Three-Dimensional Interior Design System.” The ‘572 patent describes a “software application configured to reside on a client computer, which is capable of manipulating 3-D object representations in-situ with a user-selected or user-generated interior design scene, and rendering photographic quality perspective images of the composite scene. ‘572 Patent at 1:8-13. Defendants (the furniture manufacturers) had each developed mobile software applications that allowed customers to generate and render photorealistic 3D objects (e.g., furniture) within a 3D scene (e.g., a room). A user could rearrange or edit the objects and scenes in real time. Patent Owner, AR Design, alleged that the Defendants’ respective software infringed at least claim 1 of the ‘572 patent. Claim 1 described a VR-related invention involving a client-server computing environment for rendering 3D scenes: A method in a client-server computing environment for generating and rendering a photorealistic three-dimensional (3D) perspective view of a 3D object selectively positioned within a 3D scene, the method comprising: (a) communicably accessing a server with a client; (b) operating with the client, a client application configured for scene editing and rendering, including a graphical user interface (GUI); (c) displaying a 3D scene with the GUI; (d) configuring the 3D scene for being selectively displayed in a plurality of views; (e) retrieving at least one 3D object from the server; (f) importing the 3D object into the 3D scene to generate a composite; (g) manipulating the 3D object within the composite for placement and orientation; (h) rendering a 3D image of the composite at the client; (i) selectively reconfiguring the 3D image in real time; (j) applying luminosity characteristics to the 3D image; and (k) rendering, with the client application, a photorealistic 3D view of the composite image, including the luminosity characteristics. Claim 1 covers an embodiment for furniture manufacturers and sellers to “showcase their products.” ‘572 Patent at 7:1-2. In particular, the embodiment allows end users to see a manufacturer’s products in full, realistic, 3D with the ability to change the texture (textile covering, finish, etc.) of the product” and “may allow a furniture manufacturer to exhibit their sofas or chairs covered in all of the different materials offered by them.” Id. at 7:2-7. Figure 28 of the ‘572 Patent depicts an example embodiment as a high-resolution rendering of a 3D “furniture object” (a bed) positioned in a virtual environment (a bedroom): At the outset of the case, the Defendants filed a Section 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss the case. In particular, the Defendants alleged that claim 1 of the ‘572 patent was not eligible under 35 U.S.C. § 101 because it was “directed to” an abstract idea – specifically, the abstract idea of “retrieving, manipulating, and displaying three-dimensional objects in space,” which was “just a well-known longstanding practice commonly used by model builders, students constructing dioramas, architects, and even movie makers.” AR Design Innovations, 4:20-cv-392, Mem. Op. and Order (Dkt. 78), slip op. at 3 (E.D. Tex. filed May 12, 2020). Defendants specifically argued that claim 1 of the ‘572 patent was analogous to the longstanding human practice of making models or constructing dioramas (i.e., miniature scenes reproduced in three dimensions by placing figures before a painted background). Id. at 18. Patent Owner, AR Design, rebutted that claim 1 was instead directed to a software tool that set 3D objects in 3D scenes, and that provided an improvement by allowing for the application of luminosity characteristics to the scene and the real-time manipulation of 3D objects on client devices via an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Id. The court agreed with AR Design. According to the court, the ‘572 patent claim 1 was “directed to” specific improvements to the manipulability and appearance of 3D scenes and objects, including luminosity characteristics. Id. at 17. The ‘572 specification explained that the claimed invention enhanced the speed with which such scenes and objects may be rendered and edited. Thus, because claim 1 was directed to the underlying system’s “speed” and “usability,” it could not be abstract (and, therefore, could not be patent ineligible). Id. The court further noted that the Defendants’ characterization of AR Design’s claims as a well-known “diorama” technique was overly simplistic and did not capture the essence of AR Design’s claimed invention. Id. at 18. Instead, the court noted that it discerned “no difference between improvements to a tool such as a hammer or saw that makes building dioramas faster and easier and a patent on specific improvements to a tool such as the software at issue that makes digital 3D modeling faster and easier.” Id. Accordingly, the court denied the Defendants’ motion to dismiss. Id. at 19. Each of the defendants subsequently settled their respective cases. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Intellectual Property from United States Creative Claiming Strategies Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP Innovator companies in the biopharmaceutical space are looking to their patent counsel for creative patent claiming strategies to protect their assets. Be Careful What You Give Away Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP In In re: John Bradley McDonald, LLC, No. 2021-1697 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 10, 2022), the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”) affirmed a decision by the Patent Trial…

Huawei Launched Vision Smart Screen With 120Hz High Refresh Rate And HarmonyOS 3 System – HC Newsroom https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/huawei-launched-vision-smart-screen-with-120hz-high-refresh-rate-and-harmonyos-3-system-hc-newsroom/ Finally! The most-speculated smart TV product is here. Yesterday, Huawei has launched the Vision smart screen for its consumers. And just like the other high-end flagships of the company, this device also packs a bunch of super new features and tweaks. Eventually, this launch marks a full stop to all those rumors and speculations that we have come across in the meantime. So, without wasting any moment here and there, let’s jump into the special characteristics of this amazing Vision series. The ultimate Vision smart screen consists of three variants: a Standard Smart Screen, a Smart Screen Portable Edition, and two Smart Screen Z Gaming Edition. In total, there are four new members in the smart screen family. Display: Huawei has launched the Vision smart screen with a screen ratio of 98%. It supports a 120Hz high refresh rate with MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) supplementary frame. Besides, the screen exhibits 92% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with super reflective picture quality. In terms of eye protection, it has passed the Rheinland certification. Thus, with no stroboscopic, low blue light, and Pengbai six-unit stereo, the device provides a high-definition visual experience. Performance: Well, when a device is running on the HarmonyOS 3.0 system, we must not doubt its performance. It uses a high-brush original color screen as well as high-performing game consoles. With a rich gaming ecosystem and Honghu picture quality, the device is capable of restoring every frame of color. It also equips an octa-core processor and HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 interfaces. Thoughtful Functions: All the new models are eligible to support the super device and home screen functions. You can easily operate the respective screens just like the way you do with your smartphone. The device also enables one-touch screen projection, single-app screen projection, and super interactive and convenient controls. The device also packs some dynamic functions for gamers. It brings support to numerous gameplay, video resources of the whole network, new video content, millions of accompaniments, and more. Portable and Gaming Edition The Z Gaming version furnishes a 6GB + 64GB storage. Besides, it showcases Huawei Sound computing audio, AI smart eyes, AI somatosensory games, high color gamut, an original color screen, and a dazzling color-changing integrated SoundBar. Just like its name, it has a cool trendy design and has several iconic functions related to gaming consoles. For instance, large gamepad games, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) combine with Devialet design + dual Vivid audio and video certification. On the flip side, the Portable Vision smart screen installs a 5-unit audio system, a 10.4-inch 2K resolution display panel, and a 4G + 64GB massive memory. It also has an 8MP high-end shooter and a huge 10995mAh battery. Pre-Sale already begins! Just after the release of Vision smart TVs, the Chinese manufacturer begins the pre-sale of the devices (September 29, 20:00). Hence, here you got the chance to register yourself in this booking for obtaining your favorite smart screen gadget. However, as mentioned by some Huawei analysts, the sale for standard and Gaming Edition smart screens will officially take place on October 14 and October 31 respectively. Till then you can have a look at their price details. Huawei Vision Smart Screen 75 – 5999 yuan [843.23 USD] (Sale – October 14) Huawei Vision Smart Screen 86 – 9499 yuan [1,335.20 USD] (Sale – October 14) Huawei Vision Smart Screen Z65 Gaming Edition – 7599 yuan [1,068.13 USD] (Sale – October 31) Huawei Vision Smart Screen Z75 Gaming Edition – 12,999 yuan [1,827.17 USD] (Sale – October 31)

