https://www.friendbookmark.com/authors/53/peter88 Most recent BlogU posts submitted by peter88 https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/37313/once-upon-tomorrow-harnessing-the-new-opportunities-the-metaverse-creates(NewsUSA)[IMG]https://www.friendbookmark.com/https://trackit.newsusa.com/track.gif?id=53730[/IMG] - Thirty years ago, the advent of the internet changed the world. For the first time in human history, the collected knowledge of all mankind was freely available to every man, woman, and child on the planet with the click of a few buttons.Fifteen years ago, the world changed again with the widespread availability and adoption of smartphones that put the full power of the internet in the palm of our hands whenever we want and wherever we are.As monumental as these advancements were, they were just the warmup for the change thatâs coming next. In just a few years, we wonât think of âgoing on the internetâ to look up information and find entertainment. Instead, weâll already be in the internet, living, working, and playing in an endless virtual world that will turn everything we think we know about the internet on its head. Welcome to the Metaverse. In Once Upon Tomorrow, author and visionary tech CEO Shurick Agapitov dives deep into this new age of the internet by unpacking exactly what the Metaverse is and what it will become. Itâs not about pixels and computer chips; itâs a total paradigm shift that will revolutionize how people interact, share stories, create and implement ideas, conduct business, and literally live their lives.âRather than just visiting a website,â Agapitov says, âyouâll be immersed in a platform of three-dimension gaming, shopping, events and socialization. Youâll be âvisitingâ virtual destinations that take you directly to the source of your interests.âThe Metaverse will be the biggest change any of us have ever seen, and Agapitov is here to take readers by the hand and welcome them into this wild, wonderful new universe of opportunity, estimated at about $30 trillion before the end of the decade.Agapitov, who grew up in Russian and whose own video gaming industry company Xsolla has been valued at $3 billion, envisions a future where every consumer-facing industry, from fashion to healthcare to entertainment, is transformed. If youâre an entrepreneur and youâre kicking yourself because you didnât grab the opportunities that existed during the rise of e-commerce and the mobile internet, thereâs good news for you too. The opportunities that exist today in the Metaverse are even greater.The author delineates how:In the Metaverse, we will immerse ourselves in a growing global community that will change forever how we work, play, shop, and explore, and engage brands, and how we interact and literally live our lives.While large companies such as Nike, Adidas and Gucci are already creating their digital footprints across the Metaverse, as technology continues to become a commodity and its price declines, anyone can get into the game. Anyone has the chance to create his or her own mega brand.The opportunity to own âreal estateâ in the Metaverse is like buying land on a nearly empty beach today, developing it, and watching a massive community build around you.Once Upon Tomorrow is available for purchase on Amazon and other popular retail outlets where books are sold. Learn more at www.onceupontomorrow.com. https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/16243/strategies-for-a-smooth-retirement-on-a-fixed-incomeWhen making financial plans for retirement on a fixed income, remember that your retirement life at the beginning is not how it will continue indefinitely. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional will assist you in creating a smooth retirement plan that best fits your needs over time. "Your retirement will evolve in phases as your priorities change," says Cary Carbonaro, CFP.ÃÂ "On... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/5471/surprisingly-older-americans-are-coping-best-during-the-pandemicOlder Americans have actually been coping far better than younger ones during the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research. The Edward Jones and Age Wave Study goes where few have ventured before in focusing exclusively on how different generations have held up emotionally and financially in the months since all the lockdowns began. And some of its findings are at least as startlin... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/5470/new-book-dissects-coronavirus-maybe-weve-got-it-all-wrongWhen it comes to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Paul Willette quotes from an inspirational Rudyard Kipling poem: "If you can keep your head, when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too." One might interpret those words as a plea to humanity to keep cool and ride the course of these unpre... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/5469/covid-19-fallout-americans-changing-their-higher-ed-plansThe move to online classes at colleges and universities to deal with COVID-19 isn't making the grade with many Americans. A whopping 80 percent of those currently saving for an in-person higher education, either for themselves or their kids, said in a new poll from Edward Jones and Morning Consult that they worried the "quality of education" may suffer as a result of the switch to partial... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/5468/free-online-survey-alerts-older-adults-to-risks-of-falling-a-major-hazardThe coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot of things. One thing that's still the same? Falling is NOT a normal part of aging. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Even during the COVID-19 era, falls remain the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. Falls can significantly impact an older adult's quality of life. A fall can cause older persons to becom... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/5467/covid-19-weighs-on-those-saving-for-collegeBack to school has taken on a whole new meaning for families this fall. Some changes, though, apparently better not last forever. Thirty-six percent of parents surveyed for Fidelity Investments' new "2020 College Savings Indicator Study" were disenchanted with the thought of paying full freight for virtual classes in the future, and said they'd consider choosing a less expensive, in-person... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4910/international-nash-day-draws-attention-to-severe-liver-diseaseAn advanced form of liver disease known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects more than 115 million people worldwide and is expected to double by 2030. If left untreated, NASH may result in serious outcomes, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver transplant, or death.NASH is the advanced form of a chronic, progressive fatty liver disease called NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver d... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4909/how-to-mourn-your-old-normal-and-adapt-to-the-newDeaths from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 have surpassed 110,000 in the United States and mourning the losses of these lives is important. In addition, we are also mourning lost habits and ways of life that are casualties of the coronavirus.Going out with friends, hugging a grandparent, even opening a door in a public place are on hold. Some of these changes were temporary. However, even... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4908/make-the-most-of-virtual-meetingsThe global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has accelerated an adoption of online work, video meetings, and virtual conferences that will likely continue.Almost every business professional has hosted and participated in multiple online meetings, but how many have taken the time to consider how they present themselves on camera and how to make the most of virtual interactions with col... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4803/6-tips-on-how-to-stay-active-at-homeIn the past few weeks, it has become clear that social distancing and quarantining are the new normal. This is an overwhelming time as we attempt to adjust our mindsets and schedules Ãââ between working from home, watching after the kids, keeping up with the news, and maintaining sanity, it can be a challenge to prioritize your physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4695/ncoa-website-offers-a-treasure-trove-of-covid-19-help-for-older-adultsThe COVID-19 pandemic is generating fear, confusion, and economic uncertainty for many older Americans, especially those living on a fixed income.Fortunately, the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted nonprofit that has been helping older adults age with dignity and economic security for the last 70 years, is providing valuable information about coronavirus on its website, www.ncoa.... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4694/bartering-is-back-in-coronavirus-economyThe novel coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to impact the economy in many ways, one of which has been the surge in popularity of the barter economy.Bartering, the trade system of choice in the Middle Ages, is back with a modern twist. Social networks now feature posts from friends and neighbors looking to swap staples such as eggs, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Businesses are getting o... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4693/helping-to-keep-americans-healthy-during-covid-19Our collective will and intellects are being called upon to manage COVID-19, save lives, and restore our economy.During this public health emergency, it is crucial that every sector of our health care system step up to the challenge. And AmericaÃââs pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have a key role to play.PBMs manage prescription drug plans for hundreds of millions of Americans with ... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4640/how-your-business-can-survive-the-coronavirusAs the world has hit the metaphorical panic button during the rise of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases worldwide, the daily reality for people and businesses is rapidly changing.Practically overnight, businesses have been forced out of the comfort zone of face-to-face contact, now having to heavily rely on digital platforms. Businesses, especially, are struggling with figuring out how to survi... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4639/company-steps-up-to-keep-health-care-workers-healthyAs the ongoing spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) reshapes American lives by the day, and sometimes by the hour, the health and stability of the nationÃââs essential work force, namely our health care workers and first responders, remains paramount.To keep themselves and their patients safe, these workers, who may have potentially been exposed to this deadly virus, may have to... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4638/snowbirds-and-march-break-travellers-returning-to-canada-ndash-limit-the-spread-of-covid-19(NC) If you are a snowbird returning home or have travelled outside the country for March Break, there are important actions you must take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. HereÃââs what you need to do:1. Self-isolate for 14 days. Stay home and keep your distance from others for the next 14 days. Do not have visitors, especially older adults or those with medical condit... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4637/breaking-down-top-7-myths-of-covid-19(NC) The novel coronavirus is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. While social distancing plays an important role in slowing the transmission in our communities, we can also do our part to stop the spread of misinformation.The Government of Canada is providing the public with timely, trusted and evidence-based information that you can use to protect yourself, as w... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4636/everything-you-need-to-know-about-social-distancing(NC) Over the past few weeks, weÃââve seen the number of coronavirus cases increase in Canada. To reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the country, governments and health officials have asked the public to practice social distancing Ãââ staying home, avoiding crowds and refraining from common greetings like handshakes.Making a conscious effort to create physical sp... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/4635/how-to-isolate-if-you-have-symptoms-of-covid-19(NC) As cases of COVID-19 continue to grow, more and more Canadians are being asked to avoid contact with others and to isolate themselves if they have symptoms, are waiting for test results or have been diagnosed with the illness. But what exactly does it mean to isolate at home?Avoid physical contact. Those isolating at home must limit physical contact with others within their space, inc... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/3424/self-publishing-helps-parents-share-new-books-with-kidsIt's no surprise that parents today seek books that will delight, engage, and educate their children. However, some parents are seeing gaps in the available options of topics they want to share with their children. To combat this, there is a growing trend of parents who have taken matters into their own hands and turned to self-publishing to fill these holes themselves. Kindle Direct Publ... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/3423/barnes-amp-noble-stores-reach-one-millionth-storytime-for-kidsThe time-honored tradition of read-aloud storytelling to educate, entertain, and engage children is nearing a milestone. Barnes & Noble, the country's largest retail bookseller, is approaching its one millionth kids' Storytime since starting their readings over three decades ago.To celebrate, they're hosting special readings at all 627 stores US-wide on Saturday, September 7 and Sunda... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1950/lifes-biggest-moments-take-center-stage-in-new-up-tv-seriesAs warm weather approaches, so does wedding season, and family-focused entertainment network UP TV heads down the aisle with a pair of new, unscripted series set to debut this summer.The series, "Our Wedding Story," takes viewers inside the relationships between the brides and grooms. With exceptional and cinematic storytelling, viewers will get to live each couple's love story - from the ... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1889/seeing-london-in-a-new-light"People are looking for magic in their lives and to experience something that stays with them forever," says Helen Marriage, the director of Artichoke, the producers and creators of the Lumiere London festival."People respond to light in a special way," Marriage continues. "and in the middle of winter, when night falls early, it's just so wonderful and uplifting."In January 2018, London's ... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1592/angelpay-returns-wealth-and-power-to-the-creators-of-valueIn a world full of aggressive financial services companies, it's refreshing to find a payment processor with a global reach that you can trust.Enter the AngelPay Foundation, a nonprofit payment processing company. The AngelPay team originally invented the first secure, scalable, and reliable Internet payment processing platform called Authorize.Net back in 1996.Today, they provide the same... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1535/digital-frame-brings-families-togetherToday's social media platforms allow most people to stay constantly connected to family and friends, but the elderly, military, or loved ones in other time zones may not have the access or ability to use social media.An interactive digital photo frame such as Skylight Frame helps families stay connected when other social media options are difficult.For example, this solution has brought jo... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1449/new-ai-platform-protects-musicians-workAny music artist - regardless of his or her level of fame - will tell you that chief among their many concerns about the business is guarding against copyright infringement and protecting the work.DigiTrax Entertainment, a leader in the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry, recognizes this and has found a way to harness the analytical power of AI to help protect musicians f... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1423/harmful-smoking-accomplishing-this-and-perils-associated-with-smokingWith the appearance of a vaccination for tuberculosis, Americans have position the effects for the disease out of their memories. But, many scientists are saying we're getting ahead of ourselves. Immigration and foreign visitors are bringing this hidden ghost out from the closet as well as are still having no knowledge of the disease and its effects.To repeat the least surgery in this wor... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1398/football-frenzy-quick-tips-to-spice-up-football-seasonIt's the time of year to unpack the crockpots, pull out your team colors, and break out that Sunday football attire because football season is back! As autumn approaches and school is back in session, many families start to gear up for those weekends of tailgating. If you're looking for some creative ways to wow your tailgate attendees or throw an awesome football party, follow these tips... https://www.friendbookmark.com/blogpost/1397/napa-valley-holiday-traditions-from-marc-mondavi-and-familyHoliday entertaining can be stressful. What to cook? Which wines pair well? But with a few tools and a bit of planning, you can breeze through the holiday season like an entertaining pro.Janice Mondavi knows this all too well. As a mother of four girls and a member of the iconic C. Mondavi wine family, Janice hosts her large, extended family throughout the holidays. She gets through the s...