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One Date Parents Shouldn't Ignore: 529 College Savings Plan Day

(NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it?

With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed.

"Madness," she decried.

Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.

Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools.

"It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes."

And now to the big question: How much?

Two factors are mainly at play:

* Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter.

* The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs.

One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.

In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two.

To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college.

Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself.

Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age.

Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.

Ref: Family - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it? With the cost of a four-year degree rising nearly eight times faster than wages since the 1980s, those two questions are enough to give today's parents a serious case of night sweats. You can argue about the reasons for the disconnect -Administrative costs? Fancy amenities? - but you know there's a problem when a writer at Education Week is incensed. "Madness," she decried. Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar. Otherwise known as National 529 College Savings Plan Day -Get it? 5/29? - it's the perfect time to consider setting up one those tax-advantaged 529 plans, as they're called, to help sock money away to cover tuition, books and other education-related expenses at most accredited two - and four-year colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools. "It's a way of keeping your son or daughter from being saddled with too much debt when it's time to jump start their careers," explained Melissa Ridolfi, vice president of retirement and college products at Fidelity Investments. "Plus, any investment earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis, and qualified withdrawals are entirely free from federal and state income taxes." And now to the big question: How much? Two factors are mainly at play: * Public vs. private schools. The cost difference can be about as mind-boggling as "Avengers: Endgame's" record $357.1 million opening weekend domestic haul: an average of $21,370 a year at the former, according to the College Board's latest figures, as opposed to $48,510 at the latter. * The percentage of the bill you plan to foot. If you were counting on scholarships and other grants to pick up all or most of the tab, you should probably rethink that unless your kid is either a bona fide child prodigy or football star. Sallie Mae's "How America Pays for College" 2018 report found that both categories combined paid for just 28 percent of college costs. One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing. In other words, as Ridolfi said, "any way you look at it, the family is on the hook to pay the lion's share of college expenses." Which probably helps explain why a recent Fidelity study found that parents are increasingly starting to save before their child even reaches the age of two. To see where you stand, try using what Fidelity calls "the college savings 2K rule of thumb." Simply multiply your child's current age by $2,000 to figure whether your savings to date are generally on track to handle approximately 50 percent of the College Board's $21,370-a-year average cost of attending a four-year public college. Or, especially if you want a more customized estimate - one that lets you play around with percentages and switch back and forth between public and private schools - the firm's free online college savings calculator takes the angst out of doing the math yourself. Fidelity provides 12 savings ideas to help reach your own goal, and offers a choice of two different investment strategies in the 529 savings plans it manages - including an age-based portfolio of funds that automatically becomes more conservative as the beneficiary nears college age. Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night. Ref: Family - in Blogs

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How Self-Publishing Made This Author A Best-Seller

(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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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."

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.

For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this:

- 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.

- 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.

- Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think.

For more information, visit https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.

Ref: Books - in Blogs

(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. 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. "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. 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. "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." 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. For those authors wrestling with the idea of self-publishing, consider this: - 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. - 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. - Make more money. Authors who opt to self-publish can set their own prices and take home a higher percentage of royalties. 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. 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. "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." 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. Who knows? Maybe the best seller list is closer than you think. For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.">https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/.</a> Ref: Books - in Blogs

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With More Buyers Out There, These Home Upgrades Can Really Pay Off

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored by GAF - It's time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber.

The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who'd been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons.

"This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop," Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal.

They're not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you're looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers.

* Cross-generational: a new steel door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report's main takeaway: "Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home."

Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they're still into "traditional exteriors."

* Millennials: smart-home tech. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones.

"They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door," Angie's List stressed.

* Cross-generational: a new roof. It's the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that "buyers pay a premium for one already in place."

So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting their cars looks like something out of "Twister," you've got a problem.

"It's a huge turn-off," said Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, New Jersey, "and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don't like."

If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation's sensibilities.

"They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements," said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF.

* Millennials: all-new appliances. Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren't generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers' tastes can clash with yours.

However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called "an astonishing majority of 75 percent" of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them.

