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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - It'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 Publishing (KDP) from Amazon is one self-publishing option that offers editorial freedom and ease of use for busy parents looking to create something that meets their kids' needs.

    KDP success stories include Handeep Dhoot (who writes as "Dr. Dhoot"), a mom with a Ph.D. in chemistry who wanted to introduce her young daughter to STEM topics.

    Dr. Dhoot has self-published the growing Tinker Toddler series of STEM books aimed at young children, including Machine Learning for Babies & Toddlers.

    "Becoming a parent helped me realize the urgency for introducing scientific topics, like STEM, to kids while their brains are still developing. KDP allowed me to self-publish books that portray these ideas in an accurate and digestible way for kids, including my own daughter."

    Gabi Garcia, a long-time school counselor and mom, turned to self-publishing when she saw a lack of books for Spanish-speaking and bilingual children about how to understand their emotions and feelings.

    "It's so important to engage with children early to discuss mindfulness. Self-publishing on KDP empowered me to take all that I'd learned and seen as a school counselor and make it accessible to more children, in both English and Spanish."

    She has published several books on these topics through KDP, including Listening to My Body, published in both English and Spanish. She now writes full-time on mindfulness and social awareness topics for children, parents, and educators.

    Brendan Kelso struggled with dyslexia as a child, but found learning and performing dramatic monologues helpful. He enjoyed Shakespeare, but, like many young readers, found the text hard to understand.

    After a career in engineering, he became a stay-at-home dad and came up with an idea to write versions of Shakespeare's plays that were more accessible to kids. His loveof theater and writing led him to self-publish several works through KDP, starting with Shakespeare's Hamlet for Kids.

    "I have the freedom to spend more time with my family, while pursuing my passion on my own terms with KDP."

    These parents have been able to create the books they couldn't find for kids and found financial success - and sometimes a whole new career - in the process.

    For those parents who are toying with self-publishing, but still have questions, consider this:

    * KDP lets authors set their own prices and retain all rights to their work.

    * As an author, you can publish your book in minutes, and these books are available to a worldwide audience through Kindle online stores in 24-48 hours.

    * You can publish Kindle eBooks and paperbacks in multiple languages.

    Visit kdp.amazon.com for more information about Kindle Direct Publishing.

    Ref: Encouraging - in Blogs
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    Ramiro Williamson Ramiro_Williamson


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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Many of today's travelers seek a sense of community and connection at their destinations. Travelers seeking a Caribbean getaway with a welcoming feel and local flavor need look no further than the Bay Gardens Resorts on the beautiful island of St. Lucia.

    The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are ideally situated to take advantage of the best restaurants, activities, and events that the community of St. Lucia has to offer. For example, the month of October featured the Saint Lucia Arts & Heritage Festival, and included music, theater, lectures, art exhibitions, and street parties, all conveniently located in nearby Rodney Bay Village for easy access by Bay Gardens guests who booked its Creole Heritage Special.

    The feeling of community at Bay Gardens Resorts is mirrored in the resort's local ownership, which conveys a different vibe than a large, international chain resort.

    Throughout its 25-year existence, the award-winning resort chain has been dedicated to sustainably developing its St. Lucian society. Participating in the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association's Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) and its farm-to- table approach when designing menus have fostered better linkages with local farmers.

    As a Green Globe Gold Member, environmental responsibility plays a vital role in business affairs conducted by the brand. Additionally, the company invests in the growth of its local economies as most of the staff and management are local, highly expert and experienced in fielding questions, planning events, and providing customer service for everyone from business travelers to wedding parties to families with small children.

    The Bay Gardens Resorts family of properties has something for every taste.

    Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, for instance, offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to those seeking plenty of sand and surf, as well as spa indulgence. Guests staying seven nights or more who opt for this option not only get the best value with access to the Rodney Bay Dine Around Program and an opportunity to dine at affiliated restaurants, but also significantly assist in contributing to the community.

    The resort also includes a business center, wedding gazebo, and on-site water park.

    By contrast, the Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn provide luxury and pampering in intimate, boutique-style settings.

    "Cherishing a long tradition of unmatched Caribbean hospitality, our hotel in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, has built a reputation on friendly service, stylish accommodations, and unforgettable scenery," according to the website for the Bay Gardens Hotel, and this combination of service, style, and scenery applies to the other properties.

