(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

(NewsUSA) - The phrase 'six degrees of separation,' suggests that only a minuscule measurement is what divides one person from another. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) has decreased those degrees dramatically, connecting us not only to each other, but to everything from our fitness trackers to our coffee makers.<br /> <br /> Consider this: according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, the number of Internet-connected devices tops 25 billion worldwide. And that number is expected to double in the next five years, according to experts cited in the report.<br /> <br /> In a world where everyone and everything is connected, digital security is a must-have, just as important as the lock on your front door or the keys to your house.<br /> <br /> "Technology is revolutionizing the way consumers use cars, homes, work spaces and everyday items," Rep. Darrell Issa, R- Calif., told USA Today in a recent interview. "These devices raise both opportunities and questions about regulatory policy, spectrum space, privacy and more."<br /> <br /> Underscoring Issa's concerns are high-profile hacks, including one that took remote control of a Jeep on a busy highway. Experts warn who consumers need to understand that, although convenient, the IoT is an interconnected system, and security is needed to prevent a weakness in one device (like a SmartWatch) from becoming an open door to attack in another device (such as a connected car).<br /> <br /> The good news is that sensitive industries such as banking, government, and healthcare have worked with companies like Gemalto, a global leader in digital security, to solve difficult security challenges. While most may not recognize the name "Gemalto," experts say that almost everyone uses at least one or two of the company's solutions, which are embedded in a wide variety of connected devices, credit cards, passports, and ID badges.<br /> <br /> So, to ensure that your data is protected from hackers, Gemalto recommends the following tips:<br /> <br /> * Secure the device. Sensitive devices need an added layer of protection, such as a SIM card or a tamper-resistant Secure Element that stores data in a safe place.<br /> <br /> * Control the access. Implement two-factor authentication to ensure that only authorized people are granted access to the data.<br /> <br /> * Secure the data. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted and that encryption keys are stored in a separate and safe place.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.gemalto.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Codes - 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>

If you travel by car<br /> <br /> From The East:<br /> 1. Take the autoroute 25.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn left and go straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your right.<br /> <br /> From The West:<br /> 1. Take the autoroute 25.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn right and go straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your left.<br /> <br /> From The North:<br /> 1. Take the autoroute 10 to get the 25.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn left and go straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your right.<br /> <br /> From The South:<br /> 1. Take the autoroute 10 to get the 25.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn right and go straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your left.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> If you travel by bus<br /> <br /> From The East:<br /> 1. Take the bus 128 west, transfer to the 69 north.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn left and walk straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your right.<br /> <br /> From The West:<br /> 1. Take the bus 128 east, transfer to the 69 south.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn right and walk straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your left.<br /> <br /> From The North:<br /> 1. Take the bus 10 south, transfer to the 122 east.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn left and walk straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your right.<br /> <br /> From The South:<br /> 1. Take the bus 10 north, transfer to the 122 west.<br /> 2. Exit at Grand boulevard.<br /> 3. Turn right and walk straight for 500 meters.<br /> 4. Go to 1234 Grand boulevard on your left.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Ref: Directions - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - The Bible is one of the most studied texts in existence, but a new book reveals a previously unrecognized encrypted message in the Old Testament that foresees the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.<br /> <br /> In the book, The Chamberlain Key: Unlocking the God Code to Reveal Divine Messages Hidden in the Bible, author Timothy Smith describes how he discovered the message by cracking a code in Genesis 30:20-24 in the oldest form of the Hebrew Old Testament.<br /> <br /> Smith, an appraiser and restorer of fine art and antiquities, was researching his family history and became intrigued by the Torah after learning that his matriarchal ancestors were in fact Sephardic Jews, and early Christians of Jewish decent. He said in a statement that he was drawn to the specific passages in Genesis because of parallels between descriptions of the family of Jacob, known as the father of the House of Israel, and his own family.