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Meeting Invitation
Meeting Invitation


    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Although it happened nearly 30 years ago, the story of Lorena Bobbitt and the domestic violence she endured still resonates today in the MeToo era. Lifetime kicks off Memorial Day with the Ripped from the Headlines feature premiere of "I Was Lorena Bobbitt" on Monday, May 25, at 8pm ET/PT.

    Lorena Bobbitt (now Lorena Gallo) serves as one of the executive producers on the film, as well as its narrator.

    The story follows her journey from a young and innocent immigrant bride to a victim of domestic violence. In 1993, after years of abuse at the hands of her husband, John Bobbitt, Lorena fought back, cutting off her husband's penis with a knife and becoming an unlikely international media sensation. The film follows her evolution into a strong and thoughtful woman who has devoted her life to advocating for abused women.

    "There are many reasons why I feel it's important to share my story now," Ms. Gallo says in an interview.

    "Lifetime gave me a platform and truly listened to my message about domestic violence, and I was actively involved in telling my story. I believe with the #MeToo movement and increased awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault that my message would be heard."

    The process of making the movie was very emotional, Ms. Gallo says.

    "With me being so young and an immigrant, new to the United States and to endure the type of abuse that I went through, along with the court case and the media frenzy that followed, it is a reminder of what I had to go through to help to become the person that I am today. The work that I do with the Lorena Gallo Foundation and other organizations is based upon my own experiences," she explains.

    "I Was Lorena Bobbitt" stars Dani Montalvo ("Dispatches from Elsewhere") and Luke Humphrey ("Tiny Pretty Things") as Lorena and John. Ms. Gallo spent time discussing her past with Ms. Montalvo to help her prepare for the role. "We learned a lot from one another and I'm grateful for our time together," Ms. Gallo says.

    The take-home message from the movie, according to Ms. Gallo, is "that domestic violence is real and doesn't discriminate. It can happen to anyone and there are definitely signs showing that someone is abused and it should be taken seriously and not overlooked."

    Ms. Gallo's advice to others who are dealing with abuse: "Never give up hope and be resilient."

    She emphasizes, "You are not alone and there are options and resources. Do not keep it to yourself. Contact family and friends and understand the resources available to you now, such as shelters, domestic violence hotlines and social service organizations. First responders and doctors are better trained to understand and deal with domestic violence-related problems." She adds, "Do not deal with the situation with the false hope that it will get better. Silence is not an option!"

    Domestic and sexual violence is on the rise with many stuck at home with their abusers because of Covid/stay-at-home orders, so this movie is more timely than ever to help women with resources. During the film, Lifetime will run a public service announcement for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence featuring the actors and Lorena Bobbitt, as part of Lifetime's public affairs campaign, Stop Violence Against Women.

    Visit mylifetime.com for more information about upcoming programs.

    Follow on social @LifetimeTV and using IwasLorenaBobbitt.

    Ref: Acting - in Blogs
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    Ava Roberts avaroberts
    Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else?

    Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.

    Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it.

    Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now.

    Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window.

    All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.



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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Sponsored News - It seems as if there is nothing a smartphone can't do these days. It can get you where you want to go (most of the time), you can make reservations at your favorite restaurant, and now you can use it to detect whether your home is leaking energy or water.

    Thermal imaging, a once-costly technology, available only to the military and police or firefighters, is now just a finger-swipe away with the right attachment to your smartphone, thanks to Seek Thermal, a California-based technology company.

    The way it works is this: the Seek Compact Camera (which is smaller than a credit card swiper for your phone) attaches to your smartphone, turning it into a thermal imager that can then identify hot and cold spots in your house. After downloading a free app, the camera begins working in seconds and homeowners can then easily spot energy loss in the home caused by air leaks, missing or damaged insulation, insufficient HVAC or poor construction. In addition, the thermal imaging camera can also find water in roofs, walls, doors, and window frames.

    According to one user who tested the Seek camera at the end of winter in his own home, the results were "stunning."

    "Within minutes, I was able to detect sources of heat leaking out of my house," he says. "Some of these places are easy to fix, while others would be quite difficult."

    For professional contractors, the Seek CompactPRO is a must-have because the camera has enough sensitivity to locate radiant heating pipes under concrete slabs, identify unsealed insulation gaps in roofs, walls, and door and window frames, and find out how far water has spread in the case of a leak.

    Thinking of buying a home? This little jewel could save you all kinds of unexpected surprises in the form of water leaks in the basement and behind finished walls, and roof leaks that may have been painted over by a homeowner trying to disguise a problem.

    To protect your investment (both the camera and your phone), the Seek Compact has a compatible module for the OtterBox uniVERSE Case System.

    The smartphone attachment is designed to work with both iPhone and Android top models.

