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Natural Snacks Make Nutritious Meals

(NewsUSA) - Three square meals a day are a thing of the past. Busy schedules, diverse dietary preferences and the flow of modern life necessitate more flexible and convenient meals. Luckily, snacking is in the midst of a revolution. Traditional snacks like chips and pretzels have given way to bigger, better and healthier options that deliver both convenience and nutrition in one tasty package. Whether clean-label, organic, vegan or nutrient-added, it's up to ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to develop products that meet all of these demands. That's certainly a tall order.

While there are no standard requirements for clean label snacks, naturally derived gums, hydrocolloids and colors are generally accepted in such applications and have become increasingly popular. You might see these ingredients listed as carrageenan, a soluble fiber from red seaweed, or cellulose gel, which is a refined plant fiber. In many foods and beverages, these ingredients improve shelf life and nutritional value without diminishing taste -- like giving drinkable low-fat yogurt that distinctive creamy consistency with every sip.

They also prove quite functional in products that meet strict dietary requirements, like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hydrocolloids and gums like carrageenan, alginates and cellulose gel can be sustainably sourced from nature and are perfectly suited for vegetarian and vegan foods. Either by improving the flavor and fullness of meatless sausage or producing non-dairy ice cream with that definitive indulgence and delectability, these ingredients are making new snacking options both possible and palatable.

Reducing the number of ingredients in a recipe is one challenge and, more recently, adding ingredients has become another. We want foods and beverages with added value, but it's important to understand that introducing vitamins or nutrients to any product can significantly affect flavor and texture. Enriched, shelf-stable snacks that boast added protein need a stabilizer to maintain the quality of the product. Without the added ingredients like carrageenan, similar products might separate, taste chalky or be less effective than their claims imply.

Food companies are adapting their product formulations and rolling out new products to meet demand for healthy snacking solutions. Naturally derived ingredients that help reduce fat and sugar content but maintain product integrity are changing the way we snack. They deliver that indulgent experience we all appreciate. For more information on ingredients that give us a variety of snacks for a wide range of diets, please visit www.FoodScienceMatters.com.

Ref: Cooking - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Three square meals a day are a thing of the past. Busy schedules, diverse dietary preferences and the flow of modern life necessitate more flexible and convenient meals. Luckily, snacking is in the midst of a revolution. Traditional snacks like chips and pretzels have given way to bigger, better and healthier options that deliver both convenience and nutrition in one tasty package. Whether clean-label, organic, vegan or nutrient-added, it's up to ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to develop products that meet all of these demands. That's certainly a tall order. While there are no standard requirements for clean label snacks, naturally derived gums, hydrocolloids and colors are generally accepted in such applications and have become increasingly popular. You might see these ingredients listed as carrageenan, a soluble fiber from red seaweed, or cellulose gel, which is a refined plant fiber. In many foods and beverages, these ingredients improve shelf life and nutritional value without diminishing taste -- like giving drinkable low-fat yogurt that distinctive creamy consistency with every sip. They also prove quite functional in products that meet strict dietary requirements, like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hydrocolloids and gums like carrageenan, alginates and cellulose gel can be sustainably sourced from nature and are perfectly suited for vegetarian and vegan foods. Either by improving the flavor and fullness of meatless sausage or producing non-dairy ice cream with that definitive indulgence and delectability, these ingredients are making new snacking options both possible and palatable. Reducing the number of ingredients in a recipe is one challenge and, more recently, adding ingredients has become another. We want foods and beverages with added value, but it's important to understand that introducing vitamins or nutrients to any product can significantly affect flavor and texture. Enriched, shelf-stable snacks that boast added protein need a stabilizer to maintain the quality of the product. Without the added ingredients like carrageenan, similar products might separate, taste chalky or be less effective than their claims imply. Food companies are adapting their product formulations and rolling out new products to meet demand for healthy snacking solutions. Naturally derived ingredients that help reduce fat and sugar content but maintain product integrity are changing the way we snack. They deliver that indulgent experience we all appreciate. For more information on ingredients that give us a variety of snacks for a wide range of diets, please visit www.FoodScienceMatters.com. Ref: Cooking - in Blogs

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Yes, There May Be A Positive to Come Out of the Student Debt Crisis

(NewsUSA) - Are all those stories about crippling student debt having an effect on college campuses? Just ask post-Millennials now trying - albeit not always successfully - to avoid being saddled with the same heavy burden of debt as their predecessors.

According to Fidelity Investments' new "College Savings: Lessons Learned Study," not only did 83 percent of current college students surveyed consider what their total costs would be before matriculating - just 69 percent of recent graduates had such foresight - but 39 percent of them said the potential price tag was such "a huge factor" that they purposely limited their choice of schools to the most affordable. Only 32 percent of recent graduates, alas, had shown similar restraint.

"It seems today's college students are perhaps more aware of the financial situation they entered into than those who graduated before them," said Melissa Ridolfi, Fidelity's vice president of retirement and college leadership. "That's a positive development."

