(NewsUSA) - The Destination Birth by Alex Bisset 

Everybody has their own unique birth story. For Alex and Lauren, theirs would begin a grand adventure that would present its own twist of fate thousands of miles from home. 
 
The Destination Birth is more than just a heartwarming and inspiring story; it's a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave readers reaching for the tissues one moment and belly laughing the next. But through it all, readers will be reminded of the incredible resilience of the human spirit, the power of family, and the unbreakable bond between a parent and child. 
 
So buckle up as a young couple navigates the trials and tribulations of childbirth, love, and family. This story will leave readers moved, inspired, and reminded of the extraordinary strength we can find when faced with adversity. Ten percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Bozeman-Deaconness Hospital NICU. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3T1yCnq. 

Forgetting Me by Katherine Tirado-Ryen 

When Anne Strafford wakes from a coma in a New York City hospital, she has no memory of who she is, how she got there, or why the handsome movie star, Jack Post, sleeps by her bedside. She certainly doesn’t remember getting cosmetic surgery, or the accident that scarred her once-beautiful face. 

While piecing together her past, Anne makes distressing discoveries. Her husband has filed for divorce. Her twin sister won’t speak to her. Everyone she's ever loved has shattered in her wake. Yet how can Anne fix a forgotten life? 

Follow this intimate journey of self-discovery that asks some of life’s toughest questions. What truly defines us? And are we more than the sum of our experiences? With bravery and determination, one woman will confront the echoes of her past in order to embrace an unforgettable future. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3NcTR1J. 

Eastern Star Rising by LuciaBelia 

Follow author LuciaBelia’s journey of healing from past trauma and mastering the Left-Hand Path. She accomplishes this feat through hard work and 18-hour days of focus, determination and working with Magick as an extension of herself, relentlessly using her 30 years of experience with Right Hand Path and energy healing. The path to ascension includes self-initiation, self-deification, and shadow work.  

The book shares LuciaBelia’s experience with the Demonic Gatekeepers, Satan, and those in her life who provided support as she became a fully empathetic and balanced person. Her journey was amazingly empowering. It taught her an entire system of healing that she incorporated into life coaching clients, where she has seen amazing results. Eastern Star Rising gives readers the tools to look deep within, do the work, and come out the other side, whole. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3T4iWjf. 

Sex, Trucks, and Rock ‘n Roll by Ben Mason 

A riveting, raw memoir on the life of an arrogant and decadent rocker who eventually finds redemption and peace amid chaos. Drawing on his experiences in the music industry and his love for Eastern and Western faiths, Ben embarks on a transformative journey that leads him to self-discovery and enlightenment. 

Ben shares the secrets of his evolution from being a self-centered rockstar to a successful entrepreneur and loving father, learning to embrace his true self and let go of the trappings of fame and fortune. 

With transparency and vulnerability, Ben invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-transformation. By sharing intimate thoughts and feelings, he offers clues and inspiration encouraging readers to overcome their own struggles and find inner peace, kindness, and prosperity. Purchase at https://bit.ly/49fhNdo.

(NewsUSA) - Low back pain remains a leading cause of disability and missed time from work in the United States. However, an at-home traction device offers a path to relief, according to Dr. Jeff Fisher, an Irvine, California-based chiropractor with more than 30 years of experience. Dr. Fisher invented the Fisher Traction Neck Device after experiencing an acute spine-related sports injury. Several years later, he developed the Fisher Traction Low Back Device to help his wife and sons manage herniated discs at home.

Much of spinal pain is caused by the compression of spinal nerves from adjacent bones or disc bulges/hernias, Dr. Fisher says. This compression can stem from a long-term chronic condition, acute injury, or simply aging and gravity.

Traction is the most effective way to relax, stretch, and decompress the spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments of the neck and back, Dr. Fisher explains. His at-home device is engineered to work as follows:

-Safely separates bones to eliminate pain and restore function, so the body can heal naturally.

