(NewsUSA) - The Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program announces a new literacy initiative, “Operation Turn the Page,” that will equip children across the United States with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty.

Millions of children across the Nation are gearing up to head back to school in August. However, going back to school can look vastly different for students and families who face economic hardships every single day. In many low-income neighborhoods, there is just one age-appropriate book for every 300 children, and one in four American children reach adulthood without learning how to read.

“It’s a sad fact that over 60 percent of poverty-stricken children don’t have access to age-appropriate books and educational materials at home,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.   

Over the summer months, children in need may have lost  as much as one third of their progress from the previous school year, simply because they lacked access to books and other learning materials to keep their reading and comprehension skills sharp. Approximately one in six children are living at or below the poverty level in our country, and for these children, the idea of returning to the classroom at a learning disadvantage can be especially discouraging.

Through Operation Turn the Page, and with the help of caring donors, this new initiative will provide disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources they need to learn, grow, and ultimately, achieve a brighter future.

“Thanks to our volunteers and generous supporters, Toys for Tots is making it our mission to help children and families achieve a brighter future,” says LtGen Laster.  “Working together, we can turn the page on poverty.”

Toys for Tots is one of our Nation’s premier and most trusted children’s charities.  Supporters of Operation Turn the Page should know that 100 percent of their contributions go directly toward reading materials for children in need. 

To learn more about this Program and how you can help create a better, brighter future for disadvantaged children, please visit: https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/literacy-program/

(NewsUSA) - I Am Pink by Gregory Copploe and Dani Forrest

I Am Pink is a captivating odyssey of self-discovery and empowerment. This award-winning book unfolds a narrative of resilience, authenticity, and personal growth, inviting readers to embark on a soulful journey. With a vibrant blend of wisdom and vulnerability, it navigates the complexities of life, offering a roadmap to embracing one's unique identity. Each page resonates with a powerful message, encouraging readers to break free from conventions and celebrate their individuality.

Through heartfelt storytelling, I Am Pink not only captivates but also serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that within the depths of our challenges lie opportunities for profound transformation. It's more than a book; it's a transformative companion for those seeking to paint their lives with the rich hues of authenticity and resilience. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3w6PJL2.

Shiraz & Syrah by Mina Abdi

Embark on an exceptional dining adventure with chef Mina Abdi's Shiraz & Syrah, a delicious convergence of Persian and French cuisines for a unique gastronomic experience. Amidst the vivid memories of Iran's rich culture, aromatic street food, and the elegant flavors of French cuisine, Mina, a professional chef who has been cooking for family and friends, restaurants, and events for the last fifty years, invites you to explore the intertwining histories of Shiraz and Syrah. She grew up surrounded by old family recipes and traditional dishes and mastered Persian cooking and grew eager to explore other countries’ dishes.

Encapsulating a lifelong passion for Persian and French cuisines, Mina makes unique food accessible for everyday enjoyment. Discover exquisite flavors that transcend time and place, bringing two worlds together in your kitchen. Shiraz and Syrah celebrates culture, love, and the pure joy of exceptional food. Purchase at bit.ly/3GKvq8q.

Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word by Paul O. Scott

This memoir begins with a massive heart attack that leaves author Paul Scott in a vegetative state with little possibility of recovery, according to his doctors.  What they didn’t know about him was he neither counted anyone out nor anyone in, especially himself.

He lived his life overcoming multitudinous challenges living by the adage, “All I need is a tiny chance and I’ll make it work.” His story is delivered from a 5’4” frame being constantly told “you can’t, or you won’t.” He was a make-believe Christian with the gift of gab and full of crime.  He refused to accept no, only the last yes.

His memoir addresses his upbringing as a Black Christian Scientist who chose the criminal path, yet no prison.   This memoir shines a light on alcoholism, drug abuse, physical abuse, ever-present crime, and consistently circumventing all challenges. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4cizoDM.

Third Collection of Short Stories by Stanislas M. Yassukovich

Stanislas Yassukovich returns with another riveting collection of short stories, a worthy successor to his acclaimed Short Stories and A Cape Town Decameron. Each tale, woven from his vast experiences, spans an array of subjects, characters, and locales. Drawing inspiration from his illustrious career as an international investment banker, Yassukovich gives readers a privileged peek into the intersections of finance, adventure, and the human spirit.

 Every story offers a unique flavor, capturing varied moods and moments. Collectively, they paint a vivid tableau of a world both bygone and current, all anchored by enduring values. His insights, observations and keen writing style provide the roadmap for journey through a life richly lived and brilliantly recounted. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47yUXMK.