<br /> <br /> Smith assessed the passages using an equidistant letter skip decryption method inspired by the Hebrew spelling of his name (the nine-letter Timotheus). He discovered not only his own name, but also biographical information that reflected other members of his family<br /> <br /> As he reviewed the passage in Genesis using the code, Smith found details about the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. He also identified references to religious images, including the Rocio Madonna, clues to the location of the contents of the Ark of the Covenant, and warnings of the spread of anti-Semitism, hate, and violence.<br /> <br /> Smith's research methods and conclusions have been reviewed by experts, including Dr. Robert Jahn, dean emeritus of engineering at Princeton University, and Dr. Eugene Ulrich, chief editor of the Biblical Dead Sea Scrolls and professor of Hebrew Scripture and Theology at University of Notre Dame.<br /> <br /> "Never before have so many high-level language and scientific experts agreed that the encrypted structures we have detected in this section of the Hebrew text, and the other structures logically predicted from this key code, are a very deliberate attempt by the Author of the pre-Christian text to make 'contact.' No other published 'Bible code' discoveries impress us in this way," Smith says.<br /> <br /> The Chamberlain Key takes readers through Smith's journey of discovery, including his personal account of the spiritual experiences that inspired him to pursue his research into the Torah.<br /> <br /> In addition, a history documentary series about the book and Smith's story are in production and scheduled to air within the year.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="http://chamberlainkey.com.">http://chamberlainkey.com.</a> <br /> <br /> Ref: God - in Blogs

(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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Ref: Collectors - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Independent films are the heart and soul of the movie industry. These original works of art have the potential to push the boundaries of film; engage new, underserved audiences and, just maybe, develop into blockbuster hits seen by millions of viewers worldwide.<br /> <br /> This journey of growth, however, is no easy task. For an independent filmmaker, distribution can be the difference between a flop and a million-dollar success.<br /> <br /> How can filmmakers trump this trend? The Movie Studio (TMS) evolved with an answer to this ever-important industry problem.<br /> <br /> The TMS model is two-fold. The company both creates its own movies and simultaneously distributes other independent films. The combination provides TMS with a full library of diverse work that appeals to a broad network of buyers worldwide.<br /> <br /> Currently, TMS is focused on English-speaking films. Plans are in the works, however, to enter the foreign films language market in the near future.<br /> <br /> Gordon Scott Ventures, CEO, stated, "We are very excited to assist many independent producers, with their collective team in their quest for having their efforts rewarded by reaching audiences around the globe."<br /> <br /> TMS' growth comes through enrolling indie producers from the top film schools and film festivals. If recruited, producers have the opportunity to share their work with audiences in more than 60 countries. These moviemakers can also become a member of TMS' growing family of followers, shareholders and supporters, ultimately working together for a mutual profit.<br /> <br /> In addition, TMS continues to prove its value through its finesse and speed, period. The organization prides itself on giving viewers the power to decide for themselves if a film is successful.<br /> <br /> As a pledge to its commitment to the industry, the TMS team has solidified a powerful, well-coordinated media platform through NewsUSA and FilmFestival.com. This platform will boast a strong social media program intended to reach new independent producers and savvy film watchers alike.<br /> <br /> With the indie industry begging for more options to grow, TMS could be in the right position at the right time to swiftly become a leader in the entertainment industry at large.<br /> <br /> To learn more, please visit www.TheMovieStudio.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Entertainment - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - No matter who you are or what business you are in, you're vulnerable to a cyber attack. That's the unfortunate reality of the times we live in.<br /> <br /> Think you're immune? There are millions of cyberattacks in the United States every year, with big companies like Home Depot, Adobe Systems, Sony, Citigroup, Target, Facebook, Evernote and The New York Times taking the biggest hits and falling victim.<br /> <br /> And like Fortune 500 companies that seemingly have the resources to battle data breaches, small businesses are just as exposed, if not more so. According to a Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report more than 70 percent of the businesses in the study that were breached had fewer than 100 employees. Those breaches result in huge losses. Trend Micro found that "cybercriminals steal as much as $1 billion a year from SMBs in the United States and Europe, alone."<br /> <br /> Which begs the question: If both large and small companies and the U.S. government can be compromised (even with security protocols in place), then what does that mean for individuals?<br /> <br /> It's a question that Dr. Robert Short, chief technology officer and chief technical scientist of VirnetX, struggled with and finally answered in the form of Gabriel, a set of secure encrypted communication apps derived from a CIA-sponsored Department of Defense project.