-Restores the natural curves of the neck and back.

-Gently induces hydration and motion into the spine with the use of the release strap.

Dr. Fisher’s series of YouTube videos explains how Fisher Traction reduces and often eliminates pain by relieving compression on the nerves. Traditionally, individuals seeking the benefits of traction therapy had to visit a health clinic frequently or risk hanging upside down in an expensive machine.

Fisher Traction allows patients to experience the benefits of traction at home. Use of the Fisher Traction device has been shown to relieve pain and discomfort, slow disc degeneration, elongate muscles, increase flexibility, and increase range of motion and mobility. Fisher says.

“The key to successful traction therapy is frequency,” says Dr. Fisher. “The more you do it, the more your body can return to normal,” he says. “But who has the time to go to a clinic three days a week?  I invented Fisher Traction to be lightweight and portable so you can use it anywhere, anytime.” 

To use a Fisher Traction device, secure the loop over a doorknob and lie down. Then simply feel the pull. “You’re using your own body weight, so very little strength is needed,” says Dr. Fisher. The device allows for customized user control and features premium latex tubing with a patented bungee technology that mimics natural muscle contraction.

Traction has been evaluated and examined in over 55 peer reviewed research studies and has been found to be effective in an assortment of physical conditions, with demonstrated improvements in neck and spinal health visibly seen on x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT scans.

The recommended use for optimum results is 10-15 minutes a day for 21 consecutive days, followed by 3 times weekly for optimum long term spinal health.

For more information, visit fishertraction.com.

(NewsUSA) - Amidst worldwide headwinds experienced in recent years, supply chain resilience across industries has taken center stage in a global conversation. Pivotal to these discussions is examining how to create a more food-secure future for everyone, everywhere. Have you ever wondered how the food on your table gets there? Most people have heard of the supply chain, but “the cold chain” is less commonly known. In its simplest terms, the cold chain is responsible for ensuring cold food, such as meat, poultry, produce and dairy, is safely stored and transported through the “middle mile” – from growers and producers to manufacturers and retailers, and ultimately, to your plate.  

However, moving food in this manner is no small feat – with a growing population set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (United Nations [U.N.]), the efficiency and reliability of the cold chain is more important than ever in helping feed the world. Fortunately, the world already produces enough food to feed 10 billion people, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO].  

“With a current world population of 8 billion as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, yet 9.6 billion tons of agricultural crop, livestock commodities and food produced annually, according to FAO, the challenge of feeding the world isn’t a matter of food availability; rather, it is about accessibility and creating a system capable of transporting and storing food where it is needed most,” said Elliott Wolf, VP & Chief Data Scientist, Lineage. 

Reframing perceptions of food availability vs. accessibility 

Across the globe, approximately 12 percent of food produced globally is lost due to an insufficient cold chain (International Institute of Refrigeration). Every year, more than one third of all food produced spoils before it can be sold, with fruits and vegetables making up the most of this spoilage (Rockefeller Foundation). 

“Cold chain infrastructure is changing the food loss paradigm by establishing the essential global facility networks and transportation structures to move and store food to communities across the globe,” said Wolf. 

The history of keeping food fresh and safe  

The cold chain is an old industry. People have been keeping food cold as long as we’ve been able – first with ice and now with electricity. As more people moved farther away from food sources and into growing cities in the 19th century, the need to keep perishable food safe grew, spurring 20th century innovations. In 1913, Fred W. Wolf invented the first home electric refrigerator (Energy Saver, U.S. Department of Energy), and in the 1940s, Frederick McKinley Jones designed the first refrigeration unit for trucks to keep food fresh in transit (Lemelson-MIT Program). 

The modern cold chain has helped lead strides in global nutrition, but access to effective refrigeration is still a leading contributor to the challenge of feeding the world. In 2009, the International Institute of Refrigeration estimated over 200 million tons of food waste could be saved annually if developing countries acquired the same cold chain capacities as those in developed countries (FAO 2019 State of Food and Agriculture).  