Blockchain Gamers Surge As Users Attempt ‘stacking Crypto,’ Says DappRadar – Cointelegraph https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/blockchain-gamers-surge-as-users-attempt-stacking-crypto-says-dappradar-cointelegraph/ User activity on blockchain gaming decentralized applications (DApps) surged in September, with a host of games posting significant increases in the number of active users. According to data from DappRadar, seven out of the top 10 games in terms of the number of “unique wallet addresses interacting with dapp’s smart contracts” increased over the past 30 days, with all of the top five games being in the green during that time frame. At the time of writing, the DApps registering growth in the period include Web3 gaming platform Gameta, and blockchain-based games Alien Worlds, Solitaire Blitz, Benji Bananas, and Splinterlands, Farmers World, and Arc8 by GAMEE.  In a Sept. 27 blog post, DappRadar noted that eight of the current top 10 blockchain games are mobile-first, which could eventually “bring millions of users to the blockchain,” noting:  “Dapp games like Gameta, Benji Bananas, Upland, and Trickshot Blitz let anyone with a mobile device earn crypto with little prior knowledge, investment, or risk.” “Using daily activities like hyper-casual mobile games as a hook ensures users find fun once they interact, while solid tokenomics can encourage everyday use and retention,” it added.  DappRadar said one of the possible reasons for a rise in popularity of blockchain games despite the bear market, is the idea of “bleed in the bear and run in the bull.” “The idea that stacking crypto and investments in a bear market pays off in the bull is almost proven at this point.” The biggest uptick in users came from Animoca Brands’ Benji Bananas (Polygon) which saw a 2016.54% increase over the past 30 days. Notably, this game was a Web2 mobile app until March this year.  Animoca then introduced play-to-earn (P2E) elements via the Bored Ape Yacht Club affiliated Ape Coin (APE). While it is unclear what specifically saw the number of Benji Bananas users increase by so much, it did host a P2E gaming event this month that offered a series of valuable in-game NFTs to the winners. Blockchain gaming DApps activity: DappRadar Out of the top 10 games, only Axie Infinity, Trickshot Blitz, and Upland saw decreases over the past 30-days. The increase of blockchain gamers this month comes as publications such as Bloomberg note in a Sept. 28 article that the highly correlated NFT market trading “frenzy is almost dead.” It points to overall NFT trading volumes dropping 97% since January as evidence of such. As Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu pointed out via Twitter on Sept. 30, purely looking at the metric of NFT sales volume doesn’t necessarily paint the whole picture in NFTs or gaming. Siu highlighted that NFT prices have generally declined in accordance with the price of their paired assets such as Ether (ETH,) while many games — that don’t often grab the headlines — require NFTs that are relatively cheap. He instead emphasized that user activity and the number of people entering Web3 is where the focus should be. 6/ Judging an entire market simply by one metric is imperfect you need to take a multifaceted lens eg. @TheSandboxGame has seen record growth in users in its last season despite the market and blockchain wallets continues to rise https://t.co/brvDgCAhqh — Yat Siu (@ysiu) September 29, 2022 Gods Unchained breaks 10 top NFT sales Meanwhile, NFT-based card battle game Gods Unchained has seen its NFT sales volume creep into the top 10 in NFT sales volume over the past 30 days, according to Cryptoslam. Gods Unchained has seen a 373.25% increase over the past 30 days to sit at $10.8 million at the time of writing. This marks the first time the game has seen NFT sales top $10 million since January, and after a very slow February to August period. Related: Yat Siu: Asia GameFi opportunity huge as gamers don’t hate NFTs Reasons behind this could be due to discussions of a “Season 2” upgrade to improve the game and lore in the works and GameStop offering free NFT packs to Pro members this month. While an esports tournament with a $70,000 prize pool was also announced at the start of this week. Gods Unchained has also seen a significant increase in active users over the past 30 days, gaining 28.50% to sit at around 14,180 according to DappRadar. The game still has a long way to catch up to the top 10 however, as its user count places it at twenty-eighth.

Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Are Scaring Chinese Travelers Away From The US – CNN https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/anti-asian-hate-crimes-are-scaring-chinese-travelers-away-from-the-us-cnn/ Editor’s Note — A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in China newsletter, a three-times-a-week update exploring what you need to know about the country’s rise and how it impacts the world. Sign up here. Hong Kong (CNN) — Cannon Yu lives in Shantou, Guangdong province. In the past, her sales job at a packaged-foods company took her to business conferences all over the world. But she hasn’t left China since early 2020 and is taking her sales calls online instead of in person in Thailand, Germany, Morocco and elsewhere. While most countries have reopened their borders and resumed travel back to previous pre-Covid levels, China has remained extremely conservative in its approach and continues to adhere to a stringent and uncompromising “zero-Covid” policy. While those policies keep Chinese people in, they also keep most foreigners out, making it less likely for people like Yu to interact with people from other countries. And although China still hasn’t announced a plan for removing quarantine and other roadblocks for international travel, Yu can’t wait to get back on the road and travel again. There’s one exception, though — she has major reservations about visiting the United States. How the East looks at the West Scott Moskowitz, geopolitical risk analyst for APAC at the decision intelligence company Morning Consult, says that state-controlled media in China has played up examples of anti-Asian violence in the US in order to make its citizens less interested in going there. It’s “a strategically curated ecosystem that over-reports and sensationalizes negative foreign news compared to the tight controls on coverage of challenging or disturbing domestic instance,” he says. And Yu’s beliefs bear that out. “They look at people discriminately (there),” she says. “Not only for Chinese, but for Black people. It’s very difficult to get fair treatment for all people in the United States.” She adds that she has spoken to friends who have visited the US, claiming that they were detained and searched by customs agents before being allowed to leave the airport. Yu is one of an increasingly vocal community of Chinese travelers who say that anti-Asian discrimination in the US has made them afraid to visit someday. This month, Morning Consult published a study on this exact trend. Their findings, based on a survey of 1,000 adults, showed that “a plurality of Chinese have little to no interest in US travel,” with violence and anti-Asian discrimination both cited as factors. According to Morning Consult’s data, 22% of mainland Chinese respondents are “not interested at all” in visiting the US, with an additional 23% saying they are “not that interested.” Of the survey respondents, 57% say that violent crime is a primary reason they don’t want to go to the US, while 52% cite terrorism, 36% say petty crime and 44% say they are concerned about anti-China bias by locals. Mass shootings are another specific concern, with “those who have seen, read or heard about the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas” earlier this year “far more likely to cite violent crime as a reason not to travel” to the country, Morning Consult says in its report. Instead, some Chinese travelers are now looking elsewhere, with destinations in Europe clearly preferred over the US, according to the survey. In the wake of anti-Asian hate crimes, “United Shades of America” discusses the need for Asian Americans to have a greater voice in bridging divides. The series airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET. The rise of violence Amid the pandemic, there has been an increase in anti-Asian harassment around the world, much of it the result of misinformation or misplaced aggression about the origins of Covid-19. The nonpartisan coalition Stop AAPI Hate provides a place for people to report harassment and attacks. Perhaps the most covered anti-Asian hate attack in the United States since the start of the pandemic was the “Atlanta spa murders,” during which eight women in three different massage parlors were shot and killed by Robert Aaron Long, a White man. Six of the eight victims were Asian, and Long was charged with hate crimes in addition to the murders. Last year, New York Congresswoman Grace Meng introduced the Covid-19 Hate Crimes bill, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden. Meng, who is of Taiwanese descent, represents parts of Queens, the diverse New York City borough that is home to many Asian Americans. These incidents — which range from street harassment to physical violence — get significant coverage outside of the US, including in China. Current geopolitical tensions aren’t helping. Moskowitz says that the perception that the US is China’s biggest rival has only heightened attention to stories of anti-Asian discrimination or violence in the country, even though similar incidents also take place elsewhere. “This differential is especially exaggerated in terms of (Chinese state media) reporting on the US as compared to Europe and other places. Some of this is strategic and intentional, curated in order to diminish the appeal and soft power of the country China sees as its great rival, both politically and ideologically,” he tells CNN Travel. “There are strong perceptions in China that there is a lot of global bias against their country,” Moskowitz adds. “Personal and national identity are very strongly tied in China so there may be concerns that more macro and political grievances and resentments (both real and perceived) with a country will be turned back towards the individual when traveling abroad.” How to change perceptions Although changing the way Chinese travelers see the US won’t happen overnight, it’s not impossible. “The results of this survey specifically suggest that travel companies and destinations should double down on safety-related messaging in marketing campaigns targeting Chinese consumers,” says Lindsey Roeschke, travel and hospitality analyst at Morning Consult, who co-authored the survey with Moskowitz. She adds: “Travel brands should provide pre-departure information on safety tools and tips. Those who want to take additional action may consider providing access to safety-oriented tour guides or a designated personal safety representative during travelers’ stays.” Some countries have given specific warnings to their citizens about US travel, specifically as it relates to gun violence. In 2019, the group Amnesty International issued an alert to people exhorting them to “exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan when traveling throughout the USA” due to gun violence. As for Cannon Yu, she’s still eager to travel anywhere outside of China once it becomes less difficult. Despite everything, she is still curious about the US and hopes to eventually see it for herself. In particular, there’s one place on her bucket list — Las Vegas. “I want to gamble,” she says. And then, after a pause, she continues: “I want to make friends.” Top image: Asian American community leaders place flowers on a memorial for murder victim Christina Yuna Lee after an anti-Asian hate rally in New York City. Photo by Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.

