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In 2021, banks reported nearly 250,000 cases of check fraud nationwide, according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a unit of the U.S. Treasury Department. By last year, that number exploded: nearly 460,000 check fraud cases were reported – an increase of 84%. "Check fraud, and perhaps fraud in general flourishes on Telegram mainly due to its unrestrictive nature," Noriega said. Even so, Q6 was able to find at least 30 channels on Telegram dedicated to providing the latest tips and techniques to commit bank fraud. "Telegram is unfortunately a source for all things check fraud," Noriega said.

☆ I compared the best business-class trains I've ever taken in Canada and Italy, and my favorite cost half the price
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I recently traveled by train in business class in two countries to see how they compared: a Via Rail train in Canada and a Trenitalia train in Italy. The author rides in business class on trains in Canada (L) and Italy (R). Later that week, I took a 6-hour Via Rail business-class ride in Canada from Toronto to Montréal. Two months later, I took a 4-hour Trenitalia business-class ride in Italy from Venice to Rome during a two-week train trip through Europe. So, I decided to compare my train trips in Canada and Italy to figure out which country offered the best business-class experience.

☆ From barges in Venice to robots in China, packages reach their final destinations in many different ways around the world. See some of the most unique.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Emma Cosgrove | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

From barges in Venice to robots in China, packages reach their final destinations in many different ways around the world. See some of the most unique. Recommended Video

☆ A Googler says he was laid off while caring for his terminally-ill mom — but would take another job at the company 'in a heartbeat'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Google employee said he was laid off while on carers' leave looking after his terminally-ill mom. Paul Baker, a video producer, told Insider he'd embraced Google culture "100%." Paul Baker told Insider he was partway through a month of paid carers' leave when a friend notified him of Google's mass layoffs, announced January 20. He wrote on LinkedIn on Thursday that he was on carer's leave "for my immediate family member's terminal cancer." Baker said he was "extremely disappointed" by the impersonal manner in which Google laid him off, and by a lack of communication about what would happen with his unique situation.

If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. Identify your travel goalsBefore you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Amex Membership Rewards points Capital One miles Chase Ultimate Rewards points Choice Privileges points Citi ThankYou points Hilton Honors points Hyatt points IHG Rewards points Marriott Bonvoy points Wyndham Rewards pointsYou travel with a large family Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Recommended credit card strategies for beginnersThe best practice for anyone new to credit card rewards is to invest in flexible points. You'll need: An annual fee-incurring Hilton credit card One of the greatest deals in credit card rewards is the free night certificate that comes with select American Express Hilton credit cards.

☆ New museum in Mexico spotlights endangered axolotl salamander
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Alberto Fajardo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/6] An axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) swims in an aquarium at the new Axolotl Museum and Amphibians Conservation Centre, which is to promote the protection and study of this endangered species, at Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City, Mexico, January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Henry RomeroMEXICO CITY, Jan 26 (Reuters) - A new museum and conservation center dedicated to Mexico's critically endangered axolotl salamander is highlighting the amphibian's remarkable story that has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike. With an impressive ability to heal itself, the axolotl (pronounced ah-sho-LO-tul) salamanders were showcased in the exhibit, which opened on Saturday, at Mexico City's Chapultepec Zoo. For decades, researchers have marveled at how the axolotl can regenerate amputated limbs and damaged body tissue, even its heart and brain. While the axolotl native to Mexico City's southern Xochimilco district is especially well-known, Gual points to 16 other kinds of axolotls that also call Mexico home, each one "like a wetlands ambassador."

Ana de Armas garnered an Academy Award nomination for best actress in a leading role for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in Netflix's "Blonde" — amid controversy over the movie. De Armas, 34, was nominated for the Oscar a day after “Blonde” got eight Razzie Award nominations, including worst picture and screenplay, further underscoring how polarizing the film has been. This is the Cuban-born actor's first Oscar nomination. Her performance in the movie also earned de Armas her second Golden Globe nomination last year. “Argentina, 1985” won a Golden Globe last month for best non-English language motion picture.

To identify the most important VCs in LA, Insider surveyed more than 75 local investors. Nearly 4,000 venture-backed startups hoping to be the next household-name company called LA home in 2022, according to Telstra Ventures. VCs closed 1,311 deals in LA worth $23 billion in 2022, trailing only the Bay Area and New York, according to PitchBook. To identify the most important VCs in LA, Insider surveyed more than 75 local investors and sought input from its editorial team. Here are 2023's most important VCs in LA, organized alphabetically by the investor's first name.

☆ Ukraine's battlefields look like World War I but with a new and terrifying addition that leaves troops with almost nowhere to hide
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The conflict in Ukraine has emerged as the first major war involving drone use on both sides. By the late 1990s, Predator drones were being used by the US and NATO for reconnaissance missions in the Kosovo War. Ukraine has in many ways emerged as a guinea pig for drone warfare. Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesLater in the war, Russia began launching swarms of Iranian-made Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones, striking targets across Ukraine. Drones have significantly shortened the so-called kill chain, Cancian explained, helping troops swiftly locate targets and provide coordinates for artillery.