(NewsUSA) - Insurance is essential to protecting yourself. Health insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance — all of these can protect you in the event of an emergency. However, determining exactly what type of insurance you really need, and how to budget for it, can be daunting. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help guide you through the many insurance options, including:

Health Insurance

Health insurance is often one of the major considerations for adults in taking a job. When choosing the health insurance that is right for you and your family, consider how much you will pay each month, but also how much, if any, you will pay for copays. Health insurance plans known as HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) are often the least expensive and may be a good choice for single, young professionals. However, HMOs may have more restrictions on your choice of providers. In contrast, PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) cost more per month but allow greater flexibility and generally do not require referrals to see specialists of your choice.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is part of buying a home. Homeowners insurance will cover catastrophes such as storm damage, so it is important to be familiar with the terms of your policy. Note that most homeowners policies do not include flood insurance, which can be purchased through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program. In the event of a catastrophe, hold off on permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have agreed on the cost. You may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further property damage. If so, document these repairs and inform your insurance company.

Life Insurance

When considering life insurance, there are two basic types to choose from: term life or whole life. Term life insurance is set for a specific time period (or term) and often is more affordable. Term life insurance can be renewed every year or discontinued when you think you no longer need it. If you have a more permanent need for life insurance, a whole life policy that includes a death benefit and cash value can provide a sense of security for you and your family.

Taking smart steps to make sure you have the insurance you need can protect your family and property in the event of an emergency. Although insurance is not a glamorous topic, storms, injuries or other unforeseen events could severely impact your finances and your life. A CFP^® professional can provide advice on what types of insurance coverage may be necessary and how to align insurance needs with your overall financial plan.

Visit letsmakeaplan.org to find a CFP^® professional that can help you today.

(NewsUSA) - “There is no greater catalyst for military innovation than warfare,” according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization. The ability to innovate and adapt in a battlefield setting may make a life or death difference. This importance of innovation is especially true regarding technology, and the current war in Ukraine is a prime example.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has become “a technological arms race” said Andrey Liscovich, CEO of the Ukraine Defense Fund, in a recent interview with SCSP. “What worked yesterday may stop working today; what worked today may not work tomorrow,” he said, “Both sides must constantly adapt.”

Two key developments in warfare technology have emerged during the Ukraine/Russia conflict, according to the SCSP and their expert analysts: data and drones.

Data-driven decisions. A wave of Ukrainian software engineers has marshalled to assist their country’s government and military, providing digital information and applications needed to support forces on the ground. For example, Ukrainians are currently working with U.S. companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through multiple data streams to identify targets. This capability is particularly important given the Ukrainians’ relative lack of spare ammunition, and the need to hit the largest number of enemy targets with the smallest number of munitions. In addition, a battle command application based on a concept described as “Uber for artillery” uses information fed into it from Ukrainian citizens and soldiers. The technology also can draw on data from NATO systems and provide intelligence for Ukrainian forces.

Drone deployment. The use of drones in warfare is not new, but both Ukraine and Russia are using drones on a large scale. Both sides have employed massive attack drone swarms to overwhelm the enemy’s air defenses, which struggle to detect and target the small, fast-moving objects. For the Ukrainian military, drones have replaced aircraft on the battlefield as the primary means of air-delivered strikes. Small drones also serve as “flying binoculars” for surveillance and targeting.

The war in Ukraine continues to illustrate the game-changing nature of data and drones in military action, and the United States would do well to take notice, according to the experts at SCSP. As one military analyst said, “Big centralized western air forces and artillery organizations now have a combat relevance problem . . . as drones provide some of the big platforms firepower capabilities very cheaply.” The U.S. Department of Defense should speed the adoption of small, unmanned, many, and smart weapons to pose multiple dilemmas to an adversary, the SCSP experts emphasize.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Past month underage alcohol consumption in the United States has decreased by 53% in the past 20 years, and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is celebrating the efforts of parents, caregivers, educators, and communities to keep kids alcohol-free. New survey data released by the organization also notes that conversations between caregivers and their children have increased 31% during this time, showing that these interactions are working.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Ask, Listen, Learn, a free, digital underage drinking prevention program developed by Responsibility.org that features resources and materials that educate kids about the impact of alcohol and cannabis on their developing brains to help them make healthy, informed decisions.

The Ask, Listen, Learn program is aimed at kids aged 9-13 years old and is designed to empower them to say "YES" to a healthy lifestyle and "NO" to underage drinking. It also highlights the importance of goal setting, decision making, and modeling responsible behaviors as keys to staying substance-free.

