(NewsUSA)

"Surviving Chaos"
by Harold Phifer

For more than 50 years, Harold Phifer's childhood living conditions remained a secret, even from those who thought they knew him best. No one knew about his past growing up with a mother who suffered from mental illness, a greedy aunt, a mindless and spoiled older brother and an absent father.

It wasn't until an explosion in Afghanistan that his memory was blasted back into focus. This book is the result of a long, cathartic chat with a stranger at a beach bar, where Harold finally found some peace. Says Blue Ink Review, "Entertaining, sprinkled with humor, drama and sadness. Readers will discover an intriguing life, one of turmoil and finally, thanks to a stranger on a beach, inner peace." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DmfUvR.

"Skinwalkers: The Uprising"
by Monica L. Smith

In this paranormal thriller, three individuals are at pivotal points in their lives --Ashley, Gethambe and Lana. While their lives will soon intertwine, not all will get their happy ending.

Ashley's world crumbles when her husband files for divorce and moves on to another woman. Gethambe, a half-breed human and wolf, needs to prove himself to his pack and take an epic journey from death to life, fighting seven Archangels. He is not provided any information or weapons. Gethambe must use only his wits and survival instincts. Lana, a half-breed human and wolf with healing abilities, tries to prove her loyalty to become Gethambe's wife. It's full of strange twists and turns as they seek their destinies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uDBHMp.

"Cold Brew Corpse"
by Tara Lush

Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in this second Coffee Lover's mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop. The bright, sunny days at Perkatory -- the hottest coffee shop in Devil's Beach, FL., -- turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the owner of the neighboring yoga studio turns up in a nearby swamp.

When the local newspaper editor asks Lana to write about the murder, her dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate. She grinds her way through the suspect list. Was the killer one of the victim's students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3kHUcf3.

"Worldmaker of Yand-Polaris"
by Andri E. Elia

Savage invaders from space, the k'tul, all but destroyed her home world of Yand. Fleeing the aftermath of that war, Yanara, Worldmaker and Celestial Wizard, brings her wife Mandolen and her husband Frost to a bronze moon orbiting the fifth planet of the star, Polaris B. In this idyllic place of three suns, the three of them only sought to lick their war wounds.

Instead, along with their families, they start a new life and new colony. Filled with magic and new adventures, the challenge of colonizing their new home blends with unraveling threads of Yanara's darker past … tying her to the k'tul. What secrets will they discover? Will they find the peace they so crave, or will the vengeful k'tul find them again? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3nL4v3M.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The new year has just started, but it is never too early to review your financial plan to meet your 2022 financial goals.

Now is the perfect time to take steps to reduce your 2022 tax obligations, according to Dan Mathews, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Five strategies that may reduce your 2022 taxes include:

• Maximize your health savings account. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a great way to put money aside and reduce your taxable income. For 2022, you can contribute $3,650 for individual coverage and up to $7,300 for family coverage. You don't have to use the money in these accounts by the end of the year; in fact, the money can be invested to maximize growth until your retirement.
• Optimize your 401(k). Most 401(k) retirement plans are tax-deferred, which means you don't pay taxes on the money you put in, or gains on that money, until you withdraw the money. Good news for individuals with employer- sponsored 401(k) plans: The contribution limits have increased to $20,500 for 2022, with a catch-up contribution of $6,500 for those age 50 and older. Also, consider rebalancing your portfolio this year so it aligns with your acceptable level of risk.
• Plan your payments. People who withhold federal tax from their income generally make one tax payment with their annual federal income tax return on or before the mid-April tax deadline, if they didn't withhold enough tax for the tax year. But some people, such as the self-employed or retirees, may need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. One way to avoid paying penalties when you file your federal tax return is to ensure your tax payments in 2022 exceed 90% of your 2022 estimated tax liability. For those making estimated payments for 2022, the key payment- due dates are April 18, 2022; June 15, 2022; September 15, 2022; and January 16, 2023.
• Gift your stock to charity. You can gift highly appreciated stock as a charitable donation in 2022. A gift of appreciated stock is an itemized tax deduction, and the charitable organization will not have to pay tax on the capital gain. "You can then repurchase the stock with the cash you would have otherwise donated as an effective way to raise the cost basis in your portfolio," Mathews explains.
• Think long term. Many people neglect estate planning, but making a resolution to create or update a will is a smart strategy for 2022, Mathews emphasizes. Estate planning helps ensure that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes. This may include charitable giving and considerations for family members. In the short term, you may gift up to $16,000 per person in 2022 to as many people as you want without being subject to either gift tax or IRS filings, he adds.