☆ 'Stalin' said he disagreed with Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We 'spoke' to dead historical figures using a new AI chatbot that experts are sounding the alarm over.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Bethany Dawson | Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Insider "spoke" to bots acting as Princess Diana, Heinrich Himmler, Joseph Stalin, and Fred Trump. AI 'Fred Trump,' Donald Trump's father, isn't impressed with his son's politics. But AI Fred Trump "said" that he's "very proud" of his son, describing him as a "successful businessperson" and an "amazing father." An AI chatbot acting as Fred Trump, Donald Trump's father. AI Stalin called for the two countries to "find a peaceful solution."

☆ British actor Julian Sands reported missing in California mountains
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] The 76th Venice Film Festival - Screening of the film "The Painted Bird" in competition - Venice, Italy September 3, 2019 - Actor Julian Sands poses before an interview. REUTERS/Piroschka van de WouwLOS ANGELES, Jan 18 (Reuters) - British-born film actor Julian Sands, known for his starring roles in such films as "A Room with a View" and "Warlock," has gone missing in the mountains of Southern California, media outlets reported on Wednesday, citing local authorities. The Baldy Bowl, about 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles just below the Mount Baldy ski area, is a popular destination for skiers, climbers and hikers. Sands' Los Angeles-based representative could not immediately be reached for comment. Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Neil FullickOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Italy’s Friuli region is one of Europe’s best kept secrets
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Silvia Marchetti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

With 13 natural reserves and the pristine park of the Friuli Dolomite Mountains, the region lures tourists seeking to connect with nature or explore the outdoors. There’s also the spellbinding Grotta Gigante, or Giant Cave, one of the world’s largest tourist caverns. Golden beachesThe Grotta Gigante is one of the world's largest tourist caverns. Trieste boasts an unusual segregated beach, with origins dating back several centuries. “Residents are very fond and proud of this place,” says Trieste local Maria Bonacci.

☆ I left Manhattan for LA. It's easier to make friends, my cost of living is lower, and I'm so much happier here.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Daniel Zahler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

I got the full New York City experienceI lived in Manhattan for 12 years. In 2015, I decided to sublet my West Village pad and spend the winter in Santa Monica. Santa Monica is one of the priciest areas of California, but it's still cheaper than Manhattan. Today I'm paying $3,000 a month for a spacious apartment in the heart of Santa Monica with amazing views of mountains and palm trees. New York City is unrivaled in its energy and diversity and is the major league of cities — truly world-class.

☆ I changed careers to become an acupuncturist. In a year, my business earned $200,000 — and I'm a lot happier.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Elle Hardy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

I opened Moon Rabbit Acupuncture in June 2020, and in 2021, I earned a little more than $200,000 in profits. Going to acupuncture school is relatively inexpensive, about $8,000 per semester, which isn't much compared to other degrees. When I opened Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, I found myself busy very quicklySnyder standing outside Moon Rabbit. Before I opened my business, I did a lot of cold interviews with business owners. However, I felt that a huge reason for becoming an acupuncturist and opening Moon Rabbit was to link to my Asian heritage, my lineage, and my culture.

☆ 'The Banshees of Inisherin' won best comedy at the Golden Globes — here's how to watch the critically acclaimed film starring Colin Farrell
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Jordan Williams | Freelance Writer | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The Banshees of Inisherin" hit HBO Max and digital retailers on December 13. How to watch 'The Banshees of Inisherin'You can watch "The Banshees of Inisherin" at home on HBO Max. A subscription to HBO Max starts at $10 a month for ad-supported viewing or $15 a month for ad-free playback. You can watch "The Banshees if Inisherin" for free if you sign up for an HBO Max trial. The movie holds a "97% Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is the highest score yet for director Martin McDonaghThe movie won best picture (musical or comedy), best screenplay, and best actor (musical or comedy) at the 2023 Golden Globes.

☆ My mom bought a 1976 Volkswagen bus for $2,500 on eBay over a decade ago. Here's how it's skyrocketed in value thanks to a cult following.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

My mom bought a '76 VW bus on eBay for $2,500 a decade ago. "I always wanted a VW bus. The seemingly universal love for Volkswagen vans didn't happen right away — the cars were introduced in the 1950s to transport workers and materials. Now, social-media trends surrounding the hashtag #vanlife have reinvigorated the VW bus and the kind of life it represents. Every now and then, we'll find sticky notes tucked into the windshield wipers from people offering to buy it.

