(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: Construction - in Blogs

(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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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."<br /> <br /> 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."<br /> <br /> The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.<br /> <br /> "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."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Ref: Humor - in Blogs

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(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) - When business giants Target, Home Depot and Sony got hacked, and personal information was compromised, data security, once again, became a hot topic and household word.<br /> <br /> Sure, you know you need to do more to shield your identity, but let's face it, you can only do so much to protect yourself, and even that is reliant on other people or companies. Unfortunately, these same entities can clearly be careless.<br /> <br /> When people aren't careful, the Internet can become a playground for criminal activity. Whether you're checking your email, banking information or doing some online shopping, you have already put yourself at risk of having your identity stolen.<br /> <br /> Criminals have developed several ways to obtain personal data from innocent Internet users. According to the United States Department of Justice, cyber criminals can take over an individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes. Criminals like to make fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts because victims usually don't become aware of the criminal activity until substantial and irreversible damage has already been done.<br /> <br /> Enter Gabriel, a set of secure communication apps derived from a U.S. Department of Defense project and created by VirnetX, an Internet security software and technology company.<br /> <br /> Gabriel transmits information using automatic virtual private networks with military-grade encryption. Think Cryptograms.<br /> <br /> "Gabriel has been designed and built with personal privacy and security as a foundational principle," says Dr. Robert Short, VirnetX Chief Technical Officer and Chief Scientist. "As a result, Gabriel provides uncompromising data security? users do not have to transmit data to, or store data with, any third party, including VirnetX. Users can therefore rest easy that their data is stored only on their devices."<br /> <br /> Other benefits from using Gabriel include:<br /> <br /> * Making free voice or video calls or sending instant messages to other Gabriel members in your network.<br /> <br /> * Receiving spamless e-mail.<br /> <br /> * Allowing for person-to-person messages that disappear once the session has ended.<br /> <br /> * Sharing pictures or files with other trusted Gabriel users in your network directly from your personal device.<br /> <br /> All of the above is done with other members of your network with the assurance that the transmissions are secured with end-to-end encryption.<br /> <br /> Simply put, Gabriel makes your online communications invisible. Think of it this way: if the bad guys can't see you, they can't attack you.<br /> <br /> Gabriel is free to try. For more information, please visit www.gabrielsecure.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Computers - in Blogs

With a nation surrounded by bodies of water and made up of over 700 individual islands, the Bahamas make up the vast majority of the Caribbean. Plus, with a vast array of attractive beaches and crystal clear shorelines, you will surely be able to soak in the sun. Besides the splendor of the beaches, there are many other sights that are only available in the Bahamas. You will also love that the locals have some level of English so asking for directions will be no problem.<br /><br />What's more is that you will find an array of activities available to enjoy. The activities available make the Bahamas a perfect vacation spot for couples, families, or individuals looking to get away for a while. For the adventurer, seeking an adventure in the Bahamas will provide more than what you expect. Plus, with reasonable prices, a Bahamian vacation won't break the bank. As far as prices are concerned, let's take a look at how much it would cost to go on a family vacation to the Bahamas.<br /><br />Price for a Family Vacation to the Bahamas<br /><br />Just like any other vacation, a trip to the Bahamas involves many things that affect the overall price such as the amount of time being spent in the Bahamas, hotel accommodations, where you are flying from, number of family members, and entertainment expenses. It is also important that you have a bit more spending money for unexpected expenses.<br /><br />As you search around online, you may come across several travel sites offering different prices for a Bahama vacation. On average, the price could range from $900 to $950 for a single person. This is not bad when you are staying for at least 3 nights. The price may include your plane tickets, complimentary breakfasts, and hotel charges. You need to keep in mind that a low price such as this may require the departing flight to be from Florida since the route will be shorter than any other state.