(NewsUSA) -  

“Curb Children”
by Carlos and Javier Avitia-Velazquez       

“Once a Punk, Always a Punk; Expect Nothing, Cherish Everything.” Los Angeles native David Leandro “Leo” Rial-Alvarez takes these mantras to heart. But what do they mean to an 18-year-old Latino Millennial dealing with the suicide of his close friend Aqua at his going-away party before his flight to college in New York? Especially when he left behind Astair, his childhood love, and all his other California friends?  

A subcultural coming-of-age tale, “Curb Children” embarks on an epic odyssey through strange, vibrant portions of the Los Angeles countercultural underground, circa the late 2000s. Rounded off with nostalgic, magical “dreams” guided by a punk-rock angel, Leo’s deceased Tio Angel, “Curb Children” shows what the past -- and future -- once held for a group of idealistic young Millennials.

Purchase at https://curbchildren.com/buy.

“Segment of One”
by Michael Grigsby  

Newly retired marketing analyst Nick Vanderoff lost his wife last year to cancer. Now he just wants to relax and repair family relationships. He’s been spending time with his math-genius granddaughter and his estranged daughter. But a serial killer is on the loose, and traditional forensics have produced nothing. Nick has consulted for the police department before, but not on anything like this.  

Can he trust the algorithms that worked in the corporate world to flush out a madman? The answer becomes personal when Nick's projections thwart the killer’s plans, and he realizes the police are closing in on him. The sniper attacks escalate, and the killer turns toward Nick. Can Nick use his marketing skills to target a lethal segment of one to reveal himself?

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3yiN7sy.

“Celebrating Their Lives”
by Norah Machia  

Fourteen uplifting and inspirational profiles of families who sought meaningful ways to honor the loss of their loved ones by showing tremendous acts of kindness and compassion for others. As they faced the grieving process, these families worked through their pain by creating scholarship funds, supporting medical research and organizing community education programs with a goal of saving lives. Here they share their personal insights to provide hope and inspiration for others struggling with the tragic death of a loved one.  

By creating meaningful legacies, these families found comfort in their healing journeys and were given a lifelong opportunity to share the values and beliefs of those who passed away. Each profile provides valuable resource information to create your own legacy initiatives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3PhtmI8.

“Karma Under Fire”
by Love Hudson-Maggio  

Two societies collide: the trendy, upscale ultra-hip universe of Atlanta and the alluring, bound-by-tradition world of old India. Pressured by her “challenging” mother, Harlow Kennedy, an ambitious woman, agrees to marry politically ambitious pretty boy Addison Whitmore. The match will elevate Harlow’s social standing and guarantee financial security. The wedding will take place as soon as Harlow returns from her BFF's wedding in India.  

On the other side of the world, the parents of Tej Mayur, the hottest restauranteur in the hottest city in the South, are fretting about their son’s unmarried status. When Harlow and Tej find themselves seated together on a flight to New Delhi, sparks fly. When they touch down, they flee one another's company -- or so they think.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ProMXB.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - As the world reopens, travelers are seeking trips to global destinations where fast and accurate communication is as important as the clothes you pack.     

Handheld translators help travelers communicate more effectively during multilingual conversations and promote deeper connections between locals and visitors.     

Designed for conversations between two people speaking different languages, the Pocketalk Plus translator is simple to use, portable and efficient. Use the real-time two-way translation device to speak as you normally do, in full sentences, and the Pocketalk Plus provides a fast, accurate translation that accounts for local dialects and slang in up to 82 world languages.     

The device is suited for everyone, wherever you go, whether an informal interaction asking for directions, or an exchange at a restaurant, airport, market, business meeting, tourist site, hotel or hospital.     

Key features of the Pocketalk Plus include a large touchscreen, text-to-translate camera, long battery life and two noise-cancelling microphones. The camera will translate text, written word and signs via its proprietary technology. The device can also take a photo and translate it via text on top of the image. Additionally, it can seamlessly provide an audio readout in the native language for the camera-translated text.     