The modern global cold chain is taking on the challenge of distributing food to all corners of the world – 197 million square miles a day – and ensuring it stays safe.  

A smarter, more reliable and sustainable cold chain  

The next frontier of the cold chain lies in digitizing, automating, driving sustainability and elevating the industry to go further in its mission to feed the world, driving those same improvements to more communities and new markets around the globe.  

The modern cold chain is working to make the unpredictable, predictable. The implementation of machine learning algorithms has ushered in a new era of efficiency and optimization in warehouse operations, harnessing automation, and its ability to transform our environments to meet every need of an ever-growing population. 

Why does automation in the cold chain matter to you? Think of the last time you heard about a spinach or chicken recall on the news, for example. Computer visioning technology automatically scans labels to help track all products in the warehouse, meaning that in case of a recall situation, companies and their customers can act immediately to destroy any recalled product to keep consumers safe.  

Today’s cold chain also plays an important role as a steward of sustainability. Estimates suggest that 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed (United Nations Environment Programme). With rising global awareness on energy conservation and corporate commitments to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the middle mile is key not only to meaningful reduction of food waste but also accompanying greenhouse gas emissions. 

Lineage, one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled warehousing and integrated solutions providers, is at the center of the cold chain, with billions of cubic feet in cold storage across hundreds of facilities around the world. In 2021, Lineage took a big step toward helping to preserve the planet by signing The Climate Pledge – and the commitment that comes with it to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.  

From investing in renewable energy sources like solar to retrofitting older buildings to be more energy efficient or taking steps towards more sustainable transportation solutions, Lineage is leveraging tech innovation to become more sustainable.  

At Lineage, the pivot from the traditional ways and methods of the cold chain demanded long-term planning and a serious commitment to technology. To make food accessible to everyone worldwide – 197 million square miles a day – we need the most connected food chain on the planet. That’s why Lineage continues to rise to new challenges, seek out new solutions in tech innovation, and work together to feed the world.

(CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 31, 2024)) - Helpful    Hint from Auto Glass Now: Pouring Hot Water on a Cold, Icy Windshield Is not a Good Solution

Wintry weather, gray skies, snow and sleet can limit visibility on the road, and a damaged or cracked windshield can make driving even more challenging.

When the temperature drops, the risks of damage to the windshield goes up. Can cold weather alone crack a windshield? Not exactly. However, while extreme cold alone might not crack a well-installed and maintained windshield, it can exacerbate existing issues or create conditions that may lead to cracks. Essentially, cold weather can cause a windshield to crack and break if it is already chipped, cracked, or fractured due to the acute weather change.

Auto Glass Now, one of the fastest growing glass repair and replacement companies, offers drivers tips to protect their vehicle against the set of unique challenges winter weather brings to the durability and maintenance of their windshield.

Common Causes of Windshield Cracks in Cold Weather

Knowing the factors that make the windshield more susceptible to damage and cracks in cold weather will help drivers protect and properly maintain it. If the windshield is already compromised by previous damage, poor installation or inadequate maintenance, these issues can worsen dramatically in cold conditions. Some of the most common causes of cracks during colder months include:

• Ice: Ice formation can apply undue pressure to small existing chips or imperfections, leading them to expand into full-blown cracks.
• Road Salt: While road salt is often necessary to keep roads safe, it can be kicked up into the windshield at high speeds. This causes small craters or pits that can worsen into cracks when not addressed quickly.
• Hail: Winter storms often bring hail, which may strike the windshield with enough force to cause immediate cracks or create weak spots that later transition into cracks.
• Frozen Wiper Fluid: Using a wiper fluid that freezes easily can cause localized stress on the windshield, which could turn into cracks over time.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. Rapid swings from cold to hot (or vice versa) can cause a windshield to crack.