    A new addition to the Bay Gardens family is Bay Gardens Marina Haven, a 35-room space located within a botanical garden adjacent to the Rodney Bay Marina.

    Want to be right on the water? Consider the Waters Edge Villas, a pair of private villas with luxury amenities and marina views.

    Both the Waters Edge and Marina Haven provide complimentary shuttle service to the other Bay Resorts properties, so guests can take full advantage of the larger community of Rodney Bay, with its nightlife, shops, and restaurants.

    Visit baygardensresorts.com for more information.

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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - A gold coin worth $7 million dollars. What could make one coin so valuable? The coin, purchased at an auction in 2002, was a 1933 Double Eagle, a survivor from a time when the U.S. government made owning gold illegal. Now, due to the economic downturn, Americans might be turning their attention to gold once again.

    People have used gold coins since 640 B.C. -; the metal has inherent value, making its value more stable than paper currency. It is soft, malleable and easily hammered thin. Pure gold does not rust or tarnish -; it keeps its beauty and value, no matter its age.

    The U.S. first produced official gold coins in 1795, with $5 and $10 coins that still remain attractive to serious collectors. Massive amounts of gold were later discovered in the U.S. in 1848. By 1849, America was making the Double Eagle, or the Twenty Dollar Gold Coin. Containing nearly a full ounce of pure gold, Double Eagles remain some of the most famous coins ever minted. The first U.S. Mint, located in Philadelphia, produced gold coins up until 1933.

    So, why did they stop? The U.S. entered a financial crisis. Banks failed, and the U.S. economy started to fall fast. Americans no longer wanted unreliable paper or cheap-metal currencies -; in a time of economic insecurity, gold coins promised to retain their value. In response, the federal government decided to outlaw gold. Americans exchanged their gold coins with the federal government, where the Double Eagles were melted into gold bars. Those same gold bars still exist, in storage, at Fort Knox. A few straggling Double Eagle coins escaped the recall -; now, they fetch millions of dollars at auction.

    And they might soon become more valuable. The current financial crisis has once again made gold interesting to investors -; according to the New York Mint, gold is selling at unprecedented levels.

    For more information about gold coins or coin collecting, please contact the New York Mint at 800-642-9160 ext. 4390 or visit its Web site at www.newyorkmint.com.

    Ref: Collectors - in Blogs
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    Aric Feeney Aric_Feeney


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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Summer. The word itself sounds so relaxing and soothing to the senses. And nothing is more soothing in the summer than swimming.

    At the very least, there's certainly nothing more cooling or refreshing than a quick trip to the pool. Indeed, with the temperatures rising and vacations in high gear, it's prime time to take a trip to the beach or head to your favorite resort pool and enjoy one of America's favorite summer pastimes: swimming.

    To ensure your next trip to the pool is as relaxing and successful as ever, however, there are some essential items everybody should consider bringing. So, whether it's just a casual day of cooling off, a special summer pool party or family fun day, here's a to-do list that covers all pool partygoers.

    * First and foremost, lather up with suntan lotions. And then bring more in your tote bag so you can reapply after a round or two of swimming. There's nothing more frustrating when you settle in and realize you forgot your supplies and need to buy more.

    * Pack swimming gear. Regardless of whether you're going to the beach or pool, make sure you have goggles, noodles and other flotation devices. Your time in the water will never be more enjoyable.

    * Bring some snacks and drinks. After some rigorous swimming or leisurely baking in the sun, you're bound to build up an appetite or have a need to quench your thirst.

    * Don't forget your spittoon. Being at the pool in a bikini or trunks can leave one very exposed to say the least. If you're a smokeless tobacco user, there's even less opportunity to take a discreet "dip" while you're taking a dip in the pool.

    That is, unless you own a portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR. These new 4-ounce pocket-sized spittoons are brilliantly designed to allow users to easily open and close with just one hand, making them ideal items to bring to the pool or any other public setting so you can still enjoy your smokeless tobacco. Another advantage to the FLASR flask is its advanced closing mechanism that ensures it stays securely closed when not in use, eliminating the risk of any messy spills or leaks in the pool that come with those gaudy bottles or drink cups of old.

