<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>

Bali is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for its breathtaking mountain landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world. Among these natural treasures lies Lake Wanagiri, a hidden gem that offers spectacular panoramic views in the highlands of North Bali. This enchanting lake is located in Wanagiri Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province.<br /><br />Breathtaking Natural Beauty Throughout the Day <br /><br />Lake Wanagiri possesses extraordinary charm with its panoramic beauty that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the early morning, visitors are greeted by thin mist that blankets the lake's surface, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. During midday, sunlight reflects golden sparkles on the crystal-clear water surface, while the evening presents romantic sunsets with stunning sky color gradations. Even at night, this lake remains captivating with its clear starry sky, providing an unforgettable experience for every visitor.<br />The popularity of Lake Wanagiri as a premier tourist destination in Bali continues to grow thanks to its Instagram-worthy natural panoramic beauty. This lake has become one of the famous tourist attractions that not only draws domestic tourists but has also gained international recognition.<br /><br />Cool Highland Climate<br /><br />The uniqueness of Lake Wanagiri lies in its highland location, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere that differs from typical beach destinations. The air temperature around this lake remains relatively cool throughout the day, with morning temperatures that can reach 15-18 degrees Celsius, offering natural coolness that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.<br /><br />Lake Formation History<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri was formed within a large caldera as a result of past volcanic activity. This geological process created a natural basin that was later filled with rainwater and natural springs, forming this beautiful lake. The position of Lake Wanagiri, which is aligned with other lakes in the Bedugul area such as Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, makes this region a fascinating lake complex to explore.<br /><br />Wanagiri Village: The Best Spot to Enjoy Lake Beauty<br /><br />On the slopes of Lake Wanagiri lies Wanagiri Village, located in Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. This village offers a strategic location with the most aesthetic views for enjoying the lake's beauty. From this village, visitors can witness spectacular lake panoramas from height, creating amazing photo opportunities.<br />Wanagiri Village not only offers beautiful lake views but also features various traditional warungs (local eateries) scattered along the slope edges. At these places, tourists can sit and relax while enjoying traditional Balinese tubruk coffee and local snacks with the stunning lake view as their backdrop.<br /><br />Supporting Tourist Attractions Around Lake Wanagiri<br /><br />The Wanagiri Village area holds various hidden gems that enrich the tourism experience. In this village, there are several enchanting waterfalls, including Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall hidden within the protected forest, Banyumala Waterfall often called the twin waterfall with three different sections, and various other waterfalls that offer authentic natural experiences.<br />Banyumala Waterfall, which stands approximately 20 meters high, has become one of the main attractions with its unique structure that appears to be divided into three sections. This waterfall was first opened to tourists in 2015 and has now become a popular tourist destination frequently visited by international travelers.<br /><br />International Recognition<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri has gained recognition as an international-class tourist destination. Its spectacular natural beauty and Instagram-worthy photo spots have attracted the attention of international tourists from various countries. Many international travel bloggers and influencers have captured their precious moments at this lake, further increasing its popularity on global social media.<br />The combination of authentic natural beauty, cool mountain atmosphere, and adequate facilities makes Lake Wanagiri a perfect destination for spending quality time. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while witnessing the lake's amazing panorama from various viewpoints.<br /><br />Accessibility and Transportation<br /><br />Access to Lake Wanagiri is quite easy to reach from various cities in Bali. From Singaraja, the journey to this lake takes approximately 1 hour, while from Denpasar it requires about 2.5-3 hours of travel time depending on traffic conditions. The road infrastructure leading to the lake area is already in good condition, allowing various types of vehicles to access this amazing tourist destination.<br />The route to Lake Wanagiri can be reached via Jalan Raya Wanagiri, which is well-paved. Throughout the journey, tourists will be treated to views of green plantation expanses and hills that soothe the eyes, making the journey to the lake part of an enjoyable tourism experience.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri represents an extraordinarily beautiful and comfortable tourist destination for spending vacation time. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, cool mountain weather, good accessibility, and various supporting tourist attractions makes this place a perfect choice for travelers seeking a different experience in Bali. For anyone visiting Bali, Lake Wanagiri is a must-visit destination to experience the natural wonders of the Island of the Gods from a different perspective.