☆ Natural-Gas Prices Plunge as Unseasonably Warm Weather Is Forecast
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Ryan Dezember | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Surfers at Venice Beach in Los Angeles took advantage of warm temperatures on Christmas Day. A sharp rise in temperatures has erased the effects of last month’s winter storm. Now forecasts for more unusually warm weather are melting down natural-gas prices. Natural-gas futures for February delivery dropped 11% on Tuesday to end at $3.988 per million British thermal units. That is down more than 50% from summer highs and is about what gas cost a year ago, when temperatures were also warmer than normal and before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine jolted energy markets.

☆ Thousands pay homage as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Faithful and curious, the public strode briskly up the center aisle to pass by the bier after waiting in a line that by midmorning snaked around St. Peter’s Square. Filippo Tuccio, 35, came from Venice on an overnight train to view Benedict’s body. “I wanted to pay homage to Benedict because he had a key role in my life and my education. This is why I wanted to say goodbye today.”Public viewing lasts for 10 hours on Monday in St. Peter’s Basilica. Twelve hours of viewing are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday before Thursday morning’s funeral, which will be led by Pope Francis, at St. Peter’s Square.

☆ Italy's Eni sets up sustainable transport services company
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MILAN, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Italian energy group Eni (ENI.MI) said on Monday it had set up a new company dedicated to sustainable transport, which would develop bio-refining, biomethane and offer mobility products and services in Italy and abroad. Last year the Italian group successfully listed its Norwegian oil and gas spin-off Vaar Energy. Eni Sustainable Mobility is directly controlled by Eni, which holds 100% of its share capital, the group said. Eni Sustainable Mobility will be the second lever supporting the group's energy transition strategy together with Plenitude, Descalzi added. Stefano Ballista, former Sustainable Mobility Director at Eni Energy Evolution, is the CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility.

☆ ‘Vittore Carpaccio: Master Storyteller of Renaissance Venice’ Review: Discovering and Decoding
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Karen Wilkin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/vittore-carpaccio-master-storyteller-of-renaissance-venice-review-discovering-and-decoding-11672178469

☆ Monarch butterflies made a historic rebound this year, but my photos from 'Butterfly Town, USA' are disappointing and sad
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-24 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

California's monarch butterflies made a miraculous rebound from nearly disappearing in 2020. I visited Pacific Grove, AKA "Butterfly Town, USA," to see the monarch migration for the first time. Monarch butterflies fly at the Sierra Chincua butterfly sanctuary in Angangeo, Michoacan state, Mexico. Monarch butterflies fly at the Sierra Chincua butterfly sanctuary in Angangeo, Michoacan state, Mexico. When I was a child, I didn't see monarch butterflies, but they were already in decline.

In this guide, we'll give you a crash course on how to quickly earn credit card rewards and book free travel. If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. Identify your travel goalsBefore you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Recommended credit card strategies for beginnersThe best practice for anyone new to credit card rewards is to invest in flexible points. You'll need: An annual fee-incurring Hilton credit card One of the greatest deals in credit card rewards is the free night certificate that comes with select American Express Hilton credit cards.

☆ Read the pitch deck Anima, an augmented-reality startup, used to raise $3 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Marta Biino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

An augmented-reality startup called Anima announced a $3 million funding round. Anima shared 15 pages of the pitch deck it used to convince investors. Anima plans to offer the technology to allow creators to bring 3D assets into AR and easily view and interact with their creations. Examples of augmented-reality art on Anima include this mirror sculpture on a beach. Anima gave Insider an exclusive look at 15 slides from the pitch deck it used to raise $3 million.

☆ Outgoing LA Mayor Eric Garcetti on why his stalled ambassador nomination was a ‘gift’
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Maeve Reston | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Reston: So, the other half of the equation – as you talked about – is not under your control as the mayor, and that’s the mental health space. Garcetti: This country is experiencing a mental health crisis and addiction crisis. There are not enough professionals who can treat mental health afflictions, and we have no right to mental health care in this country. … Treating trauma and mental health issues is the biggest gap in the American health care system by far. Garcetti: I was working on a musical a long time ago that I thought would be really interesting in LA.

☆ 'The Whale' review: Brendan Fraser's standout performance can't keep Darren Aronofsky's film afloat
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The love showered on Brendan Fraser out of film festivals inflates expectations for “The Whale” wildly out of proportion, in a movie based on a play that occurs almost entirely within a lone apartment. Weighted down not by its morbidly obese protagonist but rather its stick-thin supporting players, Fraser deserves praise for his buried-under-makeup performance, but that’s not enough to keep the movie afloat. Adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from his play, “The Whale” actually derives its title from the book “Moby Dick,” although the convincing enormity of Charlie’s physique obviously provides another meaning. As poignant and heartbreaking as Charlie’s plight is, “The Whale” can’t transcend the line between theater and film. While it’s easy to root for Fraser to earn accolades, in the annual hunt for award-worthy movies, consider this another one that got away.

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