ICCPP’s Voice At GTNF: Technology Innovation And Digital Transformation Lead The Future Of Vape Industry USA – English – USA – English – PR Newswire https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/iccpps-voice-at-gtnf-technology-innovation-and-digital-transformation-lead-the-future-of-vape-industry-usa-english-usa-english-pr-newswire/ , /PRNewswire/ — On September 29th, 2022, the three-day Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum 2022 (GTNF) with the theme of “ACCESSING INNOVATION”, successfully held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington DC,USA. ICCPP Group, a global benchmark company in electronic atomization,  was invited to participate for the first time this year, and shared on stage a series of their research results in product innovation, ceramic core technology, biodegradable materials, etc. as an industry representative. 9.29 ICCPP Group at GTNF Panel Products: Innovating for Tomorrow GTNF, founded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 2008, has always been committed to open dialogue and exchange of views among companies, investors, scientists, regulators, professionals, etc., to promote the transformation and development of the global tobacco industry. ICCPP: Five-in-one Research to Achieve Ceramic Core Technology Breakthrough In the panel discussion of “Products: Innovating for Tomorrow” held at 14:15p.m. on the last day, the representative from ICCPP Group shared their technology layout around four directions to achieve product and  technology innovation, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. While the introduction of Gene Tree, the world’s first Powder-free nano-microcrystalline ceramic core, attracted great attention of the audience. ICCPP pointed out that ceramic core technology will be the key direction of the electronic atomization industry in the future, and its technical breakthroughs will be achieved mainly in 5 dimensions: 1) Harm reduction and more reassuring vaping experience. No heavy metals, rare aldehydes. 2) Excellent stability. Large-scale product advantages and good process stability. 3) Multi-layer pore and multi-layer film design. No taste decay, no e-liquid spitting. 4) Powder-free technology. No powder paste, no powder residue. 5) Atomic level bonding innovation process and longer service life. ICCPP stressed, with the expanding market of e-cigarettes, the global tobacco industry has transformed from a traditional and single market to a “traditional tobacco + novel tobacco” market, especially in developed countries. In order to cope with this, companies should build their core competitiveness with “innovation”. ICCPP, a long-term practitioner in science and technology innovation, is committed to building a full category and multi-series product matrix system. Relying on four major research institutes and the high-standard Everest Laboratory, ICCPP has an important layout in atomization equipment, atomizers, HNB and other categories. ICCPP:Digital Transformation Improves ESG Practices and Leads the Industry’s High-quality Development On the stage, ICCPP also shared its “digital transformation” strategy and the overall digital innovation including digital R&D, digital manufacturing, digital export and digital marketing. ICCPP implements a low-carbon office to save paper, avoids inefficient and too complicated sample production, and realizes fast R&D and delivery to bring more value to the global consumers and to lead the high-quality development of the industry. With the belief of “innovation shifts the future”, ICCPP calls on the industry to deepen the innovation and application of electronic atomization and continuously upgrade the global user experience! At the same time, ICCPP hopes to empower the frontier field, integrate the industry development with the concept of openness and sharing, to build an industrial ecosystem, and to jointly devote to the innovation and change of the tobacco industry. About ICCPP Expo Preview: Unmissable Vape Expos in October, ICCPP ODM+ looking forward to your arrival ! If you are interested in the branded ODM+ of ICCPP Group, their technology, products, service and one-stop vape solutions, and wonder why they can take the e-cigarette brand circle by storm in less than a year and rapidly gained the favor and trust of many  global partners, you cannot miss the two upcoming  e-cigarette Expos in October,where you can communicate face-to-face with ICCPP ODM+ and create the next vape miracle together. (1) Vaper Expo UK Time： 7 – 9 October, 2022 Address: NEC, National Exhibition Center, Birmingham,UK Booth : D90 (2) VAPEXPO FR Time： 22 – 23 October, 2022 Address: 20, Avenue de la Porte de la Villette 75019, Paris, France Booth : D8 SOURCE ICCPP

Betsoft Gaming Releases Captain’s Quest Treasure Island – European Gaming Industry News – European Gaming Industry News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/betsoft-gaming-releases-captains-quest-treasure-island-european-gaming-industry-news-european-gaming-industry-news/ European Gaming Industry News Betsoft Gaming Releases Captain’s Quest Treasure Island Latest News Published 7 seconds ago on September 30, 2022 Reading Time: 2 minutes Betsoft Gaming has released its latest video slot Captain’s Quest Treasure Island. This casino game has a layout that consists of 5 reels and up to 10 paylines / ways. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is featuring themes such as Buccaneers, Captain, Pirates, Sea, Treasures and even more. The RTP (Return to Player) for Captain’s Quest Treasure Island slot is 96.28%. The highest possible payout for this slot is 25280x your total bet which is very high and gives you the chance to win really big wins. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is loaded with pirate imagery from the hook handed Captain Wild to the Grinning Skull, Pretty Polly Parrots, brimming treasure chests and the lower value coins. An atmospheric soundtrack and Betsoft’s legendary graphics ensure immersive, high volatility play in a wild pirate adventure like no other. Let the First Mate take the wheel while you spin the reels in search of the stacked, Nudging Wild Captain who can make your fortune. When he appears on the screen, with a flourish of his cutlass or a stamp of his boot, he nudges the reels up or down so that he stands three symbols high and turns the entire reel WILD. The Wild reel substitutes for ALL symbols. When three or more Wild reels occur, 10 FREE SPINS are awarded. Players are then transported from the ship’s deck across the cove to the fabulous treasure island where the Jolly Roger is hoisted and the treasure chests are overflowing. In true pirate fashion, the reels holding Wilds when Free Spins triggered, now become TREASURE REELS and open with a 2x Multiplier. Any Wild subsequently landing on a Treasure Reel increases the multiplier by one before a win. Any WIN, including a Wild, on a Treasure Reel is multiplied by the reel’s multiplier. If more than one Treasure Reel creates a win, the multipliers are multiplied by each other – so if players land Wilds on three Treasure Reels where the multipliers are 2x, 5x and 4x, any wins from that combination are multiplied by 40x the stake (2x5x4). “The very big win potential of 25,280.5x max bet, married to the amazingly detailed pirate theme, makes this a uniquely immersive slot from Betsoft. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is designed to absorb players’ attention, much the way a great film does, by putting the player literally at the centre of the game. We are expecting a very positive response from our players to this new release,” Anastasia Bauer, Head of Account Management at Betsoft Gaming, said. Latest News Published 7 seconds ago on September 30, 2022 Reading Time: 2 minutes Betsoft Gaming has released its latest video slot Captain’s Quest Treasure Island. This casino game has a layout that consists of 5 reels and up to 10 paylines / ways. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is featuring themes such as Buccaneers, Captain, Pirates, Sea, Treasures and even more. The RTP (Return to Player) for Captain’s Quest Treasure Island slot is 96.28%. The highest possible payout for this slot is 25280x your total bet which is very high and gives you the chance to win really big wins. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is loaded with pirate imagery from the hook handed Captain Wild to the Grinning Skull, Pretty Polly Parrots, brimming treasure chests and the lower value coins. An atmospheric soundtrack and Betsoft’s legendary graphics ensure immersive, high volatility play in a wild pirate adventure like no other. Let the First Mate take the wheel while you spin the reels in search of the stacked, Nudging Wild Captain who can make your fortune. When he appears on the screen, with a flourish of his cutlass or a stamp of his boot, he nudges the reels up or down so that he stands three symbols high and turns the entire reel WILD. The Wild reel substitutes for ALL symbols. When three or more Wild reels occur, 10 FREE SPINS are awarded. Players are then transported from the ship’s deck across the cove to the fabulous treasure island where the Jolly Roger is hoisted and the treasure chests are overflowing. In true pirate fashion, the reels holding Wilds when Free Spins triggered, now become TREASURE REELS and open with a 2x Multiplier. Any Wild subsequently landing on a Treasure Reel increases the multiplier by one before a win. Any WIN, including a Wild, on a Treasure Reel is multiplied by the reel’s multiplier. If more than one Treasure Reel creates a win, the multipliers are multiplied by each other – so if players land Wilds on three Treasure Reels where the multipliers are 2x, 5x and 4x, any wins from that combination are multiplied by 40x the stake (2x5x4). “The very big win potential of 25,280.5x max bet, married to the amazingly detailed pirate theme, makes this a uniquely immersive slot from Betsoft. Captain’s Quest Treasure Island is designed to absorb players’ attention, much the way a great film does, by putting the player literally at the centre of the game. We are expecting a very positive response from our players to this new release,” Anastasia Bauer, Head of Account Management at Betsoft Gaming, said. Latest News Published 24 mins ago on September 30, 2022 Reading Time: 2 minutes Tomb of Snabbare and Tomb of Hajper to increase player engagement through heightened brand interaction. The ComeOn Group is the latest top-tier operator to leverage the 1X2 Network’s unique branded content to drive enhanced levels of player engagement. UK-based 1X2 Network has announced it is providing two of ComeOn’s Swedish-language online casinos, Snabbare and Hajper, each with a fully customized slot game built around their brands. Tomb of Snabbare and Tomb of Hajper are based on the hit game Book of Ba’al by award-winning 1X2 subsidiary Iron Dog Studio. But graphics, logos, fonts, counters, reel symbols and other customizable game elements will reflect the two casinos’ own brand identity. Both games have already gone live earlier this month. Like Book of Ba’al, the two 5×3-reel, 10-payline slots will see players collect ‘books’ to trigger bonus games. They use the wildly popular ‘book of…’ mechanic that ensures they come packed with sticky expanding symbols and free spins. The 1X2 Network’s branded content allows operators to embed their DNA into a classic game to increase customer-interaction with their brand.   Its “Tomb of” and “Book of” branded products are the latest in a line of customizable content that includes recently released mine game Branded Coin Vault. 1X2’s Branded Megaways took the industry by storm, winning Game of the Year at the EGR Awards in 2020. Ivalina Petrova at 1X2 Network said: “Following on from the runaway success of Branded Megaways, more and more operators are exploring the idea of bespoke, branded game content. ‘Tomb of Snabbare’ and ‘Tomb of Hajper’ are two fantastic games for two of the biggest casino brands in Sweden. We hope we get the opportunity to create more games for ComeOn brands and other tier one operators.” Jason Bradbury at ComeOn Group said: “It’s a fascinating idea to take the core elements of a proven hit game and build something quite different, some unique to our identity, over the top of it. We’re delighted how Tomb of Snabbare and Tomb of Hajper look and we know they’re going to be hugely popular with our players.” “It was a pleasure working with 1X2 on the branded ‘Tomb of’ games. Snabbare & Hajper are 2 of our biggest brands and it’s branded games like these that can be very valuable in terms of acquisition and retention. As always we will evaluate the data and look to role out across more brands if feasible.” Gaming Published 27 mins ago on September 30, 2022 Reading Time: 2 minutes Opera GX and TikTok are teaming up. They announced the international #GamingForAll Challenge on TikTok to benefit AbleGamers, a non-profit organization dedicated to using gaming to foster inclusive communities and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Opera GX, the browser for gamers, is on a mission to enable all users to pursue their passion for gaming, no matter what their goals or abilities. That’s why it’s partnering with visually-impaired Street Fighter champion BlindWarriorSven to inspire every gamer to challenge themselves to overcome their personal obstacles – no matter what they are. At the center of the campaign is Sven van de Wege, a blind professional gamer who lost his vision to cancer when he was just 6 years old. Before losing his vision, video games had been a central part of Sven’s life, and he was devastated to feel incapable of playing when he returned home from the hospital. But a few months later, listening to Street Fighter, Sven discovered that he could hear moves and kicks, punches and jumping, and started playing again. With grit and dedication Sven was able to teach himself to play Street Fighter by relying solely on his hearing and memory; through an undying determination, he overcame his challenges. Sven inspired Opera  to launch the Opera GX #GamingForAll Challenge – a unique TikTok challenge in which the brand dares gamers to test themselves by playing their favorite game without the use of their sight, just like Sven. For every upload on the platform, the brand will make a donation of $0.5 US dollars to AbleGamers.* To get the word out about the activation, which was created by Madrid-based ad agency Officer & Gentleman, the brand is launching a promotional video featuring BlindWarriorSven. They tell Sven’s unique story and show how he challenged himself to not only play again, but to become the best! “This collaboration between Sven, ...

