Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:51:58 EDT NewsUSA https://feeds.newsusa.com/articles/rss-intro.aspx NewsUSA Syndicated News 5 en-us Ash Carter Exchange Showcases Innovation and National Security https://about.newsusa.com/ash-carter-exchange-showcases-innovation-and-national-security https://about.newsusa.com/ash-carter-exchange-showcases-innovation-and-national-security (NewsUSA) - As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the landscapes of our society, the impact on national security must be a top priority.  

Hear from experts about the latest advancements in how AI innovations are impacting national security at the second annual Ash Carter Exchange, an event held concurrently with the first-ever AI Expo for National Competitiveness. The Carter Exchange will take place simultaneously with the AI Expo at the DC Convention Center, but will be a distinct event with its own programming. 

The Ash Carter Exchange honors the vision of Dr. Ash Carter, who served as Secretary of Defense from 2015-2017, and whose forward-thinking recognition of technology’s role in national security guides our preparation today for the emerging challenges of tomorrow. The event is hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) and Mrs. Stephanie Carter, and is designed as a forum for the exchange of ideas. This year’s Ash Carter Exchange takes place in Washington, D.C., on May 7 and 8, with the goal of building on the groundbreaking discussions and strategic connections made during last year’s event. 

"As we carry forward Dr. Carter's critical mission, we bridge the essential gap between cutting-edge innovation and the safeguarding of our national security," according to Ylli Bajraktari, president and CEO of SCSP. 

“Last year’s Exchange was a testament to the power of collective expertise, bringing together esteemed leaders from the government, industry, and scientific spheres for engaging dialogue. This year, we are poised to delve even deeper into the conversations that shape our national defense.”  

SCSP is a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal to make recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape national security, the economy, and society. 

Speakers currently scheduled to participate in the Ash Carter exchange include Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Gen. David W. Allen, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Dr. William A. LaPlante, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Dr. Heidi Shyu, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Development; LtGen Karsten S. Heckl, Deputy Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General, Army Futures Command; Rear Adm. Kurt J. Rothenhaus, Chief, Office of Naval Research; Doug Beck, Director, Defense Innovation Unit; Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director, DARPA; Dr. Catherine Marsh, Director, IARPA; Dr. Evelyn N. Wang, Director, ARPA-E; Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, Director of ARPA-H; Gil Herrera, Director of Research, National Security Agency;  Heidi Shyu, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General, Army Futures Command; Anne Neuberger, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology; Michael Collins, Acting Chair, National Intelligence Council; Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, KCB, ADC, Chief of the Defence Staff, United Kingdom; Nand Mulchandani, Chief Technology Officer, Central Intelligence Agency; Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force; Gen. Anthony Cotton, Commander, United States Strategic Command; Dr. Jason Kelly, Chair, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology; Dr. Jason Rathje, Director, Office of Strategic Capital, Department of Defense; Dr. Meghan L. O’Sullivan, Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; Dr. Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute; Alan F. Estevez, Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; Dr. William LaPlante, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitio and Sustainment; Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, USMC (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Michele Flournoy, Co-founder and Managing Partner, WestExec Advisors.

Don’t miss two exciting days of demos and dialogue with leading experts and technology enthusiasts who share a vision of solidifying the United States as a leader in critical emerging technologies. Visit scsp.ai for more information.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-02/Carter%20Exchange%20Logo%20%281%29_0.png?itok=P6M9hs4n Technology NewsUSA 53620 11718 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
AI Expo for National Competitiveness Announces Key Sponsor https://about.newsusa.com/ai-expo-for-national-competitiveness-announces-key-sponsor https://about.newsusa.com/ai-expo-for-national-competitiveness-announces-key-sponsor (NewsUSA) - Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: PLTR), a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, will be the lead sponsor of the inaugural AI Expo for National Competitiveness. The Expo is hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a non-partisan, non-profit project dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. 

“We are thrilled to have Palantir as our lead sponsor at this year’s event,” said SCSP CEO and President Ylli Bajraktari in a press release. “Palantir is a demonstrated leader in AI, and their support for the Expo we’re organizing is phenomenal. This Expo is the first of its kind in Washington, DC, and we’re proud that Palantir has made the decision to partner with us.” 

Additional sponsors of the Expo include Datenna, Groq, Lockheed Martin, Rhombus, Fathom, Strider, With Honor, and Booz Allen. 

The event will take place on May 7-8, 2024, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. 

The goal of the Expo is to bring together leaders from the private sector, research institutions, and the U.S. government, along with key allies and partners. The Expo provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and educate the public on AI innovation and applications in several key areas including national security, the economy, and society.  

“Forums like the SCSP AI Expo are key to fostering the robust and innovative ecosystem needed to maintain our national security and competitive edge,” said Shyam Sankar, CTO at Palantir, in the press release. “We’re excited to support this partnership as a platform to bring latest AI technologies from across the country and create new opportunities across industry, government, and beyond.”  

SCSP also will host the second annual Ash Carter Exchange on Innovation and National Security in conjunction with the Expo. Both the Exchange and the Expo build on the success of last year’s Ash Carter Exchange, and the SCSP’s Global Emerging Technology Summits in 2022 and 2023.  

Tickets to the Expo are free, and the event is open to the public.  

 Visit expo.scsp.ai for more information about registration, exhibiting, and sponsorship.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-02/AI%20Expo_0.png?itok=hEUqURFb Technology NewsUSA 53619 11718 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
2102: PRETENSE, THE PLAY: New Literary Novel Overlays Tech Angst into a Stunning Future https://about.newsusa.com/2102-pretense-the-play-new-literary-novel-overlays-tech-angst-into-a-stunning-future https://about.newsusa.com/2102-pretense-the-play-new-literary-novel-overlays-tech-angst-into-a-stunning-future (NewsUSA) - As Artificial Intelligence advances across the globe with inexorable speed, untold predictions of promise and peril amass. All in all, it’s a perfect time for Amazon bestselling author William Jefferson’s new book, 2102: Pretense, the Play, which catapults present-day technology angst into a stunning future-cast of tomorrow.

In today’s culture, dominated more and more by distant, discarnate, mediated connectivity, 2102: Pretense, the Play takes readers on a journey where wily artificial intelligence challenges the wisdom of the ages.

In this very literary work following Jefferson’s acclaimed Presence, the Play, the new book is set in Onglander, where crimes are tried on stage and the accused must act while donning masks. The better the act, the greater the prospect of acquittal; to refuse, to be real and transparent, brings swift condemnation.

