<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - When it comes to getting fit, many consider cardio exercise the best solution. But strength training is also an essential part of any comprehensive exercise routine. Strength training can boost cardio health, burn calories and fat and put you on the fasttrack for fitness success.<br /> <br /> It's no surprise that strength training was listed as a top fitness trend for both men and women by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It's also a key step towards improving quality of daily life -- whether that's countering long hours spent at a desk job or staying active with the family.<br /> <br /> "Everyone can benefit enormously from strength training," says celebrity trainer and Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland. "Muscle helps our bodies work optimally, providing us with functional strength and the ability to perform daily activities with ease."<br /> <br /> Here are some easy ways to add some strength training into your exercise routine:<br /> <br /> * Commit to a regular routine, and build from there. If you are new to strength training, consider lighter weights and fewer repetitions to get started. You can challenge yourself with larger increments and higher repetitions as you progress. "Success in strength training is all about overloading the muscle with precise weight and progressing appropriately," Holland says.<br /> <br /> * Use equipment, or keep it simple. Equipment such as kettle bells, dumbbells and medicine balls are all great options. For example, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells (www.bowflexselecttech.com) replace 15 sets of weights with a space-saving design -- adjustable from 5 to 52.5 pounds at the turn of a dial. If you don't have easy access to weights, or want to start off simple, everyday objects, such as a frozen water bottle or cans of soup, can be used as substitutes.<br /> <br /> * Get back to the basics with functional fitness. Functional fitness focuses on strength and bodyweight training exercises to improve balance, develop muscle and condition our bodies. Basic exercises, such as squats or sit-ups, mimic movements used in daily life. Another option to keep your body tuned to daily activities is walking. You might not be ready for a 5k walk, but a machine like the Bowflex TreadClimber (www.treadclimber.com) can help you get started by combining the motions of a treadmill, a stair climber and an elliptical.<br /> <br /> * Fuel your strength training with protein. "Protein is essential to building lean muscle," says Holland. One easy solution is a protein shake or smoothie. For example, the new Bowflex Body (www.bowflexbody.com) nutrition line includes fitness shakes that provide a 15-gram punch of protein and essential vitamins for only 125 calories.<br /> <br /> Ref: Body Building - in Blogs

Beyond Ordinary Beaches: Solo Camping at Bukit Pengilon, Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta<br /><br />Have you ever found yourself sitting idle, wondering where to go for your next adventure? The beach sounds appealing, but you want something different from the typical coastal experience. If this resonates with you, then you're in the same boat as I was, and I have the perfect solution to share.<br />Currently staying in Yogyakarta, I decided to explore one of the region's coastal gems. Yogyakarta is renowned for its stunning beaches, particularly in the Gunung Kidul area, which has undergone massive road infrastructure development in recent years. Access to Gunung Kidul from Yogyakarta city has become remarkably convenient and relatively quick. Among the coastal destinations in Gunung Kidul, my choice this time was Bukit Pengilon Beach.<br /><br />A Beach Unlike Any Other<br />Bukit Pengilon isn't your typical Gunung Kidul beach with pristine white sand perfect for water activities. Instead, it offers a breathtaking panorama of ocean views, coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and dramatic cliffs. The seascape from this vantage point is absolutely captivating, and I can confidently say that Bukit Pengilon ranks as the most beautiful beach in Yogyakarta. If you're visiting Yogya, you must experience this destination at least once.<br /><br />My Solo Camping Adventure<br />My beach getaway took place on May 30, 2025, and I planned an overnight camping trip to fully immerse myself in Bukit Pengilon's stunning scenery. This was a solo camping adventure, as none of my friends were available to join me at the time. I frequently embark on solo outdoor activities like camping because I genuinely enjoy the tranquility and peace that nature provides.<br /><br />Getting There<br />My journey began from Kaliurang, Sleman, Yogyakarta at 5:30 AM, arriving at Bukit Pengilon by 8:00 AM. The 2.5-hour drive passed smoothly despite moderate traffic conditions.<br /><br />Bukit Pengilon is accessible by both motorcycle and car, though cars cannot reach the main entrance directly. Car travelers must park at the designated area before the tourist site and either walk or hire local ojek (motorcycle taxi) services provided by village residents. The route from the parking area to the tourist site is quite challenging and steep, so motorcyclists should exercise caution.<br />Cost breakdown:<br /><br />Beach area entrance: IDR 8,000<br />Overnight motorcycle parking: IDR 10,000<br />Tourist site entry: IDR 2,000<br />Camping fee: IDR 20,000<br /><br />Optimal Visiting Times<br />The best times to visit Bukit Pengilon are during morning or late afternoon hours. Morning visits offer cooler sunlight and optimal lighting conditions for photography enthusiasts. As the sun climbs higher, temperatures can become uncomfortably hot for some visitors. Midday photography isn't ideal due to harsh lighting that diminishes the coastal panorama's visual impact.<br />If you have ample free time, consider staying until sunset, as the evening panorama is truly enchanting, especially by Yogyakarta standards.<br /><br />The Magic of Overnight Camping<br />For those with extended leisure time, I highly recommend experiencing this beach through overnight camping. Spending a full night at the coast proved surprisingly delightful and beautiful. You can enjoy your time while gazing at billions of stars overhead, accompanied by the rhythmic symphony of crashing waves.<br /><br />Stargazing Paradise<br />Astrophotography enthusiasts will find Bukit Pengilon an excellent choice for pursuing their passion. The starry panorama at Bukit Pengilon is absolutely magnificent. You can observe various stellar constellations including Scorpion, Ursa Major, and many others. Such pristine starry views are increasingly rare in Yogyakarta, particularly in urban areas where light pollution obscures celestial visibility.<br /><br />Why Bukit Pengilon Should Be Your Next Destination<br />After reading this account, I'm confident you'll be inspired to make this beach your next travel destination in Yogyakarta. Bukit Pengilon offers a unique coastal experience that transcends ordinary beach visits, combining natural beauty with adventure and tranquility.<br /><br />Whether you're seeking stunning photography opportunities, peaceful solitude, or an unforgettable stargazing experience, Bukit Pengilon delivers an extraordinary coastal adventure that will leave lasting memories.<br />Have you had similar experiences or questions about visiting Bukit Pengilon? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

