(NewsUSA) - Retirees seeking comfortable climates, relaxed lifestyles, and affordable, quality medical care might find a hidden gem in Costa Rica.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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).<br /> <br /> For more information about fully escorted tours to Costa Rica, visit caravan.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: History - in Blogs

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(NewsUSA) - When Jess Michaels isn't obsessively checking her steps on FitBit or watching daytime Court TV, she's a best-selling author who writes historical romances with heroines who speak their mind.<br /> <br /> Her first foray into publishing began, as many picture the life of an author, with a traditional publishing deal. But after releasing a few books, Michaels decided to turn down an additional deal and try self-publishing.<br /> <br /> "I'd begun developing an audience for my books and wanted to try something different. Authors I respected had success and greater control over their work with self-publishing, so I was eager to try it for myself," says Michaels.<br /> <br /> She mastered it quickly and decided to go "strictly indie" in 2015, using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) service to publish in both eBook and print. Since her decision to self-publish, she has been on the USA bestseller list ten times. Her husband quit his job at a large technology company and now works with Michaels to run their publishing company.<br /> <br /> "I wanted more control over not just the creative writing, but also the marketing strategy, cover art, and other business aspects of publishing. I grew frustrated being unable to make these decisions going the traditional publishing route," she says. "I'm both a writer and entrepreneur, and I'm enjoying more creative and financial rewards than I ever have."<br /> <br /> For Michaels, who says the initial idea of going indie was "taking a leap off a cliff and hoping you can fly before you crash," the resulting benefits have exceeded her expectations.<br /> <br /> For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this:<br /> <br /> - Creative control. Self-publishing a book allows authors to build characters and stories exactly the way they want and, ultimately, retain full rights to their original material. A book that has been nursed from inception to novel remains yours.<br /> <br /> - Get to market fast. Once a book is ready, self-publishing services, such as KDP, guide authors through setting up their books and getting them in the hands of readers in just a matter of days.<br /> <br /> - Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties.<br /> <br /> While a self-published author serves as his or her own marketing department, indie publishers make marketing simple and effective. Self-publishing companies, such as Amazon, also offer authors additional promotional opportunities to make their work available to more readers.<br /> <br /> Many authors find support through writers' groups online, such as Facebook groups, or in-person by attending workshops and writers' conferences. Most cities have local writing groups that meet regularly. These meetings can provide constructive criticism of your work and other resources.<br /> <br /> "I fell into self-publishing by accident, and found that connecting with other authors and joining a local writers' organization helped me improve my technique and career tremendously," says self-published science fiction and fantasy author T.S. Paul. "When sales of my novels began to take off, I began working with freelancers and a virtual assistant, also, to grow the community around me."<br /> <br /> Regardless of whether a writer is interested in romance, mystery, fantasy, or biographies, self-publishing with services such as KDP can empower them to pursue their dreams, especially if they're willing to study the business side of publishing as well as Jess Michaels did.<br /> <br /> Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.">https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Books - in Blogs

(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.<br /> <br /> Lorena Bobbitt (now Lorena Gallo) serves as one of the executive producers on the film, as well as its narrator.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "There are many reasons why I feel it's important to share my story now," Ms. Gallo says in an interview.<br /> <br /> "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 <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/MeToo">#MeToo</a> movement and increased awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault that my message would be heard."<br /> <br /> The process of making the movie was very emotional, Ms. Gallo says.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> 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."<br /> <br /> Ms. Gallo's advice to others who are dealing with abuse: "Never give up hope and be resilient."<br /> <br /> 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!"<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Visit mylifetime.com for more information about upcoming programs.<br /> <br /> Follow on social @LifetimeTV and using IwasLorenaBobbitt.<br /> <br /> Ref: Acting - in Blogs

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

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