Working with a CFP® professional can help you make the most of tax strategies relevant to your situation.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about taxes and other financial-planning strategies.

(NewsUSA) - -Despite the steady stream of bad news, from politics to the pandemic, many aspects of society are more connected, peaceful, and advanced than ever. It is human nature to want to do good, and a new empowerment campaign supports the collective power of the individual and encourages everyone to be a force for good and make a difference in the world.

The nonprofit Force for Good Foundation is launching the "I Love This Planet" campaign on January 12, 2022, with a billboard in New York City's Times Square that starts a 100-day countdown to Earth Day 2022. The Times Square billboard features renowned primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall, who makes her pledge as follows:

"I love this planet, and commit to continue doing everything in my power, as a force for good, to make the world better for all of us, people, animals and environment," Dr. Goodall says.

"The most powerful force for good in the world is each individual in their many roles as children and parents, spouses and friends, employees and employers, leaders and followers," says Force for Good chairman Ketan J Patel.

"Empowered by the will to do good -- and the fact that the individual begins with two thirds of the world's capital -- makes the fully aware, responsible and compassionate individual the most powerful force to make the world better," he emphasizes.

"As a couple of billion people are connected to the world's financial systems through fintech, their choices will be felt, and these need to be a powerful force for good if the world is to address the challenges we face," says Jonathan F Miller, Director, Force for Good, former Chairman and CEO of AOL.

Research from Force for Good shows that individuals own two-thirds of the world's money, and consumes 80% of the world's total consumption. The empowered, caring, and compassionate individual can make the biggest difference to changing the world for the better, and can move governments, corporations, and financial institutions to do the same, to create a safer, fairer, and healthier world, according to Force for Good.

The "I Love This Planet" campaign is an opportunity to host a common pledge to do good for each individual. The website and campaign will be developed to provide the place, tools, and partners for doing good and making a global impact.

Visit ilovethisplanet.org to make your own pledge and commit to being a force for good in the world.

(NewsUSA) - Celebration is on the horizon. Americans are gearing up for the twelfth annual National School Choice Week, the nation's largest celebration of opportunity in education on January 23-29. As president of the Week, I know firsthand that exploring your K-12 education options can change the trajectory of your family.

This annual public awareness week celebrates great schools and empowers families to find the right fit. This year there'll be more than 25,000 events and activities planned by schools and homeschool groups. Participants celebrate the Week however they like: Some host open houses, some plan multi-school fairs, some run student showcases.

The reason so many people celebrate the Week is the same reason I've worked in education so long: Because learning is magical. It fuels children's natural curiosity and allows them to unleash their talents and gifts into the world.

What's especially magical is kids finding a learning fit where they excel. Whether it's at their neighborhood public school, a public charter school, a magnet school, a private school, an online school, or through homeschooling, it is ever-exciting and awe-inspiring to see kids who love learning and are fulfilling their potential. And it's a tragedy when that fails to happen.

Too often the happy "magic" of learning falls to the wayside as we become preoccupied with the stress of school searches or classes that aren't the best fit. School Choice Week helps families rediscover the positive in education, bringing them support and a time to celebrate their choice, whatever it may be. Those who celebrate it believe that every child, given the right environment, can succeed. They believe that great teachers always deserve a "thank you!"

After two disrupted school years, this School Choice Week is a much-needed moment for families to take a deep breath and rediscover the magic of learning.

So, here are three simple ways you can be involved in the Week. First, start a conversation with your child about what they like about school and what they wish were different. Second, learn more about educational choices at schoolchoiceweek.com/state-guides, or share that information with a friend. Third, show appreciation for your school by volunteering at it or saying thank you to a teacher during Jan. 23-29.

By working together, we can help more children experience the magic of an educational fit where they thrive. And when students experience that magic, their futures are so much brighter.

Andrew Campanella is president of National School Choice Week and the author of "The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child."

(NewsUSA) 

"Cold Brew Corpse"
by Tara Lush

Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in this second Coffee Lover's mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop. The bright, sunny days at Perkatory -- the hottest coffee shop in Devil's Beach, FL., -- turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the owner of the neighboring yoga studio turns up in a nearby swamp.

When the local newspaper editor asks Lana to write about the murder, her dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate. She grinds her way through the suspect list. Was the killer one of the victim's students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3kHUcf3.

"Skinwalkers: The Uprising"
by Monica L. Smith

In this paranormal thriller, three individuals are at pivotal points in their lives --Ashley, Gethambe and Lana. While their lives will soon intertwine, not all will get their happy ending.

