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26 results for love -

    Alesha Bradigan momoftwo24
    I sit here
    all alone
    Empty rooms
    Quietness
    Other than the whirring of a fan
    No screaming of a young child playing
    No cooing of a happy baby
    Whirr whirr whirr
    Which once was a house full of love and joy
    Now feels like a nightmare I cant escape
    Wishing
    Hoping
    Dreaming
    That one day ill have that back again
    The coos
    The screams
    The noises that irritate most parents are the ones I long for the most
    The endless cuddles
    The mommy mommy mommy
    I just want it all back
    I want a reason to get out of bed and do something
    The darkness with them gone keeps closing in and I feel like it will never end
    I feel like those coos
    Those screams
    Those giggles
    Those cuddles
    Those cries
    Will never come back
    I feel like the life im living now
    Visiting my own kids like theyre my niece and nephew will never end
    I've thought of burning cutting smoking drinking anything to concrete that pain and maybe just maybe take it all away
    but I know if I do the pain will never go away because it may be the thing that takes it away forever
    Those cries
    Those coos
    Those screams
    Those giggles
    Would never come back
    So I sit here listening to the whirr of the fan hoping that one of these days that whirr isn't the only thing to fill these rooms



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    Bob Mccullough bobm


    How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions
    by Bob McCullough 6/14/24






    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.


    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.


    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.


    **** Mavs Story Lines


    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.


    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.


    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."


    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.


    J's Fatigue


    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.


    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.


    ** hum.


    What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    What Now For the Mavs?


    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.


    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.


    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.
    37 0

    Tiya Sowell tiya1969
    Morning with the Master

    Hey sisters and brothers! Welcome to my weekly devotional where we can share prayers, scriptures and reflection.

    When reading this morning, I came across the story of Athaliah, the first female crowned king who, when her husband and sons died, killed off the rest of her family line (her grandkids) so that she would be the only person left in her lineage and could rule until her death. I don't know about you, but there is nothing more important than my family--and the grandkids are extra special and precious to my very sight! To have that much greed and desire to have not only everyone answer to you, but also be the sole decision maker is completely out of bounds, and extremely ambitious.

    As a Christian woman, I don't want to be the only face that people seek for approval, answers and permission. That is too much weight for any one person to bear and its just unnatural. Who can you love? Who can love you?

    The divine God created the world and everything in it. Can any man or woman follow that? Not one! Can any man or woman have the right answer to EVERY question or concern? Not one! Can any man or woman create a permanent route for peace and understanding? Not one!

    There is a reason we cannot see or touch God. Because we might do like Athaliah and try to eliminate the almighty because of greed and idolatry. He oversees and has the end say to everything we do. That is a safety I can count on if I cannot rely on anything else in this world.

    Let me know your thoughts. Let's talk about it.

    23 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Enhancing a once-in-a-lifetime event, such as a wedding proposal or ceremony, with the right song takes the experience to a whole new level. It adds a personal touch that makes for ongoing memories, as couples have the opportunity to play the song at anniversaries or other special events through the years.

    Just in time for anyone planning to propose on Valentine's Day (or any day), an original song called "The First Time," by Del Henry, makes its debut February 1, 2019, on multiple channels, including iTunes, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, Google Music Store, Shazam, and many more.

    The release of the song coincides with a release of a video. The video version of "The First Time" being released is, in fact, the first time the song was performed live, at a wedding as a gift from the groom to the bride, and her reaction says it all.

    "How can I say, in a most simple way/My living started when you came that day/ How can I tell you when all's said and done/ My Heaven started with you as the one."

    Many couples can relate to these lyrics. The song stands out as an example of the power of music to capture a moment and move an audience, so it is both a personal and a shared experience.

    Many of the guests seen in the video of the song's debut are as emotional as the bride, because the lyrics evoke memories of their own shared lives and ongoing love stories.

    "It's truly a story about how and why couples come to the moment when they want to be together … 'eternally,' says David Shewmaker, the Minister conducting the ceremony.

