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Mario Coming to App Store, Pokemon Go to Apple Watch

By U.S. News & World Report

Apple Inc’s (ticker: AAPL) hotly anticipated fall event was always going to lead to updates on its signature products, with the company even tweeting about the iPhone 7 before its official rollout (then deleting said tweets).

But several of its updates have honed in on a popular summer trend that has since practically petered out of once daily conversation: Nintendo nostalgia.

That’s right, video game fans: Mario is coming to the App Store. Apple is teaming up with Nintendo and launching Super Mario Run, which will be released at one set price. While a specific release date hasn’t been announced, it will arrive in time for the holidays this year.

Also, remember that ” Pokemon Go” game that everyone was obsessed with? That’s now coming to the Apple Watch.

The Twitterverse, of course, had a lot to say about the latest news from Apple and Nintendo … both good and bad.

a mario app??? pokemon go’s impact, i guess #AppleEvent

— Bex Edmondson (@bexinterrobang) September 7, 2016

If I had to bet, Mario is the one thing that could unseat Pokémon Go’s rapid success #AppleEvent

— Bryce Seifert (@bryceseifert) September 7, 2016

lol RIP Pokemon Go. Nintendo’s bringing Mario over to iOS #AppleEvent

— Lucas Brookwood (@lucasbrookwood) September 7, 2016

Things I never thought I’d hear at an #AppleEvent: “A wild Snorlax appeared!” (Pokémon Go is coming to the Apple Watch)

— Natalie DiBlasio (@ndiblasio) September 7, 2016

Watching the #AppleEvent and I’m more excited by Mario on the iPhone & Pokemon Go on the Watch than I am the new tech

— Dean Constantinou (@DeanConstantino) September 7, 2016

Pokemon Go will save the Apple watch #AppleEvent

— Gray (@grayfactor) September 7, 2016

Pokémon Go is coming to the Apple Watch. Apple has FINALLY figured out how to get people to buy those watches! #AppleEvent

— David Pogue (@Pogue) September 7, 2016

Pokemon Go on Apple Watch so you’ll have to carry a spare battery for your watch as well as your phone. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/cXmeVhFvd5

— Jody Smith (@ToastMaster) September 7, 2016

What’s the battery of an Apple Watch running Pokemon Go? 30 seconds? #AppleEvent

— sam (@retconning) September 7, 2016

Other updates from the company included announcing the Apple Watch Series 2 and the iPhone 7, in addition to new product AirPods.

Nintendo’s stock shot up about 26.7 percent as of Wednesday afternoon on the news, and is up 102 percent on the year. Apple’s stock is up just about 2.2 percent this year and shares held steady Wednesday afternoon during the event.

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Mario Coming to App Store, Pokemon Go to Apple Watch originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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