2102: Pretense, the Play is equally terrifying and thrilling, but it’s also a heartwarming tale of unswerving determination, resilience, and hope. In an age of brimming technological advancement, 2102 pays homage to those locked out, cast aside, cowering and unseen.

JeffersonRichly spirited, the heroine of the novel could possibly be Joan of Arc, mystically incarnate in 2102. Yet no one really knows for sure.

Alias or not, the riveting character goes by the name of Margin, and she travels into the future with Lesser Light, the moon also incarnate, and Shadow the same. Their mission is to seek out the marginalized, those who abide in the shadows and lesser light.

They set their sights on 2102, to see what’s happened to the future, now marginalized. The trio, though, needs an official record of what takes place in the future, so they choose a poet named Quillingsworth to be their scribe. Quillingsworth lives in Poet’s Lodge—a current-day setting that’s most enchanting. Quill and his blue-headed parrot, Loreto, join the trio, forming a quartet called the Eventide Ensemble.

William Jefferson is on the board of the Marshall McLuhan Initiative (MMI) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and is an active member and supporter of the Media Ecology Association, as well as the Institute of General Semantics. The author of several books, Jefferson is the creator of the mystical Isle of Estillyen, beyond of the Storied Sea, introduced in his debut novel, Messages from Estillyen (www.estillyen.com).

Jefferson is no stranger to the literary world, with his latest work following Presence, the Play, a novel in which we, as readers, are treated to an allegorical tale woven across multiple levels: Christian theology, media critique, the hero’s journey, poetic reimagining of classic works, and sheer entertainment. All wrapped in an exploration of the concept of presence and its many manifestations, both divine and mundane. The meticulously crafted storyline evokes the imaginative prose of J.R.R. Tolkien, the spirited perception of C. S. Lewis, and the dramatic flair of Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Back in 1966, the cover of TIME magazine posed a most provocative question in asking, “Is God Dead?” Today, in light of the explosive use of AI, many might ask, “Is Wisdom Dead?” to which this author replies, “Not yet, but AI may be digging wisdom’s grave.”

Writes Jefferson in 2102: Pretense, the Play: “The present world is a theater, the conditions of men are roles: wealth and poverty, ruler and ruled. . . . When this day is cast aside, and that terrible night comes, or rather day, night indeed for sinners, but day for the righteous, when the play is ended, when the masks are removed . . . then the truly rich and the truly poor are revealed.”

Learn more at the author’s website, https://estillyen.com, and purchase the book at https://bit.ly/4avK1S7.

 

 

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/2102Pretense_thePlay_1.jpg?itok=5TheCJKj Books & Entertainment NewsUSA 53769 11718 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
100% of Latino Grads Start Trades Careers With Centro Educativo Latino's Workforce Development Program https://about.newsusa.com/100-of-latino-grads-start-trades-careers-with-centro-educativo-latinos-workforce-development-program https://about.newsusa.com/100-of-latino-grads-start-trades-careers-with-centro-educativo-latinos-workforce-development-program (NewsUSA) - Development Program

New Partnership Offers HVAC Training in Spanish

The US Census Bureau reports that approximately 20% of the US population is Hispanic and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 30% of construction workers are Hispanic.  As baby boomers reach retirement age, Latino workers play an increasingly crucial role in keeping the dynamism of the US labor market and for many of them, having options to education in their native language is critical for developing skills that make them employable.

Since its inception in 2010, Centro Educativo Latino at Lenoir Community College (LCC), in Lenoir County, North Carolina, has become a cornerstone for the Hispanic community, offering over 70 Spanish-language workforce development courses in high-demand trades. 

Carlos Cotto, the Director of Centro Educativo Latino and LCC's Associate Dean of Workforce Development and Latino Programs began his mission to help more Latinos feel welcomed at the college, turning access into more economic opportunities in the state.

“It's sad to say, but the Latino population has never had access to a good, higher education….. they’d be taught at churches, libraries, or a little trailer on the side of the college campus. My intention with CEL was to create a college within a college welcoming the underserved population in their native language.”

A One-of-a-Kind HVAC Program

Recently Interplay Learning, the leading provider of immersive skilled trades training, joined forces with LCC to advance the mission of Centro Educativo Latino, its workforce development program, and increase access to the nation’s first North American Technician Excellence (NATE) HVAC certification hybrid program in Spanish. 

The integration of Interplay’s trades training has elevated the impact of its 200+ hour associate degree program, incorporating online courses and the latest in 3D simulation and VR training technology, presented entirely in Spanish.   

Along with its catalog of online courses, the VR training provided by Interplay is also available to students through the school’s VR headsets, which they cast onto screens during weekend labs, creating a field-like virtual reality environment that enhances safety, engagement and hands-on learning experiences. This dynamic approach puts theory into practice, addressing language barriers and caters to diverse learning styles.  Students get hands-on practice with a wide variety of scenarios and equipment types in a safe, no-fail environment.  

A Model for Equitable Education

This approach to learning marks a tide change in technical education, bridging the gap between theory and practice with innovative opportunities once typically reserved for English-led trade programs.  

Cotto says, "This partnership with Interplay Learning is a significant step forward in providing our students with courses that reinforce NATE and offer the best cutting-edge 3D simulation and VR training in their native language. This comprehensive education ensures they are industry-certified and just as prepared for the demands of rewarding careers and entrepreneurship as their Anglo peers."

Centro Educativo Latino extends its commitment beyond linguistic accessibility by providing an affordable and flexible hybrid model of HVAC instruction, blending Interplay’s online coursework and in-person labs. 

The program addresses the needs of parents and individuals working full-time by offering four hands-on weekend classes, serving approximately 120 students. A sliding-scale pricing model, supported by generous scholarships like Train the East, ensures that education remains financially accessible, reducing student fees to about 3% of comparative state-funded programs. The in-demand program reaches 29 surrounding counties, with its popularity drawing students who travel from out-of-state to participate in the always-full program. Cotto breaks down the costs,

"Our HVAC program adds up to about 240 hours of online and in-person instruction and costs about 3% of the cost of similar state-funded programs. We provide all tools and materials at no extra cost, plus access to college, state, and NATE certifications, ensuring comprehensive value for our students.”

88% of students willingly drive up to 2.5 hours for this program, underlining the dedication and enthusiasm for this valuable educational opportunity. Additionally, the hybrid instructional model has acted as supplemental support for program instructors, enabling their main HVAC instructor, Henry Perez, to expand his mentorship and impact to more students. This past year, Perez received an award for one of HVAC Excellence’s top 25 Most Influential Instructors for 2024. 

