(NewsUSA) - A gold coin worth $7 million dollars. What could make one coin so valuable? The coin, purchased at an auction in 2002, was a 1933 Double Eagle, a survivor from a time when the U.S. government made owning gold illegal. Now, due to the economic downturn, Americans might be turning their attention to gold once again.<br /> <br /> People have used gold coins since 640 B.C. -; the metal has inherent value, making its value more stable than paper currency. It is soft, malleable and easily hammered thin. Pure gold does not rust or tarnish -; it keeps its beauty and value, no matter its age.<br /> <br /> The U.S. first produced official gold coins in 1795, with $5 and $10 coins that still remain attractive to serious collectors. Massive amounts of gold were later discovered in the U.S. in 1848. By 1849, America was making the Double Eagle, or the Twenty Dollar Gold Coin. Containing nearly a full ounce of pure gold, Double Eagles remain some of the most famous coins ever minted. The first U.S. Mint, located in Philadelphia, produced gold coins up until 1933.<br /> <br /> So, why did they stop? The U.S. entered a financial crisis. Banks failed, and the U.S. economy started to fall fast. Americans no longer wanted unreliable paper or cheap-metal currencies -; in a time of economic insecurity, gold coins promised to retain their value. In response, the federal government decided to outlaw gold. Americans exchanged their gold coins with the federal government, where the Double Eagles were melted into gold bars. Those same gold bars still exist, in storage, at Fort Knox. A few straggling Double Eagle coins escaped the recall -; now, they fetch millions of dollars at auction.<br /> <br /> And they might soon become more valuable. The current financial crisis has once again made gold interesting to investors -; according to the New York Mint, gold is selling at unprecedented levels.<br /> <br /> For more information about gold coins or coin collecting, please contact the New York Mint at 800-642-9160 ext. 4390 or visit its Web site at www.newyorkmint.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Collectors - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Summer. The word itself sounds so relaxing and soothing to the senses. And nothing is more soothing in the summer than swimming.<br /> <br /> At the very least, there's certainly nothing more cooling or refreshing than a quick trip to the pool. Indeed, with the temperatures rising and vacations in high gear, it's prime time to take a trip to the beach or head to your favorite resort pool and enjoy one of America's favorite summer pastimes: swimming.<br /> <br /> To ensure your next trip to the pool is as relaxing and successful as ever, however, there are some essential items everybody should consider bringing. So, whether it's just a casual day of cooling off, a special summer pool party or family fun day, here's a to-do list that covers all pool partygoers.<br /> <br /> * First and foremost, lather up with suntan lotions. And then bring more in your tote bag so you can reapply after a round or two of swimming. There's nothing more frustrating when you settle in and realize you forgot your supplies and need to buy more.<br /> <br /> * Pack swimming gear. Regardless of whether you're going to the beach or pool, make sure you have goggles, noodles and other flotation devices. Your time in the water will never be more enjoyable.<br /> <br /> * Bring some snacks and drinks. After some rigorous swimming or leisurely baking in the sun, you're bound to build up an appetite or have a need to quench your thirst.<br /> <br /> * Don't forget your spittoon. Being at the pool in a bikini or trunks can leave one very exposed to say the least. If you're a smokeless tobacco user, there's even less opportunity to take a discreet "dip" while you're taking a dip in the pool.<br /> <br /> That is, unless you own a portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR. These new 4-ounce pocket-sized spittoons are brilliantly designed to allow users to easily open and close with just one hand, making them ideal items to bring to the pool or any other public setting so you can still enjoy your smokeless tobacco. Another advantage to the FLASR flask is its advanced closing mechanism that ensures it stays securely closed when not in use, eliminating the risk of any messy spills or leaks in the pool that come with those gaudy bottles or drink cups of old.<br /> <br /> For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.<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: Saint Lucia - in Countries</span>

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!

**Embracing the Ethereal: A Celebration of White Flower Blossoms**<br /> <br /> In the tapestry of nature's grandeur, few sights rival the delicate allure of white flower blossoms. These ethereal blooms, with their pristine petals and subtle fragrances, evoke a sense of purity and serenity that captivates the soul. Whether nestled in a verdant garden, adorning a tree branch, or scattered across a meadow like scattered pearls, each white blossom tells a story of beauty and resilience.<br /> <br /> **The Elegance of White Blossoms**<br /> <br /> White blossoms, in their simplicity, exude a timeless elegance that transcends seasons. In spring, they herald renewal and hope, blanketing orchards and gardens with promises of abundance. Against the backdrop of lush greenery, their purity stands out, drawing admiration and inspiring contemplation. Each petal, a testament to nature's intricate design, delicately unfolds to reveal a pristine heart—a beacon of tranquility amidst life's bustling rhythms.<br /> <br /> **Symbolism and Cultural Significance**<br /> <br /> Across cultures and centuries, white blossoms have held deep symbolism. They embody purity, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment. In many traditions, they symbolize new beginnings, making them popular choices for weddings and ceremonies. The Japanese revere the cherry blossom (sakura) for its transient beauty, celebrating it with hanami—a tradition of enjoying the blossoms under spring's fleeting embrace. Meanwhile, in Western cultures, white roses symbolize love and reverence, gracing weddings and commemorations alike.<br /> <br /> **A Symphony of Fragrance and Form**<br /> <br /> Beyond their visual splendor, white blossoms enchant with their subtle fragrances. Jasmine whispers its sweet aroma on warm summer evenings, while magnolia releases its heady perfume in the early morning light. Each bloom adds a unique note to nature's olfactory symphony, inviting us to pause and immerse ourselves in their sensory delights.<br /> <br /> **Preserving Nature's Treasures**<br /> <br /> As guardians of our environment, we bear a collective responsibility to protect these natural wonders. Climate change and habitat loss threaten the habitats of white blossoms and other flora. By cultivating awareness and advocating for conservation efforts, we can ensure future generations continue to marvel at these exquisite gifts of nature.<br /> <br /> **Conclusion: A Call to Appreciation**<br /> <br /> In the fleeting beauty of white flower blossoms, we find solace and inspiration. They remind us to cherish life's ephemeral moments and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. Let us cultivate gardens of the soul where these blossoms bloom eternal, and in doing so, nurture a deeper connection to the natural world. As we celebrate their elegance and resilience, may we also pledge to preserve and protect these delicate marvels for generations to come.<br /> <br /> In the quiet majesty of white flower blossoms, let us discover the enduring poetry of nature's embrace. <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: Nature - in Blogs</span>

