(NewsUSA) - Americans may read thrillers and watch adventure movies, but their days aren't exactly fueled by pure adrenaline. They work, drive the kids to soccer practice, eat dinner, watch HBO -- but those with a handheld GPS can satisfy their thirst for adventure through modern day treasure hunts, or geocaching.<br /> <br /> Geocaching is a global treasure-hunting game. Someone hides an item, uses a GPS to determine its coordinates, and then posts the information online. Geocache-seekers then use their own GPS units to track down the geocache, usually a box or a small item and a logbook.<br /> <br /> The game sounds deceptively simple. While geocachers know the items' coordinates, reaching them might require a workout -- some locations require hiking and climbing, for example. Also, GPS units only take geocachers within 10 to 15 feet of the geocache, which is hidden to avoid accidental discovery by "Muggles" -; those uninitiated in the ways of geocaching.<br /> <br /> Geocaching.com, the largest Web site for geocachers to announce new geocaches and log their successes, lists over 1,000,000 geocaches in over 200 countries.<br /> <br /> The game has become so popular that GPS manufacturers are starting to design handheld GPS units specifically for geocaching. For example, the Magellan eXplorist GC (www.magellangps.com) includes a seamless connection to geocaching.com, a sunlight-readable color screen and a simple user interface to make geocaching a breeze. The unit is waterproof and comes pre-loaded with the coordinates of the most popular geocaches in the world. The GPS chipset promises 3-meter accuracy.<br /> <br /> Of course, the eXplorist GC also comes with standard outdoor features, including waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, active tracking and a trip odometer.<br /> <br /> When geocachers find a geocache, they write their name in the logbook or exchange one of the items in the cache for one of equal value. Then they put the cache back in its original location, so other treasure-seekers can enjoy the thrill of the chase and, perhaps, discover a place previously unknown to them.<br /> <br /> For more information about the eXplorist GC, visit www.magellangps.com/eXploristGC/.<br /> <br /> Ref: Hiking - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - It seems as if there's co-ops for just about everything these days - condos, farms, horses, and now yachts.<br /> <br /> Consider this: as with anything worth having, there are expenses and hassles associated with boat ownership that you may not even be aware of. But partial (fractional) ownership offers "all of the luxury and none of the hassle" according to the website of yacht co-op management company Saveene.<br /> <br /> It works like this: The more fractions you purchase, the more yacht usage you can experience. For example, a 10 percent purchase equals approximately four weeks of yachting time each year; 20 percent entitles you to eight weeks, and so on.<br /> <br /> For those who enjoy the periodical pleasure of luxury boating, fractional ownership is more cost-effective than sporadic charters, and has several other advantages:<br /> <br /> - Predictability. Saveene fractional owners hold equity in the yacht and have the option to sell their fraction any time they like. Purchase as many fractions as you want, up to 10 fractions per yacht. When you choose your dates, contact Saveene and they will schedule and prepare your yacht for your arrival.<br /> <br /> - Pampering. When you arrive at the marina, the yacht is clean, stocked, and safety-checked. Chart your course in advance, or allow your captain to create a memorable itinerary. Bring any food and beverages you choose, or Saveene yachts accommodate a chef or catering service.<br /> <br /> - Peace of mind. With fractional ownership, you avoid many headaches associated with owning a boat outright, including maintenance, repairs, storage, transportation, and insurance. Saveene handles the business transactions of purchasing and selling the fractions as well when the time comes.<br /> <br /> Saveene offers a range of options for yacht enthusiasts - a Sea Ray Sundancer for $19,995, a 36' Carver Mariner for a one-time fee of $ 39,995, a 64' Aicon for $89,980 or a combined usage of these for $69,985. All types are available at the same marina for viewing before making a purchase.<br /> <br /> Sea Ray Sundancer: This 34-foot cruiser is ideal for families, and easy to maneuver along intercoastal waterways for boating, snorkeling, and dining at dockside restaurants.<br /> <br /> Carver Mariner: This 37-foot boat features a fly bridge suited for parties, a home-size galley to accommodate larger food prep or catering, and a full entertainment center.<br /> <br /> Aicon: The 64-foot yacht includes four full-sized cabins plus crew quarters to handle an extended excursion. All cabins include their own facilities and TV/DVD setups, and the yacht includes a collection of water toys for kids of all ages.