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

    Ref: Awesome - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly turned the "new normal" household into hubs for all daily activities, Summer 2020 now means moving parents' offices, kid's camps, vacation destinations, and virtually everything under one roof.

    Although this dynamic could forge family bonds, it can also ignite the already heated stresses and struggles facing many Americans during this difficult time - making optimal home climate control a critical key to keeping their cool as temperatures heat up this season.

    Recent studies show how our increased togetherness can significantly disrupt domestic bliss. In fact, research suggests that people forced to live in quarantine conditions face a greater risk of anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, insomnia and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

    And, despite feeling close to their children during the pandemic, 61percent of parents say they have shouted, yelled, or screamed at them at least once over the past two weeks, according to a University of Michigan study. Further, married and engaged couples in quarantine are fighting more, with only 18 percent of surveyed couples reporting satisfaction in communication with their partner, according to a survey conducted by the publication, "The Knot and app Lasting."

    When temperatures - and tempers - rise, a dreaded "Family Thermostat War" can ensue. Following are some useful tips to help you save money on utility bills and keep your family cool.

    With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use and air conditioner energy expenses costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year, small steps can go a long way.

    * Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University's Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.

    * Get "Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create "smart" systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.

    * Voice Your Preference: Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.

    * Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned, ducted, or ductless system. That will allow you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don't spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as you're not only needing less cooling, but you also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use.

    * Try Low-tech Fixes: Simple changes can have a big impact. Try to use heat-producing appliances - stoves, irons and dryers at night or early morning. Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs - which consume 90 percent more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. And check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.

    Achieving a sense of peaceful co-existence in your increasingly crowded, multi-functional home does not need to make your family members hot under the collar. If a new system is right for you, many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government. To learn more or find a contractor near you, call 888-888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com.

    Ref: Furnitures - in Blogs
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    Aric Feeney Aric_Feeney


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    Tiya Sowell tiya1969
    Morning with the Master

    Hey sisters and brothers! Welcome to my weekly devotional where we can share prayers, scriptures and reflection.

    When reading this morning, I came across the story of Athaliah, the first female crowned king who, when her husband and sons died, killed off the rest of her family line (her grandkids) so that she would be the only person left in her lineage and could rule until her death. I don't know about you, but there is nothing more important than my family--and the grandkids are extra special and precious to my very sight! To have that much greed and desire to have not only everyone answer to you, but also be the sole decision maker is completely out of bounds, and extremely ambitious.

    As a Christian woman, I don't want to be the only face that people seek for approval, answers and permission. That is too much weight for any one person to bear and its just unnatural. Who can you love? Who can love you?

    The divine God created the world and everything in it. Can any man or woman follow that? Not one! Can any man or woman have the right answer to EVERY question or concern? Not one! Can any man or woman create a permanent route for peace and understanding? Not one!

    There is a reason we cannot see or touch God. Because we might do like Athaliah and try to eliminate the almighty because of greed and idolatry. He oversees and has the end say to everything we do. That is a safety I can count on if I cannot rely on anything else in this world.

    Let me know your thoughts. Let's talk about it.

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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - It's no secret that shopping for holiday gifts can be overwhelming.

    The answer to alleviating the stress of thoughtful gift giving comes in a cardboard box.

    Seriously.

    Subscription box services are popular options for a "gift that keeps on giving," providing a personalized experience delivered safely every month.

    In fact, in a survey conducted by the Paper and Packaging Board from August 2015 to November 2016, 82 percent of those surveyed agreed that they could rely on corrugated cardboard boxes to get their merchandise shipped and delivered safely. And 60 percent feel that products that come in paper-packaging tend to feel more premium.

    Innovations in box and packaging design allow these boxes to delight well past delivery with extended use and upcycling options.

    Find the perfect gift for your loved one this season with one of these favorites:

    * KiwiCo (Kiwico.com):

    For the Kid Who Is Going to Run the World.

    KiwiCo develops monthly STEAM educational hands-on projects and activities to spark curiosity and creativity in kids aged 0-16+.

    Each eco-friendly corrugated box is filled with interactive projects to fit a child's respective age group. As your child or loved one grows, so do the boxes!

    * Loot Crate (LootCrate.com): For the Pop-Culture Obsessed.

    Loot Crate is a pop culture- themed subscription box featuring a changing monthly theme that covers all fandoms.

    These corrugated boxes hit every interest from video games to television and movies. Loot Crate offers an additional perk - the box is part of the monthly theme itself, which is to say, the box transforms into a "bonus" gift with some simple cuts and folds. You have to see it to believe it.

    * Graze (Graze.com) - For the Foodie.

    Graze is a subscription box that uses high-quality, nutritionist- approved ingredients to provide wholesome snacks. Graze uses responsibly resourced paper-based packaging to ensure that its products are safe and fresh for consumption.