Raymond Spradling | Obituaries | Myeasternshoremd.com – MyEasternShoreMD https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/raymond-spradling-obituaries-myeasternshoremd-com-myeasternshoremd/ CENTREVILLE — Raymond Franklin “Ray” Spradling, age 67, of Centreville, MD died August 23, 2022, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Ray is survived by the love of his life, partner of 49 years and wife of 40 years Mercey, daughters Stephanie Cutsail and Nicole Ebrahimi, son-in-law Arya Ebrahimi, four grandchildren Anderson, Emmanuel, Quinton and Colin, mother Regina Hendrix, aunts, uncle, cousins, half-brother, and godchildren. Ray was born January 29, 1955 at Theodora Snow Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C. and raised in Charleston, WV, by his grandparents amongst his aunts and uncles. Ray attended Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy for grades 7-8 where he made several lifetime friends and earned rank of Lieutenant Commander and Company Commander of the Flag Detail. He also went on to Stanton Military Academy for grade 9, then Bishop McNamara for grades 10-11, while living in Forestville, MD. Ray took education seriously, earning his GED and attending night school while working full time in various fields including typewriter machine repairman, route salesman for Coca Cola, and as a real estate agent. He earned his BS in 1990 from UMUC, at which point he began his career in home building. In 1994, he moved his family to a custom home he built in Queen Anne’s County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to pursue a career in Construction Management. From 1994-2018 he worked overseeing commercial and multifamily development specializing in workforce and affordable housing projects in Maryland and Virginia. In 2000, Ray moved his family into the town of Centreville, where his wife still resides. In 2018 Ray retired and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren. To plant a tree in memory of Raymond Spradling as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.

10 Ways To Capture The Post-Vacation Feeling At Home – Glam https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/10-ways-to-capture-the-post-vacation-feeling-at-home-glam/ Bangkok Click Studio/Shutterstock Vacations are important; they provide a mental reset to rejuvenate and reinvigorate you before you return to work. But according to Forbes, The Center for Economic and Policy Research has nicknamed the U.S. the “No Vacation Nation,” indicating that workers are neglecting to take the time off they not only earn but desperately need. Without vacations, you may end up feeling burned out and resentful of your career, school schedule, or other obligations.  According to Everyday Health, there is tons of evidence to support why we should prioritize taking time off. Vacations are directly linked to reduced stress, improved productivity, and better overall life satisfaction because they give people the chance to wholeheartedly relax before the pressures and constraints of the working world fall back on them. As beneficial as vacations are, sometimes there are barriers outside of our control that affect them. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, severely impacted the travel industry as many people were forced to cancel their vacation plans (via Styl.Inc). Other times, not taking regular vacations simply comes down to money. If there isn’t enough extra cash in the budget to splurge on a trip, it just doesn’t feel like a realistic possibility. If these factors, or others, are keeping you from planning a vacation to your dream destination, know that there are brilliant ways you can recreate a post-vacation feeling at home.  Recreate a spa experience Lucigerma/Shutterstock Ready to spoil yourself? Recreating a full-on, relaxing spa experience is easy to do with the right supplies, and mud masks and cucumbers are only the beginning. According to Vistana Signature Experiences, the first thing you should do is choose a room for your home spa. Bathrooms tend to be ideal. Once your location is picked out, special touches can make the experience more relaxing: add bath bombs, Epson salt, and essential oil drops to the tub; flower petals, baking soda, and chamomile are perfect in your foot soak; and pre-packaged face masks add convenience. The perfect ambiance is key for a spa day at home (via Unpacked). Try dimming the lights and lighting candles or burning incense to fill your space with scents of vanilla, lavender, or coconut. The final touch is soft, gentle music — or nature sounds like birds chirping and raindrops — playing in the background. Create a playlist to enhance to calming vibe. Be sure to keep your journal or diary nearby for writing down your thoughts, feelings, and manifestations for the future. Recreate a beach day Studio Romantic/Shutterstock If you live in a landlocked state, recreating a beach experience at home might be just what you need. According to WebMD, there is a slew of health benefits that come from taking trips to the beach. It’s a refreshing place that opens up your senses, provides sun exposure, and naturally lifts your mood.  The first step in creating your at-home beach, according to BuzzFeed, is to play the sound of gentle waves crashing along the shoreline. Once you’re in the right headspace, try wearing a beach-inspired perfume. Fragrances with hints of palm leaf, coconut, and sea salt are good options. If you’re not into perfume, a few dollops of sunscreen will work also. After that, it’s time to start decorating. String together seashells and drape them over your banister and place dried starfish on your coffee table. Run your fingers through a sand-filled zen garden or squish your toes in a kids’ sandbox. Having the right foods and drinks will also help enhance the beach vibes. Hot dogs with all the trimmings are a great choice (via BuzzFeed) and fruity cocktails (or mocktails) are always fun –– especially when they have cute umbrella garnishes. Finally, if you have access to water, whether it’s in the neighborhood community pool or at the gym, enjoy some time there. Go camping in your own backyard Melissa Balthaser/Shutterstock As long as you have a backyard or patio space to work with, camping at home can make you feel like you’re far away on an adventurous vacation. Pitch a sturdy tent, line up some comfy sleeping bags, and prep your ingredients for making s’mores. If you have a safe place to do so, Country Living recommends lighting a fire pit. It will keep you warm and that campfire smell just adds to the experience. Hang some string lights for extra twinkle and once the sun sets, sing along to your favorite childhood songs and read about creepy ghosts on Reddit threads. After all, a camping trip isn’t complete without a few scary stories.  Adding activities like a scavenger hunt, cornhole, and catching fireflies to your to-do list for the night is great if you’ve got little ones in tow. The Washington Post says dressing up in your pajamas, keeping a portable lamp or flashlight close, and having a good book on deck to read are a few more ways you can truly enjoy a night of camping in your own backyard. Prioritize your sleep Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock When you’re on vacation, you have the freedom to get as much sleep as you could possibly want. If you’re really trying to capture the post-vacation feeling at home, prioritizing your sleep is a must. When you get deep sleep, you feel energized and ready to take on each new day. Of course, it might be hard to prioritize sleep when you finally have time to read chapters in your favorite book, scroll through your social media timelines, and binge-watch fun reality TV shows (via UNC Health Talk). Nevertheless, getting quality sleep is absolutely vital. According to Wired, prioritizing your sleep is hugely important because a lack of good sleep heavily impacts your mental and physical health. People who have abnormal sleep patterns are more susceptible to diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. If you’re not able to take time off work to go on an actual vacation, your best option would be to call it a night a little earlier than you usually would to give your body and brain a chance to rest. The earlier you fall asleep, the longer you’ll be able to rest before having to start your obligations the following morning. This means you’ll have to stop scrolling earlier than normal, even if there are a few TikTok trends that are really captivating your attention. Walk around your neighborhood Maria Markevich/Shutterstock Imagine for a moment that you’re in a foreign country with unfamiliar roadways. You’d most likely choose to walk as much as you can to take in the ambiance. You can do the same thing in your own neighborhood. Remind yourself of what it feels like to be a tourist exploring on foot by taking a one- or two-mile walk. Keep your eyes peeled to see if you notice amazing things you’ve never paid attention to before. You might run into a kind neighbor, have the opportunity to pet a friendly dog, smell fragrant roses in a garden, or even admire interesting homes and cars. There are health benefits linked to walking, as well. According to Mayo Clinic, going for walks helps you maintain a healthy weight, prevents various conditions, and improves cardiovascular fitness. If you’re not a huge fan of walks, think of it as a primer for your next vacation. Whether your next trip is to Europe, Disney World, or on a cruise ship, The Washington Post reports the best way you can prepare for it is to take walks that will build up some endurance. Cook cuisine from a different country Monster Ztudio/Shutterstock If you’re comfortable exploring international recipes, you can feel like you’re traveling around the world without even having to leave your kitchen (via Taste of Home). Have a location in mind that you would like to visit one day? Cook a traditional meal from that country. For example, if you’re interested in traveling to Italy, search for recipes for fresh, homemade pizza and delicious fettuccine alfredo. Cooking and eating these meals will make you feel like you’re there. You don’t have to be a bona fide foodie or food blogger to get excited about trying foods from other cultures. If you’re only willing to eat food from countries and cultures you’re familiar with, you’re limiting yourself from experiencing some of the most amazing delicacies available from around the world. After all, food is something that connects people from different places all around the globe (via Toast Fried).  Find a restorative practice 220 Selfmade studio/Shutterstock Going on vacation means you’re taking time out of your busy schedule to relax and unwind. If you’re stuck at home and unable to actually travel anywhere, restorative practices can put you in the right mind space. Meditation, yoga, and breathwork are only a small taste of restorative practices to consider.  According to Art of Living, meditation is beneficial because it leads to enthusiasm, inner joy, and peace. It brings your brain to an alpha state which promotes healing from the inside out. If you’re feeling weighed down by anxiety or you feel that you’re in need of some clarity, meditation is one of the best ways to solve those issues. Yoga helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). When you practice yoga regularly, it relaxes you, helps you sleep better, and gives you more energy.  Breathwork is a holistic practice that’s been around for thousands of years, according to WebMD. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that quickly elevates your mood. Visit an unfamiliar local exhibit Zyabich/Shutterstock Local exhibits, museums, and art shows might open your mind to a feeling of curiosity and wonder. Travelers always have their eyes peeled to take in new, unexpected sites all around them. This is likely because when you’re on vacation and you’re in a new place, nothing looks familiar, which means everything feels exciting. Hill Aerospace ...

