(NewsUSA) - Later this month, the nation's largest-ever celebration of educational opportunity will kick off. During National School Choice Week (Jan 26-Feb 1), 50,000 events and activities around the nation will raise awareness about K-12 education choices.<br /> <br /> The real impact of school choice is what gives the Week such energy. A learning environment can change a life, sometimes unexpectedly. Remember the Dr. Seuss story featuring a character who, until he actually tries it, insists a dish of green eggs and ham is not for him? As President of National School Choice Week, I have the joy each month of hearing students, parents, and educators around the country share their own "green eggs and ham" moments.<br /> <br /> A teacher who was ready to leave the education field - until she overcame her skepticism about teaching in a virtual school. A mom who never dreamed she'd homeschool - until her son's medical needs led her to discover its benefits. A student who felt out of place in his previous school, but is now happy and thriving in a different traditional public school.<br /> <br /> That's the power of school choice. All children learn differently and families' needs vary. In the midst of healthy differences and human change, choice empowers families to access the learning environments that work for them now.<br /> <br /> School choice recognizes that parents are best positioned to know their child's passion for botany, reading struggles, or penchant for drawing quirky cartoons. And those same parents are best qualified to choose their children's learning environments.<br /> <br /> National School Choice Week celebrates traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, online, and home education. We celebrate and support families, too, whichever type of school they choose. That's because when families and schools bring their gifts together, students succeed.<br /> <br /> All children deserve to close their school books at the end of each week inspired and equipped to give back. So, if you love your school, celebrate it during School Choice Week! If you're searching for a school, be willing to try something new to find the right fit. You might have a green-eggs- and-ham moment, when your child's frustration with learning turns into an excited "I do love it!"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Most of us can't imagine life without Internet service at home. We use it every day for news and entertainment, as well as to research healthcare options for our families; to connect with friends and family; to search and apply for jobs, scholarships, or schools; or to shop and save time.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, many low-income households in this country aren't connected and they're missing out on the life-changing resources the Internet has to offer.<br /> <br /> According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, 81 percent of U.S. households have broadband Internet access, but only 63 percent of those with annual incomes of less than $35,000 do.<br /> <br /> For the past seven years, Comcast has been on a mission to do something about this so-called "digital divide" through its acclaimed Internet Essentials program, which has become the largest broadband adoption program for low-income families across the U.S.<br /> <br /> The program has had an enormous impact on families and their children and, since its inception, more than six million low-income Americans have been connected.<br /> <br /> To put that in perspective, six million people is larger than the populations of each city in America except New York City. While the numbers can be numbing, the individuals who have benefitted all have their own stories to tell.<br /> <br /> "Low-income people face problems when it comes to accessing technology and a lot of people are left behind," says Pam Ogglesby, an Internet Essentials customer.<br /> <br /> "I signed up for the program and I now see what I was missing. I feel connected now and it's all because of Internet Essentials. I think this is going to change my life drastically. I intend to use the Internet to learn new things."<br /> <br /> In the beginning, Internet Essentials was offered to low-income families with children eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Eligibility has also been extended to low-income seniors in more than a dozen markets, as well as to those households receiving HUD-housing assistance, which includes HUD's Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Multifamily programs.<br /> <br /> This year, the company is expanding eligibility again to low-income veterans living within the Comcast service area. About a third of the veterans in the U.S. do not have Internet access at home, and only about 60 percent even own a computer, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, creating a need for better options for the veteran community. As a result, more than one million veterans across Comcast's footprint are estimated to be eligible.<br /> <br /> Comcast's Internet Essentials program works with community partners to break down the main barriers to Internet access - lack of affordable service; lack of a computer or other device; and lack of digital training by providing high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150, and free digital literacy training in print, in person, and online.<br /> <br /> To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com/apply, or call 1-855-846-8376. For Spanish-only speakers: call 1-855-765-6995.<br /> <br /> Ref: Courses - in Blogs