    Foodies can subscribe for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly deliveries of personalized Graze boxes based on their custom-snack profile.

    *KitNipBox (KitNipBox.com): For the Cat Lover.

    KitNipBox is uniquely themed so cats (and their humans!) have something fresh, fun and new to look forward to each month. The design of the box, which can be recycled, is specifically made to fit 95 percent of cats, so they can play with the box and fit inside of it.

    Additionally, KitNipBox uses specially designed crinkling tissue paper in the boxes, so that the unwrapping experience is even more special for cats and their owners.

    * Cratejoy (Cratejoy.com):

    For Everyone.

    Cratejoy is the world's premier subscription box website, providing a global marketplace of products.

    Cratejoy offers a vast selection of uniquely crafted corrugated boxes suited to virtually any hobby, interest or taste.

    Gifting a subscription box service is an easy yet thoughtful option for anyone on your shopping list! Unbox an experience that will last long past this holiday season. Find out more by visiting HowLifeUnfolds.com

    Click here to view video.

    Ref: Giveaways - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Americans may read thrillers and watch adventure movies, but their days aren't exactly fueled by pure adrenaline. They work, drive the kids to soccer practice, eat dinner, watch HBO -- but those with a handheld GPS can satisfy their thirst for adventure through modern day treasure hunts, or geocaching.

    Geocaching is a global treasure-hunting game. Someone hides an item, uses a GPS to determine its coordinates, and then posts the information online. Geocache-seekers then use their own GPS units to track down the geocache, usually a box or a small item and a logbook.

    The game sounds deceptively simple. While geocachers know the items' coordinates, reaching them might require a workout -- some locations require hiking and climbing, for example. Also, GPS units only take geocachers within 10 to 15 feet of the geocache, which is hidden to avoid accidental discovery by "Muggles" -; those uninitiated in the ways of geocaching.

    Geocaching.com, the largest Web site for geocachers to announce new geocaches and log their successes, lists over 1,000,000 geocaches in over 200 countries.

    The game has become so popular that GPS manufacturers are starting to design handheld GPS units specifically for geocaching. For example, the Magellan eXplorist GC (www.magellangps.com) includes a seamless connection to geocaching.com, a sunlight-readable color screen and a simple user interface to make geocaching a breeze. The unit is waterproof and comes pre-loaded with the coordinates of the most popular geocaches in the world. The GPS chipset promises 3-meter accuracy.

    Of course, the eXplorist GC also comes with standard outdoor features, including waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, active tracking and a trip odometer.

    When geocachers find a geocache, they write their name in the logbook or exchange one of the items in the cache for one of equal value. Then they put the cache back in its original location, so other treasure-seekers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and, perhaps, discover a place previously unknown to them.

    For more information about the eXplorist GC, visit www.magellangps.com/eXploristGC/.

    Ref: Hiking - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Fans of wholesome television have a double treat in store, as the UPtv network launches its new series, "Design Twins," on Valentine's Day.

    The reality series makes its debut at 8 pm Eastern time (ET) on February 14, and features twin sisters, Heidi and Heather, who team up to start an interior design business aimed at providing families with creative, beautiful and functional spaces. To get the new venture off the ground, the twins move their families in together to save money and increase efficiency.

    Viewers can empathize with their challenges as the twins, together with their husbands and a total of seven children under the age of 6, work to nurture both their families and their growing business, aptly named "Joyful Living."

    The Atlanta, Georgia-based UPtv makes it a full night of love for Valentine's Day this season by also airing the much-anticipated wedding of Josie Bates and Kelton Balka at 9 pm ET on the popular series, "Bringing Up Bates," following the premiere of "Design Twins."

    The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.

    "At UPtv, we celebrate family and life's biggest moments," says Amy Winter, general manager and evp. "We are excited to add 'Design Twins' to our Thursday night lineup as we continue to bring viewers uplifting and inspiring stories."

    Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, but the network keeps heartwarming stories upfront year-round with new episodes of UPtv's hit series on Thursday nights, movie premieres on the weekend and fan-favorite acquired series throughout the week.

    UPtv continues the themes of love and family in 2019 with UP Faith & Family. The streaming service offers a variety of commercial-free, faith- and family-friendly entertainment anytime, anywhere. UP Faith & Family offers endless hours of movies, drama series and kids' programming. It's also the exclusive home for past seasons of UPtv originals.

    In February, UP Faith & Family will be adding the wedding-themed reality series, "Our Wedding Story," and "Crazy Beautiful Weddings," as well as other romance-themed programs, including the movies, "Bridal Bootcamp" and "Love's Last Resort." New titles are added monthly.

    Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.

    For more information about UPtv, go to UPtv.com or check for updates on Facebook at facebook.com/Uptv, Twitter on @Uptv and Instagram at UP_TV.

    Ref: Humor - in Blogs
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