<br /><br />Essentially, all of the costs you experience will be determined by where you fly out from and your length of stay. <br /><br />If you plan to be traveling as a family or a group of friends, you may experience an even lower price, which could be based on a group rate. All you have to do is choose which group rate will provide the most benefits. You may also want to keep an eye on the prices as they may often change.<br /><br />Cost for a Flight<br /><br />Booking a flight to the Bahamas is not necessarily expensive. Of course, the price may depend on the month you plan to go. For fall flights, you may pay hundreds less than a flight in the summer, which is normal when many are traveling. <br /><br />Bahama Activities To Enjoy<br /><br />The good part about having activities to do is that they all may not cost much or may even be free, such as being on the beach sunbathing. Besides the beach, other fun activities include tours and even snorkeling or parasailing. <br /><br />You need to be aware that the price for activities may increase, which may be caused by their ability to provide some great excitement. Below are a few of the activities you can expect to enjoy while vacationing in the Bahamas.<br /><br />Taking a Dive in the Lucayan National Park Caves<br /><br />With more than 40 acres of caves, the Lucayan National Park provides cave swimming for those who enjoy underwater exploration. Located on Grand Bahama Island, the Lucayan National Park is a prized location for those who love ecology. Prior to your dive, you can enjoy a nice horseback ride or hike among the hardwood forest, the coppice landscaping, and even the mangroves.<br /><br />Visit the Straw Market for Souvenir Shopping<br /><br />If you are good at bartering, then the Straw Market is a good place to get some souvenirs at a low price. The Straw Market can be found on Bay Street. While there you will come across different vendors selling various items to take back home and enjoy.<br /><br />Not only is it acceptable to barter and haggle, but the locals encourage it. No matter what day you feel like going to Straw Market, it will always be open until 8pm. <br /><br />Tackle the Atlantis Paradise Island Waterpark<br /><br />As you enter the waterpark, you will be amazed at what Aquaventure has to offer. As part of the fun, there are over 140 acres of slides, pools, and rivers that are set among a landscape of Atlantis ruins. If you are a resort guest, then you will have free access to the park. If you want to enjoy a day at Aquaventure, then a day pass is easily obtainable.<br /><br />Enjoy Cabbage Beach<br /><br />As you continue to explore Paradise Island, you should make your way to the east side to enjoy the clear waters of Cabbage Beach. With two miles worth of beach Cabbage Beach is able to provide nice swimming in clear water. <br /><br />While you're walking the beach, check out the huts along the beach. You will see a masseuse waiting to provide a relaxing massage as the waves crash nearby.<br /><br />Explore the Pink Sand of Pink Sands Beach<br /><br />That's right, the sand of Pink Sand Beach is truly pink in color. This pink is due to the insects containing the pink color in their shells.<br /><br />The sand remains pink because of the crushing waves that hit the shells. The waves then mix the sand with the remains, which creates the pink sand. Your feet will also love the sand, which is nice and cool and is perfect for beach walks or soaking up the sun.<br /><br />Order a Chilly Daq Shack Beverage<br /><br />While taking in the sun and beach, nothing else is better than enjoying a nice chilly beverage while doing it. At the Daq Shack, you will enjoy a wooden hut with open-air that will provide you with the best rum and freshest fruits to create your favorite drinks. <br /><br />With many trying to be as authentic as the original Daq Shack, you will be at the original when you goto Cable Beach. The original Daq Shack can be pinpointed by the huge amount of business cards strung throughout the establishment.<br /><br />Enjoy a Bite to Eat at Graycliff Hotel<br /><br />Who knew you would be among pirates as you dine at Graycliff Hotel. With its rich history, Graycliff has managed to cater many for more than 250 years in the Bahamas.<br /><br />Although Graycliff is popular for the cigars, the hotel mansion also boasts a tremendous cellar for various wines and of course, a restaurant worthy of five stars. The food is beyond rich but with a traditional Bahamian flair. With that, you will need to make reservations early, sometimes months in advance, so if you plan a future vacation to the Bahamas, it is best to reserve now.<br /><br />Enjoy a Fish Fry Conch<br /><br />Once you have enjoyed a nice frozen beverage at the Daq Shack, head over to Fish Fry for a nice conch. Although this dish is the unofficial island favorite, its popularity is beyond proportion. A multitude of vendors are lined up to provide their take on conch as well as rice and plantains.