(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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Dr. Dhoot has self-published the growing Tinker Toddler series of STEM books aimed at young children, including Machine Learning for Babies & Toddlers.<br /> <br /> "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."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "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."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "I have the freedom to spend more time with my family, while pursuing my passion on my own terms with KDP."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> For those parents who are toying with self-publishing, but still have questions, consider this:<br /> <br /> * KDP lets authors set their own prices and retain all rights to their work.<br /> <br /> * 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.<br /> <br /> * You can publish Kindle eBooks and paperbacks in multiple languages.<br /> <br /> Visit kdp.amazon.com for more information about Kindle Direct Publishing.<br /> <br /> Ref: Encouraging - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Preparing to pop the question this Valentine's Day, but unsure how to choose the right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick!<br /> <br /> While choosing an engagement ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you in finding the ideal diamond engagement ring. <br /> <br /> Set your price limit.<br /> <br /> Before you start shopping, know how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones. <br /> <br /> Learn the "4 C's" of diamonds.<br /> <br /> These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here's the translation: <br /> <br /> Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.<br /> <br /> Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow.<br /> <br /> Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone.<br /> <br /> Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size. <br /> <br /> Consider shape.<br /> <br /> The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald.<br /> <br /> Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight. <br /> <br /> Choose a setting.<br /> <br /> Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa.<br /> <br /> However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it's important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting.<br /> <br /> Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods. <br /> <br /> Contemplate your center stone.<br /> <br /> When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budget-friendly options.<br /> <br /> In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds.<br /> <br /> While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive.<br /> <br /> Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance.<br /> <br /> Ref: Dating - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Beauty, like health, goes beyond the visible surface. While many of us manage our wellness via diet, exercise and check-ups, we don't apply the same 360-degree approach to our beauty regimen. It's possibly due to lack of viable options.<br /> <br /> Neauvia International Group recognizes this incongruity and aims to transform the way we practice beauty and solve skin care challenges by extending its premium energy-based devices into the United States.<br /> <br /> In the hands of trained medical aesthetics professionals, Neauvia devices leverage sophisticated technology such as thermo-lifting and water peeling to deeply target your areas of concern. With years in the global skin care market, Neauvia's approach pairs this advanced technology with specially formulated skin care for remarkable results.<br /> <br /> "Over a decade of Neauvia's international skin care success has taught us that a single product does not meet the overall demands of and desired outcomes for patients or providers," says Sean Wilson, President of newly launched Neauvia North America. Best-in-class treatments do, however. They also require training and certification. So, take time to research your local plastic surgeons, dermatologists, aestheticians and med spas because they offer you access to these revolutionary non-invasive treatments that are not available for home use, and to professionals qualified to use them. They'll work with you to customize an optimal treatment plan to achieve your desired results.<br /> <br /> Often, using multiple technologies per session yields a marked difference. The Zaffiro treatment combines thermo-lift technology with the gentle exfoliation of water-resurfacing and specific solutions for your skin type and desired results. It delivers lifted, tightened and hydrated skin with less visible lines and wrinkles.<br /> <br /> Energy-based devices strengthen and surpass home treatments. Let's say you love the fresh feeling and smooth, even texture of your skin after you do an at-home face scrub. Try adding a water-peeling facial like the Zaffiro treatment once a month for more deeply cleansed and revitalized skin.<br /> <br /> Treatments can rejuvenate beyond your face and neck. Zaffiro's thermo-lift technology gradually heats the deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and prompting lifting and tightening effects. It can be applied to tighten the décolleté and upper arm skin, give the tummy and derriere a firm appearance and even help tighten up post-pregnancy belly skin.<br /> <br /> Innovative energy-based devices can yield beautiful effects by working with the body's natural functions in a way that is safe, reliable, and non-invasive. They're less costly and require little to no downtime. This makes them an excellent way to fine tune your appearance and delay signs of aging without a lengthy recovery time. In fact, many of these innovative treatments provide results when done over a lunch hour! Dr. Joshua Weitz, MD, CEO of Dermatology Associates of Rochester sees them growing in appeal and use. "The non-invasive market is the future, and I anticipate Neauvia will be a guiding light in providing exceptional solutions," Weitz says.<br /> <br /> A well-rounded skin routine ensures that your actions - daily, monthly, over time - compound for outstanding outcomes. Incorporating treatments using Neauvia energy-based devices is simple yet addresses the complexity of your skin and helps attain your best overall skin health and appearance.<br /> <br /> Ref: US - News