<br /> <br /> Want to go bigger? Saveene is also taking orders for an 85-foot Azimut yacht.<br /> <br /> Other benefits include the opportunity to check out Saveene yachts for a risk-free trial and the ability to write off your fractional purchase on your taxes.<br /> <br /> For more information about the benefits of yacht co-ownership, visit saveene.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Boats - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sometimes we're so caught up in all the pro sports stars whose lives have been wrecked by misusing prescription painkillers that we forget the problem extends down to the amateur level.<br /> <br /> And, yes, that does mean college and even high-school sports.<br /> <br /> At least one study put the number of college student athletes who've used prescription medications to enhance their performance at as high as 53.3 percent. And another recent study on high school athletes, published online in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, reported that 12 percent of male seniors and 8 percent of female seniors admitted to abusing painkillers.<br /> <br /> To former ESPN.com columnist Gregg Easterbrook -- who wrote about painkillers in his book "The King of Sports: Football's Impact on America -- it's no surprise that the largest percentage of those young abusers play football.<br /> <br /> "Youth and high-school players see an example that appears to be of men so tough, they laugh at pain," he wrote. "The message sent is that young players should use their own bodies recklessly."<br /> <br /> So what's a concerned parent to do?<br /> <br /> Well, if your child is experiencing neuro-musculoskeletal-related pain from playing sports-- spinal pain, say, from too many tackles or strained soccer kicks --first know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last March began urging physicians to avoid prescribing opioids for chronic pain in response to a record high 28,647 deaths involving the highly addictive drugs in 2014.<br /> <br /> Know, too, that the most popular non-pharmacologic alternative to routine care is drug-free chiropractic care.<br /> <br /> "Doctors of chiropractic play a key role in sports health care by providing hands-on care that help improve range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength, and other key performance factors," notes the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Sherry McAllister.<br /> <br /> Ref: Exercise - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Especially in stressful times, curling up with some positive TV programs can be a much-needed relaxing experience for the whole family.<br /> <br /> The UPtv slate of Easter programming, scheduled for April 4 through April 12, is ready to support family togetherness with two weekends of movies to celebrate the Easter season and encourage reflection and positive thinking.<br /> <br /> "As the home for uplifting programming, we can't think of a better time than now to celebrate feel-good films and inspiring biblical stories. In-Lawfully Yours is a perfect way to cap-off Easter Sunday with the entire family," says Hector Campos, vice president of content strategy for UPtv.<br /> <br /> In-Lawfully Yours features a clash of personalities when a fun-loving New Yorker played by Chelsey Crisp (Fresh Off the Boat) moves to a small town to help her recently widowed ex-mother-in-law, played by Marilu Henner (Taxi, L.A. Story). The locals may not approve, but sparks fly when she meets the church pastor.<br /> <br /> Want more love? Tune in on Saturday, April 4, for a marathon of romantic movies in the UPtv tradition. The event kicks off with Love Takes Wing at 3p.m. EST, in which newly minted doctor and new widow Belinda becomes a "Regional Doctor," traveling through small towns in turn-of-the-century America, finding love and discovering the joy of parenthood along the way. The series continues with Love Finds a Home, Love Begins, Love's Everlasting Courage, and Love's Christmas Journey, Parts I and II, airing consecutively. The movies are based on the popular books by Janette Oke.<br /> <br /> The Palm Sunday lineup takes a more faithful tone, with Courageous at 11:30 a.m., which follows the personal and professional lives of four sheriff's deputies in a small town in Georgia. Other Palm Sunday features include God's Not Dead, War Room, The Passion of the Christ, and a late-night Little House on the Prairie movie marathon.<br /> <br /> UPtv's Good Friday programming includes Noah's Ark at 7 p.m., followed by two showings of The Passion of the Christ at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday's schedule includes the inspirational football-themed movie, Facing the Giants, as well as two showings of Heaven is for Real, at noon and at 7 p.m.<br /> <br /> On Easter Sunday, tune in at noon for The Identical, an uplifting story of twin brothers separated at birth who share a love of music, followed by The Healer, the premiere of the UPtv original movie, Undercover Angel, and the premiere of In-Lawfully Yours.<br /> <br /> For more family-friendly Easter programming, tune in to UPtv's sister service, UP Faith and Family, which features Exodus; Pure Country 2: The Gift; The Left Behind Trilogy; Grace Unplugged; and Dial A Prayer during the month of April.<br /> <br /> Visit uptv.com for more information about these and other uplifting movies and series. Find them on DirecTV Channel 338, Dish Channel 188, Fios TV Channel 738, ATT TV NOW, Philo + Local Providers<br /> <br /> You can also visit uptv.com, or find UPtv on Facebook at <a target='_blank' href="https://www.facebook.com/Uptv,">https://www.facebook.com/Uptv,</a> on Twitter on @Uptv and on Instagram at UP_TV.<br /> <br /> Ref: God - in Blogs

