<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 you combine the acting talent of Thomas Haden Church (Sideways, Spiderman 3, Divorce), Alice Eve (Before We Go, She's Out of My League), and Finn Wittrock (La La Land,The Big Short, Unbroken, American Horror Story) with a twisted tale of deceit, passion, and dark humor, what do you get?<br /> <br /> Deception Road, an upcoming film set for production in the summer of 2019.<br /> <br /> The story gets rolling when the character of Oscar (Wittrock) is traveling through the American Southwest. He hitches a ride with haunted war veteran Hal (Church), but all is not as it seems, and a simple car ride is only the beginning of a complex and mysterious journey. Instead, Oscar finds himself in the middle of a game of cat and mouse with Hal, his lovely, young wife, Jessie, and the situation goes from bizarre to dangerous, but with a dose of dark comedy. The cast is rounded out by newcomer Jack Tynan.<br /> <br /> The film is being produced by Wild Invention Pictures along with George Parra and Michael Goodin. It will be shot on location in Utah, where the stark, stunning landscape serves as an ideal background for the mystery and danger that unfold. The screenplay was written by Dallas Mitchell Brennan and will be directed by Max Mayer, whose credits include Adam and As Cool as I Am.<br /> <br /> "I look forward with great joy to working with such a dynamically gifted team to tell a story I find so darkly funny, compelling, and emotionally truthful," says Mayer.<br /> <br /> The film will be distributed domestically by Smith Global Media, headed by CEO Harry Smith.<br /> <br /> "The Smith Global team is excited to have acquired the domestic distribution rights to Deception Road. This quirky thriller will entertain diverse audiences and the wonderful cast is bound to deliver exceptional performances," says Smith.<br /> <br /> The film is financed by executive producer Neil Shroff and has an excellent shot at artistic and commercial success based on its combination of stellar acting and tight plot. Early analytics suggest that it will be popular with a large range of audiences, which makes the film a great opportunity for investors.<br /> <br /> Investment opportunities are available at deceptionroadmovie.com.<br /> <br /> "We are excited to bring this film from script to screen as it has the potential to become an enduring classic working with Max Mayer and this talented production team and cast," says Brennan.<br /> <br /> Visit deceptionroadmovie.com for more information about the movie, the production team, and investment opportunities.<br /> <br /> Ref: Celebrities - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - For many of us, a cup of coffee is essential to starting the day off right. For your teeth, it sets the stage for stains. And for those who like to have a glass of red wine at night, you're also ending your day with a noted tooth stainer. Other culprits can include: tea, sports drinks, curry, berries, tomato sauce and candies.<br /> <br /> The Eroders<br /> <br /> Your enamel is not only vulnerable to obvious acids like citrus fruits, vinegar and white wine, but sugar can have an acidic effect on your enamel as well. Plaque bacteria use sugar to produce acid, which then eats away at tooth enamel. This means the sodas, juices, sports drinks and candies<br /> <br /> -- basically anything with sugar in it -- can be eroding your enamel.<br /> <br /> The Breakers<br /> <br /> It goes without saying that biting into something very hard can damage your teeth. Similarly, something extremely chewy can pull on teeth and cause damage or loosen a crown. The foods to be wary of include: hard candies, chewy candies, ice, popcorn seeds and corn on the cob.<br /> <br /> The Driers<br /> <br /> That horrible "cotton-mouth" feeling after you've had a couple of drinks is actually bad for your teeth. When saliva flow is reduced, you stand a greater risk of tooth decay, oral infections and possibly gum disease. Triggers that can cause dry mouth include: alcohol, coffee, tea, caffeinated beverages and any salty foods.<br /> <br /> Don't despair! There are plenty of food options that actually promote tooth strength, whiteness and freshness. Feel free to indulge in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that stimulate salivation. Cheeses, milk, yogurt and other dairy products are packed with calcium, phosphates, vitamin D and other minerals that promote all-over health. Also, calcium mixes with plaque and sticks to your teeth, providing protection from acids and rebuilding enamel on the spot. Green and black tea (without sugar added) can slow down tooth decay and gum disease by suppressing bacteria. Use fluoridated water to brew your tea, and you've just added a powerful decay prevention agent.<br /> <br /> For more information and to locate an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry AACD member dentist near you, please visit www.YourSmileBecomesYou.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Eating - in Blogs