Other key features:     

• Safety. The Pocketalk Plus is HIPAA and GDPR compliant, meaning it protects your sensitive personal data, including any health information you may use the device to transmit.     
• Size. The compact size of the device fits easily into a pocket, purse, or small travel pack.     
• Style. The slim, elegant design of the Pocketalk Plus includes one built-in speaker, dual microphones and a rechargeable lithium battery. Its large touchscreen provides a text translation for easier clarity and the one-button translation offers simpler translations in fewer steps.     
• Conversion Feature. Ability to calculate exchanges for currency, length, width and temperature.     
• Complimentary two-year cellular data plan. Provides coverage in over 130 countries/regions.     

“There’s never been a greater need for accurate, fast, and accessible translations that bridge the language divide,” says Noriyuki Matsuda, Founder and CEO, Sourcenext Corporation and Pocketalk.     

“Pocketalk contributes to a deeper understanding of people and different cultures, all at one’s fingertips, and meets a need for people to communicate with each other easily anywhere in the world.”     

In addition, the Pocketalk App, coming soon to the App store and Google Play, can turn your smartphone or tablet into a two-way language translator for fast, reliable communication on the go. Just like the Pocketalk Plus device, the cloud-based app translates 82 languages, so it can enable casual conversations and provide translation support in any setting in which multiple languages are being spoken.     

Visit pocketalk.com for more information.     

To view the video, click here.

(NewsUSA) - College graduates have a lot to think about -- finding a job, finding a place to live and finding a way to manage their finances. Whether you have graduated with or without student loans or other debts, making a financial plan after graduation will pay off later.     Build good financial habits now to make “adulting” more fun. Start with these time-tested tips:     

• Set aside savings. Once you start earning, it’s time to start saving. Many financial planners recommend you save 20% of your income as a savings goal, but even 1% is a great place to start. Don’t let your inability to save 20% scare you off from getting in the savings groove. If you set up automatic savings systems, you can save without even thinking about it. Set up direct deposit so that part of your paycheck goes into a separate savings account, or send part of it directly to an employer 401(k).     

• Spend smart. Think about a budget now so you can reap the benefits later. “Divide your take-home pay into three buckets: 65% to 70% for lifestyle spending and debt service; 10% to 15% for fun, vacation and gifting; and 20% for savings,” advises CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional Tom Morris. To help with budgeting, Morris recommends budget apps, such as Mint and You Need A Budget (YNAB).     

• Boost your benefits. Your salary is only part of the financial picture when considering job offers. Be sure to review the employee benefits and take those into consideration. Top benefits include paid time off, health/life/dental/vision insurance and healthcare spending accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements. Other benefits that can save you money include relocation reimbursement, long-term or short-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, childcare benefits, gym memberships or discounts and wellness programs.     

• Protect yourself. Many young adults think they are invincible, but in today’s uncertain world, it is essential to protect your ability to earn an income. Check out disability insurance, which can help keep you afloat if you have a major health crisis and can’t work. Some employers offer disability insurance, but you might consider getting more. Policies can be complicated, so do your homework or consult a CFP® professional to find the coverage that works for you.     

• Decrease your debts. Most college graduates have some debt that requires consistent payment, whether it is a car loan, student loan or credit card bill. Monthly automatic payments are a great way to make sure you hit your scheduled payments on time to avoid late fees or other penalties.     

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about setting strong financial goals after graduation.

(NewsUSA) -  

“Shadow Song”
by Anita Morrish       

“A brilliant story of courage, resilience and love.” Rome 1943 ... As war ravages Italy, Rome’s inhabitants are watched and under curfew. Some join the resistance. Francesca, a talented art student, finds work at Rome’s opera house where nothing is as it seems. Carlo, a doctor, returns unexpectedly to Rome, unable to escape his past. Danger lurks in the shadows, threatening Francesca, Carlo and those they love.  

“The story is unputdownable,” says www.lovereading.co.uk. “Shadow Song” is a gripping, heart-wrenching World War II tale that will stay with the reader long after the book is finished. Anita Morrish's story is filled with inspiration that people can act for what is right in the face of adversity and tragic circumstances.”