(NewsUSA) - How much will I need for my kid's college education? And how the heck will I pay for it?<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "Madness," she decried.<br /> <br /> Which is all the more reason to mark May 29 down on your calendar.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> "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."<br /> <br /> And now to the big question: How much?<br /> <br /> Two factors are mainly at play:<br /> <br /> * 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.<br /> <br /> * 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.<br /> <br /> One guess where 47 percent of the costs came from. That's right, "family income and savings," with another 24 percent covered by borrowing.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Hopefully, armed with all that info, you'll be sleeping better at night.<br /> <br /> Ref: Family - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Preparing to pop the question this Valentine's Day, but unsure how to choose the right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick!<br /> <br /> While choosing an engagement ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you in finding the ideal diamond engagement ring. <br /> <br /> Set your price limit.<br /> <br /> Before you start shopping, know how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones. <br /> <br /> Learn the "4 C's" of diamonds.<br /> <br /> These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here's the translation: <br /> <br /> Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.<br /> <br /> Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow.<br /> <br /> Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone.<br /> <br /> Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size. <br /> <br /> Consider shape.<br /> <br /> The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald.<br /> <br /> Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight. <br /> <br /> Choose a setting.<br /> <br /> Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa.<br /> <br /> However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it's important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting.<br /> <br /> Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods. <br /> <br /> Contemplate your center stone.<br /> <br /> When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budget-friendly options.<br /> <br /> In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds.<br /> <br /> While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive.<br /> <br /> Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance.<br /> <br /> Ref: Dating - in Blogs

(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) - In periods of change, we often find comfort in simple pleasures. A great burger is one of them.<br /> <br /> Yet, some of those simple pleasures have been compromised by the dramatic changes caused by COVID-19, including the disruption of the animal meat industry. Meat plants are closing, causing meat to be harder to find and its prices to rise. Some grocers are limiting the amount of meat shoppers can buy to curb pantry loading.<br /> <br /> I know these issues will be resolved as the pandemic subsides. The animal meat industry will recover, and supply chains will be restored. But right now, you may be asking: What do I do without meat?<br /> <br /> Now is the time to try plant-based protein. Made from simple ingredients you know, Lightlife plant-based meat is as nutritious as it is delicious. And you can find the products in your grocer's meat case.<br /> <br /> To be clear, I'm not against the animal meat industry. I believe we're all trying to solve the same complex challenge: how to feed Americans during this pandemic. But I do believe no diet should be entirely dependent on animal meat. That's why Lightlife is committed to delivering plant-based protein throughout the country to ensure as many people as possible have access to the food they need.<br /> <br /> At Lightlife, we're not asking you to give up animal meat. If you want to eat meat, eat meat. But we believe you should also eat plants: whole plants and plant-based protein. That's why we strive to bring more high-protein options to your table. Fortunately, the trend toward eating more plant-based protein began well before COVID-19, driven by a desire for more balance and variety in our diets, as evidenced by the fact that 44 percent of Americans now describe themselves as flexitarian.<br /> <br /> In fact, Lightlife sales were up significantly in the first quarter of 2020. And longer term, the plant-based meat category is expected to grow exponentially, with the Good Food Institute predicting a threefold increase in the number of American households regularly purchasing plant-based protein1.<br /> <br /> The reality is it takes a little more work these days to make a good burger, even the ones we make with simple ingredients. I want you to know that we're committed to your dinner table. And your lunch table. And if you want a burger for breakfast, your breakfast table, too.<br /> <br /> I am so proud of our production teams working around the clock to ensure our products are available at your local grocer. To ensure their health and safety, we have taken additional steps including social distancing wherever possible, daily temperature checks and health screenings, face coverings, increased sanitation efforts, and staggered breaks and start times to reduce the potential for congestion. This is in addition to the sanitation procedures our team is already accustomed to, and the variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) we routinely wear.<br /> <br /> This is all part of our dedication to getting high-quality, plant-based protein to your tables. Because whether your burger is made from ground beef or plant-based ingredients, a good burger is something we can all agree on. And I believe that together, we will celebrate that simple pleasure once again.<br /> <br /> Ref: Diet - 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 />