<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>

<br /> <br /> How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions<br /> by Bob McCullough 6/14/24<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Go into the recent archives of any major sports site, and you'll find a lot of names who should be embarrassed about their predictions for the Mavs-Celtics series. And they're not just the names of those who happened to cover the Mavs. <br /> <br /> <br /> The prediction split was close to 50/50. Maybe 60/40 in favor of the C's, which felt reasonable going into the Finals. Now it seems a little ridiculous. <br /> <br /> <br /> So what went wrong? Let's take a closer look at why the national media especially fell for the Dallas storyline, for it embodies a lot of what's wrong with sportswriting today and NBA coverage in particular. <br /> <br /> <br /> **** Mavs Story Lines<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's at the top of the list. Writers love superstars, and the NBA's entire culture is built around them. The old ebony/ivory combination of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was irresistable as a result, especially given the story lines. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with Irving, a fascinating wack job who's been shooting his career in the foot for a long time now. After getting in trouble for spewing anti-Semitic nonsense, breaking up teams, getting coaches fired and conveniently missing games due to his anti-vax rhetoric, Irving somehow managed to resurrect his career and transform himself into a supposedly responsible NBA elder in Dallas. It's the ultimate redemption storyline. <br /> <br /> <br /> If you really believe that I have deeds to several bridges I can sell you, but in a basketball context Doncic may be even worse, which hardly seems possible. He's the most offensively gifted player of his generation, and yet, to use the words of Bob Cousy, he "looks like a truck driver." <br /> <br /> <br /> Which is Cooz-speak for Luka being fat and out of shape, especially for a professional athlete, and the Celtics have relentlessly exploited that flaw. Add in the fact that he goes after the refs on EVERY play, and he's pretty sickening to watch, even with his incredibly skill set. That doesn't stop the writers from relentlessly loving the highlight plays; that's what they do. <br /> <br /> <br /> J's Fatigue<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's right up there, too. NBA writers especially are sick of writing the same old rivalry stories about Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, i.e., who's better, who gets paid more, who cares more about winning vs endorsements and brand, and so on. <br /> <br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, the rest of us are just as sick of reading them. Even more so now that' they've become largely irrelevant. Whatever their differences were--and there likely were differences, rest assured--they've worked them out to get to within a game of their first title. <br /> <br /> <br /> ** hum. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents<br /> <br /> <br /> This one hasn't been explored as much, but it's relevant. National writers especially saw three glamour teams in the Clippers, the Thunder and the Wolves, which wasn't exactly the case. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with the Clippers. They were always a shell of a team with lots of older star power--Kahwi, Paul George, the artist formerly known as Westbrick. Without a healthy Leonard, however, that formula was yesterday's news, as the Mavs quickly proved. Simply put, it was a hidden mismatch. <br /> <br /> <br /> On to the Thunder. This one's slightly more interesting. OKC surprised everyone with a first-round sweep over a New Orleans shell team supposedly "led" by the ever injured and absent Zion Williamson, which led to the assumption that they were ahead of the curve when it came to being playoff ready. <br /> <br /> <br /> Dallas exposed them as a bit of a donut team without enough secondary scoring after SGA, giving Sam Presti a solid blueprint for what he needs to fix going forward. The Thunder are one of the few teams where "watch out for them next year" carries a lot of weight. <br /> <br /> <br /> Lastly, the Timberwolves, who have one of the most oddly mismatched rosters in recent memory. They were perfectly constructed to stop the Nuggets, however, with two seven-footers available to get Nicola Jokic off his game. Against the Mavs, though, young Anthony Edwards was exposed as far from Finals-ready, and KAT came off once again as a seven foot scorer who sometimes plays at 6'6" under pressure. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Now For the Mavs? <br /> <br /> <br /> This one's simple, at least on paper--get Luka in shape, and convince him to play a nominal amount of defense. According to reports, though, Dallas has been trying to get him to do this for years, so that's where the "on paper" part comes in. <br /> <br /> <br /> They also need him to grow up. Luka's referee theater routine grew thin when he was exposed to a team with two All-Defense defenders, and at least two more who should be considered for that roster. Whining about fouls is fine when you have inferior defenders, but it doesn't hold water when athletes like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday are in your grill taking options away. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, the Mavs need a third scorer. Badly. They got by with guys like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones this year, but bargain basement options like that almost always wilt like March daffodils when the playoffs roll around in April, May and June. The future's still bright in Cuban Land, but it's going to take some serious attitude and personnel adjustments to get Luka, Kyrie and company over the top.

