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Growing importance of internet-connected devices

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

The usage of internet-connected devices has increased from 2020 to 2022, reflecting their growing importance in modern life. In 2022, more than half (52%) of the people in the EU aged between 16 and 74 years used an internet-connected TV, nine percentage points (pp) higher than in 2020 (43%). The usage of smart wearables also experienced a notable uptick, with more than one quarter (26%) of people aged 16-74 using smartwatches, fitness bands, connected goggles or headsets, safety trackers, connected clothes or shoes and other internet-connected accessories. This represents an increase of 9 pp as well, compared with 2020 (17%).Internet-connected game consoles were also popular in 2022, as 20% of people aged 16-74 used them. Virtual assistants, such as smart speakers or apps, were used by 13% of people in the same age group, while 10% used internet-connected solutions for energy management, such as connected thermostats, utility meters, lights or plug-ins.Source dataset: isoc_iiot_use...

Ready, set … go build a new home

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

Every home purchase, whether your first or your 10th over a course of a lifetime, marks a significant step in life. And with new construction, a buyer gets a hands-on experience that’s distinctly different from purchasing resale.With preparation, the during-construction stage will be smooth, exciting and even fun.Knowledge may be the most important tool for preparation. From financing new construction to the nuances of California building standards and real estate principles, understanding the details will help a buyer know what to ask for during the process.The first step is self-knowledge.Before taking model-home tours, familiarize yourself with the benefits of new construction in California, which updates its building codes every two years to ensure safety, energy efficiency and resilience.Next, narrow down your location preferences and determine the maximum amount you will be able to pay for a home.A financial planner can help review your assets, liabilities and goals with you. ...

Four-bedroom home sells for $2.2 million in Pleasanton

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

The spacious property located in the 7900 block of Stonehurst Court in Pleasanton was sold on July 13, 2023 for $2,200,000, or $728 per square foot. The house, built in 1967, has an interior space of 3,020 square feet. This two-story home offers a capacious living environment with its four bedrooms and three baths. In addition, the home includes a garage. The property’s backyard also includes a pool.Additional houses have recently been sold nearby:On Knollbrook Drive, Pleasanton, in July 2023, a 2,372-square-foot home was sold for $1,850,000, a price per square foot of $780. The home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.In September 2022, a 2,003-square-foot home on Knollbrook Drive in Pleasanton sold for $1,550,000, a price per square foot of $774. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.A 2,792-square-foot home on the 5100 block of Mount Tam Circle in Pleasanton sold in August 2022, for $2,150,000, a price per square foot of $770. The home has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Horoscopes Aug. 31, 2023: Chris Tucker, simplicity will lead to happiness

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Sara Ramirez, 48; Chris Tucker, 52; Zack Ward, 53; Richard Gere, 74.Happy Birthday: Adjust to make your life less complicated, and make happiness and peace of mind your goals. Take the initiative to get what you want and add valuable people to your circle. Well-thought-out plans and details that address your specific needs will make your life productive and less stressful. Accommodate your needs, and everything else will fall into place. Simplicity will lead to happiness and contentment. Your numbers are 7, 13, 25, 29, 31, 34, 46.ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay more attention to your health and appearance. Take time to rejuvenate and spend time with someone you love. Mix business with pleasure, adding to your camaraderie with people who share your vision. Romance is in the stars. 3 starsTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Use your imagination to devise a plan that puts you in the spotlight. Speak up and enjoy the banter with people who want to participate in your ...

Bridge: Aug. 31, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

“… that amazing moment when you hear a song you haven’t heard in years, yet you remember every word.” — graffiti.Bridge involves drawing on your experience. A good declarer may survey dummy and say, “I’ve seen this situation before.”Today’s North opened and rebid clubs with a light hand, and South launched into Blackwood. When North showed two aces, South might have bid seven hearts, a good spot if North had held longer clubs.ENTRIESAt six hearts, South won the first diamond with the queen, drew trumps, took the A-K of clubs and ruffed a club. When West discarded, South lacked the entries to set up and cash the fifth club; he tried the ace and another diamond, hoping for a lucky break. No luck; down one.An experienced declarer might see the winning play. After South draws trumps, he plays a low club from both hands. He wins the diamond return, takes the top clubs and ruffs a club. Then dummy’s fifth club is good for the 12t...

Word Game: Aug. 31, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

TODAY’S WORD — TERMITE (TERMITE: TER-mite: Pale-colored insect that feeds on wood.)Average mark 22 wordsTime limit 30 minutesCan you find 27 or more words in TERMITE? The list will be published tomorrow.YESTERDAY’S WORD — BOWSPRIT bistro brio bris brow obit orbit wisp worst wrist writ sorb sort spit sport spot sprit stir stop stow strip strop port posit post prosit prow riot roti topi trio tripTo purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!RULES OF THE GAME:1. Words must be of four or more letters.2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail....

Lukaku’s arrival at Roma rekindles memories of Batistuta’s move to the Giallorossi

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

ROME (AP) — For a brief period this week, the plane carrying Romelu Lukaku from London to Rome via Brussels was the most followed flight in the world.Nearly 50,000 people — almost all of them likely devoted Roma fans — picked out the Gulfstream G650 flown by Roma’s American president and pilot Dan Friedkin at one point on the Flight Radar 24 site.It’s a measure of how much Lukaku’s season-long loan deal means to Roma and its rabid supporters.Some 5,000 yellow-and-red clad fans were waiting at Rome’s Ciampino airport to welcome Lukaku, Friedkin and Roma general manager Tiago Pinto to the Italian capital on Tuesday.“The welcome I’ve received from this club and its fans has excited me and given me even more motivation to give my all for my new team,” Lukaku said when the deal was finalized Thursday.Not since perhaps Gabriel Batistuta was brought in to help Roma win its last Serie A title in 2001 has a center forward’s arrival been so celebrated for the Giallorossi.“I recently got...

Titan Machinery: Fiscal Q2 Earnings Snapshot

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Titan Machinery Inc. (TITN) on Thursday reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $31.3 million.The West Fargo, North Dakota-based company said it had profit of $1.38 per share.The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.15 per share.The agriculture and construction equipment seller posted revenue of $642.6 million in the period, also topping Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $599.7 million.Titan Machinery expects full-year earnings to be $4.60 to $5.25 per share._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on TITN at https://www.zacks.com/ap/TITNSource

J.Jill: Fiscal Q2 Earnings Snapshot

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — J.Jill Inc. (JILL) on Thursday reported net income of $15.3 million in its fiscal second quarter.On a per-share basis, the Quincy, Massachusetts-based company said it had net income of $1.06. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.10 per share.The retailer of women’s clothes, shoes and accessories posted revenue of $155.7 million in the period._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on JILL at https://www.zacks.com/ap/JILLSource

Pascal Gross is in line to make his Germany debut at 32. Leon Goretzka has been dropped

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:33:45 GMT

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross could make his debut for the German national team at the age of 32 after being named to the squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan and France.Germany coach Hansi Flick is under pressure with his team winless in its last four friendlies ahead of hosting next year’s European Championship. Gross is a surprise selection who last represented Germany in an under-20 game 12 years ago.Flick has recalled six players, including Bayern forward Serge Gnabry, Borussia Dortmund defender Niklas Süle and Brentford forward Kevin Schade. But Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has been dropped.Others missing out include West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer and Leipzig forward Timo Werner.Germany hosts Japan in Wolfsburg on Sept. 9, less than a year after the Japanese beat the Germans at the World Cup to set the stage for another early exit. Germany will then take on World Cup runner-up France in Dortmund three days later.___AP soccer:...