(NewsUSA) - The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has accelerated an adoption of online work, video meetings, and virtual conferences that will likely continue.<br /> <br /> Almost every business professional has hosted and participated in multiple online meetings, but how many have taken the time to consider how they present themselves on camera and how to make the most of virtual interactions with colleagues, clients, or customers?<br /> <br /> If you want to optimize how you appear on video and improve and enhance your ability to communicate in a virtual meeting setting, check out the Presence Summit, a day of professional development and interactive exercises scheduled for July 15. The event is sponsored by camera manufacturer HuddleCamHD and the audiovisual distributor company Starin.<br /> <br /> The Presence Summit "is for any individual or business that uses online communications and considers professional development a priority," according to the meeting website.<br /> <br /> Organizers say that "this thought-leader forum is designed specifically for enhancing communications in a video presence era."<br /> <br /> The summit will show the new opportunities that online meetings can provide, and participants will hear from communications experts and industry professionals about how to be more effective in online meetings and how to use video communications to promote products and services, as well as to improve customer experiences.<br /> <br /> Keynote speakers will include Joseph Pine, author of "The Experience Economy," and Fatima Doman, author of "Authentic Resilience." The live stream of the summit is free, and an optional professional development track (registration required) allows access to Zoom breakout sessions led by experts on topics including identifying and optimizing your communication style, applying best practices for online meetings and priming video meeting participants for success.<br /> <br /> In addition, all virtual conference attendees receive a free copy of "The Online Meeting Survival Guide," by Paul Richards, business development manager at HuddleCamHD.<br /> <br /> "The book serves as the pivotal guidebook to help people navigate this new normal of video communication," says Richards. "Readers will learn about best practices for using the latest software to make online meetings more productive."<br /> <br /> Leading up to the Summit, the book can be downloaded for free at huddlecamhd.com/online-meetings.<br /> <br /> Visit PresenceSummit.com for additional details and speaker information. And watch a video about the event on YouTube at <a target='_blank' href="https://bit.ly/2Chpki1.">https://bit.ly/2Chpki1.</a><br /> <br /> Ref: Business - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Sports-related injuries are common and, when an athlete is hurt, care follows a proven, long-standing protocol of rehabilitation. But what happens when impact occurs to the head, face or jaw, and -- at the time -- no immediate injury is diagnosed?<br /> <br /> Weeks, months or even years later, many of these players begin to experience headaches, TMJ/D, migraines, vertigo or tinnitus -- estimated to impact 50 million people in the U.S. to some degree.<br /> <br /> "Undiagnosed head trauma from sports injuries -- or other types of impact, including minor car accidents -- is one of the most common causes we see of chronic headaches, migraine, tinnitus and vertigo," says Dr. Ben Burris, an orthodontist with 28 clinics in Arkansas.<br /> <br /> Now, these long-term and sometimes debilitating conditions can often be resolved with a painless, non-invasive treatment without drugs or needles -- and all at the dentist's office.<br /> <br /> "For over three years, we have been able to help patients with conditions caused by sports injuries," says Dr. Tad Morgan of Tyler, Texas. "If you damaged your knee or shoulder, you would go to the sports medicine clinic for rehab. With injuries to the head, face or jaw, rehab was unavailable until the advent of TruDenta care."<br /> <br /> Once diagnosed using a painless, digitally enhanced process, patients receive treatment through a proprietary combination of FDA-cleared, low-level laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and other modalities. Each of these was originally developed by MDs in sports medicine to speed the healing of joints and force-related traumas. The TruDenta system can quickly resolve issues in the head, neck, face and jaw, which people may have suffered for years.<br /> <br /> "Many of our patients with chronic headaches and migraines are females who have played sports -- soccer, gymnastics or even cycling," says Dr. Richard Hughes of Sandy, Utah. "The common denominator is some form of undiagnosed head trauma which was not properly rehabilitated and resulted in long-term painful symptoms."<br /> <br /> TruDenta doctors report rapidly resolving these issues for the majority of patients with long-lasting results. Care is often covered by medical insurance, and TruDenta doctors provide a free consultation.<br /> <br /> "We are excited to help these patients in 12 weeks or less without drugs or needles," says Dr. Jeffrey Mastroianni of Glen Carbon, Illinois. "It is truly life-changing for many."<br /> <br /> To download the free e-book "Start Living Pain Free," visit www.TruDenta.com/NUSA or call 844-202-2651. <br /> <br /> Ref: Fitness - in Blogs