(NewsUSA) - Owning a home is a huge investment, and once they've owned long enough to build up equity, many homeowners opt to leverage the equity for other uses. But if you're on the fence about taking on another monthly loan payment, an option that may be right for you is co-investing.<br /> <br /> With a home equity loan, you borrow against the equity in your home and receive a lump sum of money that you have to pay back each month over a specified term - commonly 15 years. The interest rate is usually fixed, but is typically higher than your primary mortgage.<br /> <br /> Co-investing offers an alternative to traditional home equity loans. In a nutshell, the co-investing company pays the homeowner an upfront amount, with no repayments for a set number of years, or until the home is sold, whichever comes first. There may also be an option to buy the company out, after a minimum restriction period passes. This option can be ideal for a homeowner who wants access to cash without the added financial burden of monthly loan payments, who has lived in a home long enough to build up some equity, and plans to stay at least another five years.<br /> <br /> Unison, a San-Francisco-based real estate company, is a leader in the growing field of co-investment. Unison offers homeowners a cash payment of up to 17.5 percent of their home's current market value. When the house is sold or 30 years pass, the owner pays Unison an amount equal to the initial co-investment, plus (or minus) a percentage of the home's appreciated (or depreciated) value.<br /> <br /> Here's an example: A homeowner whose home is currently worth $500,000 and who needed $25,000 in cash (5 percent of the home's value) would repay an amount equal to $25,000 plus 25 percent* of the amount the house appreciates in value during the time of the co-investment. With a larger co-investment, the company receives a larger share of the appreciation in value.<br /> <br /> Homeowners can use their cash for anything, but Unison recommends something of long-term value, such as kids' college tuition, medical expenses, home remodeling, or investing in diverse stocks and bonds.<br /> <br /> Other benefits of co-investing: Keeping gains from remodeling work and keeping the equity built from prompt mortgage payments.<br /> <br /> Being a good candidate for homeowner co-investing is not so different from being a good homeowner generally. Unison requires that homeowners keep the home as their primary residence; stay current on payments for mortgages, property tax, and homeowners' insurance; keep the home well-maintained to retain and increase value; and keep Unison informed of issues, such as remodeling plans or emergencies, such as natural disasters, bankruptcy, or plans to sell the home.<br /> <br /> To find out how Unison can help you get the most out of homeownership, visit unison.com.<br /> <br /> *This is a possible percentage for illustrative purposes. The actual percentage varies based on the specific HomeOwner transaction.<br /> <br /> Ref: Housework - 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

Indonesia is home to hundreds of volcanic craters, but few can match the extraordinary beauty and unique phenomena of Ijen Crater. Located in East Java, this remarkable geological wonder stands out as one of the largest and most captivating volcanic craters in the archipelago, drawing visitors from around the world with its stunning natural spectacle.<br /> <br /><br />A Breathtaking Natural Panorama<br /><br />Ijen Crater offers visitors an unforgettable visual experience with its mesmerizing turquoise-colored acidic lake. From the rim of the crater, travelers can witness the striking contrast between the brilliant blue waters and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The panoramic views from the crater's edge provide countless opportunities for photography, making it a favorite destination for nature photographers and adventure enthusiasts alike.<br /><br /><br />The Famous Tree Viewpoint<br /><br />One of the most iconic spots at Ijen Crater is the famous tree viewpoint located at the mountain's summit. This particular vantage point has gained significant popularity on social media platforms, where visitors capture stunning photographs with the solitary tree framing the crater's magnificent backdrop. The silhouette of this tree against the volcanic scenery has become a signature image representing the beauty of Ijen Crater.<br /><br /><br />The Rare Blue Fire Phenomenon<br /><br />What truly sets Ijen Crater apart from other volcanic destinations worldwide is its extraordinary blue fire phenomenon. This rare natural occurrence can only be witnessed in two locations globally, making Ijen Crater an exceptionally unique destination. The blue flames are created by the combustion of sulfuric gases that emerge from the crater at extremely high temperatures.<br />This spectacular phenomenon is exclusively visible during nighttime hours, as the blue flames are too faint to be seen during daylight. Visitors who wish to witness this natural wonder must embark on a challenging pre-dawn hike to reach the crater rim before sunrise. The ethereal blue glow dancing across the crater floor creates an otherworldly atmosphere that leaves observers in awe.<br /><br /><br />A Must-Visit Destination<br /><br />Ijen Crater represents one of Indonesia's most remarkable natural treasures, combining stunning visual beauty with rare geological phenomena. Whether you're drawn by the spectacular crater views, the famous tree photography spot, or the once-in-a-lifetime blue fire experience, Ijen Crater offers an adventure that will create lasting memories.<br /><br /><br />For those seeking an extraordinary natural spectacle that showcases the raw power and beauty of Indonesia's volcanic landscape, Ijen Crater stands as an unmissable destination that perfectly embodies the country's diverse and magnificent natural heritage.

(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