Ref: Gardens - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sponsored by GAF - It's time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber. The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who'd been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons. "This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop," Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal. They're not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you're looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers. * Cross-generational: a new steel door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report's main takeaway: "Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home." Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they're still into "traditional exteriors." * Millennials: smart-home tech. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones. "They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door," Angie's List stressed. * Cross-generational: a new roof. It's the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that "buyers pay a premium for one already in place." So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting their cars looks like something out of "Twister," you've got a problem. "It's a huge turn-off," said Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, New Jersey, "and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don't like." If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation's sensibilities. "They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements," said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF. * Millennials: all-new appliances. Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren't generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers' tastes can clash with yours. However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called "an astonishing majority of 75 percent" of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them. Ref: Gardens - in Blogs

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Folding Drones are the New Hot Item for the Holidays

(NewsUSA) - Every holiday season has its hot tech item -; from smartwatches to game consoles and now to folding drones.

Drones can give you the bird's-eye view that makes any video look engaging and exciting, mostly because that perspective hasn't been possible until drones came about. One of the biggest problems people have had with drones is that they are typically so difficult to carry around and take on adventures.

Cue the folding drone, first launched by GDU in 2015 and recently copied by DJI and GoPro. This design lets anyone take a drone along in a backpack or small bag -- portability solved!

But does a folding drone answer all the problems with drones today? Not quite. If you only plan to use a drone for a quick video or two, the DJI Mavic might be a decent choice for the holidays. But if you plan on using the drone for different photography and videography projects, or if you simply enjoy flying a drone, you'll want to look for something that has a lot more power and the ability to change out gimbals and cameras.

Enter the GDU Premium Byrd -- the first and only drone that has a folding design, a high-end 4K camera, the ability to swap out cameras and even carry DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for a true "future proofing" ability. They call this the Universal Flying Platform. And with GoPro recalling their Karma, the Byrd is the only folding drone that also works with a GoPro.

"All consumer-level drones are developed for only one camera, but not the Byrd. GDU will continue to create new gimbal packages to keep the Byrd "future proofed." They simply don't want people to have to buy a new drone to use a new camera you might buy: that's the philosophy behind the 'flying platform' approach," states Nicolia Wiles, GDU Director of Digital. "You shouldn't have to keep buying $1K drones you don't need just to use a different camera. When you buy a GDU Byrd, you only invest in a drone once, and can save your money for buying cameras you want to try. No other consumer drone manufacturer offers this."

The Premium Byrd provides for 29 minutes of flight time, with a guaranteed 1000-meter video downlink system included in the shipped model (no additional downlink technology needed) and also offers a more advanced OFDM system, compared to WiFi transmission in the Standard model. The Price of the Premium Byrd model is $999.00. Dealer information can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.

Ref: Crazy - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Every holiday season has its hot tech item -; from smartwatches to game consoles and now to folding drones. Drones can give you the bird's-eye view that makes any video look engaging and exciting, mostly because that perspective hasn't been possible until drones came about. One of the biggest problems people have had with drones is that they are typically so difficult to carry around and take on adventures. Cue the folding drone, first launched by GDU in 2015 and recently copied by DJI and GoPro. This design lets anyone take a drone along in a backpack or small bag -- portability solved! But does a folding drone answer all the problems with drones today? Not quite. If you only plan to use a drone for a quick video or two, the DJI Mavic might be a decent choice for the holidays. But if you plan on using the drone for different photography and videography projects, or if you simply enjoy flying a drone, you'll want to look for something that has a lot more power and the ability to change out gimbals and cameras. Enter the GDU Premium Byrd -- the first and only drone that has a folding design, a high-end 4K camera, the ability to swap out cameras and even carry DSLRs and mirrorless cameras for a true "future proofing" ability. They call this the Universal Flying Platform. And with GoPro recalling their Karma, the Byrd is the only folding drone that also works with a GoPro. "All consumer-level drones are developed for only one camera, but not the Byrd. GDU will continue to create new gimbal packages to keep the Byrd "future proofed." They simply don't want people to have to buy a new drone to use a new camera you might buy: that's the philosophy behind the 'flying platform' approach," states Nicolia Wiles, GDU Director of Digital. "You shouldn't have to keep buying $1K drones you don't need just to use a different camera. When you buy a GDU Byrd, you only invest in a drone once, and can save your money for buying cameras you want to try. No other consumer drone manufacturer offers this." The Premium Byrd provides for 29 minutes of flight time, with a guaranteed 1000-meter video downlink system included in the shipped model (no additional downlink technology needed) and also offers a more advanced OFDM system, compared to WiFi transmission in the Standard model. The Price of the Premium Byrd model is $999.00. Dealer information can be found here: <a target='_blank' href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2GCOSP.</a> Ref: Crazy - in Blogs

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3 Flavor-packed dishes native to Pakistan

1.Nihari,

Nihari is a delicious meat stew loved by people all over the world,

for its radiant beautiful aroma, rich savory flavor and tender fall of the bone meat which completely dissolves into your mouth giving you an experience of a lifetime.