Program Outcomes 

Steady Enrollment 

The popular program has continued to attract students from surrounding counties and out-of-state, with enrollment holding steady at 30 students per class. With four classes per weekend, the program averages about 120 students per semester.

Industry-Certified Graduates

99% of students graduate from the program, with 100% obtaining their NATE Core Certification and state EPA, along with various Interplay certifications across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, enhancing their employability and career prospects. 

Strategic Partnerships and Entrepreneurship

The program has established strong relationships with local employers who value the skills and certifications of Centro Educativo Latino graduates, leading to 100% of grads going on to work in the trades. Cotto is particularly proud to share the story of two young women who recently completed the program with honors and are now enjoying a better socioeconomic standard of living, boasting newly attained annual salaries starting at $62,000 a year.  

Cotto explains, “When students show up to local employers with three community college certificates, NATE, the State EPA certification, and a portfolio of about 34 Interplay HVAC certificates, the employer says to us, ‘We need more of these people.’ So we stay well-connected and funnel our students into the workforce when they meet employers' qualifications.”

Cotto also weaves in classes in entrepreneurship to prepare students to start their own trade businesses, which 75-80% of students completing the program have gone on to do. 

“For the longest time, the Latino community never had a place to go for higher education in the skilled trades,” notes Carlos Cotto, director of Centro Educativo Latino and LCC’s associate dean of workforce development and Latino programs. “This partnership with Interplay Learning is a significant step forward in providing our students with comprehensive, cutting-edge 3D simulation and VR training in their native language, ensuring they are industry-certified and well-prepared for the demands of rewarding careers and entrepreneurship.”

The collaboration between LCC and Interplay Learning empowers more individuals within the Latino community to access and excel in trades education. Not only is the program opening doors to new economic opportunities, but it's fostering a more skilled and diverse workforce.

“Empowering the Latino community through accessible trades education aligns seamlessly with our mission,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. “We believe in the transformative power of education and technology, and this collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce.'”

About Centro Educativo Latino 

With a mission to bridge gaps and empower Hispanic individuals, the Centro Educativo Latino at Lenoir Community College is a pivotal resource for the Spanish-speaking community, offering quality education in their native language.  The program provides Spanish-language courses in workforce development fields like HVAC, welding, and cosmetology, along with ESL classes. Serving over 2,000 students in the last two years significantly increased Latino enrollment at the college, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This initiative underscores Lenoir Community College’s dedication to inclusivity and creating educational opportunities for diverse student populations.

About Interplay Learning

Austin-based Interplay Learning is the industry leader in immersive training solutions for the skilled trades. Interplay’s acclaimed SkillMill training platform enables rapid upskilling and empowers new technicians to be job-ready within weeks, not years. Featuring expert-led videos, hands-on 3D simulations, knowledge checks, and personalized learning paths, SkillMill is more scalable and engaging than traditional training. Leveraging advanced technologies like AI and VR, Interplay is reshaping the future of online skilled trades training, delivering highly effective learning experiences that result in better careers and better lives. 

Recent accolades include Forbes’ 2023 America’s Best Startup Employers, 2022 Inc. 5000 list, 2022 Inc. Best in Business list, and three honorable mentions in Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards. Visit www.interplaylearning.com to learn more.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/IMG-24-02-News-USA-Lenoir.png?itok=YkY8nLMN Education NewsUSA 53729 11718 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Why It's Important to Talk About Inheriting Wealth https://about.newsusa.com/why-its-important-to-talk-about-inheriting-wealth https://about.newsusa.com/why-its-important-to-talk-about-inheriting-wealth (NewsUSA) - As a significant portion of the U.S. population ages, a significant transfer of wealth to younger generations is occurring. However, many families have not discussed inheritance plans, and many younger generations may find themselves unprepared, according to new research from Edward Jones, a leading financial services firm.

In fact, 35% of Americans surveyed by Edward Jones said they did not plan to discuss transfer of wealth with their families, despite 48% saying that they planned to leave an inheritance.

“We know it can be extremely uncomfortable and nearly impossible to separate emotions from the financial decisions necessary when planning inheritance and wealth transfer, particularly as givers navigate family priorities beyond finances,” said Lena Haas, Head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones. “However, the wealth transfer is well underway, so it’s more important than ever to connect as a family, with the experienced guidance of a financial professional to help navigate the emotions and educate on the process.”

The so-called “great wealth transfer” from the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers will vary, as people live longer and may delay retirement. Edward Jones’ research revealed four scenarios:

Traditional Giving. Older adults transfer wealth through a combination of assets, cash, equities, and real estate.

Giving While Living. Older adults support their families in the moment, paying for family experiences, contributing to education or purchasing homes. However, this strategy may force younger generations to return the favor and support parents in retirement.

Skipping a Generation. Some older adults skip over their adult children and transfer wealth to grandchildren, often in the form of education or future security, but this can lead to hurt feelings and strained relations with adult children who do not directly benefit from this wealth transfer.

No Inheritance. Older adults are living longer, and a combination of more active lifestyles for more years after retirement and/or the expenses of long-term health care means that in some families, little wealth will be left to transfer.

The survey, a joint effort between Edward Jones, Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners, LLC, a global action research and strategy consultancy, was conducted online between December 28-29, 2023, and included a national sample of 2,202 adults.

According to the survey, only 25% of individuals who receive an inheritance feel prepared to manage it.

Working with an experienced advisor can help, and 57% of those surveyed said that working with a financial professional to guide discussions of wealth transfer and inheritance in advance would facilitate planning and family consensus.

Visit www.edwardjones.com/estateplanning for more information about wealth transfer and financial planning.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/shutterstock_1896409381.jpg?itok=_W4NUtq9 Money and Finance NewsUSA 53758 11718 Sun, 24 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Sound Solutions: How Generative AI is Enhancing Business Communication https://about.newsusa.com/sound-solutions-how-generative-ai-is-enhancing-business-communication https://about.newsusa.com/sound-solutions-how-generative-ai-is-enhancing-business-communication (NewsUSA) - More than a third of the country’s workforce is working remotely. Business deals are being made virtually, leadership teams recording their all-staff presentations from the home office or hotel room, and social media staff are creating content on the go. Yet, with this flexibility comes significant business challenges. 

Executives want to ensure customer satisfaction in online meeting platforms and training modules as well as provide tools to their teams to create clear, distraction-free content. The challenge remains, how do virtual or hybrid teams maintain consistent quality with work-from-home distractions like dogs, kids, and other noise? For Tel-Aviv-based company, insoundz, generative AI is the answer.