    For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - As we head into summer, it's important to find accessories that show off your style, while brightening up your wardrobe. Since summer brings an explosion of bold colors and vibrant patterns, this season's trends are no different.

    So pack away your dreary duds, your winter boots and clean out that closet to get yourself ready for some fun in the sun.

    Unsure of where to start? The following summer accessories are a must:

    * Slip into a dress. A slip dress is a simple, elegant base layer that can be dressed up with accessories and is a trend worth paying attention to. To get a high-fashion look, layer them with frilly undershirts and jumpers.

    * Fancy your footwear. If you're anything like Carrie Bradshaw, the best way to dress up an outfit is with a pair of wedge sandals. The right pair of wedges can glam up your look, make your legs look long, yet still allow you to move comfortably. If, however, you prefer shoes with little to no heel, you'll be happy to know that flat-flats are in (think ballet slippers and gladiator sandals.)

    * Go glam with glasses. Choosing eyewear that's not only stylish but functional can be difficult. Transitions lenses are great because they block 100 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays and are available in nearly all prescriptions. They also come in a variety of colors that complement your personal style and frame choice. With one pair of lenses, your eyes will feel comfortable indoors or out, in bright light, low light and everything in between.

    * Choose a hat. As important as it is to get some natural vitamin D, too much sun is bad for the skin. A floppy hat is a great accessory that lets you flaunt a style that fits your personality, get a little sun, but still protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

    * Grab a bag. A statement bag is the perfect way to enhance your look. When choosing the right purse for your outfit, think luxe fabrics, contrasting textures, and bright patterns. Pair with a great pair of glasses to pull off a celebrity look.

    For more information, please visit www.transitions.com.

    Ref: Fashion Women - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - It seems as if there's co-ops for just about everything these days - condos, farms, horses, and now yachts.

    Consider this: as with anything worth having, there are expenses and hassles associated with boat ownership that you may not even be aware of. But partial (fractional) ownership offers "all of the luxury and none of the hassle" according to the website of yacht co-op management company Saveene.

    It works like this: The more fractions you purchase, the more yacht usage you can experience. For example, a 10 percent purchase equals approximately four weeks of yachting time each year; 20 percent entitles you to eight weeks, and so on.

    For those who enjoy the periodical pleasure of luxury boating, fractional ownership is more cost-effective than sporadic charters, and has several other advantages:

    - Predictability. Saveene fractional owners hold equity in the yacht and have the option to sell their fraction any time they like. Purchase as many fractions as you want, up to 10 fractions per yacht. When you choose your dates, contact Saveene and they will schedule and prepare your yacht for your arrival.

    - Pampering. When you arrive at the marina, the yacht is clean, stocked, and safety-checked. Chart your course in advance, or allow your captain to create a memorable itinerary. Bring any food and beverages you choose, or Saveene yachts accommodate a chef or catering service.

    - Peace of mind. With fractional ownership, you avoid many headaches associated with owning a boat outright, including maintenance, repairs, storage, transportation, and insurance. Saveene handles the business transactions of purchasing and selling the fractions as well when the time comes.

    Saveene offers a range of options for yacht enthusiasts - a Sea Ray Sundancer for $19,995, a 36' Carver Mariner for a one-time fee of $ 39,995, a 64' Aicon for $89,980 or a combined usage of these for $69,985. All types are available at the same marina for viewing before making a purchase.

    Sea Ray Sundancer: This 34-foot cruiser is ideal for families, and easy to maneuver along intercoastal waterways for boating, snorkeling, and dining at dockside restaurants.

    Carver Mariner: This 37-foot boat features a fly bridge suited for parties, a home-size galley to accommodate larger food prep or catering, and a full entertainment center.

    Aicon: The 64-foot yacht includes four full-sized cabins plus crew quarters to handle an extended excursion. All cabins include their own facilities and TV/DVD setups, and the yacht includes a collection of water toys for kids of all ages.

    Want to go bigger? Saveene is also taking orders for an 85-foot Azimut yacht.

    Other benefits include the opportunity to check out Saveene yachts for a risk-free trial and the ability to write off your fractional purchase on your taxes.

    For more information about the benefits of yacht co-ownership, visit saveene.com.

    Ref: Boats - in Blogs
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    Rebecca Ebert Rebecca_Ebert


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