How to Prevent Windshield Damage during Colder Weather

While a windshield can crack from cold weather due to other factors, drivers can take a proactive approach to prevent damage during colder temperatures, including:

• Keeping Windshield Wipers in Good Condition: Worn-out and dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield, making it more susceptible to cracking. Therefore, it's essential to routinely clean the windshield wipers - and replace them at least once every 12 months to keep them in good condition.
• Never Using Hot Water to Clear Ice/Snow Off the Windshield: While it may seem convenient at the time, using hot water to clear ice and snow from the windshield causes rapid temperature changes, leading to cracks.
• Utilizing the Car's Defrost System: Defrost systems are designed to gradually increase the glass temperature, reducing the risk of cracks.
• Parking under Cover If Possible: A simple solution for protecting the windshield from the elements is parking in a garage or under a carport.
• Closing Doors Gently: Slamming car doors can cause vibrations that may lead to windshield cracks, especially if the windshield is already damaged.
• Using a Windshield Protector: Windshield covers can keep ice and snow off the glass, reducing the risk of cracks and making it easier to prep the vehicle for the drive ahead.
• Using a Proper Ice Scraper: Choose an ice scraper specifically designed for car windshields to minimize the risk of scratching or cracking the glass.

"Winter weather presents challenging times for windshields. But proper preventative care and maintenance can make a world of difference," said Nick Ouimet, President of Auto Glass Now. "Our local Auto Glass Now teams are trusted experts in caring for auto glass. We are here to help ensure drivers are safe on the road with quality glass repair and replacement. We have hundreds of locations and mobile vehicles across the country to service all our customer's needs."

Read more about how your windshield can be affected by weather here! Auto Glass Now teams cover the United States from California to Florida with the best value combination of fast, reliable, convenient service, technologically advanced repairs and ADAS calibration. These new and remodeled facilities feature bright, welcoming customer service lobbies, the latest tools and equipment, and each Auto Glass Now location has a team of highly trained experts in repair, replacement and ADAS calibration. For service, call 1-888.4.FIX.GLASS.

Visit AutoGlassNow.com to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines provide quick and affordable access to the safe and effective, everyday options we need to take care of ourselves when issues arise. However, deciding which products are right for you and your family can feel overwhelming.   

Knowing how to safely choose and use OTC medications can make the difference between an intolerable versus a manageable fever, a runny and stuffy nose versus open sinuses, and a fitful night of sleep versus a restful one. 

“I often advise my patients to look for non-medical solutions first: avoid the triggers that cause your symptoms, eat right, get lots of rest, and practice an overall healthy lifestyle. But when that’s not enough, the OTC aisle can help provide some of the relief you might need to continue your daily routines,” says Dr. Wendy Mobley-Bukstein, a pharmacist and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. “When you need a little extra help to make the right choices, your local pharmacist can be a partner in helping to manage your self-care needs.”

Access to a range of OTC treatment options saves consumers time and costs associated with unnecessary doctor appointments for mild or moderate ailments, and a pharmacist can be a great advocate in your corner when it comes to your self-care. 

“I spend countless hours empowering patients to make safe and informed decisions when it comes to choosing and using OTC medicines,” Dr. Mobley-Bukstein says. “When you step up to a pharmacist’s counter, you’re not just a customer, you’re a patient. We are here to help you walk away knowing you have made the right decision for yourself and your family. For example, around this time of year, we see more cases of cough and cold symptoms. While some people with occasional cough or chest congestion might find relief from cough suppressants or expectorants, these are not for everyone, so be sure to read Drug Facts labels closely for proper use, directions, and warnings. This is especially true if you have a high-risk health condition or are currently taking other medicines. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first before selecting an OTC medicine if you are unsure.”

Keep these tips in mind to make the most of a conversation with your pharmacist:  

-What are your symptoms? Be prepared to tell your pharmacist your main symptoms, what hurts and where (headache, fever, sore throat) as well as when the symptoms started, how severe, and what, if anything, seems to make them worse or improve.  