“Generative AI Audio Enhancement is you only better. It is your voice without any of the distractions,” said Emil Winebrand, Co-Founder and CEO of insoundz. “Where predictive AI is trained to get the business the ‘right answer’ for an input. It is trained to be precise and deterministic; sometimes that's not enough. You may want your AI agent to create, without a clear deterministic input. That’s where Generative AI comes in.”

How does it work? As described on indsoundz website, “Our patented solution takes streamed or pre-recorded audio and video, then applies generative AI signal processing to output the same streams with greatly increased studio-like audio sound and proximity effect.”

Winebrand’s team works with businesses to correct any sound environment so companies keep the sound they want and remove everything else. With a longstanding history serving companies in the media and entertainment space, insoundz is now working with more B2B and B2C businesses asking for custom solutions. 

“We have more businesses coming to us because they are interested in improving their communication efficiency and productivity,” said Winebrand. For some, this will look like improved internal meeting presentations developing a deeper connection to remote employees. For others, this has a direct link to sales. Forbes contributor William Arruda said it best: “Despite having years to get good at online meetings and presentations, most salespeople aren’t fully skilled at captivating online.” insoundz believes their generative AI solution is the answer for many sales, executive, and even large-scale SaaS platforms.

Is generative AI the solution for all our remote and hybrid business challenges? Probably not, but like many AI applications it does offer time saving solutions to businesses looking for efficiencies without sacrificing quality. 

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/shutterstock_2255679327.jpg?itok=3s6_27_Y Technology NewsUSA 53751 11718 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
2024 Surface Trends Redefine Homes with Bold Elegance and Innovation https://about.newsusa.com/2024-surface-trends-redefine-homes-with-bold-elegance-and-innovation https://about.newsusa.com/2024-surface-trends-redefine-homes-with-bold-elegance-and-innovation (NewsUSA) - With existing home inventory predicted to remain low in 2024, many home buyers are choosing to purchase new construction or instead electing to remodel their current home. Either option takes homeowners on a design journey with an array of endless selections and choices as they look to create a home that reflects their taste and lifestyle. Wilsonart has unveiled four new home surface trends that are sure to inspire and bring beauty and function to any new or existing space.

 

  1. Light & Bright

In the ever-evolving realm of design, the Light & Bright trend emerges as a captivating focal point, seizing the spotlight and celebrating the timeless allure of white tones. In the kitchen and bath, white continues to lead as the top choice for styling, and modern countertops are often sleek and slim. Wilsonart® Quartz and Wilsonart® Solid Surface offer an array of marble and natural stone looks that are perfect for achieving this look in modern backsplashes or countertops.

Light and Bright
  1. Crafted Calm

Crafted Calm is a soft, warm, comforting interpretation of casual living and will be seen in homes that prioritize well-being and tranquility. Connecting with nature through design is an essential element of the Crafted Calm trend, and the wellness kitchen is at the center of that connection. Here, look to countertop designs that feature warming hues.

Crafted Calm
  1. Fresh Heritage

The new Fresh Heritage trend draws inspiration from the historic English countryside and features traditional woodgrain styling, neutral tones and polished rooms that feel lived-in and loved. It's a journey into the past with a contemporary twist. The LUJO® Collection from Wilsonart® Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) offers a luxury matte Silken Wood finish that is a premium example of a surface that can add revolutionary texture to any home.

Fresh Heritage
  1. Dark & Moody Luxe

The Dark & Moody Luxe trend invites us to turn down color and dial-up the intensity with dramatic color contrasts that convey a deep sense of luxury. Embracing the desire to 'escape at home,' this trend introduces exotic wood accent walls, bold open storage, and industrial surfaces. The Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panel System offers designs with dark veining and a bold appearance, perfectly suited for the trend.

Dark and Moody Luxe

For those looking for kitchen and bath design inspiration to give their homes a fresh look for the new year, visit www.wilsonart.com.

]]>
Home NewsUSA 53655 11718 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EST
Wow Your Easter Guests With Easy Spring Surprise Cake https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-easy-spring-surprise-cake https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-easy-spring-surprise-cake (NewsUSA) - Hosting an Easter brunch or other spring gathering? What better way to top off an event than with a showstopping dessert! The baking experts at Wesson created a new bundt cake with a twist on the popular surprise cake trend. It’s easy to make, and as delicious as it is impressive. 

Wesson oil is the secret ingredient that makes this cake taste like it was made by a professional pastry chef. It creates a light, moist texture that lets the crunch and flavor of the pistachio honey fillings sing. A simple glaze gives it a sweet touch and the gold leaf takes this cake to the next level. Simply fill the open center with spring candies like mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans and you have a beautiful party finale to wow your guests!

Check out this easy recipe and video:  

WESSON EASY EASTER SURPRISE BUNDT CAKE 

Ingredients

For the cake: 

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 

3 teaspoons baking powder 

½ teaspoon kosher salt  

3 cups granulated sugar 

¾ cup Wesson oil 

1 ½ cups milk 

6 eggs 

For the filling:  

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped, shelled, raw pistachios 

¼ cup flour 

2 tablespoons honey 

2 tablespoons Wesson oil  

For the glaze:  

1 cup powdered sugar 

2 tablespoons milk 

Edible gold flake, for sprinkling on top 

Easter candies to fill center of cake when displayed 

Directions:  

Making the cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan. 

In a large bowl, whisk together, flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine sugar, Wesson oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.  

On medium speed, in four stages, add flour mixture alternating with milk, blending after each addition, ending with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan and set aside. Next, make the filling. 

Adding the filling:

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of Wesson Canola Oil. Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon the filling evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Top with remaining batter. Bake the cake in the center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. 

Remove cake from oven; cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Carefully turn cake out onto serving platter and cool completely.  

TIP: If cake does not turn out easily, gently run a knife around the outside edge of the cake. 

Creating the glaze:

In medium bowl, combine 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) and 2 tbsp of 3% milk. Stir until smooth. Spoon icing onto top of cooled Bundt cake and allow to glaze to dry for 15 minutes. 