    "As a Groomsman, I could see Brandon's live performance and saw the audience's response, which was electric and moving. I was hearing the song for the first time too," says Tim Delany, a 23-year-old college graduate.

    Lyrics such as "The first time I felt your eyes touch mine/The first time I felt your smile" can be part of the setting of a proposal on Valentine's Day or any day, but they are equally appropriate for an anniversary, whether a first or a fiftieth, or simply to thank someone for bringing joy to your life.

    Use the song to show your affection for someone who matters to you, share the heartwarming video, and appreciate the skill of 18-year-old musician Brandon D. Henry, who performed "The First Time" for its first time at the recent wedding shown in the video, accompanied by master guitarist Dave Murdy.

    Ref: Concerts - in Blogs
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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - In 1967, one of today's most iconic runners made her mark in history.

    Despite an angry official who tried to push her off the course of the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer defiantly ran on, broke barriers and became the first woman to officially complete the legendary race.

    Today, at the age of 70, Switzer continues to defy the odds.

    This year, she ran the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon again to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her historic milestone and continued to inspire others to break new ground. She also announced a partnership with the health and well-being company, Humana, to help celebrate seniors, encourage them to take an optimistic view of aging, and live healthy, active lifestyles.

    "When the Boston Marathon race director tried to shove me off the course in 1967, my life's purpose was crystalized. I knew I wanted to be a champion for others committed to blazing their own path," Switzer says.

    "I'm working with Humana to inspire seniors to achieve their best health, so they can experience all that life has to offer."

    Switzer shared tips on how she maintains an optimistic outlook on aging, and why she believes that great things are ahead when your health is ready -- no matter what age you are!

    Don't let your age define you.

    The biggest tip is to realize that you're never too old, too slow or too out-of-shape to begin living an active lifestyle. Whether it's walking the dog a bit further than usual, or taking a swim at the local health club -; finding ways to get active can help you live healthier and be more optimistic.

    Take it one step at a time. Allow time to adjust to a new routine. Start small and build on your efforts in small intervals. Listen to your body and be proud of your progress.

    Two is better than one. To help you stay motivated, get a buddy who has similar fitness goals. If a buddy is waiting for you, you won't worry about being embarrassed or feeling slow; it'll just be the two of you. There are few things greater than sharing victories and accomplishments with someone close.

    Make time for rest. Equally as important as staying active is ensuring that your body recovers from the stress endured from physical activity. Not only will your body thank you, but you will grow to love your active lifestyle more without aches and pains holding you back.

    Switzer recently took her message to the National Senior Games presented by Humana, one example of how the company is committed to championing seniors and breaking barriers -- namely, the stereotypes associated with seniors in today's society -- and proving that with a healthy body and mind, age is truly just a number. While at the Games, she participated in the 10K Road Race in a celebratory role and presented an inspiring and encouraging speech at the Celebration of Athletes.

    In addition to being a fierce advocate for seniors and optimistic aging, Switzer has been a lifelong advocate for women runners in general.

    In 1972, she co-founded the first women's-only road race; in 1984, she led the drive to get the women's marathon into the Olympic Games; and in 2015, she founded 261 Fearless, a global non-profit that empowers and connects women through the transformative action of running, and encouraging them to overcome life obstacles and embrace healthy living.

    "I think optimism is everything and you don't have to be a marathon runner to possess it," Switzer says.

    "The more you do, the more you can do!"

    Ref: Competitions - in Blogs
    90 0

    Joshua Michael joshua
    Struggling to keep up with endless customer questions? You’re not alone. Businesses are realizing that AI-powered chatbots are no longer just “nice-to-have” tools they’re essential for delivering fast, 24/7 customer support.

    But here’s the real challenge: with so many chatbot platforms out there, how do you know which one fits your business?

    In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best AI chatbot builders in 2025. These tools are not only user-friendly but also designed to help businesses of all sizes automate conversations, save time, and increase customer satisfaction.