Our Election 2024 Fortunes Are Brighter – NDC Aspirant – Ghana Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/our-election-2024-fortunes-are-brighter-ndc-aspirant-ghana-business-news/ The political fortunes of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) look brighter in the Election 2024, Mr. Yussif Dramani, the Sunyani East Constituency executive member of the party, has said. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr. Dramani said though the chances of the NDC to regain political power remained high, it would not be an easy battle. He, therefore, asked the members and supporters to intensify campaigns for victory. He said the Party needed loyal and committed members to reach out to and propagate the proven track records and achievements of the NDC to persuade the voting population at the grassroots. Mr Dramani, now vying for the Deputy Constituency Organiser position in the Party’s impending branch elections, said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had failed Ghanaians and unable to fulfil the majority of its 2020 election promises. This, he added, had provided an opportunity for the NDC to take advantage to intensify campaign to make Ghanaians understand that “it is only the NDC that can alleviate their plight.” Mr. Dramani said: “We need a vibrant youth to lead the Party in the constituency not only to capture that seat from the NPP, but also widen the presidential votes in the next general election.” He appealed to supporters to contribute their quota to help rebuild and strengthen the Party to recapture power from the NPP to better the lives of the ordinary people. Source: GNA

PCOS Awareness: Know How It Is Linked To Diabetes And Secondary Infertility – Health Shots https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/pcos-awareness-know-how-it-is-linked-to-diabetes-and-secondary-infertility-health-shots/ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of childbearing age. There are multiple side effects of PCOS. This disorder disturbs the body’s hormonal balance and results in irregular or extended menstrual cycles. PCOS causes follicles with immature eggs to form cysts which begin to grow inside the ovaries and not mature. The inability to develop mature eggs might interfere with ovulation and result in issues such as infertility. Causes and symptoms of PCOS PCOS is closely associated with insulin resistance and higher levels of the hormone testosterone. Numerous factors, including family history, insulin resistance, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, etc., have an impact on PCOS. PCOS may cause several problems such as fertility issues, infrequent or prolonged periods, weight gain, depression, excess body hair growth and acne, hair loss, hypertension and diabetes. With lifestyle changes and additional stressors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India has seen a spike in PCOS cases in recent times. Obesity is a major driver of PCOS. Image courtesy: Shutterstock Relationship between PCOS and diabetes One in every sixth diabetic person over the world is an Indian. India is one of the top 10 countries with the most diabetics, with over 77 million individuals living with the disease. While diabetes is affecting people world over, it is becoming a greater challenge for women suffering from PCOS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and PCOS have long been believed to be related. As per a research by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), one in four women suffer from PCOS and over one in 10 women between the age group of 35 to 49 suffer from diabetes. A woman with PCOS experiences endocrine system disruption and an increase in androgen, often known as male hormone. It is also believed that high quantities insulin are produced by the pancreas as a result of insulin resistance by the insulin receptors, causing PCOS. Thus, women who develop PCOS as young adults are more likely to develop diabetes and, possibly heart problems in later life. Women’s capacity to conceive is negatively impacted by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which are both characterized by irregular or non-existent menstruation (oligomenorrhea) and/or secondary amenorrhea. These issues are all closely related to obesity. Diabetes can also affect fertility in women by delaying the onset of menstruation (or menarche). This can lead to high sugar, causing rapid and early ovarian aging as evidenced by pre-mature menopause. Particularly in women of childbearing age, diabetes is linked to irregular menstrual cycles. Thus, diabetes can impact the biological clock and limit a female’s reproductive lifespan. PCOS affects menstrual cycle. Image courtesy: Shutterstock Relationship between PCOS and secondary infertility: In simple words, Secondary Infertility is the inability to become pregnant for a second time. Secondary infertility is a serious issue that happens more frequently to couples than one may think. Hormonal imbalances (whether too high or too low) can cause the brain-ovary relationship to be disrupted. The ovary doesn’t get the word that it’s intended to release an egg every month if the brain doesn’t provide the right signals. Some of these hormonal abnormalities may manifest themselves later in life. Thyroid, pituitary gland, or a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome are all examples of hormonal imbalances. Secondary (and main) infertility is frequently brought on by PCOS, which can interfere with ovulation. One should consult their doctor to determine whether they have PCOS when their periods are erratic or non-existent. Eat healthy, stay strong. Image courtesy: Shutterstock Prevention and care for PCOS To avoid the side effects of PCOS in the long run, women dealing with it should adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Regular exercise would aid in reducing insulin resistance in the body, fight obesity, and burn off extra sugar. For the body and mind to remain in good shape, a well-balanced nutritional diet rich in proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, as well as lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, is essential. Getting enough sleep is essential for hormone regulation and stress reduction. Making such healthy lifestyle changes and choices can play key role in curbing hormonal imbalances in the body and reducing the risk of diabetes and or PCOS. It is also advised to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if one is planning to conceive a child.