“Kids really are listening and watching adults,” says Leslie Kimball, executive director at Responsibility.org. “As parents, it’s important that we continue building healthy relationships with our children, as we’re vital to keeping them alcohol-free and modeling mindful, balanced behaviors.” 

A new study released by Responsibility.org in March 2023 confirms that kids are listening when their guardians are talking. Approximately one-third (33%) of children surveyed identified their parents as the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drink alcohol, followed by best friends (25%), and social media (17%).

Parents in general have boosted their communication skills with kids, and vice versa. For example, 95% of parents or caregivers in the 2023 survey reported having spoken to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking at least once in the past year, and 90% of kids reported the same.

In honor of the 20^th anniversary of Ask, Listen, Learn, Responsibility.org is launching a campaign, #Take20WithKids, that encourages adults to “take 20” minutes, seconds, or even deep breaths to connect, reflect upon, and discuss the risks associated with underage drinking, to model responsible behavior, or to take action on a goal. 

Responsibility.org’s programs have helped families and educators guide youth towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The organization’s website and active social media channels provide adults with digestible information at their fingertips to spark discussions about refraining from drinking alcohol underage as well as the effects of underage cannabis use.

For more information on the Ask, Listen, Learn program and #Take20WithKids, visit www.asklistenlearn.org.

(NewsUSA) - Pool season is in full swing, and regular maintenance is the key to enjoying your pool.

While some pool owners may consider skimping on maintenance to cut costs, keeping up with the regular pool care costs less than correcting the major problems that can result from taking shortcuts. 

Potential unpleasant consequences of inadequate pool maintenance include:

Overeager Algae 
Pools not cleaned regularly provide the perfect conditions for algae to develop and spread. Algae spores can enter your pool at any time, especially after strong winds and storms, so routine cleaning and maintaining proper water balance throughout pool season is essential. Don't forget that warmer water encourages algae growth. As we encounter higher-than-normal and even record-setting heat across many areas of the U.S., be sure to test your pool water more often — especially when the air temperature is above 90°F. It's also recommended to run your single-speed pool pump and filter at least one hour a day per every 10°F when temperatures exceed 90°F. That means, for example, for an average size pool, if the temp is 110°F, you would run your pool pump for 10 hours versus the typical eight hours in a 24-hour period. Variable-speed pumps will also require increased run time to keep the water well circulated and properly filtered in hot weather — in extreme heat add an extra hour or two on low speed to the regular programmed schedule.

Unhealthy Swimming Conditions
Unsanitary pool water can cause eye and skin irritation, intestinal issues, as well as other illnesses. Most pool owners check sanitizer levels at least two or three times a week. If your pool water doesn’t have enough sanitizer, it can promote algae growth and the spread of infectious microorganisms. Maintain proper water balance and use superchlorinators, such as pool shock, to boost chlorine levels. 

Stained surfaces 
Without regular cleaning, stain and scale buildup will develop on pool surfaces and equipment. Using preventive products and sticking to a regular cleaning schedule will keep unsightly buildup at bay. A weekly pool cleaning routine should include skimming out large debris, brushing pool surfaces, and vacuuming debris from the pool floor. Also, be sure to regularly clean your pump strainer, skimmer baskets, and the pool filter to ensure proper water circulation. Good water circulation is essential to effectively distribute sanitizer and other chemical treatments throughout the pool. 

Water treatment and testing are the foundations of good pool care. While weekly water testing may seem tedious, especially when using at-home test kits or strips, consistency pays off in terms of safety and comfort. Attention to regular water care keeps your pool a pleasure to use, and helps prevent more costly problems, such as corrosion and damage to your pool and equipment caused by imbalanced water chemistry. This is where the experts at Leslie's can help. Leslie's offers free, in-store AccuBlue^® water testing that analyzes 10 aspects of your pool's water chemistry in under 60 seconds. You'll also receive a comprehensive water health score and a customized, easy-to-follow water treatment plan based on the test results. 

“It’s much faster and more cost-effective to make small, precisely measured adjustments to water chemistry according to your weekly water test results,” says Clay Spann, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Leslie's, the leading and most trusted pool and spa care brand in the U.S. "If you try to make major adjustments based on assumptions, it's very easy to accidentally overdose the pool, which can cause additional water balance issues requiring more time and chemicals to correct."

Regular pool care with the right products will save you money and hassle, leaving you more time to enjoy your pool. 

Visit www.lesliespool.com for more information.