It was originally invented in the 1800s to be consumed as a high energy, rich in nutrition and heavy on stomach dish

to keep the working-class citizens full all day long and to provide required energy.

However, in today's era it is eaten for its magical flavor which gives your tongue the flavor it craves!

The word Nihari comes from an Arabic word “Nahar” which means “Morning” as it was usually enjoyed in the daytime/early morning Its mouthwatering flavor attracted the Mughal Emperors (Nawabs) of that time who ate this delicacy to break their morning fasts.

It is traditionally served with naan (a fermented bread baked in a clay oven)

2. Namkeen rosh,

The word “Namkeen” in Urdu means “salty” As the name suggests it is this simple salty tender piece of meat which may not sound delicious to ‘ocean haters’ but, those who have tasted all confirm that it is indeed Delightful.

The ingredients only include;

. Diced Ginger & Garlic

. Meat (small pieces preferably fatty cuts)

. And most important Salt which gives this dish its signature taste.

Now begins the time to wait, to make the meat tender and melt in your mouth. After the meat is done garnish it with some green chilies and ginger (preferably; lengthwise). It is traditionally served with its own broth (yakhnee) and naan. It is quite popular and mostly enjoyed in the northern mountainous regions of the country as it helps the locals stay warm and meet body’s salt requirement.

3. Chicken tikka,

Tikka (BBQ chicken generally well charred, spicy and tangy in flavor) is the dream of every meat loving person.

It is enjoyed all over the sub-continent and the name of United Kingdom is also included in this list. Traditionally small boneless chicken pieces are marinated with traditional species and yoghurt (dahi) to tenderize and break down the meat fibers with vertical cuts all over the chicken to let it completely absorb the flavor. the meat is cooked over open fire (angheeti) OR they are grilled over charcoals.

The word “Tikka” is a Persian word meaning “bits / pieces” but if we listen to the people who have tried it, we can all agree that it should mean “outstanding flavor” because that's all this dish offers.

1.Nihari, Nihari is a delicious meat stew loved by people all over the world, for its radiant beautiful aroma, rich savory flavor and tender fall of the bone meat which completely dissolves into your mouth giving you an experience of a lifetime. It was originally invented in the 1800s to be consumed as a high energy, rich in nutrition and heavy on stomach dish to keep the working-class citizens full all day long and to provide required energy. However, in today's era it is eaten for its magical flavor which gives your tongue the flavor it craves! The word Nihari comes from an Arabic word “Nahar” which means “Morning” as it was usually enjoyed in the daytime/early morning Its mouthwatering flavor attracted the Mughal Emperors (Nawabs) of that time who ate this delicacy to break their morning fasts. It is traditionally served with naan (a fermented bread baked in a clay oven) 2. Namkeen rosh, The word “Namkeen” in Urdu means “salty” As the name suggests it is this simple salty tender piece of meat which may not sound delicious to ‘ocean haters’ but, those who have tasted all confirm that it is indeed Delightful. The ingredients only include; . Diced Ginger & Garlic . Meat (small pieces preferably fatty cuts) . And most important Salt which gives this dish its signature taste. Now begins the time to wait, to make the meat tender and melt in your mouth. After the meat is done garnish it with some green chilies and ginger (preferably; lengthwise). It is traditionally served with its own broth (yakhnee) and naan. It is quite popular and mostly enjoyed in the northern mountainous regions of the country as it helps the locals stay warm and meet body’s salt requirement. 3. Chicken tikka, Tikka (BBQ chicken generally well charred, spicy and tangy in flavor) is the dream of every meat loving person. It is enjoyed all over the sub-continent and the name of United Kingdom is also included in this list. Traditionally small boneless chicken pieces are marinated with traditional species and yoghurt (dahi) to tenderize and break down the meat fibers with vertical cuts all over the chicken to let it completely absorb the flavor. the meat is cooked over open fire (angheeti) OR they are grilled over charcoals. The word “Tikka” is a Persian word meaning “bits / pieces” but if we listen to the people who have tried it, we can all agree that it should mean “outstanding flavor” because that's all this dish offers.