You ever notice how everyone's got a morning routine? "I'm a morning person," they say. "I'm a night owl," they claim. But let's be real, most of us are just trying to survive until our first cup of coffee.<br /><br />I was talking to my friend George the other day, and he told me his morning routine involves hitting the snooze button 12 times. I'm pretty sure that's not what the wellness experts had in mind.<br /><br />So, what's your morning routine? Are you a zen master or a caffeine junkie? Do you meditate, journal, or hit the gym? Or do you just roll out of bed and stumble into the kitchen?<br /><br />Let's get real about our morning habits. What's working for you? What's not? Share your morning struggles and triumphs with us! 🤣☕️ #MorningRoutine #Lifestyle #ComedyOfErrors

(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.<br /> <br /> 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."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "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."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - As the calendar flips to another year, many employees will consider starting the new year on the hunt for a new job. In today's changing workforce, it is more important than ever for companies to realize that a salary alone is no longer enough to recruit or retain strong employees. According to a recent survey by Aflac, small businesses deserve a round of applause for their ability to keep employees happy. The report found that 85 percent of small-business employees are happy in their current job and more than half (51 percent) agree that most of or all of their happiness in their current job is because is a result of working for a small business.<br /> <br /> The keys to happiness<br /> <br /> Nearly a quarter of participants (23 percent) stated that the feeling of importance was the best part of working for a small business. Small businesses have the unique ability to make employees feel appreciated, respected and valued on a personal and professional level. In a small business environment, there are typically fewer layers between newcomers and leadership. This tight-knit structure of small businesses can create a family-like atmosphere that allows employees to feel that their opinions matter and that they play a significant role in the business's mission.<br /> <br /> Flexibility is also vital in creating employee happiness. According to the report, 30 percent of respondents noted that flexible scheduling was the best part of working for a small business. This can include working from home, leaving work early to play in a summer sports league or giving new parents an extra week of paid time off to help care for their newborn. A workplace that promotes healthy work-life balance can create happier, less stressed employees and can also increase employee productivity on the job.<br /> <br /> Unlocking improvements<br /> <br /> Although small businesses excel at keeping employees happy, there is always room for improvement. In a small-business community, money does not seem to be the only motivator. In fact, 65 percent of small-business employees indicate that an improvement in their benefits offerings would make them happier employees. By offering a robust benefits plan that includes voluntary benefits, small businesses can ensure that their employees are able to find the right benefits to meet their individual needs.<br /> <br /> Learn more at <a class="no-ajax" target='_blank' href="https://aflac.com/smallbusiness">https://aflac.com/smallbusiness</a><br /><br /> <br /> Ref: Business - in Blogs