-Have these symptoms occurred before? If so, which treatments have you already used?

-What else are you taking? OTC medications can interact with prescription medications, so it’s important to know what you’re currently taking daily.  

-What medical conditions, if any, do you have? Some OTC medications are recommended, or not recommended, for individuals of different ages, or with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.  

-If possible, choose a product that treats only the specific symptoms you are experiencing, Dr. Mobley-Bukstein emphasizes. 

Your self-care should be personalized – and when you need additional help with your self-care plan, pharmacists can serve as a trusted resource. Visit healthinhand.org for more information. 

(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a growing epidemic that affects half of all Americans. High blood pressure can harm vital organs like your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes without any warning signs. If left untreated, it can also lead to serious issues like chest pain, heart attacks and heart failure, and it raises the risk of stroke and chronic kidney disease. For a long time, the only way to treat high blood pressure was through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, or by taking medications. Today, there is another approach to be considered in addition to lifestyle modifications and medications. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a minimally invasive, device-based procedure that offers new hope to the millions of people whose blood pressure has not been managed with medication or lifestyle changes alone. The Medtronic Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is proven to achieve significant, safe and sustained blood pressure reductions, ushering in a new era for the treatment of high blood pressure in eligible patients.

Many people with high blood pressure have already experienced positive results from the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, including Paul Griffin from Atlanta. Paul’s hypertension began in his 40s and spanned about 30 years – and for a long time, Paul struggled to manage his high blood pressure. Despite being prescribed various medications, his blood pressure remained uncontrolled, leading to a frustrating pattern of increasing medication doses and unpleasant side effects like tiredness and headaches. For Paul, this impacted every aspect of his life, from singing with his quartet to spending quality time with his family. The constant worry about his blood pressure and general health also significantly impacted Paul’s wife Penny, who helped him keep track of his medications and daily blood pressure readings. He needed to break the cycle, and the Symplicity blood pressure procedure offered him new hope. 

Navigating Treatment and Understanding Renal Denervation 

High blood pressure can be a significant, daily struggle - and for many patients, the issue can go completely unnoticed. Desperate for a solution, Paul searched for alternative treatment options and became his own biggest advocate in finding a path forward. It wasn’t until he came upon a trial advertisement for the renal denervation procedure that he felt a sense of hope. After doing some research, he brought the trial up with his doctor and asked if he would be an eligible candidate. The renal denervation procedure – also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure - offered Paul another alternative with the potential to safely and effectively manage his high blood pressure, and the results made a significant impact on his quality of life. While Paul’s experience may not be the same for everyone, he experienced a drop in blood pressure for the first time in years, the reduction of some of his high blood pressure medications and revitalized hope for the future of his blood pressure management.*

The minimally invasive Symplicity blood pressure procedure involves a physician inserting a thin tube into an artery in the leg and using energy to calm overactive nerves surrounding the kidneys, which can contribute to high blood pressure. The tube is then removed, leaving no implant behind. The procedure works by complementing medications and lifestyle changes, so patients can continue managing their blood pressure.  

A New Era in High Blood Pressure Solutions  

The approval of the Medtronic Symplicity blood pressure procedure signifies a crucial step forward in the global battle against high blood pressure. Paul Griffin's success story highlights the real-world impact of this breakthrough technology, offering a possible turning point for millions of Americans who struggle to manage their blood pressure numbers.  

If you or a loved one is experiencing high blood pressure, consult your doctor to explore the potential benefits of this revolutionary procedure, or visit beyondHBP.com to learn more.

*Individual Patient results vary. 