Ashley's world crumbles when her husband files for divorce and moves on to another woman. Gethambe, a half-breed human and wolf, needs to prove himself to his pack and take an epic journey from death to life, fighting seven Archangels. He is not provided any information or weapons. Gethambe must use only his wits and survival instincts. Lana, a half-breed human and wolf with healing abilities, tries to prove her loyalty to become Gethambe's wife. It's full of strange twists and turns as they seek their destinies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uDBHMp.

"Surviving Chaos"
by Harold Phifer

For more than 50 years, Harold Phifer's childhood living conditions remained a secret, even from those who thought they knew him best. No one knew about his past growing up with a mother who suffered from mental illness, a greedy aunt, a mindless and spoiled older brother and an absent father.

It wasn't until an explosion in Afghanistan that his memory was blasted back into focus. This book is the result of a long, cathartic chat with a stranger at a beach bar, where Harold finally found some peace. Says Blue Ink Review, "Entertaining, sprinkled with humor, drama and sadness. Readers will discover an intriguing life, one of turmoil and finally, thanks to a stranger on a beach, inner peace." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DmfUvR.

"Worldmaker of Yand-Polaris"
by Andri E. Elia

Savage invaders from space, the k'tul, all but destroyed her home world of Yand. Fleeing the aftermath of that war, Yanara, Worldmaker and Celestial Wizard, brings her wife Mandolen and her husband Frost to a bronze moon orbiting the fifth planet of the star, Polaris B. In this idyllic place of three suns, the three of them only sought to lick their war wounds.

Instead, along with their families, they start a new life and new colony. Filled with magic and new adventures, the challenge of colonizing their new home blends with unraveling threads of Yanara's darker past … tying her to the k'tul. What secrets will they discover? Will they find the peace they so crave, or will the vengeful k'tul find them again? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3nL4v3M.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - -It's winter, the air is dry, and your skin may be feeling as dull and tired as used wrapping paper. Microdermabrasion, a skin-brightening and exfoliating technique to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dust particles, is the go-to skin care boost for many, but the ongoing pandemic may make many people less inclined to visit their favorite spa.

Microdermabrasion has been shown to promote younger-looking skin and help reduce the appearance of aging, and a range of DIY products is now available to help consumers get the benefits of spa-quality skin care in the comfort of home. However, not all home microdermabrasion products are created equal.

NeedCrystals, a company founded by former spa operators, offers specially formulated aluminum oxide super-fine microdermabrasion crystals that are dust-free and gentle enough for all skin types. The crystals are designed to be added to any type of facial or body cleanser for a customized exfoliation. (Click here to view video)

"NeedCrystals aluminium oxide microdermabrasion crystals are preferred by dermatologists and aesthetic skin-care professionals for cost-effective quality that offers great results," according to company co-founder Jean-Michel Balensi.

"Our unique microdermabrasion crystals are specially prepared microcrystalline aluminum oxide (corundum) crystals. The material is 99.55% pure and is fused at nearly 4000 degreeF in order to form the grain structure that provides optimal abrasive properties."

In addition, NeedCrystals has earned a Carbonfree Product Certification to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with crystal production.

NeedCrystals offers prepared microdermabrasion crytals that are 100% vegan and free of parabens, gluten, dyes, and fragrances. Three formulas target different skin concerns:

- Original Microderabrasion Crystals. The company's best-seller, these gentle, yet effective microdermabrasion crystals come in a wide-mouth jar with spoon applicator for easy addition to your favorite products

- Crystals With Added Salicylic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin. This crystal blend is formulated to help improve the appearance of acne scars, while eliminating the bacteria that can clog pores and cause new acne breakouts, and comes in a tall metal jar with shaker top.

- Crystals With Added Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to help improve the appearance of skin aging, and the vitamin C crystal blend is designed to promote skin clarity and radiance; this product also comes in a tall metal jar with shaker top.

The NeedCrystals microdermabrasion crystals allow you to create your own spa experience at home. The NeedCrystals are also available for ordering in bulk by spa owners and aesthetic dermatology practices.

Visit needcrystals.com for more information. To purchase, visit Amazon.com.

(NewsUSA) -Approximately half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but many don't know it, according to the American Heart Association. A new public service campaign from the American Heart Association, American Medical Association and Ad Council in partnership with HHS Office of Minority Health and Health Resources & Services Administration encourages all adults to take control by monitoring their blood pressure at home and sharing the numbers with their doctor.