The finishing touch:

Decorate cake with flakes of gold leaf and chopped pistachios. Fill center of the Bundt with your favorite Easter candies. Cut the cake in front of your guests to wow them with an outpouring of sweet treats and serve. To view the recipe online, visit purewesson.com.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/edited%20header.jpg?itok=z9iP5GIA Food NewsUSA 53733 11718 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Wow Your Easter Guests With A Very Easy Spring Surprise Cake! https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-a-very-easy-spring-surprise-cake https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-a-very-easy-spring-surprise-cake (NewsUSA) - Hosting an Easter brunch or other spring gathering? What better way to top off an event than with a showstopping dessert! The baking experts at Wesson created a new bundt cake with a twist on the popular surprise cake trend. It’s easy to make, and as delicious as it is impressive. 

Wesson oil is the secret ingredient that makes this cake taste like it was made by a professional pastry chef. It creates a light, moist texture that lets the crunch and flavor of the pistachio honey fillings sing. A simple glaze gives it a sweet touch and the gold leaf takes this cake to the next level. Simply fill the open center with spring candies like mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans and you have a beautiful party finale to wow your guests!

Check out this easy recipe and video:  

Cake Video

WESSON EASY EASTER SURPRISE BUNDT CAKE 

Ingredients

For the cake: 

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 

3 teaspoons baking powder 

½ teaspoon kosher salt  

3 cups granulated sugar 

¾ cup Wesson oil 

1 ½ cups milk 

6 eggs 

For the filling:  

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped, shelled, raw pistachios 

¼ cup flour 

2 tablespoons honey 

2 tablespoons Wesson oil  

For the glaze:  

1 cup powdered sugar 

2 tablespoons milk 

Edible gold flake, for sprinkling on top 

Easter candies to fill center of cake when displayed 

Directions:  

Making the cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan. 

In a large bowl, whisk together, flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine sugar, Wesson oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.  

On medium speed, in four stages, add flour mixture alternating with milk, blending after each addition, ending with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan and set aside. Next, make the filling. 

Adding the filling:

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of Wesson Canola Oil. Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon the filling evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Top with remaining batter. Bake the cake in the center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. 

Remove cake from oven; cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Carefully turn cake out onto serving platter and cool completely.  

TIP: If cake does not turn out easily, gently run a knife around the outside edge of the cake. 

Creating the glaze:

In medium bowl, combine 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) and 2 tbsp of 3% milk. Stir until smooth. Spoon icing onto top of cooled Bundt cake and allow to glaze to dry for 15 minutes. 

The finishing touch:

Decorate cake with flakes of gold leaf and chopped pistachios. Fill center of the Bundt with your favorite Easter candies. Cut the cake in front of your guests to wow them with an outpouring of sweet treats and serve. To view the recipe online, visit purewesson.com.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/edited%20header_2.jpg?itok=nuEKVz9s Food NewsUSA 53757 11718 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Wow Your Easter Guests With Easy Spring Surprise Cake! https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-easy-spring-surprise-cake https://about.newsusa.com/wow-your-easter-guests-with-easy-spring-surprise-cake (NewsUSA) - Hosting an Easter brunch or other spring gathering? What better way to top off an event than with a showstopping dessert! The baking experts at Wesson created a new bundt cake with a twist on the popular surprise cake trend. It’s easy to make, and as delicious as it is impressive. 

Wesson oil is the secret ingredient that makes this cake taste like it was made by a professional pastry chef. It creates a light, moist texture that lets the crunch and flavor of the pistachio honey fillings sing. A simple glaze gives it a sweet touch and the gold leaf takes this cake to the next level. Simply fill the open center with spring candies like mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans and you have a beautiful party finale to wow your guests!

Check out this easy recipe and video:  

WESSON EASY EASTER SURPRISE BUNDT CAKE 

Ingredients

For the cake: 

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 

3 teaspoons baking powder 

½ teaspoon kosher salt  

3 cups granulated sugar 

¾ cup Wesson oil 

1 ½ cups milk 

6 eggs 

For the filling:  

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped, shelled, raw pistachios 

¼ cup flour 

2 tablespoons honey 

2 tablespoons Wesson oil  

For the glaze:  

1 cup powdered sugar 

2 tablespoons milk 

Edible gold flake, for sprinkling on top 

Easter candies to fill center of cake when displayed 

Directions:  

Making the cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan. 

In a large bowl, whisk together, flour, baking powder and salt until well combined. 

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine sugar, Wesson oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.  

On medium speed, in four stages, add flour mixture alternating with milk, blending after each addition, ending with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan and set aside. Next, make the filling. 

Adding the filling:

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of Wesson Canola Oil. Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon the filling evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Top with remaining batter. Bake the cake in the center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. 

Remove cake from oven; cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Carefully turn cake out onto serving platter and cool completely.  

TIP: If cake does not turn out easily, gently run a knife around the outside edge of the cake. 

Creating the glaze:

In medium bowl, combine 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) and 2 tbsp of 3% milk. Stir until smooth. Spoon icing onto top of cooled Bundt cake and allow to glaze to dry for 15 minutes. 

The finishing touch:

Decorate cake with flakes of gold leaf and chopped pistachios. Fill center of the Bundt with your favorite Easter candies. Cut the cake in front of your guests to wow them with an outpouring of sweet treats and serve. To view the recipe online, visit purewesson.com.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/edited%20header_0.jpg?itok=mmavSlYN Arts and Entertainment NewsUSA 53756 11718 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Tips to savor springtime and reflect on life’s important memories https://about.newsusa.com/tips-to-savor-springtime-and-reflect-on-lifes-important-memories https://about.newsusa.com/tips-to-savor-springtime-and-reflect-on-lifes-important-memories (NewsUSA) - Spring is here, with milder weather, more hours of daylight, and many opportunities to gather with family and friends. Spring is the perfect time to savor life’s sweetness — not only the special occasions that come with the season, but also the everyday moments that make memories to cherish for years to come.

Photos are one of the most popular ways to capture memories, and today’s digital tools make the process even smoother. Use these simple strategies to save, access, and share the photos that tell the story of your life so you can savor springtime with family and friends, both now and in the years to come as you revisit past memories.

  • Organize your albums. Albums are great way to savor memories. Albums can be based on time (springtime), event (spring break vacation), or theme (baseball, family reunion, etc.). Finding your favorite photos from the sea of digital images on your phone might seem daunting, but Amazon Photos makes this job easy. You can search and find your favorite photos based on several features including Date Taken, Things, People, and Places, then sort them into titled albums for easy access. 
     
  • Highlight special events. To preserve a memorable event, the Memories feature on Amazon Photos creates custom slide shows that are easy to view and share. Make a slideshow of your child’s Easter egg hunt, their first spring concert, or simply the wildflowers in bloom during the season’s first thaw.
     