(NewsUSA) - La presión arterial alta, también conocida como hipertensión, es una epidemia creciente que afecta a la mitad de todos los estadounidenses. La presión arterial alta puede dañar órganos vitales como el corazón, el cerebro, los riñones y los ojos sin ninguna señal de advertencia. Si no se trata, también puede provocar problemas graves como dolor de pecho, ataques cardíacos e insuficiencia cardíaca, y aumenta el riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular y enfermedad renal crónica. Durante mucho tiempo, la única forma de tratar la presión arterial alta era mediante cambios en el estilo de vida, como dieta y ejercicio, o tomando medicamentos. Hoy en día, hay otro enfoque a considerar además de las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y los medicamentos. 

La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de EE.UU. aprobó recientemente un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo basado en un dispositivo que ofrece nuevas esperanzas a los millones de personas cuya presión arterial no ha sido controlada únicamente con medicamentos o cambios en el estilo de vida. Se ha demostrado que el procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity™ logra reducciones significativas, seguras y sostenidas de la presión arterial, marcando el comienzo de una nueva era para el tratamiento de la presión arterial alta en pacientes elegibles.

Muchas personas con presión arterial alta ya han experimentado resultados positivos con el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, incluido Paul Griffin de Atlanta. La hipertensión de Paul comenzó cuando tenía 40 años y se prolongó durante unos 30 años, y durante mucho tiempo, Paul luchó por controlar su presión arterial alta. A pesar de que le recetaron varios medicamentos, su presión arterial permaneció descontrolada, lo que provocó un patrón frustrante de aumento de las dosis de medicamentos y efectos secundarios desagradables como cansancio y dolores de cabeza. Para Paul, esto afectó todos los aspectos de su vida, desde cantar con su cuarteto hasta pasar tiempo de calidad con su familia. La preocupación constante por su presión arterial y su salud general también afectó significativamente a Penny, la esposa de Paul, quien lo ayudó a realizar un seguimiento de sus medicamentos y de sus lecturas diarias de presión arterial. Necesitaba romper ese círculo y el procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity le ofreció una nueva esperanza. 

Navegando el Tratamiento y Comprendiendo la Denervación Renal 

La presión arterial alta puede ser una lucha diaria importante y, para muchos pacientes, el problema puede pasar completamente desapercibido. Desesperado por encontrar una solución, Paul buscó opciones de tratamiento alternativas y se convirtió en su mayor promotor para encontrar un camino a seguir. No fue hasta que encontró un anuncio de prueba sobre el procedimiento de denervación renal que sintió una sensación de esperanza. Después de investigar un poco, le habló del ensayo a su médico y le preguntó si sería un candidato elegible. El procedimiento de denervación renal, también conocido como procedimiento de presión arterial Symplicity, ofreció a Paul otra alternativa con el potencial de controlar de forma segura y eficaz su presión arterial alta, y los resultados tuvieron un impacto significativo en su calidad de vida. Si bien la experiencia de Paul puede no ser la misma para todos, experimentó una caída en la presión arterial por primera vez en años, la reducción de algunos de sus medicamentos para la presión arterial alta y una esperanza revitalizada para el futuro del control de su presión arterial.* 

El procedimiento mínimamente invasivo de presión arterial Symplicity implica que un médico inserte un tubo delgado en una arteria de la pierna y use energía para calmar los nervios hiperactivos que rodean los riñones, lo que puede contribuir a la presión arterial alta. Luego se retira el tubo, sin dejar ningún implante. El procedimiento funciona complementando medicamentos y cambios en el estilo de vida, para que los pacientes puedan continuar controlando su presión arterial. 

Una Nueva Era en Soluciones Para la Presión Arterial Alta  

La aprobación del procedimiento de presión arterial Medtronic Symplicity significa un paso crucial hacia adelante en la batalla global contra la presión arterial alta. La historia de éxito de Paul Griffin destaca el impacto en el mundo real de esta tecnología innovadora, ofreciendo un posible momento decisivo para millones de estadounidenses que luchan por controlar sus números de presión arterial. 

Si usted o un ser querido padece presión arterial alta, consulte a su médico para explorar los posibles beneficios de este procedimiento revolucionario o visite beyondHBP.com para obtener más información.