The "Get Down with Your Blood Pressure" public service announcement uses catchy music and memorable dance moves to get the attention of people who have and are at increased risk for high blood pressure and negative health consequences associated with it, such as heart attack, stroke and severe complications of COVID-19.

The campaign keeps it simple, and encourages those with high blood pressure to regularly follow four easy steps: "Get It, Slip It, Cuff It, Check It." That means Get the blood pressure cuff, Slip it on, use the band to Cuff your arm, Check your blood pressure with a validated monitor and share the numbers with your doctor. The campaign's detailed instructional videos are available in English and Spanish.

"This new campaign is a fun way to get people engaged in monitoring their blood pressure and keeping it under control -- which can often feel daunting to many patients"-- and is timely given that high blood pressure puts patients at higher risk of severe complications of COVID-19," says American Medical Association president Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. "We are committed to eliminating structural drivers of health inequities that place Black and Brown communities at increasing risk of heart disease," Dr. Harmon adds.

The campaign emphasizes self-monitoring and encourages individuals to work with their doctors to create a personalized plan to manage and treat high blood pressure. Changes to unhealthy eating habits and increases in physical activity may be all it takes to get your blood pressure to a healthy range. However, sometimes it's not that simple. If your doctor prescribes a blood pressure medication, be sure to take it as directed.

"This campaign is part of the American Heart Association's National Hypertension Control Initiative," says Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., ScM, F.A.H.A., president of the American Heart Association, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research and Professor of Preventive Medicine, Medicine, and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. "The initiative encompasses direct education and training on blood pressure measurement and management with health care professionals in community health centers and community-based organizations. We are meeting people where they are with access to blood pressure education and resources to reduce high blood pressure in communities that need it most."

Visit heart.org/hbpcontrol for more information about blood pressure management.

(NewsUSA) - It wasn't that long ago that Infographics were the "It" tool for public relations and marketing - until they weren't.

To understand why infographics should still be a viable campaign strategy for clients, we need to understand the history behind them.

In 2012, everyone was producing infographics -- usually of low-quality design, although as agencies became more versed in how effective these could be as a sales to market a client's product, more high-design infographics began emerging. In fact, according to one experienced UK-based SEO and content provider says he was creating 200 to 300 infographics per year in 2014.

In 2016, the industry became flooded, and journalists began rejecting pitches that included, to date, these time-tested marketing strategies.

Fast forward four years, and there remains an argument for keeping infographics as a viable marketing tool in your stable of resources that you pitch to clients. Here's why:

• They have a visual appeal. It's no surprise that visually presented information is more appealing to the eye than a mountain of text, which means that a graphically-told story will usually pique a reader's interest before any information is processed.
• They are easy to comprehend. The brain is wired in such a way that visual are able to be processed much faster than language. In fact, according to studies, people can follow visual instructions more than 323 percent better than written instructions.
• They are easily recalled. If you're trying to make an impression on a would-be customer, know this: according to studies people can recall only about 10 percent of written content three days after reading it versus 65 percent of information presented in visual form.
• They are shareable. Infographics can break down potentially complex information into the bite-size pieces that we have become accustomed to in a visually-appealing format that has the ability to be recalled. In this way, people are more likely to share the content of the infographic.
• They can help to increase sales. Go back to the bullet point on recall because it's worth repeating: the human brain is better at retaining visuals more than text. This means that if you have a complex product or service (think an IT company such as Oracle), it would stand to reason that presenting processes and benefits of using a company's product might be better presented visually in an infographic, rather than a block of text. This in turn, will help you to stand out from your competition.
• They aren't being promoted as heavily today. There's no better time than today to start using a tool that has, for many been shelved at worst, and been put on the back burner at best. Think of it this way: if your competitors aren't using this sales tool, why wouldn't you? As long as you use a format that is visually appealing to tell your client's story or present a product or service, it remains a great way to not only attract attention, but for potential customers to remember you.

The bottom line is that infographics continue to be a solid tool when used correctly and can potentially add fantastic benefits as part of a wider content marketing strategy.

(NewsUSA) - When stress hits hard as it has during the pandemic, many of us eat more, and less-than-healthy comfort foods may be the treats we reach for first. But an unhealthy response to stress can be hard on your body, especially your heart. That's why it's smart -- at the top of the New Year, or anytime -- to try to eat more foods that nourish. It'll make your heart happier, and maybe trim your waistline, too.

Don't know where to start? Let the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) help.