    What Makes a Great AI Chatbot Builder?
    Before diving into the list, let’s set some standards. A solid chatbot builder should offer:

    Ease of use – No-code or low-code platforms are best for beginners.
    AI capabilities – Natural Language Processing (NLP) for smarter conversations.
    Integrations – Works seamlessly with CRMs, websites, or apps.
    Scalability – Can grow with your business.
    Analytics – Helps you measure performance and customer interactions.

    If a chatbot builder ticks most of these boxes, it’s worth considering.

    1. ManyChat – Best for Marketing Automation
    manyChat is a go-to chatbot builder if you’re running an online store or want to automate conversations on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

    Key Features:

    Visual drag-and-drop builder
    Automated workflows for lead generation
    Supports SMS, WhatsApp, and email campaigns
    Integrates with Shopify and HubSpot

    Best For: E-commerce stores and social media marketers who want to convert followers into paying customers.

    2. Intercom – Best for Customer Support
    Intercom is one of the most popular customer communication platforms, and its AI chatbot functionality is top-notch. According to TechCrunch, Intercom has been a pioneer in scaling customer support with conversational AI.

    Key Features:

    AI-powered resolution bot
    Proactive customer engagement
    Powerful integrations with Slack, Salesforce, and Zapier
    Real-time analytics

    Best For: SaaS companies and customer support teams needing advanced automation.

    3. Tidio – Best for Small Businesses
    If you’re just getting started and want something simple yet effective, Tidio is a fantastic option. It combines live chat with AI automation in one platform.

    Key Features:

    Easy to install on WordPress, Shopify, and Wix
    AI bot trained to answer FAQs
    Mobile app for on-the-go support
    Affordable plans

    Best For: Small businesses that want a budget-friendly AI chatbot solution.

    4. Drift – Best for B2B Sales Conversations
    Drift positions itself as a conversational marketing platform, and for good reason. It focuses on creating real-time, personalized chat experiences that drive sales.

    Key Features:

    AI bots qualify leads automatically
    Custom playbooks for B2B sales
    Integration with major CRMs like Salesforce and Marketo
    Personalized chat based on visitor data

    Best For: B2B businesses that rely heavily on lead generation and relationship building.

    5. HubSpot Chatbot Builder – Best All-in-One CRM Integration
    HubSpot offers a free chatbot builder inside its all-in-one CRM. This makes it incredibly useful for businesses already using HubSpot for marketing and sales.

    Key Features:

    No-code chatbot builder
    Automated lead qualification
    Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM
    Free plan with premium upgrades

    Best For: Businesses already in the HubSpot ecosystem who want a cost-effective chatbot solution.

    Final Thoughts
    The right AI chatbot builder depends on your business goals:

    Use ManyChat if you’re focused on social media and e-commerce.
    Choose Intercom for powerful customer support automation.
    Try Tidio if you’re a small business on a budget.
    Go with Drift for B2B lead generation.
    Pick HubSpot for all-in-one CRM integration.

    At the end of the day, the “best” chatbot is the one that fits your audience, budget, and growth strategy. Start small, experiment, and optimize as you go.

    Have you tried any of these chatbot builders before? Share your experience I’d love to hear which one worked best for you!



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    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - It's no surprise that parents today seek books that will delight, engage, and educate their children. However, some parents are seeing gaps in the available options of topics they want to share with their children. To combat this, there is a growing trend of parents who have taken matters into their own hands and turned to self-publishing to fill these holes themselves.

    Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) from Amazon is one self-publishing option that offers editorial freedom and ease of use for busy parents looking to create something that meets their kids' needs.

    KDP success stories include Handeep Dhoot (who writes as "Dr. Dhoot"), a mom with a Ph.D. in chemistry who wanted to introduce her young daughter to STEM topics.

    Dr. Dhoot has self-published the growing Tinker Toddler series of STEM books aimed at young children, including Machine Learning for Babies & Toddlers.

    "Becoming a parent helped me realize the urgency for introducing scientific topics, like STEM, to kids while their brains are still developing. KDP allowed me to self-publish books that portray these ideas in an accurate and digestible way for kids, including my own daughter."