JFK Falls To Red Hot United, 4-1 | News, Sports, Jobs – Warren Tribune Chronicle https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/jfk-falls-to-red-hot-united-4-1-news-sports-jobs-warren-tribune-chronicle/ Staff photo / Greg Macafee Warren JFK’s Michael Condoleon sends a cross into the box during the Eagles’ matchup with United on Thursday. WARREN — The chilly temperatures brought a hot team to Warren on Thursday when the Golden Eagles of United took on JFK. United (11-1-2) is currently ranked 12th in the state in Division III boys soccer and they handled Kennedy 4-1. “United is a very good team,” JFK coach Anthony Ledenko said. “They’re ranked, and they obviously showed why. “We played them tough last year, but it wasn’t our day today. They’re a talented, hungry team.” It was a physical battle early on. JFK junior goalie Nico Ciminero made a diving stop, but United went ahead 1-0 on a penalty kick by junior Matthew Logan after a hand-ball went against Kennedy. United made it 2-0 when sophomore Maddox Andrea put it into the back of the net after the ball ricocheted off of the side of the goal. “It was a hard fought match,” Andrea said. “It was physical. Our defenders played phenomenal.” The United defense kept JFK off of the scoreboard in the first half. Riley Littler almost bent one in from long range and Michael Condoleon just missed a penalty kick. Nick Ryan also nearly scored on a header, but the score remained 2-0 at the break. JFK is now 10-3-1 on the season with an undefeated 6-0 record in conference play. “It’s been a great year,” Ledenko said. “We like to play good teams. We have three games left in the regular season. This was a wellness check today.” Things continued to go well for United in the second half. The Golden Eagles scored less than 3 minutes after the half started and again 30 seconds later to make it 4-0. “This was a good test for us today,” said United senior Grant Irwin. “It’ll help to get us ready for the postseason. We want to go further than we’ve ever gone before.” United has been on a roll in recent seasons with their best finish being a trip to the regional semifinals after a district title in 2017. They’ve shut down opponents this year by surrendering a total of 4 goals in 14 games. “We’ve had eleven shutouts this season,” United coach Curtis Jones said. “We talk about having clean sheets. A shutout isn’t all about the goalie. It’s about everybody out there. This was only the fourth goal that we’ve allowed all season.” Jones doesn’t really care about the state rankings. “I don’t pay too much attention to it,” he said. “The kids care about it and that’s okay. They want to move up in the rankings. “We have four guys that have scored double-digit goals this season. I’m proud of them.” Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

The Metaverse: What The Law Look Will Look Like – Law.asia https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-metaverse-what-the-law-look-will-look-like-law-asia/ Current and potential applications of the metaverse are endless, but the new digital realm has raised novel issues that have confronted legal professionals in various roles. Putro Harnowo recaptures the views of tech experts attending a recent industry event T he metaverse has taken the spotlight as a limitless world that may be navigated and explored as virtual reality. This augmented world occurs through vision in the form of a head-mounted display, operating alongside audio or haptic sensory feedback that is elicited from devices that are worn by the user. Singapore’s TechLaw.Fest 2022 sought to answer new questions arising in the new space by bringing together well-known experts to offer possible solutions to the challenges posed. “We have to look at the balance between enabling the metaverse and its components to develop with proper incentivisation measures in place, and also safeguarding through regulation,” says Stanley Lai, partner and head of IP practice at Singapore law firm Allen & Gledhill. “Success and harm arise from abuse and exploitation. A balance can only be achieved by the convergence of non-legal rights, technologies, as well as the possibility of new evolving rights and obligations.” In IP matters, issues of copyright, trademarks and personality rights have become enigmas that are convoluted with decentralised technologies. Unregulated content has also posed harm to its users, in addition to the difficulties with enforcement beyond the platform space. For those seeking and currently involved in the metaverse project, the contractual interface, liability risk mitigation and data privacy laws are among the first to ponder. “Being an IP and commercial litigation lawyer for more than 25 years, I’ve seen our professional roles incrementally evolving,” says Lai. “Lawyers who practise in this field now have to be the embodiment of expertise and IP content regulation, data protection and the law of obligations.” IP rights analysis Earlier this year, Hermes sued digital artist Mason Rothschild for selling collections of NFTs called MetaBirkins, which were intended to be a playful abstraction of an existing fashion culture landmark, the famous Hermes Birkin, in the metaverse. The limited edition NFTs were sold for USD450 each late last year, collecting USD46,000 in just two weeks. The French luxury brand stated that MetaBirkins infringed on Hermes’ trademark rights and were an example of fake products in the metaverse, while demanding Rothschild and the companies that made available the MetaBirkins for sale remove the NFTs. Although Rothschild is currently contesting the cease-and-desist order, the largest NFT marketplace, Opensea, has complied and removed MetaBirkins from its platform. In AM General v Activision Blizzard, where Activision Blizzard reproduced military vehicle Humvees in their gaming platform, Call of Duty, the reproduction of Humvees is so realistic that the game company was sued by the vehicle manufacturer, AM General. However, the courts gave Activision a credit for their work, as the game maker had no choice but to make an accurate reproduction of the vehicles to make the war zone environment realistic. “We can start this analysis by walking ourselves through the various scenarios in trademark law to see how this will actually play out before the courts,” says Daniel Seng, associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s Faculty of Law. “The fundamental rule in trademark law is that a mark is to be used in relation to goods and services, so if a mark is not associated with or used in relation to goods and services, it falls outside of the trademark regime, and trademark law will not govern the issues in that particular instance.” Copyright law is also exemplified by the fact that it centres around the rights of reproduction, Seng adds, including the conversion from two or three dimensions and vice-versa. A good example of this is United Feature Syndicate v Koons (1993), where American artist Jeff Koons created a sculpture named Wild Boy and Puppy. Koons argued that the puppy was an accidental reproduction of Odie, the dog from the Garfield comics, and contended that this was fair use. However, the courts were not convinced, as Koons had made multiple copies of his sculpture for sale, which was therefore detrimental to his fair use defence. “The fair use defence is likely to feature very prominently in many metaverse cases, particularly if the assessment by the courts is done on a case-by-case basis by evaluating the alleged infringers’ use of copyrighted works,” says Seng. “Even though the fact that a work could have commercial use is not a factor that would preclude the application of the fair use test, the fact that the use of a work can have potential commercial ramifications in relation to the market of the original work will negatively affect the user’s reliance on the fair use test.” In some cases, copyright analysis in the metaverse will also overlap with personality rights, as there is limited recognition in the IP space for an individual’s right to his or her persona. For example, in Robyn Rihanna Fenty v Arcadia Group Brands, which involved the image of Rihanna on a T-shirt sold in London, an action was successfully taken against the T-shirt maker for passing off. “The interesting thing about this particular right is that, at least in common law jurisdictions outside of the US, it overlaps with the right to privacy and the right to be left alone and data protection rights,” says Seng. “One needs a holistic analysis of IP rights when analysing personality rights because one must also consider the data protection issues associated with subjects like these.” From a wider perspective, Seng expects legislators to evaluate the need to further harmonise copyright rules in the metaverse. For example, the internet era has sparked the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to ratify and update its internet treaties that lay down an international framework for protecting unauthorised access to and use of creative works on the internet and other digital networks. Colliding realms As the metaverse developed, Tan Cheng-Han, dean and chair professor of commercial law at the City University of Hong Kong, says the digital realm has brought with it the dark side of the internet, and the greater convergence of the real and virtual world will exacerbate this tendency. A BBC News investigation in February 2022 reported that a researcher posing as a 13-year-old girl witnessed online grooming, racist insults and an assault threat in the metaverse. Although the term “grooming” is used, Tan argues that this does not fall within the current definition of grooming in criminal law, as action in the physical world is necessary to fit into such a category. Another example in a different context is groups of user avatars with inappropriate language on their digital clothes, such as language that is offensive to a particular religion. “It is not difficult to envisage other types of highly anti-social behaviour that could take place in the metaverse, which are not offences to date and will cause a lot of people to wonder if they should be,” says Tan. “Since the metaverse is a junction of the real and the online world, and arguably an imperfect mirror of the real world, to what extent should activities be regulated more similarly to those in the physical world?” Tan also points out that general thinking on the internet has changed considerably in the past few years; where it was once extremely libertarian, states are currently moving in the direction of regulating online speech. The EU’s Digital Services Act, the UK’s Online Safety Bill and Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act are examples. Recently, Singapore’s Ministry of Communications and Information launched a public consultation on a proposed code of practice that will require platforms with significant reach to have appropriate measures and safeguards to mitigate exposure to harmful content for Singapore-based users. These include having community standards, content moderation processes, and tools to manage users’ exposure. “It will likely also be the case in the early phase of the metaverse to regulate online harm through the imposition of standards and obligations on significant platforms,” says Tan. Besides removing or blocking existing content, Tan argues that it may be equally important to prevent harmful activities from taking place in the metaverse. For example, is it feasible to require users’ avatars to be verified by authentic digital identities before accessing important services in the metaverse? As a result, such wrongdoing will leave a digital signature that can be traced to the identity of the user. Another area where the real world might intersect with the metaverse is digital assets. As such assets become more precious and might have sentimental value, in July 2021, Tencent was reported to have developed a patent on digital legacy that will allow people to pass on digital assets to the next generation. “If someone has an avatar that behaves in a certain way over a period of time in the metaverse, coupled with algorithms and artificial intelligence, eventually it’s likely to be that when the person has gone from the physical world, the avatar could probably be a fairly accurate representation of what the person would have done in the living world,” says Tan. “And I can just imagine and hope that the children and family members would like the digital footprint to continue to exist in the online space for them to remember the person.” Nitty gritty liability The multitude of organisations in the metaverse brings a big challenge from a contractual and liability standpoint, according to Ahmed Baladi, a ...