All told, student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion - second only to mortgage debt, Forbes reported. And the 69 percent or so of the Class of 2018 who took out student loans graduated with an average debt balance of $29,800.

So you can understand why recent graduates would be so stressed out over whether they'd ever be able to pay off their loans that they're now having second thoughts about their decisions:

* 40 percent said that while they don't regret going to college, they would've made different choices in hindsight.

* Only 14 percent felt the value of their education was worth more than the money they'd spent.

Oh, and future college students should listen up for this sage advice from the more than 4,000 respondents surveyed - all recent graduates, current undergraduates, and parents of either or both - on what would've done wonders to ease their own stress levels.

"When asked 'If you knew then what you know now when it comes to school selection, what would you do differently?' the number one answer for all respondents was 'I would've started saving earlier,'" Ridolfi said.

Which logically brings us to another key finding of the study: Only 17 percent of current students and recent graduates had taken advantage, prior to college, of what's arguably one of the best ways to fund higher education: 529 savings plans.

Unlike regular bank savings accounts, they provide a tax-advantaged way to save money to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.

The key phrase being "tax-advantaged." Meaning, earnings grow federal income tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified expenses are free from federal (and, in many places, state) income taxes - thus affording the opportunity to have even more saved for college.

Significantly, Ridolfi said families using a 529 plan managed by Fidelity have been starting to sock money away earlier than ever before, with contributions beginning on average when the child is about age six and a half. Thirty-six percent of Fidelity 529s are even opened for beneficiaries under - yes - age 2.

You say a child hasn't even uttered his or her first complete sentence before they're two? Probably not. But just so you're not bushwhacked when they suddenly hit their late teens, free online resources like Fidelity's College Savings Learning Center and College Savings Quick Check - a calculator that even shows you the impact of saving a few dollars more a month - can help prepare you for what lies ahead.

Ref: Education - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Are all those stories about crippling student debt having an effect on college campuses? Just ask post-Millennials now trying - albeit not always successfully - to avoid being saddled with the same heavy burden of debt as their predecessors. According to Fidelity Investments' new "College Savings: Lessons Learned Study," not only did 83 percent of current college students surveyed consider what their total costs would be before matriculating - just 69 percent of recent graduates had such foresight - but 39 percent of them said the potential price tag was such "a huge factor" that they purposely limited their choice of schools to the most affordable. Only 32 percent of recent graduates, alas, had shown similar restraint. "It seems today's college students are perhaps more aware of the financial situation they entered into than those who graduated before them," said Melissa Ridolfi, Fidelity's vice president of retirement and college leadership. "That's a positive development." All told, student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion - second only to mortgage debt, Forbes reported. And the 69 percent or so of the Class of 2018 who took out student loans graduated with an average debt balance of $29,800. So you can understand why recent graduates would be so stressed out over whether they'd ever be able to pay off their loans that they're now having second thoughts about their decisions: * 40 percent said that while they don't regret going to college, they would've made different choices in hindsight. * Only 14 percent felt the value of their education was worth more than the money they'd spent. Oh, and future college students should listen up for this sage advice from the more than 4,000 respondents surveyed - all recent graduates, current undergraduates, and parents of either or both - on what would've done wonders to ease their own stress levels. "When asked 'If you knew then what you know now when it comes to school selection, what would you do differently?' the number one answer for all respondents was 'I would've started saving earlier,'" Ridolfi said. Which logically brings us to another key finding of the study: Only 17 percent of current students and recent graduates had taken advantage, prior to college, of what's arguably one of the best ways to fund higher education: 529 savings plans. Unlike regular bank savings accounts, they provide a tax-advantaged way to save money to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools. The key phrase being "tax-advantaged." Meaning, earnings grow federal income tax-deferred and withdrawals for qualified expenses are free from federal (and, in many places, state) income taxes - thus affording the opportunity to have even more saved for college. Significantly, Ridolfi said families using a 529 plan managed by Fidelity have been starting to sock money away earlier than ever before, with contributions beginning on average when the child is about age six and a half. Thirty-six percent of Fidelity 529s are even opened for beneficiaries under - yes - age 2. You say a child hasn't even uttered his or her first complete sentence before they're two? Probably not. But just so you're not bushwhacked when they suddenly hit their late teens, free online resources like Fidelity's College Savings Learning Center and College Savings Quick Check - a calculator that even shows you the impact of saving a few dollars more a month - can help prepare you for what lies ahead. Ref: Education - in Blogs

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Fully Escorted Tours Introduce Retirees to Costa Rica

(NewsUSA) - Retirees seeking comfortable climates, relaxed lifestyles, and affordable, quality medical care might find a hidden gem in Costa Rica.

In fact, International Living magazine named Costa Rica number three, ahead of Spain, France, and Mexico, on its 2020 list of top places to retire. Other appealing features include the low cost of living and ease of buying real estate.