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rVUAd9.

“Primitives”
by Erich Krauss  

From NYT bestselling author Erich Krauss comes the story of two unlikely heroes thrust into a post-apocalyptic mission to restore humanity.    

Thirty years after The Great Fatigue infected the globe, Seth Keller makes a gruesome discovery which forces him to leave the safety of his desert home and the only other person left in the world … at least, as far as he knows.    

Three thousand miles away in Costa Rica, Sarah Peoples has made her own discovery -- just as horrific, and just as life-changing.    

On separate journeys a world apart, Seth and Sarah find themselves swept up in a deadly race to save humankind. But does humanity deserve to survive? “An absolute page-turner,” says NYT bestselling author, Glen Cordoza.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/36biwlh.

“Paul S. Endy Jr.: Las Vegas Casino Gaming Legend”
by Eric P. Endy.  

There isn’t a person who had anything to do with the gaming industry in Las Vegas -- or the world for that matter -- who doesn’t recognize the company name of Paul-Son Dice. But how many know the name of the man behind PaulSon, Paul S. Endy Jr.? He was known by many names, including Mr. Paulson, the old man, a mover and a shaker, a bull in a china shop, and Mr. Endy. But he was the author’s father, and this is the story of his life and the legacy to the gaming industry he left behind.  

Says Wayne Newton, “Paul Endy was a real Casino Gaming Legend and a great human being! I will always cherish the time we spent together. This book continues his legacy.” Purchase at legendendy.vegas.

“Asterisk: A Wildcard Character”
by Booth Milovnik  

In January of 1983, 14-year-old Cindy found out she was pregnant. Her faith-filled mother was crushed. She ended up giving birth and naming the baby Matthew. Cindy ended up calling Matthew her little asterisk. As Cindy tells us the story of her life, Matthew seems to be a footnote to everything that happens.  

But Matthew is not just an asterisk in his mother’s story. Family members and friends also share their stories, and Matthew seems to be an asterisk in all of them. Who is Matthew? Who is his father? Just how important is Matthew to everyone he encounters as he grows up? Read stories that are raw and emotional, sometimes funny, often sad, but always compelling.

Purchase at https://bit.ly/386ctyJ.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Why not send a homestyle crumb cake? You can’t always be with friends and family in times of joy or sorrow, but sending special treats for comfort, support, or celebration is an easy way to show you care when you aren’t there.     

Parents with a new baby, first-time homeowners settling in, graduates with newly-minted degrees all are great candidates for something special. Friends and family in need of sympathy and support through a bereavement period or recovery process could also appreciate some comfort food. For a sympathy gift, a new baby gift, a get well soon gift or a housewarming gift, a New York-style crumb cake could be just right.     

“All our cakes are baked fresh daily, and feature extra-large handmade crumbs,” says Andrew Hahn, whose mother started Hahn’s Old-Fashioned Cake Company in her kitchen. The current selection of crumb cakes was inspired by an old family recipe that Mrs. Hahn often made for friends and neighbors. Word got out, and an expanding circle of crumb cake fans began requesting cakes. A business was born, and it has been family owned and operated for more than 40 years.     

Key features that set Hahn’s crumb cakes apart include:     

• Quality. Hahn’s crumb cakes are made fresh daily, with fresh eggs to create a moist base with optimum texture. They are popular not only as individual sales, but also they sell well in delis, coffee shops, and gourmet food markets.     

• Convenience. Hahn’s cakes are packed to ship, or to enjoy immediately. Delivery is available nationwide.     

• Crumbs, crumbs and more crumbs. For those who can’t resist picking the crumbs off a crumb cake, Hahn’s has you covered. The company recognizes the crumb obsessed, and fills that niche with a Can of Crumbs or a Bucket of Crumbs. These ready-to-eat crumb cookies are considered by many to be the best part of a crumb cake, and lend themselves to easy shipping and gift giving.     