Gifting Troubles? Our Astro Gift-Guide Has Got Your Back – Hindustan Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/gifting-troubles-our-astro-gift-guide-has-got-your-back-hindustan-times/ Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best gift that even the pickiest, hard-to-shop for zodiacs will love and appreciate. Get ready to be the one with the best, most unique gift in the room! Aries You’ve got to think outside the box for this fiery one. Firstly, get the daily use products and cliché gift ideas out of the list. Playful and adventurous, they love experimenting with outfits, nothing complex just something lowkey that matches their personality. Gift tips: Something sporty like a golf set, thrilling video games, caps with unique prints, and cool gadgets. Taurus You might have to loosen up the purse strings a little to impress them. They love being pampered. Ruled by Venus, these signs are generous and sensitive, so give them that luxurious present and they’ll love you back. Gift tips: A lavish massage session, elegant jewellery, VIP tickets to a concert or a visit to a beautiful museum can make them love you immensely. Gemini Charming and intellectual. They would love gifts that can help satisfy their intellectual needs. They are great conversationalists and love expression. So, something as minimalistic as a pen and diary set will make them happy. Gift tips: Informative books/videotapes, a journal, a polaroid, or something colourful that pops and satisfies their creative energy. Cancer For them, it’s not the materialistic things in life that matter. All that matters is the happiness and well-being of the people in their lives. They are emotional and sensitive and will love a handmade gift or a present that brings them closer to loved ones. Gift tips: Warm memories in the form of sketches, photo frames, or albums. A card, which doesn’t have to be fancy just original and thoughtful. Leo Leos are performers, they are creative and love the stage. They’d love an entertaining gift. They are dramatic and expressive, think of their personality and you’ll find a well-suited gift. They also like wearing bold colours that make them stand out. Gift tips: A trip to an amusement park, tickets to a great movie or concert, or outfits in bold colours can really get them excited. Virgo Virgos have a lot of respect for tradition, routine, and punctuality. So, anything that will help them be more efficient with daily tasks will be appreciated by them. They also love pets, so find out if your loved one is a cat person or a dog person. Gift tips: A daily planner or organizer, a gym membership or a pet that can make a great companion will make them happy. Libra Loving and positive relationships are important to Librans. So, anything that reminds them of the bond they share with a closed can put a smile on their face. Librans admire aesthetic beauty; get them an artistic gift and they’ll be happy. Gift tip: A self-composed poem or a song, rare paintings, flowers, a mirror with a beautiful frame and makeup can make some great choices Scorpio Scorpios are mysterious, a cliché and predictable gift can put them off. The unexplored and thrilling stuff fascinates them. You can also go with an adventurous gift or jewellery. Being emotional they appreciate personalized gifts. Gift tip: A mysterious and thrilling book/game, gym membership, unique jewellery, and personalized gifts can really impress a Scorpio. Sagittarius They find themselves attached to culture and spirituality. So, make sure to look in this field. Sagittarians have an academic bent and are deeply curious. They are passionate about travelling and love exploring places that have intriguing histories. Gift tips: A trip to a historic site, informative books and videotapes, and encyclopaedias will be loved by a Sagittarius. Trying out new cuisines with them on a date can really impress them. Capricorn They are focused, ambitious, and responsible. A gift that helps them get better at their career and profession will mean a lot to them. They give a lot of importance to their everyday growth and development. They also like to be pampered once in a while. Gift tips: Autobiographies of successful people, self-help books, and daily planners can be great. You can also book them an appointment at a luxurious salon or spa. Aquarius Aquarians are the social smarties of the zodiac. Outgoing and open-minded they are usually the centre of attention at a party. They are great thinkers and appreciate technology, networking, and progress. So, to impress them make sure to go with the latest trends. Gift tip: Give them a unique gadget or book them a salsa trial class. Also, most importantly, don’t forget to plan a great party. Pisces Pisces are dreamers, they love mysteries and fantasies. The world for them is not black and white, it’s grey. The sensitive and tender Pisces will love a self-made, meaningful gift. Also, these water babies really do love thrilling water activities. Creativity and innovation are deeply appreciated by them. Gift Tips: Paints, a sci-fi-themed party, and self-written poems will make them happy. You can take them rafting or plan a pool party for them. (Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are based on Vedic astrology scriptures. Reader discretion is advised.)

Bitcoin Price And Ethereum Primed For Gains, XRP Starts Fresh Rally – Cryptonews https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/bitcoin-price-and-ethereum-primed-for-gains-xrp-starts-fresh-rally-cryptonews/ Bitcoin price is consolidating above $19,000. Ethereum could rally if it clears $1,340, XRP gained over 8% and surpassed $0.48. XLM and OKB are up over 5%. Bitcoin price settled above the $19,000 level. BTC is currently (03:10 UTC) consolidating above the $19,200 level. A clear move above the $19,500 and $19,600 resistance levels might spark a fresh increase. Similarly, most major altcoins might start a decent increase. ETH seems to be aiming an upside break above $1,340 and $1,350. XRP gained pace and cleared the $0.48 resistance zone. ADA is still stuck near the $0.435 level. Bitcoin price Yesterday, bitcoin price started a recovery wave above the $19,000 level. BTC even settled above the $19,200 level and the 50-hour simple moving average. However, the price is facing a major resistance near the $19,600 zone. A clear move above $19,600 might send the price to $20,000. The next major resistance is near $20,500, above which the price might revisit the $21,200 zone. On the downside, an initial support is near the $19,260 level and the 50-hour simple moving average. The next major support is near the $19,000 zone, below which the price could drop to $18,500. Ethereum price Ethereum price also started fresh increase and was able to clear the $1,300 level. It even settled above the $1,320 level and the 50-hour simple moving average. On the upside, the price is facing resistance near the $1,340 level and a contracting triangle on the hourly chart. The next major resistance is near the $1,350 level, above which the price could visit the $1,400 resistance. On the downside, an initial support is near the $1,315 level. The next major support is $1,300, below which price could drop to $1,255. ADA, BNB, SOL, DOGE, and XRP price Cardano (ADA) is stable near the $0.435 level. An immediate resistance is near $0.442. The first major resistance is near the $0.45 zone, above which the price could gain bullish momentum. BNB is slowly moving higher towards the $285 level. The first major resistance is near the $288 level, above which the price could rise towards $295 or even $300. Solana (SOL) is gaining pace above the $33.50 resistance. It is now approaching the $35 resistance. If the bulls remain in action, the price could clear $35 and rise towards $36.50. DOGE is consolidating above the $0.0600 level. An immediate resistance is near the $0.062 level. Any more gains might send the price to $0.0632. If not, the price might decline and test the $0.0585 level. XRP price formed a base and started a fresh rally above the $0.45 resistance. The price cleared the $0.48 resistance and might continue to rise towards the $0.50 level in the near term. Other altcoins market today Many altcoins are in the green zone, including XLM, OKB, LUNC, FLOW, EOS, LEO, MATIC, XDC, CELO, TRX, and AXS. Out of these, XLM gained over 5% and cleared the $0.475 level. Overall, bitcoin price is holding gains above the key $19,000 support. If BTC clears the $19,600 barrier, it could rise towards the $20,000 level or even $20,500. _____ Find the best price to buy/sell cryptocurrency:

U.S. House Approves Merger Antitrust Bill Giving States More Muscle – Reuters https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/u-s-house-approves-merger-antitrust-bill-giving-states-more-muscle-reuters/ WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill that would sharply raise fees for antitrust reviews of the biggest mergers and strengthen state attorneys general in antitrust fights. The bipartisan bill, which has yet to pass the U.S. Senate, combines a merger fee bill introduced by Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat, and a measure to mandate that state attorneys general can pick the venue for antitrust lawsuits, which was introduced by Representative Ken Buck, a Republican. The bill, which passed the House 242-184, is one of several measures under consideration that would strengthen antitrust enforcers to rein in Big Tech. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com One bill would bar Big Tech companies like Alphabet’s Google and Amazon.com from preferencing their own products on platforms while another addresses Apple’s (AAPL.O) and Google’s clout in their app stores. Hopes are dimming that they will become law this year. The legislation the House approved on Thursday would lower fees paid for antitrust reviews of smaller deals to as little as $30,000. Bigger deals would be more expensive. Deals worth $5 billion or more would pay $2.25 million for their review. A previous version of the filing fee bill had included budget increases for the U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission, but those have been removed, according to a congressional aide. The U.S. Senate has passed a bill giving state attorneys general the right to pick the venue for antitrust fights but has not passed a measure to update merger filing fees. Texas, along with other states, brought an antitrust action against Alphabet Inc’s Google in 2020 that the search and advertising giant succeeded in moving from Texas to a New York court, angering conservatives. In the Senate, the House bill has attracted public support from Republicans Mike Lee, Chuck Grassley and Tom Cotton as well as Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Dick Durbin. It is not immediately known when or if the Senate will vote on the bill. Opposition to the bill included Representative Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat, who joined with at least four other Democrats from the home state of Silicon Valley, urging that the bill be defeated because of the venue measure. California is home to some of the biggest tech companies, including Google and Meta Platforms’ (META.O) Facebook. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Diane Bartz and Richard Cowan; Editing by Franklin Paul, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Diane Bartz Thomson Reuters Focused on U.S. antitrust as well as corporate regulation and legislation, with experience involving covering war in Bosnia, elections in Mexico and Nicaragua, as well as stories from Brazil, Chile, Cuba, El Salvador, Nigeria and Peru.