One of the reasons for capturing the top spot is that Costa Rica offers a diverse history and culture that make it an enriching location for travel, as well as retirement. Many retirees from the United States who are interested in living abroad have discovered the elements that make Costa Rica unique and special.

Anyone contemplating retirement either sooner or farther down the road can become familiar with Costa Rica through a fully escorted tour. Many time-share organizations will target tourists and can be scams, so it is important to make informed decisions about how to travel and explore. Companies such as Caravan Tours provide immersive experiences that include meals, transportation, and excursions across more than 750 miles of the country.

The Caravan Costa Rica Natural Paradise tour offers nine days of carefully chosen hotels, delicious meals, and entertaining excursions for an all-inclusive price. The relaxed, yet engaging, itinerary is designed to balance single- night and two-night stays for an unhurried pace, and each day includes scenic and rest stops. Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides provides an ideal opportunity for retirees and future retirees to become familiar with the country.

The Natural Paradise tour kicks off in San Jose, where Caravan tours provides easy transportation from the airport to the hotel. Day trips from San Jose include visits to a coffee plantation and an artists' village in the Central Mountain Range.

Other highlights of the tour include the Cano Negro Cruise, which passes through a wildlife refuge that is home to a variety of animals, including whistling ducks, howler monkeys, and water-walking lizards, followed by an evening soak in volcanic hot springs. In addition, travelers have opportunities to hike the suspension bridges of Guanacaste with a naturalist guide, and visit to the Manuel Antonio National Park with its spectacular rain forest and beach cove, as well as enjoy the amenities of a world class beach resort.

Caravan Tours is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), NTA (National Tour Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and an allied member of ACTA (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies).

For more information about fully escorted tours to Costa Rica, visit caravan.com.

Ref: History - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Retirees seeking comfortable climates, relaxed lifestyles, and affordable, quality medical care might find a hidden gem in Costa Rica. In fact, International Living magazine named Costa Rica number three, ahead of Spain, France, and Mexico, on its 2020 list of top places to retire. Other appealing features include the low cost of living and ease of buying real estate. One of the reasons for capturing the top spot is that Costa Rica offers a diverse history and culture that make it an enriching location for travel, as well as retirement. Many retirees from the United States who are interested in living abroad have discovered the elements that make Costa Rica unique and special. Anyone contemplating retirement either sooner or farther down the road can become familiar with Costa Rica through a fully escorted tour. Many time-share organizations will target tourists and can be scams, so it is important to make informed decisions about how to travel and explore. Companies such as Caravan Tours provide immersive experiences that include meals, transportation, and excursions across more than 750 miles of the country. The Caravan Costa Rica Natural Paradise tour offers nine days of carefully chosen hotels, delicious meals, and entertaining excursions for an all-inclusive price. The relaxed, yet engaging, itinerary is designed to balance single- night and two-night stays for an unhurried pace, and each day includes scenic and rest stops. Comprehensive sightseeing with local guides provides an ideal opportunity for retirees and future retirees to become familiar with the country. The Natural Paradise tour kicks off in San Jose, where Caravan tours provides easy transportation from the airport to the hotel. Day trips from San Jose include visits to a coffee plantation and an artists' village in the Central Mountain Range. Other highlights of the tour include the Cano Negro Cruise, which passes through a wildlife refuge that is home to a variety of animals, including whistling ducks, howler monkeys, and water-walking lizards, followed by an evening soak in volcanic hot springs. In addition, travelers have opportunities to hike the suspension bridges of Guanacaste with a naturalist guide, and visit to the Manuel Antonio National Park with its spectacular rain forest and beach cove, as well as enjoy the amenities of a world class beach resort. Caravan Tours is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), NTA (National Tour Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and an allied member of ACTA (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies). For more information about fully escorted tours to Costa Rica, visit caravan.com. Ref: History - in Blogs

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Let's take a walk all the way up to heaven

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Making Reading Social for Your Kids at New Book Hangouts

(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.

Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."

Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.

"The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."

The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.

For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:

* Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson

* More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds

* The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz

* She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood

The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.

The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.

"The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.

The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.

The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at #BNHangout.

Ref: Communities - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen. Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life." Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes. "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job." The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule. For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are: * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants. The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms. "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says. The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids. The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>. Ref: Communities - in Blogs

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To Single Dads and Moms

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Can you see the morph with a cat in this bird

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Choosing Schools - All Kids Learn Differently

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.

Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

(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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!" For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com. Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

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Racing game. Select quality: high, for fast rendering

Next-Gen game is the new exciting game where you can be part of the story and action. Simply select your world and assets and click on start to experience one of the most amazing and fascinating adventures of your life.

AUDIENCE
General - All ages

ABOUT US
We are GameWorld. A multi-national video game publisher company on a mission to create the next-gen games.

PAGE URL
Your Stallios page url

Ref: Entertainment - in Apps

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Record a Vibe Video

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