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Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle

The Importance of Breakfast

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a daunting task. However, one of the simplest yet most impactful habits you can adopt is starting your day with a nutritious breakfast. This small act not only sets a positive tone for the rest of your day but also provides numerous health benefits that contribute to your overall well-being.

Why Breakfast Matters
Breakfast is rightly hailed as the most important meal of the day for several reasons. After a night of fasting, your body needs essential nutrients to replenish its energy reserves and kick-start your metabolism. A balanced breakfast fuels your body and mind, improving concentration, mood, and productivity throughout the day. Research consistently shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and make better food choices later in the day.

Components of a Healthy Breakfast
A healthy breakfast should include a variety of nutrients to ensure optimal functioning:

Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains like oats, whole wheat bread, or quinoa provide sustained energy and fiber, which aids digestion.

Protein: Eggs, yogurt, nuts, or lean meats offer essential amino acids that help repair and build tissues, support immune function, and keep you feeling full longer.

Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fatty acids that support brain function and heart health.

Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for overall health and disease prevention.

Tips for a Balanced Breakfast
Plan Ahead: Prepare breakfast items the night before to save time in the morning.

Avoid Sugary Foods: Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juices or sugary cereals to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Hydrate: Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body after hours of sleep.

Listen to Your Body: Eat when you feel hungry, and pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating.

Incorporating Breakfast into Your Routine
If you find it challenging to eat breakfast due to time constraints or lack of appetite in the morning, start with small, manageable portions. Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, and protein are convenient options for those on the go. Alternatively, try incorporating breakfast foods into your mid-morning snack, such as yogurt with granola or a piece of whole fruit.

Conclusion
By making breakfast a priority in your daily routine, you not only enhance your physical health but also boost your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is built on consistent habits, and breakfast is a cornerstone that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Embrace this simple yet powerful practice, and watch as it transforms your energy levels, focus, and overall quality of life.

The Importance of Breakfast In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like a daunting task. However, one of the simplest yet most impactful habits you can adopt is starting your day with a nutritious breakfast. This small act not only sets a positive tone for the rest of your day but also provides numerous health benefits that contribute to your overall well-being. Why Breakfast Matters Breakfast is rightly hailed as the most important meal of the day for several reasons. After a night of fasting, your body needs essential nutrients to replenish its energy reserves and kick-start your metabolism. A balanced breakfast fuels your body and mind, improving concentration, mood, and productivity throughout the day. Research consistently shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and make better food choices later in the day. Components of a Healthy Breakfast A healthy breakfast should include a variety of nutrients to ensure optimal functioning: Complex Carbohydrates: Whole grains like oats, whole wheat bread, or quinoa provide sustained energy and fiber, which aids digestion. Protein: Eggs, yogurt, nuts, or lean meats offer essential amino acids that help repair and build tissues, support immune function, and keep you feeling full longer. Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil provide essential fatty acids that support brain function and heart health. Fruits and Vegetables: These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for overall health and disease prevention. Tips for a Balanced Breakfast Plan Ahead: Prepare breakfast items the night before to save time in the morning. Avoid Sugary Foods: Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juices or sugary cereals to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels. Hydrate: Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body after hours of sleep. Listen to Your Body: Eat when you feel hungry, and pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Incorporating Breakfast into Your Routine If you find it challenging to eat breakfast due to time constraints or lack of appetite in the morning, start with small, manageable portions. Smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables, and protein are convenient options for those on the go. Alternatively, try incorporating breakfast foods into your mid-morning snack, such as yogurt with granola or a piece of whole fruit. Conclusion By making breakfast a priority in your daily routine, you not only enhance your physical health but also boost your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is built on consistent habits, and breakfast is a cornerstone that sets the tone for the rest of your day. Embrace this simple yet powerful practice, and watch as it transforms your energy levels, focus, and overall quality of life. Category: Health - in Blogs

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New Book Unveils Secret Code in the Bible

(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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

"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.

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.

In addition, a history documentary series about the book and Smith's story are in production and scheduled to air within the year.

For more information, visit http://chamberlainkey.com.

Ref: God - 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. "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. 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. In addition, a history documentary series about the book and Smith's story are in production and scheduled to air within the year. For more information, visit <a target='_blank' href="http://chamberlainkey.com.">http://chamberlainkey.com.</a> Ref: God - in Blogs

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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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Let's go to the park for some fun

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