2023 Census: Uzodimma Canvasses Deployment Of Accurate Technology | The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria And World News — Nigeria — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria And World News – Guardian Nigeria https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/2023-census-uzodimma-canvasses-deployment-of-accurate-technology-the-guardian-nigeria-news-nigeria-and-world-news-nigeria-the-guardian-nigeria-news-nigeria-and-world/ • Urges Imo residents to avail themselves for counting • Pleads with ASUU to call off strike As Nigeria prepares for next year’s headcount, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has urged authorities of the National Population Commission (NPC) to ensure deployment of equipment that will guarantee accurate and reliable figures. Uzodimma also urged all Imo residents, in the 27 councils, to avail themselves to be counted during the exercise. He made the calls, yesterday, during the flag-off of stakeholders’ summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census, held in Owerri. The governor, who said that, so far, he is satisfied by efforts of the NPC, noted that the summit was “relevant to the realisation of our future plans as a government and as a people.” While noting that the headcount should not be a mere exercise in futility, Uzodimma said: “National Census is not just a mere collection of data, number of people and houses, it includes the collection of demographic, social and economic data, which government uses to formulate economic policies. “The data generated serve as useful guide in the distribution of social amenities and infrastructural projects. “In other words, population census is at the heart of planning for the future by government, based on figure obtained during the census exercise.” Uzodimma stressed that a well-conducted headcount would help government, at all levels, plan, saying: “A properly conducted population census, therefore, saves government from planning blindly.” IN another development, the governor has appealed to striking university teachers in the country, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to call off their strike to allow students go back to school for academic activities. Uzodimma made the plea on Wednesday when 17 members of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), led by the Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman of the Governing Council, Jack Tilley-Gyado, visited him at the Government House, Owerri. He, particularly, appealed to the FUTO chapter of ASUU to make necessary sacrifices for the existence of tertiary education, saying: “Allow students studying in the university to go back to school. Education is key ingredient for national development. So, it is the responsibility of leaders in the country to resolve issues and controversies that tend to impede academic progress of youths. “What the leaders of Nigeria owe our future generation is to ensure that they are given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and be better citizens in future.”

10 Tabletop Games You Should Play If You Love Dungeons & Dragons – DualShockers https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/10-tabletop-games-you-should-play-if-you-love-dungeons-dragons-dualshockers/ With the explosion in popularity of actual play podcasts, tabletop gaming is bigger than it’s ever been. The flagship tabletop RPG is, of course, Dungeons & Dragons; a fantasy system with roots in old-school war gaming. The main focus of D&D is combat. Players gain experience by killing enemies, making their characters stronger. However, for many, what makes the medium great isn’t combat. It’s, you know, role-playing. Tabletop gaming is known for spiriting players away to other worlds, giving them the opportunity to tell personal, collaborative stories. And when it comes to this, there are far better games than D&D. Anyone experiencing fatigue with WotC’s iconic tabletop game owes it to themselves to check out some of these worthy competitors! 10/10 World Wide Wrestling At first glance, a professional wrestling RPG might seem like an odd idea. And it is. It totally is. Yet, somehow, it works. In World Wide Wrestling (or WWW), the players will work matches, cut promos, and develop heated rivalries as they steer their careers in whatever direction they desire. The GM is the “booker”, setting the players up in matches against one another, against NPC wrestlers, as part of a tag team, or whatever works for their wrestling show. Because the players will often be sitting around waiting to wrestle, WWW also has a number of mechanics to keep those on the sidelines involved. Players might step in as commentators, managers, or rambunctious audience members when they’re not actively wrestling. They can even choose to interfere in other people’s matches! 9/10 Gumshoe Mysteries in tabletop games can be rough. The players can’t be expected to be geniuses, and sometimes, neither can their characters. In Call of Cthulhu, which is a classic investigative game, GMs will generally include multiple avenues of investigation for each mystery. If the players fail to spot one, well, maybe they’ll find another. But maybe not. With Gumshoe, as long as a character is in the right spot and has the right ability, they will always find the clue they need. Instead, the drama comes from more interesting situations. There are lots of different Gumshoe games to choose from. We highly recommend Trail of Cthulhu and Bubblegumshoe. 8/10 Monster Of The Week Monster of the Week (or MotW) is the perfect game for anyone who’s ever wanted to hunt cryptids, vampires, ghosts, or aliens in a modern fantasy setting. It’s based on the successful Powered by the Apocalypse system, giving it a low overhead workload for GMs, as well as an easy-to-understand set of rules for players. And because MotW is based on this elegant system, it allows a fantastic level of freedom and collaboration in storytelling. Its mechanics are meant to simply guide the story. No one rule is too obtrusive or overly complex. It also puts a nice focus on investigation and actually hunting monsters, instead of just fighting them. 7/10 Lancer Lancer is a premier mech RPG, with solid mechanics and a wide fanbase for hacks and homebrews. Players take on the role of Lancers; elite mech pilots in a distant sci-fi future. Lancer is known for its incredibly deep mech customization, as well as its very solid hex-based combat rules. Lancer also has deep lore with a focus on corporations, as well as a companion site with equipment details, great digital character sheets, and helpful tools for DMs. And, we would be remiss not to mention the amazing art throughout the book. Anyone interested in mechs or extravagant sci-fi settings should definitely give this game a look. 6/10 Shadowrun Shadowrun is a classic game with a storied history. It’s a crunchy, rules-heavy cyberpunk game set in a world where some humans have morphed into fantasy races – elves, orcs, etc. The game takes place on a future Earth, so it’s great for those who want to play in a cyberpunk version of their hometown. It’s also great for groups that enjoy extremely deep mechanics, with tons of options for equipment and weapon customization. However, groups that prefer simpler games with fewer moving parts to keep track of might prefer Lancer or Stars Without Number. The rulebook for Shadowrun has always been thick and daunting to new players, though the most recent edition does streamline things a bit. 5/10 Pathfinder For those who want to change it up from D&D, but are still enamored with the fantasy setting, Pathfinder is a wonderful alternative. Its rules are a tad crunchier than D&D’s, but once the GM and players get a feel for things, it proceeds smoothly. Classes are richly detailed and filled with customization options. Plus, the writing is top-notch compared to D&D. Take monster races, for example. Rather than making them one-dimensional, Pathfinder fleshes out creatures like goblins with their own culture and motivations. It may be tough at first to make the transition from D&D to Pathfinder. There’s a bit of a learning curve involved. It’s a worthwhile shift, though. It may be a bit more old-school, but it’s a wonderful system with great writing and art. 4/10 Stars Without Number Stars Without Number is a sci-fi space opera RPG with a focus on exploration. It’s an amazingly designed RPG, not only in terms of the beauty and clever layout of the book but also in terms of its streamlined mechanics. For those who want to run a sci-fi game but don’t know exactly where to start, this is a perfect jumping-off point. Stars Without Number features rules for psionics, starship construction, and just about anything one would expect to find in a cool sci-fi setting. One of our favorite aspects of the game is space combat, where each player is responsible for various crises and different areas of the starship, keeping them all involved. 3/10 Mutants And Masterminds Plenty of people have wondered what their powers might be if they were a superhero. Mutants and Masterminds is here to help answer that question. At first glance, the game’s thick rulebook might be intimidating. Things can get pretty crazy with its tables, such as its systems for distance and scale, which quickly get up to interplanetary levels. However, like other entries on this list, the fun really starts once a particular group manages to wrap its head around the rule set. Though daunting at first, the game is ultimately very elegant. There are a ridiculous number of possibilities for different superpowers — it’s no stretch to say that essentially anything you can imagine can work in Mutants and Masterminds. 2/10 Call Of Cthulhu In D&D, the player characters can become god-like damage sponges. At higher levels, players can have hundreds of hit points. In Call of Cthulhu, the maximum HP for a player character is more like fifteen. That’s because it’s a Lovecraftian survival horror RPG. Because combat is so brutally realistic, it tends to be the final resort for players (at least, for those who wish to survive). Rather than focusing on combat, most Call of Cthulhu adventures are investigative in nature. The characters use their wits and skills to solve mysteries and invent creative solutions — all to turn back the tide of the cosmic clock. Games are often historical and rooted in reality. One adventure might take place in the 1920s New York, the other in prehistoric Egypt, 18th century France, etc. 1/10 Blades In The Dark Blades in the Dark is a streamlined fantasy crime RPG that highly values player freedom and collaboration. It features simple character creation, elegant RP-focused mechanics, and interesting lore that’s completely open to interpretation. Blades players take on the roles of daring scoundrels in the haunted gothic city of Duskwall. The group comes together to form a gang, pursuing whatever goals are most interesting to them. They might execute assassinations, clandestine heists, magical rituals, or so on. The GM is encouraged to take a hands-off approach, allowing the players to freely pursue their own goals. Drawing inspiration from Dishonored, Blades also includes a system for progressing the world around the players. Everything they do has an impact on the haunted city. NEXT: Best Open-World RPGs Of All Time, Ranked