<br /> <br /> "The genesis of Gabriel really was trying to solve the problem of how you make security transparent to the user. The means to automatically create a secure connection whenever a secure connection is needed to wherever it is needed, and create it on demand," says Short. "That has always been the vision behind Gabriel."<br /> <br /> The difference between Gabriel and other products, says Short, is that users do not have to transmit data to or store data with any third party, including VirnetX. In this way, data is stored only on their own devices. Essentially, users maintain control of their own data.<br /> <br /> Gabriel users also have secure, encrypted (spamless) email, text messages, free voice and video calls and picture or file share with other trusted Gabriel users in their network -- all directly from their personal device.<br /> <br /> Gabriel runs on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac OSX. For more information or to download Gabriel go to gabrielsecure.com, the App Store or the Google Play store.<br /> <br /> Ref: Datacenters - in Blogs

Struggling to keep up with endless customer questions? You’re not alone. Businesses are realizing that AI-powered chatbots are no longer just “nice-to-have” tools they’re essential for delivering fast, 24/7 customer support.<br /> <br /> But here’s the real challenge: with so many chatbot platforms out there, how do you know which one fits your business?<br /> <br /> In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best AI chatbot builders in 2025. These tools are not only user-friendly but also designed to help businesses of all sizes automate conversations, save time, and increase customer satisfaction.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> What Makes a Great AI Chatbot Builder?<br /> Before diving into the list, let’s set some standards. A solid chatbot builder should offer:<br /> <br /> Ease of use – No-code or low-code platforms are best for beginners.<br /> AI capabilities – Natural Language Processing (NLP) for smarter conversations.<br /> Integrations – Works seamlessly with CRMs, websites, or apps.<br /> Scalability – Can grow with your business.<br /> Analytics – Helps you measure performance and customer interactions.<br /> <br /> If a chatbot builder ticks most of these boxes, it’s worth considering.<br /> <br /> 1. ManyChat – Best for Marketing Automation<br /> manyChat is a go-to chatbot builder if you’re running an online store or want to automate conversations on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> Visual drag-and-drop builder<br /> Automated workflows for lead generation<br /> Supports SMS, WhatsApp, and email campaigns<br /> Integrates with Shopify and HubSpot<br /> <br /> Best For: E-commerce stores and social media marketers who want to convert followers into paying customers.<br /> <br /> 2. Intercom – Best for Customer Support<br /> Intercom is one of the most popular customer communication platforms, and its AI chatbot functionality is top-notch. According to TechCrunch, Intercom has been a pioneer in scaling customer support with conversational AI.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> AI-powered resolution bot<br /> Proactive customer engagement<br /> Powerful integrations with Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier<br /> Real-time analytics<br /> <br /> Best For: SaaS companies and customer support teams needing advanced automation.<br /> <br /> 3. Tidio – Best for Small Businesses<br /> If you’re just getting started and want something simple yet effective, Tidio is a fantastic option. It combines live chat with AI automation in one platform.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> Easy to install on WordPress, Shopify, and Wix<br /> AI bot trained to answer FAQs<br /> Mobile app for on-the-go support<br /> Affordable plans<br /> <br /> Best For: Small businesses that want a budget-friendly AI chatbot solution.<br /> <br /> 4. Drift – Best for B2B Sales Conversations<br /> Drift positions itself as a conversational marketing platform, and for good reason. It focuses on creating real-time, personalized chat experiences that drive sales.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> AI bots qualify leads automatically<br /> Custom playbooks for B2B sales<br /> Integration with major CRMs like Salesforce and Marketo<br /> Personalized chat based on visitor data<br /> <br /> Best For: B2B businesses that rely heavily on lead generation and relationship building.<br /> <br /> 5. HubSpot Chatbot Builder – Best All-in-One CRM Integration<br /> HubSpot offers a free chatbot builder inside its all-in-one CRM. This makes it incredibly useful for businesses already using HubSpot for marketing and sales.<br /> <br /> Key Features:<br /> <br /> No-code chatbot builder<br /> Automated lead qualification<br /> Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM<br /> Free plan with premium upgrades<br /> <br /> Best For: Businesses already in the HubSpot ecosystem who want a cost-effective chatbot solution.<br /> <br /> Final Thoughts<br /> The right AI chatbot builder depends on your business goals:<br /> <br /> Use ManyChat if you’re focused on social media and e-commerce.<br /> Choose Intercom for powerful customer support automation.<br /> Try Tidio if you’re a small business on a budget.<br /> Go with Drift for B2B lead generation.<br /> Pick HubSpot for all-in-one CRM integration.<br /> <br /> At the end of the day, the “best” chatbot is the one that fits your audience, budget, and growth strategy. Start small, experiment, and optimize as you go.<br /> <br /> Have you tried any of these chatbot builders before? Share your experience I’d love to hear which one worked best for you!<br /> <br /> <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: Technology - in Blogs</span>