(NewsUSA) - Every holiday season has its hot tech item -; from smartwatches to game consoles and now to folding drones.<br /> <br /> Drones can give you the bird's-eye view that makes any video look engaging and exciting, mostly because that perspective hasn't been possible until drones came about. One of the biggest problems people have had with drones is that they are typically so difficult to carry around and take on adventures.<br /> <br /> Cue the folding drone, first launched by GDU in 2015 and recently copied by DJI and GoPro. This design lets anyone take a drone along in a backpack or small bag -- portability solved!<br /> <br /> But does a folding drone answer all the problems with drones today? Not quite. If you only plan to use a drone for a quick video or two, the DJI Mavic might be a decent choice for the holidays. But if you plan on using the drone for different photography and videography projects, or if you simply enjoy flying a drone, you'll want to look for something that has a lot more power and the ability to change out gimbals and cameras.<br /> <br /> Enter the GDU Premium Byrd -- the first and only drone that has a folding design, a high-end 4K camera, the ability to swap out cameras and even carry DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for a true "future proofing" ability. They call this the Universal Flying Platform. And with GoPro recalling their Karma, the Byrd is the only folding drone that also works with a GoPro.<br /> <br /> "All consumer-level drones are developed for only one camera, but not the Byrd. GDU will continue to create new gimbal packages to keep the Byrd "future proofed." They simply don't want people to have to buy a new drone to use a new camera you might buy: that's the philosophy behind the 'flying platform' approach," states Nicolia Wiles, GDU Director of Digital. "You shouldn't have to keep buying $1K drones you don't need just to use a different camera. When you buy a GDU Byrd, you only invest in a drone once, and can save your money for buying cameras you want to try. No other consumer drone manufacturer offers this."<br /> <br /> The Premium Byrd provides for 29 minutes of flight time, with a guaranteed 1000-meter video downlink system included in the shipped model (no additional downlink technology needed) and also offers a more advanced OFDM system, compared to WiFi transmission in the Standard model. The Price of the Premium Byrd model is $999.00. Dealer information can be found here: <a target='_blank' href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Crazy - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Today most homeowners want to do right by the environment while also caring for the health and wellness of their own families. But they don't always know what measures they can take with the design, construction, and furnishing of their houses to achieve eco-friendly, health-enhancing results.<br /> <br /> "Many responsible consumers are uncertain what a 'sustainable' product or material is," notes Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com.<br /> <br /> "It simply means the particular resource is self-replenishing - something we can use freely now without fear that its supply will run out in the future. Since American hardwood forests renew themselves almost twice as fast as they are harvested, the U.S. supply of hardwoods for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and millwork is sustainable now and for generations to come."<br /> <br /> As well as being plentiful and sustainable, American hardwood is carbon neutral: Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and break it down into oxygen, which is returned to the air, and carbon, which is used to create roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. In short, the use of natural American hardwoods throughout a house helps with the long-term removal of carbon from the environment.<br /> <br /> Hardwood can also benefit a household's general well-being.<br /> <br /> When artist Hadley Williams renovated her family home in California's Bay Area, she asked the makeover team - designer Sherry Williamson, architect Andrew Mann, and builder Michael McCutcheon - for a clean-lined, ultra-eco-friendly residence. They wrapped all the floors, ceilings, walls, and casework in the gutted interiors with plain-sawn American white oak, achieving a beautiful balance among aesthetics, sustainability, and healthfulness.<br /> <br /> Since the latter was a priority, each and every building product used was screened for a comprehensive list of more than 900 chemicals of concern. Using solid timber helped avoid the unhealthy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in laminate glues. Thanks to those efforts, the house has been certified LEED Platinum - the U.S. Green Building Council's highest ranking.<br /> <br /> Architect Stephanie Horowitz of Boston-based ZeroEnergy Design is another expert at creating contemporary, environmentally sensitive, family-friendly homes.<br /> <br /> "We regularly specify domestic, sustainably harvested hardwood floors," she says.<br /> <br /> "When paired with a non-VOC finish, a hardwood floor helps maintain healthy indoor-air quality while allowing us to support local business and overall environmental health."<br /> <br /> Such was the case with a house she recently designed for a client who wanted an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment in a traditional neighborhood. By installing quarter-sawn white-oak floors, and selecting other durable materials and finishes with low or no VOCs and no added urea formaldehyde, Horowitz was able to achieve LEED-platinum certification for the house and, more importantly, ensure that its inhabitants can breathe easy.<br /> <br /> Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about sustainability and healthfulness in relation to home applications and products using American hardwoods.<br /> <br /> Ref: Decoration - in Blogs