(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) - Almost everything today is digitally connected …whether at home or on the go. Connected technology saves you time with everything from smart phones to smart homes!<br /> <br /> Tech Lifestyle Expert Carley Knobloch has partnered with KillerApps.com and four brands for a look at some great smart tech for 2019 that will help simplify your life.<br /> <br /> First up … a laptop is a must! Made for today's mobile multi-taskers, the thin and light Yoga C630 combines the power and productivity of a Windows 10 laptop with the always-on, always-connected mobility of a smartphone thanks to integrated 4G LTE and Wi-Fi support. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 850 Mobile Compute Platform, the Yoga C630 gets up to 22 hours of local video playback and features a natural pen-on-paper experience on its vibrant 13.3-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display with optional Lenovo Pen and Windows Ink.<br /> <br /> Next, to stay connected at home, Orbi Voice is a smart speaker integrated with Amazon voice assistant, Alexa and uses the Qualcomm Wifi Mesh platform to create expansive whole home Wi-Fi coverage (up to 4500 square feet) to create an entire ecosystem of mesh Wi-Fi products. It also features premium audio technology, creating incredible room-filling sound from the audio experts at Harman Kardon. Alexa makes it easy to play music from the most popular streaming services, control other IoT devices, check traffic, weather, and so much more - without needing a separate device. It's truly an innovative leap, and the start of a trend expected to accelerate in the 5G era.<br /> <br /> Smart products can also help keep families safe. Fire is getting faster, but you can get ahead by installing Kidde Wire-Free Interconnect Smoke Alarms in your home. Kidde's new interconnect alarm solution offers exceptional safety benefits without the hassle of hardwiring or a Wi-Fi connection. The interconnect technology helps alert you to a fire no matter where you are in your home. When one alarm senses a hazard, all interconnected alarms sound throughout the home. The alarm also comes with a sealed 10-year battery, which you don't have to worry about changing alarms batteries. Simply replace the entire alarm after 10 years.<br /> <br /> Home security solutions are getting smarter and more convenient too. Schlage Encode is the newest connected device to enhance the brand's portfolio of innovative smart locks. The deadbolt is easy to install, with a quick connection to in-home WiFi, making it even more convenient for homeowners to have secure, remote access control. The built-in Wi-Fi technology eliminates the need for an additional hub and allows users to set-up and manage the lock via the Schlage Home or Key by Amazon apps. This means users can lock and unlock their deadbolt, monitor the lock's status, and send virtual keys to trusted friends and family, all from the convenience of their smartphone. Homeowners can create up to 100 unique guest access codes for temporary, recurring or permanent access. This information, along with the lock's activity, can be tracked and monitored within the app, giving homeowners greater peace of mind. Through the Schlage Home app, users can also pair their deadbolt with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. When managing the lock via the Key app, users can enjoy compatibility with other platforms such as Amazon Cloud Cam, Ring video doorbell and cameras, and Alexa.<br /> <br /> For more information, visit KillerApps.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Futurology - 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

When it comes to writing a grocery list, I can say that some have been lengthy, and I am not speaking metaphorically. This is what the world of a serial overthinker is all about, where a simple decision can become a mental challenge, and a single line email is sent three drafts later. If you have ever seen yourself staring at your email contemplating a response of “Thanks!” without sounding emotionally detached or weird, I congratulate you, you are likely an overthinker too.<br />Overthinking goes beyond being a habit or lifestyle, it's your second full-time job but without the benefits. It's lying in bed awake, staring at your ceiling, and thinking of how things went a week ago. It involves preparing for a circumstance, dreading the circumstance, encountering the circumstance, and then revisiting it after the fact. Was there anything I forgot? Should I have said something different?<br /><br /><br />Disclaimers come with each good day. A good example of this is when I receive a compliment. In my mind, I am triple checking the meaning behind it. Was it meant? Was sarcasm involved? Were they referring to me or someone else? Once the praise has been accepted, the topic has already changed three times and my opportunity to give thanks has lapsed.<br /><br /><br />The thing is, though, overthinking is more than self-doubt or anxiety. It also involves caring too much. For me, I care about being considerate, clear, and respectful. I also care about avoiding hurt feelings and making good decisions. Afterall, there is a ton of heart beneath it all, regardless of how little sleep I have had.<br /><br />