<br /><br />Although you can enjoy the Fish Fry any day of the week, Friday and Saturday boast the most fun with an atmosphere filled with rum and music lasting throughout the night.<br /><br />Enjoy Spectating Cricket Matches<br /><br />Head over to the Cricket Club to enjoy some tasty food and beverages while watching some cricket matches. For the best views, you are best to sit above in the balcony and enjoy the pitch from above. The seating above is great for enjoying a cold beverage as the cool breeze helps you to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings.<br /><br />Head Over to John Watling for some Rum Sampling<br /><br />By adding some rum, you´ll enjoy a true Bahama experience that John Watling can provide. With over 20 years of rum production, the distillery filters the rum with coconut and does a good job at it. John Watling sits comfortably on the Buena Vista Estate and boasts two acres of lushness. Access to John Watling distillery is 7 days a week and tastings and tours are also available. Before you leave, make sure to grab their estate cocktails, which are available in half gallon size.<br /><br />Test the Stacks at Baha Mar Casino<br /><br />With a lot of naturalness surrounding your family vacation, it is nice to escape the family to enjoy some gambling with other adults. With some extra glitz available in Nassau, you can try a hand of cards at the Baha Mar Casino. With a few resorts to spend the night, the Baha Mar Casino connects each property to the others and is highly known as the Caribbean's biggest casino. Make sure to have a drink ready to calm the nerves before hitting the casino floor to face the 110+ tables and more than enough slots that will keep you occupied for the entire night. <br /><br />Go Diving in Thunderball Grotto<br /><br />Going for a dive just got better as you explore Thunderball Grotto. While in the cave, you will recognize it from a James Bond movie. You will find it near Staniel Cay, and enjoying the pool is a great way to relax and explore while also transporting yurself back to the days of espionage.<br /><br />Head to Sandy Toes for some Snorkeling <br /><br />Located 30 minutes by boat, you can head to Rose Island to relax at Sandy Toes and enjoy a fresh beverage at its beach bar. At the shoreline of the island, it provides great seclusion that only a tropical island can offer. While you are there yu can head out for some snorkreling or go out running with the pigs that inhabit the island. <br /><br />When you are finished with that, enjoy a nice beverage in a hammock to relax the rest of the day.<br /><br />Head to Andros for some Barrier Reef Snorkeling<br /><br />If you have fins and mask, then you will love getting to use them at Andros along the barrier reef. As one of the largest islands in the world, you will enjoy seeing what marine life await you in the Caribbean. Often referred to as the Big Yard, you will find it mostly uninhabited. This allows the island to remain quiet and tranquil. <br /><br />Besides the reef, you will enjoy the vast amount of shipwrecks, blue tangs, scorpionfish, and parrotfish.<br /><br />Bahama Seasons<br /><br />The seasons in the Bahamas have a high season that starts in December and ends in April and the “winter” is a tropical warm climate. Regardless, many continue to visit regardless of the season and hurricane season does not seem to deter the visitors. To get the most out of your vacation, it is best to avoid the season of Spring Break, which begins in March and ends in April. By avoiding the Spring Break, your family can enjoy what the island has to offer without worrying about drunk college kids.<br /><br />Extra Expenses You Can Expect<br /><br />Besides the prices for all of the activities you enjoy, you will need to account for the expenses that will be added on top. We are sure that you do not want to just stay in your hotel for the entire time your family is vacationing. <br /><br />Knowing that, you also need to know about some other expenses that you may see every day that you remain in the Bahamas. While some may be on top of what you will be paying, some may be added to the overall price you pay. Keep in mind that the prices for each are considered average.<br /><br />Your Accommodations<br /><br />Many of your accommodations will be covered after you book your family vacation. But you may want to stay in other hotels as you explore the Bahamas. On average, you can expect to pay a daily rate of $65 for a night. Of course, if you need more space, then you will be paying more so do some research prior to booking. <br /><br />Dining Expenses<br /><br />Having a hotel that serves a free breakfast will save you some money each day you stay there. Luckily, most of the sites that will book your stay include hotels that provide a free continental breakfast. This will provide you with some extras spending money to enjoy other food outside of the hotel. <br /><br />When you have a daily budget of around $40, you will easily enjoy the variety of food options available to you. This is great when the majority of the cuisine will be seafood-based. You should be ready for any dish, but in case you need some pointers on what to try, we've listed a few of the most popular that you will enjoy for less than your budget amount.