    Gabi Garcia, a long-time school counselor and mom, turned to self-publishing when she saw a lack of books for Spanish-speaking and bilingual children about how to understand their emotions and feelings.

    "It's so important to engage with children early to discuss mindfulness. Self-publishing on KDP empowered me to take all that I'd learned and seen as a school counselor and make it accessible to more children, in both English and Spanish."

    She has published several books on these topics through KDP, including Listening to My Body, published in both English and Spanish. She now writes full-time on mindfulness and social awareness topics for children, parents, and educators.

    Brendan Kelso struggled with dyslexia as a child, but found learning and performing dramatic monologues helpful. He enjoyed Shakespeare, but, like many young readers, found the text hard to understand.

    After a career in engineering, he became a stay-at-home dad and came up with an idea to write versions of Shakespeare's plays that were more accessible to kids. His loveof theater and writing led him to self-publish several works through KDP, starting with Shakespeare's Hamlet for Kids.

    "I have the freedom to spend more time with my family, while pursuing my passion on my own terms with KDP."

    These parents have been able to create the books they couldn't find for kids and found financial success - and sometimes a whole new career - in the process.

    For those parents who are toying with self-publishing, but still have questions, consider this:

    * KDP lets authors set their own prices and retain all rights to their work.

    * As an author, you can publish your book in minutes, and these books are available to a worldwide audience through Kindle online stores in 24-48 hours.

    * You can publish Kindle eBooks and paperbacks in multiple languages.

    Visit kdp.amazon.com for more information about Kindle Direct Publishing.

    Ref: Encouraging - in Blogs
    90 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Especially in stressful times, curling up with some positive TV programs can be a much-needed relaxing experience for the whole family.

    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.

    "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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    You can also visit uptv.com, or find UPtv on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Uptv, on Twitter on @Uptv and on Instagram at UP_TV.

    Ref: God - in Blogs
    140 0

    Millie Zemlak Millie_Zemlak
    (NewsUSA) - Janie Bryant, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer for AMC TV's "Mad Men," knows what it takes to make clothes look great.

    Not only does she contribute to the visual representation of the entire cast, she brings a 1960s glamour to the period show that makes real people scour vintage shops to look like Joan Holloway and Don Draper.

    Sure, audiences love the characters and their drama, but the beautifully authentic wardrobe stole the spotlight from the start. In her role, Bryant sketches, designs and fits the costumes for each character, which includes custom-made items and rebuilt vintage gems.

    "One thing I've always been passionate about is how important presentation is to having great style. Looking pressed and polished is often just as important as what you're actually wearing," says Bryant, which explains why she released a fabric care guide of useful clothing advice.

    "The best way to pull off that look is to know how to take great care of your clothing. [The Mad Men] era is all about being wrinkle-free and permanently pressed."

    Take a look at some of Bryant's fabric care advice:

    * Some fabrics are vulnerable to water spotting -- like acetate, silk and suede -- so be careful when applying perfume or body spray. Delicate garments like these tend to require dry cleaning, or hand-washing, and low-heat settings.

    * Beware of "pilly" clothing that looks worn out, such as nylon and acrylic. If fabric is susceptible to pills, it's best to launder, dry and iron at low heat. You may consider laying these items out to dry, especially sweaters.

    * Although cotton remains the world's most popular fabric, it is prone to wrinkling. The majority of cotton clothing can be machine-washed, but items with embellishments or accents should be turned inside out or put in a delicates bag.

    * If wrinkles attack, use a fail-safe. Bryant trusts Downy Wrinkle Releaser so much that she advises you to have a bottle at home, in the office and in any overnight bag. Just spritz clothing, shake and gently pull to release stubborn kinks.

    "On or off the set, the clothes that I work with and wear always need to look their best," Bryant says. "Not only does Downy Wrinkle Releaser work well on the vintage fabrics I work with during the day, but all the modern fabrics found in stores today. It's a must-have for people who need to look neat and pressed and those who need to be out the door in a flash."

    For more information, visit www.downywrinklereleaser.com.

    Ref: Fashion Men - in Blogs
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