"We have many recipes for healthy and really tasty dishes, plus an award-winning eating plan called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH for short," says Charlotte Pratt, Ph.D., M.S., R.D., a nutrition expert at NHLBI. For years, the DASH eating plan has ranked among the U.S. News & World Reports' best diets for healthy living and heart health. Its secret, says Pratt: "Eating nutrient-dense foods and meals that are lower in sodium and saturated fat, rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and legumes."

Some of the recipes NHLBI has developed to support the plan feature healthy versions of comfort foods, such as oven-baked french fries, chicken chile stew, and sweet potato custard. The recipes are easy to make and family-friendly. They include traditional African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Vietnamese, Latino, and Filipino dishes. You can find these recipes, along with tips about safe cooking, what to stock in your kitchen, and food shopping at healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov.

"The DASH eating plan is scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels," says Pratt. And NHLBI research shows that increasing your physical activity and watching your calories while following DASH will also help you lose weight.

DASH requires no special foods, and it helps you set daily and weekly nutritional goals using these simple guides:

• Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Include fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils
• Limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy foods and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils
• Limit sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts

To make it easier to follow the DASH for life, these tips can help:

• Change gradually. Add one more serving of vegetables a day. Read nutrition labels to choose the food lowest in saturated fat, sodium or salt and added sugar.
• Vary foods high in proteins. Try a mix of lean cuts of meat. Remove the skin from chicken. Eat fish once or twice a week. Eat two or more meals without meat each week.
• Select healthy, tasty snacks. Have a piece of fruit, a few unsalted snacks such as rice cakes, fat-free or low-fat yogurt or raw vegetables with a low-fat dip.
• Find substitutes. Try whole-wheat bread or brown rice instead of white bread or white rice. Try beans or seeds such as flax or sunflower seeds, if you're allergic to nuts.
• Follow the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendations.

Combining healthy eating habits with other self-care activities can help you reduce stress and take care of your heart. Top of the list: move more throughout the day, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, and try relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga. If you smoke, try quitting, and develop a strong social-support system to help keep you motivated. Learn more about DASH, heart health, and more at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Delicious Oven-Baked French Fries

Baking instead of frying these potatoes reduces the fat while keeping them crispy.

Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 35 minutes.
Makes 5 servings.
Serving size: 1 cup.

Ingredients

4 large potatoes (2 lbs.) (regular or sweet potatoes)
8 C ice water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp hot pepper flakes
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. Scrub potatoes and cut them into long 1/2-inch strips. Place the strips in the ice water, cover and chill for 1 hour or longer.
2. Remove potato strips and dry them thoroughly. Preheat oven to 475 degreeF.
3. Place garlic powder, onion powder, salt, white pepper, allspice and pepper flakes in a plastic bag. Toss the potato strips in the spice mixture.
4. Put the potato strips in a shallow baking pan and brush them with oil.
5. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake at 475 degreeF for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Turn fries occasionally to brown on all sides.

(NewsUSA) - Whether it's across the street or a twenty-minute drive, a great school fit can be your child's path to opportunity, happiness, and success. While every parent may want to set their child on the learning path that best matches his or her skills, we can only choose from the options we know. That's why bringing awareness to families about all their school choices is so crucial.

All families have school choices, but some states offer wider access. Across America, families' options include traditional public school, public magnet school, public charter school, private school, online school, and homeschooling.

These various school choices offer kids different paths toward the goals all parents share. We want students to learn, succeed, thrive, and be happy. And while one child may enjoy traveling at his or her own pace through an online school or homeschool program, another child may benefit from the close-knit comradery at a neighborhood school or a private school's values-based curriculum.

Having various paths ensures that kids don't get stuck or give up if a particular route doesn't work well for them. It's not extreme to say that school choices can be the difference between a child being bullied in their classroom or being loved and respected, or the difference between dropping out of high school or going to college. I've seen this be true many times. For every child who isn't thriving in school, it's vital that families know other learning paths are available.

You can't choose a path if you don't know it exists. That's why National School Choice Week, a public awareness effort about learning options, will take place January 23-29. Since its founding in 2011, the annual celebration brings awareness about every single learning path around the country that families can choose from, as well as the community organizations that have sprung up over the last decade to help families navigate school choices.

If you love your chosen learning path, celebrate it this School Choice Week to spread the word. If you're not sure if your current choice is right for your child, discover your other options at schoolchoiceweek.com. Together, let's help every child get on the learning path that will take them most quickly to being happy, equipped academically, and ready to give back.

Andrew Campanella is president of National School Choice Week and the author of "The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child."