Crumb cake flavors include the original plain crumb cake (with plenty of crumbs), raspberry-walnut, apple, and chocolate.     

Hahn’s Old-Fashioned Cakes also offers fundraising opportunities for schools, churches, and non-profit organizations.     

Visit crumbcake.net for more information.

(NewsUSA) - It’s outdoor living season and there’s nothing better than kicking back and enjoying some fun in the sun with family and friends. And whether you’re looking to build an open-air space to relax, or the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, natural materials like cypress canI make a bold design statement and withstand the elements.

“A recent report by Wakefield Research says homeowners are spending an average of seven hours per week outside—and they’re spending that time entertaining and grilling,” says Cassie Lewis of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. “That’s why homeowners—especially Millennials—are investing in warm and welcoming outdoor spaces that are extensions of their indoor rooms. And for homeowners who value the look and feel of Real American Hardwood™ woodwork, cypress is the natural choice because it performs well in hot and humid climates, and is resistant to decay and insects.”

Custom home builder Brett Flanagan, president of Flanagan Development, LLC, based in Sea Island, Georgia, agrees and adds that durability and aesthetics are the two most important factors to consider when selecting building materials for the outdoors.

“Just because a product is durable doesn’t mean it looks pleasing, and just because it’s attractive doesn’t meant it will hold up well outside,” he explains. “And in my experience, cypress is a great choice for outdoor projects because it pairs natural durability with undeniable beauty.”

Flanagan says his team loves to use cypress in structural applications—like beams and columns for porches and pavilions—as well as for more functional projects—such as outdoor kitchens.

“We recently completed an outdoor kitchen for a homeowner who has a lot of cypress throughout their home’s interior,” he said. “The homeowner wanted to add a full outdoor kitchen and had several appliances to incorporate. We were able to blur the lines between indoors and out by designing the space with custom cabinetry wrapped in river-recovered cypress. And because the wood is so good-looking, we finished it with a clear sealer. That’s by far our favorite finish to apply because it protects and preserves the wood, while maintaining its inherent beauty.”

And when it comes to maintenance, Flanagan says real wood like cypress is easier to care for than you may think. “We recommend thoroughly cleaning cypress woodwork once a quarter, and applying a new coat of stain or sealer every other year,” he adds. “If properly maintained, cypress can truly provide a lifetime of service.”

If creating or renovating an outdoor space is part of your summer plans, get inspired at www.cypressinfo.org.

Cypress beams add form and function to outdoor structures, such as pool pavilions and pergolas. Photo courtesy of Flanagan Development, LLC.

Today’s outdoor kitchens are more than just a space to grill. Homeowners are outfitting them with a full set of appliances and custom cabinetry made with durable wood like cypress. Photo courtesy of Flanagan Development, LLC. 

(NewsUSA) - The award-winning documentary, “Adapting to Dive,” follows filmmaker David Marsh on a transformational journey. Marsh lost his son to an opioid overdose on Thanksgiving, one week before he joined the non-profit group, Diveheart, on an adaptive scuba diving trip to Cozumel, Mexico.     

The moving and inspirational film premiered on May 18, 2022, in Diveheart’s hometown of Downers Grove, Illinois, and it has earned laurels from the Orlando International Film Festival and the Cine Paris film festival, and has been named an official selection for the Marina Del Ray film festival and the 2022 Impact DOCS awards.     

Marsh did not share his son’s death with the Diveheart group until the filming was completed, and only after being asked by his new Diveheart friends for his overall impressions of the trip.     

Marsh explains in the film, “After going through this entire process of creating a film, releasing it to the world, and seeing the response, what I’ve learned is that we are all adapting to something in life. Diveheart and the adaptive divers showed me that we have to learn to go through these challenging things,” he says.     

“It is important to remain positive no matter what happens, because it doesn’t matter what happens, it only matters what you do with what happens that makes the difference in your life,” he emphasizes. “Share your story, because we are all moved by hearing another person’s perspective. Each one of us is a unique, individual reflection of creation itself, so honor and appreciate your uniqueness. Give grace to others with patience, because, like you, they are also having to adapt to something in life,” he adds.     