*I Will Keep Pushing Until I Push Through*<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I push through. Though the storms are fierce and roughly threatening, I will keep pushing. Though I might be uncertain in the journey and don't know how far I've gone and how much distance is left for me, I'll keep pushing. Though there's no one there to lean on and no support to beckon, I'll keep pushing. Though my strength is becoming weaker, and I cannot find the courage to continue, yet I'll keep pushing. Though the walls seem to be cracking and are about to collapse on me, with so much unseen danger, I'll keep pushing. Though I feel deserted, and find no one to believe in my dreams or help build with me, I'll keep pushing. Though the challenges may overwhelm me, and a whisper to quit surges its way to my heart, I'll keep pushing. <br /> <br /> <br /> Though the darkness tries to consume me, and the light seems too far away, I'll keep pushing. Though every step feels like a struggle, and every breath is a battle, I'll keep pushing. Though the weight of my doubts and fears threatens to crush me, I'll keep pushing. Though the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty, and the future seems unclear, I'll keep pushing. Though I'm tired, worn out, and exhausted, I'll keep pushing. Though the voices of negativity echo in my mind, telling me I'm not good enough, I'll keep pushing.<br /> <br /> For every step forward, I'll take two more. For every obstacle, I'll find a way around it. For every setback, I'll learn and grow stronger. I'll keep pushing, not because I'm fearless, but because I'm brave. Not because I'm perfect, but because I'm persistent. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm willing to learn.<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I reach the other side. Until I emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Until I've achieved my dreams, and fulfilled my purpose. I'll keep pushing, until I've pushed through.<br /> <br /> So, I'll take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and keep moving forward. I'll face my fears, and overcome my doubts. I'll push through the pain, and rise above the struggles. I'll keep pushing, until I've reached the pinnacle of success. And when I finally emerge victorious, I'll look back on the journey, and smile. I'll smile at the struggles, and the setbacks. I'll smile at the doubts, and the fears. For I will have pushed through, and come out stronger on the other side.<br /> <br /> I keep pushing, for necessity is laid on me to push until I push through for the millions of lives that are connected to my breakthrough.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Motivation - in Blogs</span>

<center><button data-toggle="modal" data-target="#appModal" class="btn btn-default app-button" style="width: 130px !important;margin-bottom:25px;font-weight:bold"><i class="fa fa-gamepad" style="margin-right:7px;color:#777"></i>Play App</button><input class="app-url" style="display:none!important" value="https://stallios.com/game-2/index.html"></center> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> AUDIENCE<br /> General - All ages<br /> <br /> ABOUT US<br /> We are GameWorld. A multi-national video game publisher company on a mission to create the next-gen games.<br /> <br /> PAGE URL<br /> Your Stallios page url<br /> <br /> <br /> Ref: Racing - in Games

(NewsUSA) - As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances. However, many homeowners fail to consider their water heater when it comes to going "green."<br /> <br /> Although today's water heaters are expected to operate for an average of 13 years, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends shopping for a new water heater if your current unit is more than seven years old. This allows an adequate amount of time for homeowners to research and select a water heater that best meets their needs instead of waiting until their heater breaks down and selecting the cheapest quick fix for cold showers.<br /> <br /> Consumers are increasingly turning to high-efficiency water heaters when replacing older units or during remodeling and building projects. While these models may cost more initially, savings in water and energy usage continue throughout the lifetime of the appliance, offsetting the price difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these units use 10 to 50 percent less energy, benefits to both your budget and the environment.<br /> <br /> A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute simulated the residential performance of high-efficiency water heaters and conventional units. The Vertex from A. O. Smith, a hybrid, gas-condensing, residential unit incorporating tank-type and tankless technology, provided the best overall performance at average and high-volume hot water usage, which is the consumption of 64-gallons or more per day of hot water.<br /> <br /> Endorsed by long-time environmental champion Ed Begley Jr. of the HGTV series "Living With Ed," the Vertex provides sufficient quantities of hot water for shower after shower and operates at 90 percent thermal efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to meet the demands that modern lifestyles require.<br /> <br /> "Using more efficient combustion to produce hot water at lower operating costs and 90 percent thermal efficiency, the Vertex is a good choice for customers who want to save energy without skimping on hot water," said David Chisolm, A. O. Smith Water Heater brand manager.<br /> <br /> For more information on the A. O. Smith Vertex model, visit hotwater.com/resources/energy-star-qualified-products/.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gifts - in Blogs