  • Travel through time. Want to look back at wedding, graduation, or birthday party memories? Amazon Photos’ “This Day” feature makes it easy to remember and share how you and your loved ones have grown and changed year by year. What graduate wouldn’t appreciate a walk down memory lane looking at all of their first-day-of-school photos?
     
  • Share your memories. Not every photo needs to end up on social media — sometimes, you just want to share it with your loved ones. With Amazon Photos, you can create private sharing groups that allow a specific set of people to be able to view and share photos amongst themselves through Groups to gather their photos in one place.

Visit amazonphotos.com to sign up and start organizing, searching, and sharing your photos today. Make the most of your photos and enjoy your memories this spring and beyond. Amazon Prime members get unlimited photo storage and non-Prime members get up to 5 GB of storage for free. The Amazon Photos app is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/AdobeStock_190416548%20%281%29.jpeg?itok=ujsKgHpT Technology NewsUSA 53753 11718 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
BookTrib’s Bites: Four Captivating Reads https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-four-captivating-reads https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-four-captivating-reads (NewsUSA) - PinkI 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.

ShirazShiraz & 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.

TroubleTrouble 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.

ThirdThird 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.

 

]]>
Books & Entertainment NewsUSA 53749 11718 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Help Toys for Tots Turn the Page on Poverty for Children in Need https://about.newsusa.com/help-toys-for-tots-turn-the-page-on-poverty-for-children-in-need https://about.newsusa.com/help-toys-for-tots-turn-the-page-on-poverty-for-children-in-need (NewsUSA) - Literacy is the foundation for success in life, but many children across the United States lack access to age-appropriate books. That is why the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program is committed to providing books and educational resources to children living in low-income communities and helping them turn the page on poverty.  

Most people know Toys for Tots as the organization that brings holiday cheer to children in need with gifts of new toys, but Toys for Tots also brings hope and support to these children throughout the year with initiatives such as the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.  

Unfortunately, 37% of children in the United States lack access to age-appropriate reading materials at home. During National Reading Month, Toys for Tots wants every child to experience the joy of reading and turn the page on poverty. 

“By getting books into the hands of struggling students, we are helping children become their best selves,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  “Our goal is to dramatically change the landscape for economically disadvantaged children and provide to the essential tools to ensure their future success,” he added. 

The Toys for Tots Literacy Program was established in 2008 as a year-round effort to offer our Nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. Since the Program’s inception, over 57 million books have been provided to children living in low-income areas – turning the page on poverty, one book at a time.  

“This Program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but it also serves as an important instrument in breaking the cycle of poverty,” said LtGen Laster. 

The message is simple: Get books into the hands of economically disadvantaged children. Please know that 100% of any donations are used to deliver books to children and promote the joy of reading! Visit toysfortots.org to donate today. Hope is just a book away! 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/toys%20for%20tots%20literacy%202024.jpg?itok=nV1LYH0b Children NewsUSA 53731 11718 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
How High-Speed, Low-Latency Satellite Connectivity Can Help Rural U.S. Businesses Grow https://about.newsusa.com/how-high-speed-low-latency-satellite-connectivity-can-help-rural-us-businesses-grow https://about.newsusa.com/how-high-speed-low-latency-satellite-connectivity-can-help-rural-us-businesses-grow (NewsUSA) - Small businesses in rural America face challenges their urban counterparts don’t. This sector is an important part of the U.S. economy and provides critical support to rural communities. A major obstacle is limited access to high-speed internet. Consider the many ways a business might depend on internet access for success. Here are some example functions:

  • Transaction processing: This is important for everyone—from small retail outlets to remote tourist destinations.
  • E-commerce: Rural small businesses export everything from specialty foods to niche industrial products, and connectivity can help them reach customers anywhere.
  • Global sourcing of needed components: Robust rural connectivity can open small businesses to global markets and help them find the best products and prices for value-added operations.
  • Online learning or training: Rural populations are often far removed from formal training facilities, and high-speed internet can help people learn important skills by watching instructional videos on platforms like YouTube.
  • Customer Wi-Fi: This is an important service to customers in a waiting area at a doctor’s office or auto repair shop.
  • Tracking shipments: Given their remote location, small rural businesses often rely on deliveries—both sending and receiving—even more than urban ones.
  • Customer communication: Clients and customers everywhere increasingly expect timely business communications.
  • Booking a table at a restaurant: Tourism is a major economic driver for rural areas, and the businesses that make transactions low friction have a competitive advantage.

Conventional options for connectivity—like fiber optics, cable, or 5G—are often not available in rural areas. The build-out for these services requires a population density and subscriber base that will justify the costs. Rural communities generally don’t meet the requirements and, thus don’t receive access.

Hughesnet has satellite connectivity solutions for rural small businesses that are both affordable and reliable. The Hughesnet Select Pro and Elite Pro service plans deliver high-speed internet with unlimited data wherever businesses operate, no matter how remote. Plus, with tasks that require significant bandwidth and computing power, like cloud-based or collaboration applications, businesses can now stay connected with Hughesnet Fusion Pro, which combines satellite and wireless technology for low-latency connectivity.

And just as important as a primary connectivity hookup, it’s crucial to have internet continuity through a backup in case that primary source goes down from weather or accidents. For rural businesses that already have a primary internet provider but are looking for additional options, Hughesnet Internet Continuity is an internet backup service for rural businesses that is ideal for when a primary connection is lost or interrupted.

Running a small business in rural America can be challenging, and a reliable, affordable connectivity solution can help expand business capabilities and position them for stronger growth.

 

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/SMB%20Transaction.jpg?itok=K575pCwq Technology NewsUSA 53660 11718 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fascinating Reads https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-four-fascinating-reads https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-four-fascinating-reads (NewsUSA) - The Challenge of ChoiceThe Challenge of Choice by Richard Fast

Have you ever made an important decision with total confidence, only to see it become a complete disaster? Why do we frequently make crucial decisions based on false confidence and wishful thinking? Because the human brain makes many time-saving assumptions to navigate our modern world, resulting in faulty insights and delusional beliefs without the slightest awareness from our conscious self.

This book will challenge the way you think about making critical decisions by taking you on a fascinating journey into the inner workings of the human mind. Through quizzes, exercises, and real-world examples, you will discover how your decisions are really made and why you can be most vulnerable to decisional error when your confidence is at its highest. You’ll see how you can easily detect and overcome the common cognitive illusions that lead to poor choices and bad judgment. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3RxXxMY.

Third CollectionThird 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.