“When David and his brother Scott were not filming and interviewing participants, they were always busy helping others. We had no idea what David was dealing with mentally and emotionally after the sudden loss of his son,” says Diveheart founder and president Jim Elliott.     

“The story that David has articulated through this film is nothing short of amazing,” says Tinamarie Hernandez, Diveheart’s executive director. “Throughout the film you see the transformation that David experienced -- a transformation that no one realized was unfolding each day,” she adds.     

Adapting to Dive is especially powerful in light of the ongoing opioid crisis that affects so many families, and the film’s inspiring messages of empathy, hope and healing. Viewers will experience the genuine themes of trust, adapting, challenge, loss and love.     

Founded in 2001, Diveheart serves youth, veterans and others with physical and cognitive disabilities, and trains instructors and divers of all abilities in adaptive scuba.     Adapting to Dive can be found on Amazon and other streaming services and select film festivals around the world.     

Visit diveheart.org for more details.

(NewsUSA) - The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t change it.  

Neither has the inflation we’re currently experiencing. In fact, if anything, Americans’ belief in the importance of saving for higher education has increased slightly over last year – up from 51 percent to 55 percent – according to the latest Morning Consult survey done with financial services firm Edward Jones.  But here’s the crazy thing:  Even as college costs continue to rise, only 13 percent of respondents said they were taking advantage of 529 Education Savings Plans.

Here's why.

1. 529 Plans are a tax-advantaged way to help save and potentially grow your money.

Most people use personal savings accounts to try to cover the cost of college, and then hope they’ll be lucky enough to qualify for financial aid or some scholarship.  But the interest earned on such accounts is subject to federal and state taxes – unlike the special treatment afforded these state-sponsored 529 plans, which are exempt from the former and, in many instances, also the latter as long as the money is used for qualified education expenses.

“People are leaving money on the table by not using this attractive and practical way to save,” said Steve Rueschhoff, a principal at Edward Jones.

And that’s not something most people can afford to do.

The average annual cost of attending a private four-year college this year was $51,690, including room and board, according to the College Board. Which almost made the tabs for in-state and out-out-state four-year public colleges seem like a steal at $22,690 and $39,510, respectively.

2.Tuition and expenses at colleges and universities aren't all they cover.

Have a kindergartener?    

Eureka!

For those eager to get their kids into private schools, some states’ plans also allow for up to $10,000 per year, per beneficiary, to be applied towards K-12 tuition.

Also covered: everything from computers to registered apprenticeships to student debt repayments.

3.The burden of funding the account doesn’t have to be yours alone.  

Here’s a chance to see just how much little Janie’s or Jimmy’s grandparents really love them.

Not a lot of people realize it, but anyone who wants to save for your child’s education – be it a relative or a friend – can either open a new 529 plan account or gift money to an existing one.

“The federal gift tax exclusion allows a contributor to give up to $16,000 per year, per beneficiary, or $32,000 if they’re giving as a married couple,” explained Rueschhoff.  

And, sure, they could just hand you the cash, but this way they’ll be certain it’s going for its intended purpose.  (See “qualified education expenses” above.)

4. Inflation isn’t making it any easier for people to save

Every state’s 529 plan allows for maximum contributions of at least $235,000 per beneficiary, with places like New York and California setting a cap of well more than double that.  (Your accountant can discuss the tax implications with you.)  But even though 45 percent of the 2,220 adults, age 18 to 65, surveyed said they didn’t feel like they were saving enough, only 11 percent planned to increase the amount they sock away for higher education.  Which jibes with reports that Americans have begun cancelling vacations and summer camp for their kids out of concern about the economy.

Still, as Rueschhoff stressed, you shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the potential cost of college.  A financial advisor, like a trusted local one at Edward Jones, can look at your entire financial picture, including what other goals you might be saving for, to be sure your college savings strategy makes sense for your family.  And the firm’s online tools can help provide a broad idea of how much you’ll need by the time your child is ready to enroll.