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Bent in Heaven's Twist<br /> <br /> I wear a smile, a fragile disguise<br /> A mask that hides, the tears I've cried<br /> The heavens twist, in a cruel design<br /> A fate that's sealed, yet I'm left to redefine<br /> <br /> In heavenly design, I'm lost in pain<br /> A twist of fate, that drives me insane<br /> The stars align, yet I'm still unsure<br /> A celestial guide, that's hard to endure<br /> <br /> I'm bent and broken, in a world so grand<br /> A fragile soul, in a body so unplanned<br /> The heavens whisper, "You're strong and free"<br /> But I'm trapped in doubts, that haunt me relentlessly<br /> <br /> I search for answers, in the darkest night<br /> A glimmer of hope, that shines with all its might<br /> But the twist of fate, it plays a cruel game<br /> Leaving me shattered, with a heart that's tamed<br /> <br /> In twisted threads, I'm woven with flaws<br /> A fragile fabric, with scars that never fade<br /> The heavens bend, in a mysterious spin<br /> A divine irony, that I'm forced to give in<br /> <br /> I'm a paradox, of strength and weakness combined<br /> A human heart, that's constantly redefined<br /> The twist of heaven's hand, a mysterious fate<br /> A life that's unpredictable, with moments that create<br /> <br /> I yearn for solace, in the chaos and strife<br /> A peaceful haven, where I can be alive<br /> But the heavens twist, in a celestial rhyme<br /> A melody of pain, that echoes through my prime<br /> <br /> In this twisted world, I'm searching for a light<br /> A guiding star, that shines through the darkest night<br /> A beacon of hope, that leads me to the shore<br /> Where I can find peace, and be forever more.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Writing - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - The days of using a stick, some string and a worm are as much a part of American culture as apple pie and baseball. Unlike that time, there are now many choices for anglers this spring, depending on where you'll be fishing.<br /> <br /> In fact, selecting your gear is half the fun. But for starters, set aside the rods, reels, rigs, jigs and tackle, it's also just as important to remember these items that are often overlooked:<br /> <br /> * Use sunscreen. You only have to suffer from sun poisoning one time to understand the relationship between sun and water. While the water may be cold and temperatures out-side chilly, sun reflecting off the water will still give you a burn. A sweat proof sunscreen that won't run and sting the eyes is ideal, as is one that won't leave a greasy residue that could adversely affect your grip.<br /> <br /> * Wear a base layer. A thin T-shirt is a must as a base layer, better if it is made of fabric that wicks away moisture. There are even some that are made to be water repellent and stain resistant with anti-odor properties for those in warmer climes. Since this is the layer that is in direct contact with your skin, you want something that will allow moisture to escape as you sweat.<br /> <br /> * Find the right pants. Spring days on the water are usually an all-day event, and call for versatility in your clothing. To that point, pants that convert to shorts are ideal. Like shirts, pants should be stain-resistant. Additionally, the pants should have plenty of pockets (with zippers) to carry anything extra. If you don't have access to a boat or dock, extend your fishing range with a good pair of fishing waders.<br /> <br /> * Cover your head. Hats with a hard-hat liner will keep your neck, ears and head warm in cold weather. For warmer climates, a wide-brimmed hat will guard against sunburn, overheating and overexposure.<br /> <br /> * Bring the extras. This could include a life vest, cooler or, if you happen to be a smokeless tobacco user, a portable spittoon like those offered by Flasr. The Atlanta-based company prides itself on creating the first-of-its-kind portable spittoon that is small enough to fit in your pocket and carry along wherever you go -- whether it's fishing on a lake or hunting in a blind. Its advanced closing mechanism ensures that it stays securely closed, eliminating the risk of spills and leaks.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit www.flasr.com; Market listing: FLASR (OTCQB: FLSR).<br /> <br /> Ref: Fishing - in Blogs