Historical PerspectiveHistorical Perspective and International Relations by Yoav J. Tenembaum

Composed of short articles, this book highlights some of the most momentous events in modern and contemporary history having an ongoing effect on the way international relations have evolved. Cardinal events in the history of international relations are assessed with historical perspective. A section is devoted to the role of history in the shaping of foreign policy. Some articles dwell on the more theoretical aspects of international relations and diplomacy, and others on the intersection of international law and diplomacy.

The book concludes with articles on imagination and the study of history, on the use of counterfactual history, and on historical truth and historical narrative and their relevance in current international relations. The book is aimed at a wide readership, interested in history and international relations. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3vCSovI.

ChicanoChicano Frankenstein by Daniel A. Olivas

The latest novel from critically acclaimed author (and attorney) Daniel A. Olivas is a thought-provoking retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic. Olivas’s protagonist, known only as the man, has been brought back to life to work as a paralegal in a futuristic world plagued by labor shortages. He doesn’t remember his past. The man’s search for identity intensifies as he falls for Faustina, a partner at a Pasadena law firm.

Critics are lauding Chicano Frankenstein as “an intriguing read” (Library Journal), “fascinating” (Publishers Weekly), “beguiling” (Foreword Reviews), and a 2024 must-read book (Hip Latina). Author Orlando Ortega-Medina said: “This important novel is at once frightening and humorous, and I found myself laughing out loud more than once as Olivas cleverly delivered his cautionary message, served with a basket of fresh baked pan dulce.” Actor Thom Rivera narrates the audiobook. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3IhJqY1.

]]>
Books & Entertainment NewsUSA 53734 11718 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
ONCE UPON TOMORROW: Harnessing the New Opportunities the Metaverse Creates https://about.newsusa.com/once-upon-tomorrow-harnessing-the-new-opportunities-the-metaverse-creates https://about.newsusa.com/once-upon-tomorrow-harnessing-the-new-opportunities-the-metaverse-creates (NewsUSA) - Thirty years ago, the advent of the internet changed the world. For the first time in human history, the collected knowledge of all mankind was freely available to every man, woman, and child on the planet with the click of a few buttons.

Fifteen years ago, the world changed again with the widespread availability and adoption of smartphones that put the full power of the internet in the palm of our hands whenever we want and wherever we are.

As monumental as these advancements were, they were just the warmup for the change that’s coming next. In just a few years, we won’t think of “going on the internet” to look up information and find entertainment. Instead, we’ll already be in the internet, living, working, and playing in an endless virtual world that will turn everything we think we know about the internet on its head.

Welcome to the Metaverse.

MetaverseIn Once Upon Tomorrow, author and visionary tech CEO Shurick Agapitov dives deep into this new age of the internet by unpacking exactly what the Metaverse is and what it will become. It’s not about pixels and computer chips; it’s a total paradigm shift that will revolutionize how people interact, share stories, create and implement ideas, conduct business, and literally live their lives.

“Rather than just visiting a website,” Agapitov says, “you’ll be immersed in a platform of three-dimension gaming, shopping, events and socialization. You’ll be ‘visiting’ virtual destinations that take you directly to the source of your interests.”

The Metaverse will be the biggest change any of us have ever seen, and Agapitov is here to take readers by the hand and welcome them into this wild, wonderful new universe of opportunity, estimated at about $30 trillion before the end of the decade.

Agapitov, who grew up in Russian and whose own video gaming industry company Xsolla has been valued at $3 billion, envisions a future where every consumer-facing industry, from fashion to healthcare to entertainment, is transformed. If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re kicking yourself because you didn’t grab the opportunities that existed during the rise of e-commerce and the mobile internet, there’s good news for you too. The opportunities that exist today in the Metaverse are even greater.

The author delineates how:

  • In the Metaverse, we will immerse ourselves in a growing global community that will change forever how we work, play, shop, and explore, and engage brands, and how we interact and literally live our lives.
  • While large companies such as Nike, Adidas and Gucci are already creating their digital footprints across the Metaverse, as technology continues to become a commodity and its price declines, anyone can get into the game. Anyone has the chance to create his or her own mega brand.
  • The opportunity to own “real estate” in the Metaverse is like buying land on a nearly empty beach today, developing it, and watching a massive community build around you.

Once Upon Tomorrow is available for purchase on Amazon and other popular retail outlets where books are sold. Learn more at www.onceupontomorrow.com.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/Screenshot%202024-01-30%20at%2011.42.03%C3%A2__%C2%AFAM.png?itok=vER1RPZX Books & Entertainment NewsUSA 53730 11718 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EDT
Coverage for Obesity Care is Only Fair https://about.newsusa.com/coverage-for-obesity-care-is-only-fair https://about.newsusa.com/coverage-for-obesity-care-is-only-fair (NewsUSA) - Obesity is an increasingly significant health problem in the United States, especially for women. The disease affects 1 in 3 American women, including 57% of Black women and 44% of Hispanic women.

Although obesity is a chronic, treatable condition, obesity care is not covered by health insurance like other chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. As a chronic disease, it’s only fair that people with obesity receive the same coverage as other chronic conditions.

EveryBODY Covered, a new campaign led by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP) in partnership with 15 other leading health organizations, is working to change this by empowering women to speak with their employers and elected officials about the need for comprehensive obesity care coverage.

Currently, less than half of employers cover or are considering covering the latest generation of anti-obesity medications. “Healthcare professionals need to be able to provide the full range of obesity care options for their patients, and patients need access to that care,” said Dr. Eliza Chin, Executive Director of the American Medical Women’s Association. “Obesity deserves the same level of coverage as any other chronic disease.”

The campaign argues that obesity is a women’s health issue. Citing data from the National Institutes of Health which shows that women with obesity are more likely to have other chronic diseases, including breast cancer, fertility, and maternal health challenges. Women with obesity also are more likely to face stigma in their professional and personal lives. In fact, women affected by obesity earn as much as 12% less than female peers not affected by obesity.

“Women’s health and obesity are linked,” says Millicent Gorham, CEO of AWHP, “If you care about maternal health, if you care about cancer prevention, if you care about heart disease, if you care about mental health—then you need to care about obesity.”

The EveryBODY Covered Campaign is empowering women to call for comprehensive obesity care coverage to ensure everyone can access the full range of treatment options. Comprehensive obesity care includes counseling, behavior modification, physical activity, anti-obesity medications, surgery, and nutrition services.