<br /><br />Conch - This dish is nationally known and favored by many in the Bahamas. As a mollusk, the seafood is breaded and fried and served along with lemons. No matter where you adventure off to, you will likely see it in every restaurant you visit. A lot of times it is listed as an appetizer, however you may combine it as a main dish.<br /><br />Boiled Fish with Grits - This Bahamian dish is served frequently during breakfast. The fish is cooked in a spice broth made up of peppers and onions along with lime juice. A nice serving of grits is then served alongside it. <br /><br />Fish Stew - This healthy stew will be found throughout every restaurant regardless of where you are in the country. It combines celery, tomatoes, onions, spices, and of course fish.<br /><br />Getting Around<br /><br />Getting around by taxi or bus may cost around $20 each day. With water taxis, you could be paying as much as $35 per day.<br /><br />Separate Entertainment<br /><br />Enjoying a nightlife without the kids can offer nice alone time with your spouse. If you are a night person then going to various bars can put you back $25 for a night of fun. You may also be tipping so throw in a few more dollars for that. <br /><br />Ocean Excitement<br /><br />Being surrounded by the ocean means you have many opportunities to enjoy the activities that go along with it. You can enjoy kayaking for 4 hours for $65, pay $70 for snorkeling trips, or pay $45 to enjoy a jet ski. For a parasailing adventure, you can expect to pay close to $245 for a group of three.<br /><br />Don´t Forget your Souvenirs<br /><br />With photos and videos making up the majority of your souvenirs, it is also good to have an item that you purchase from within the Bahamas. With a souvenir being displayed in the house, others can easily ask about it and you can recall the moment you purchased it. On average, the amount you spend may be less than $3.<br /><br />So What is the Total Cost<br /><br />Taking everything into consideration and including the extras after your ticket and accommodations, you may be easily spending between $1,500 and $2,000 for your families entire vacation. This is not bad considering all that the Bahamas has to offer its visitors.<br />

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(NewsUSA) - "To shave strokes from your golf game, the only equipment you need is a good eraser."<br /> <br /> Although this phrase is uttered jokingly by many golfers, recreational golfers who've reached their plateau have had very few other options, until now.<br /> <br /> "If recreational golfers insist on following the rules used by the PGA Tour, there's little they can do to immediately improve their game," says John Hoeflich, executive director, of the United States Recreational Golf Association (USRGA). "However, if they play by USRGA rules, they do have the option to switch to better equipment."<br /> <br /> The USRGA is the official organization that governs recreational golf. Its rules allow the use of higher-performance golf equipment. Hoeflich estimates that more than half of U.S. golfers agree with the USRGA rules that permit equipment that "puts fun back in the game, speeds up play and helps achieve better scores."<br /> <br /> Callaway Golf started the recreational equipment movement in 2000 with the ERC II driver. Now Polara Golf is advancing the movement with its Advantage driver and Ultimate Straight golf balls -- both engineered to eclipse the PGA limits, which means you can't play them in the Masters or U.S. Open.<br /> <br /> David Felker, chief technology officer for Polara Golf, explains, "Our drivers and balls are not intended for the top amateur players and professionals. We purposely designed equipment that exceeds the performance limits accepted by the PGA Tour, so that recreational golfers can experience less frustration, score lower and have more fun."<br /> <br /> A 2012 Google consumer survey revealed that 63 percent of respondents would consider using golf equipment that provides a performance advantage. This sentiment is shared by the PGA of America president, Ted Bishop, who says, "I think anything we can do to relax the rules, if it means putting non-conforming equipment in the hands of players that enable them to hit the ball higher and farther and enjoy the game more -- what's the problem?"<br /> <br /> According to the National Golf Foundation, golf rounds have fallen by 8 percent since 2007, largely due to the frustrations of the game, excessive play times and high costs.<br /> <br /> "The technology now exists to make golf more pleasurable for everyone," says Felker. "Who doesn't want to have more fun?"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit www.polaragolf.com and www.usrga.org.<br /> <br /> Ref: Golf - in Blogs

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Art</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Art</span>