The campaign is advocating for comprehensive obesity care coverage across insurance types, including private health insurance, employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. The campaign supports the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), a bipartisan bill that would provide Medicare coverage of obesity care options. In addition, the campaign hopes Medicaid will expand coverage of obesity care through state legislation. Just as care for other chronic conditions is covered, comprehensive obesity care should be covered too – it’s only fair.

Visit everybodycovered.org to learn more about the impact of obesity on women and get involved.

Support for the EveryBODY Covered campaign has been provided by Eli Lilly & Co.

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/Reservoir%20CG_2.jpg?itok=BcUUZ9SZ Health NewsUSA 53691 11718 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EST
BookTrib’s Bites: From Science Fiction to Murder Mysteries https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-from-science-fiction-to-murder-mysteries https://about.newsusa.com/booktribs-bites-from-science-fiction-to-murder-mysteries (NewsUSA) - BabyBaby X by Kira Peikoff

With a vivid imagining of the future, Gattaca meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s Baby X. In the near future, where advanced technology can create egg or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black-market site devoted to stealing DNA. He hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.  

Working for Thorne, Ember’s focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.   

Brilliantly plotted and terrifyingly prescient, Baby X is an unpredictable and relentless speculative thriller perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and John Marrs. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3qoHg3y.

DialoguesDialogues with the Wise Woman by Richard Todd Devens

Scammed by an evil Las Vegas con artist, pianist George Sister descends into a deep depression; and even after three years, his pain, guilt, self-loathing, rage, and desire for revenge remain. Through an acquaintance, he contacts Mildred Markowitz, a psychologist and philosopher of genius.

This is more than a novel. It is a psychological and philosophical treatise that tackles many important issues: What is evil? Can good and bad be determined? Is revenge ever justified? What is the best way to deal with the current violent crime epidemic? Can all criminals be rehabilitated? What is self-esteem, and how does one acquire it? How can we determine the most ethical course of action? What is happiness?

A no-holds-barred search for truth that encourages readers to utilize their own rational judgment, perfect read for intelligent skeptics everywhere. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Ikyzwl.

MurderMurder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs

In this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series, when tea maven Theodosia Browning reads the tea leaves on the set of the movie, things go from spooky to worse. Lights are dimmed, the camera rolls, and red-hot sparks fly as the film’s director is murdered in a tricky electrical accident.

 Or was it an accident? Nobody admits to seeing a thing. And when Theodosia’s friend becomes the prime suspect, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. But who among this Hollywood cast and crew had murder on their mind?

 Between hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea, a Poetry Tea, and trying to launch her own chocolate line, Theodosia hunts down clues in the seemingly haunted Brittlebank Manor. And just when she’s ready to pounce, a Charleston Film Board member is also murdered, throwing everything into disarray. Includes delicious recipes and tea time tips! Purchase at https://bit.ly/48wsoAy.

DisgraceThe Disgrace of Sant’ Ambrogio by Michael Turturici

August 1944 – Florence, Italy. "Everybody out," a German lieutenant yells as the citizens in the river district are forced out of their homes. "They're going to blow our bridges," an old man shouts. That night, as the bridges are destroyed, smoke and flame light the air as a revered Renaissance painting is stolen by the known Gestapo collaborator, Father Danilo Lombardi.

September 1978 - Vatican City. A young American priest from Boston is summoned to the Vatican on a fateful journey. The disgrace of Sant' Ambrogio sends Father John Conley on a pilgrimage, from the catacombs of the Vatican to the summits of the Alps, the Monastery of Saint Benedict, and through the gates of East Berlin. Confronted by a blizzard, angry secret police, and unrequited love, he must remain faithful on his mission to redeem the Church of Sant' Ambrogio. Purchase at https://bit.ly/47Byi3j.

]]>
Books & Entertainment NewsUSA 53692 11718 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EST
ProExpo Hosts Free Event to Promote Health and Wellness for Seniors in Las Vegas https://about.newsusa.com/proexpo-hosts-free-event-to-promote-health-and-wellness-for-seniors-in-las-vegas https://about.newsusa.com/proexpo-hosts-free-event-to-promote-health-and-wellness-for-seniors-in-las-vegas (Michael Galavia, NewsUSA Reporter) - ProExpo Free Community Events will be organizing a LivingWell Senior Expo - Durango Hills YMCA - Friday, March 29, 202 from 10:00am -1:00 pm at Durango Hills Community Center, 3521 North Durango Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89129, USA.

The event is free and  open to those who belong in the senior community.

This in-person Expo will help the seniors to become more active and explore a variety of services that cover travel companies, home improvement, insurance, immunizations, and senior living options.

 It is a good avenue for adults to promote Health and Wellness for themselves.

The first 50 guests get to spin the Brand-new Prize wheel. It has upgraded the prizes so that you’ll get a lot of chances to win.  

Free Admissions, Free Samples, Raffles and Giveaways are some of the prizes prepared. So, don’t miss out on the excitement. 

Discover valuable companies that will contribute to your well- being and happiness.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/miguel-henriques-RfiBK6Y_upQ-unsplash_0.jpg?itok=Lrc0-2t3 Environment Michael Galavia, NewsUSA Reporter 53677 11718 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EST
Say Hello to Your Big Break at the Stapleton Library Job Fair in Vocation, Trade, or Civil Service https://about.newsusa.com/say-hello-to-your-big-break-at-the-stapleton-library-job-fair-in-vocation-trade-or-civil-service https://about.newsusa.com/say-hello-to-your-big-break-at-the-stapleton-library-job-fair-in-vocation-trade-or-civil-service (Beni Ancheta, NewsUSA Reporter) - The Stapleton branch of the New York Library at 132 Canal St. will host a FREE Vocational and Trade Fair on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 12 PM to 3:30 PM EDT. 

 

This fair promises opportunities for everyone eager to have a career in vocation, trade, and civil service regardless of their competency level and educational background.

 

Attending this fair is a unique opportunity, a must-attend, for job-seekers and career-changers aiming to learn new skills. They have gathered employers who offer a myriad of job and training opportunities in relation to trade and vocation.

 

Moreover, this fair will allow attendees to engage with hiring managers and trade schools, giving them networking opportunities and on-the-spot interviews. 

 

There is no charge to join the fair. Attend, explore, and unlock your big break. Reserve your spot here

 

For employers, please call Kelly Yim, Library Manager at 718-727-0427.

 

]]>
https://feeds.newsusa.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2024-03/clay-banks-nYToduYJH-c-unsplash.jpg?itok=dxIUo7RE Arts and Entertainment Beni Ancheta, NewsUSA Reporter 53665 11718 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 EST