*Los resultados de cada paciente varían. 

(NewsUSA) - Thanks to the ongoing support of the American public, the Marine Toys for Tots Program was honored to receive the esteemed Humanitarian Award at the 26^th Annual CBS Family Film and TV Awards. The award recognized Marine Toys for Tots for their year-round work supporting struggling families and children across the country, which they are able to do with your unwavering assistance. 

Bestowing the award with celebrities Montel Williams, Dean Cain, and Laura McKenzie, television presenter and actress Elizabeth Stanton noted that “one organization that has consistently supported families in need is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.” 

A heartwarming video segment highlighted Toys for Tots’ National, year-round work, including testimonials of families from around the country who have been assisted by the organization. “Toys for Tots means everything to us,” said one teary-eyed mother. “When you live on a fixed income, pretty much every dime is accounted for, and we didn’t know what to do. Toys for Tots changed all that!” 

LtGen James Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and Major General Len “Loni” Anderson, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations for the United States Marine Corps, accepted the award to a standing ovation in the packed theater.   

“We have expanded beyond Christmastime to provide year-round hope and support, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the American people – you!” said LtGen Laster in remarks accepting the award on behalf of the organization. 

General Anderson added, “This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue our mission. It’s not just toys.  It’s about delivering joy and fostering hope in the hearts of those families when they need it.” 

LtGen Laster also laid out Toys for Tots’ ambitious goals for 2024, saying that the organization hoped to reach a record 11 million disadvantaged children this year. 

“The Marine Toys for Tots Program has been a beacon of hope for over seven decades, striving to bring smiles to the faces of children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season and throughout the year,” said LtGen Laster.  “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the 26^th Annual Family Film and TV Awards and receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award for the Program’s commitment to being a year-round force for good and making futures as bright as possible for children in need.” 

Visit toysfortots.org for more information and to be part of this year-round force for good!

(NewsUSA) - What Eyes Can’t See by Paulette Stout 

“A gripping, moving story… of love, justice, redemption.” 
Midwest Book Review 

Barbara navigates the NYC corporate world as a confident Black lawyer, balancing sky-high career goals with heavy family expectations. After a broken engagement leaves her reeling, Barbara lands at an island paradise and gets swept away by Sebastian. The hazel-eyed Adonis with a mysterious past makes Barbara feel seen for the first time in her life.  

Yes, he’s white and she’s Black. She’s rich and he grew up on food stamps, but none of that matters. Until they return home and Sebastian gets the job meant for her. 

Suspecting racial discrimination, Barbara challenges her boss in court. That decision puts the lovers on opposite sides of a battle they long to fight together. As their love and convictions are put to the test, one question remains: how much are they willing to risk to find justice? https://books2read.com/what-eyes-cant-see 

Searching for Zen: A Tale of Divine Destiny by Albert T. Franklin 

The story begins on Earth, but an Earth with a past steeped in fantasy and science fiction. From humble beginnings, a boy is given a divine destiny, a chance to make his mark on human civilization, but he must embark upon a life-changing journey. He struggles to understand, losing himself in doubt and loneliness as he confronts the dark side of humanity. 

Coming of age, Zen builds a family from a motley collection of strangers and discovers love. His newfound friends help him understand his reason for fighting. His trials amplify as his power increases, and he sparks the ire of those in the spirit realm, who doubt any human can wield such power successfully. As Zen struggles to fulfill his purpose, he learns that love, friendship, and divine destiny come with a heavy price. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Ri7EGO. 

Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love by Shepherd Siegel 

People and cultures draw on a mix of archetypes, the attributes of personality that make them who they are—Warrior, Caretaker, Magician, Fool, Hero, Sage—and Trickster. This book is about how grownups who have retained the ability to be playful as they were when a child view the world. Such grownups will consciously or unconsciously engage with the Trickster, and this book is about what could happen if society made more of that animating force. 

Today, an infantilized infatuation with the Warrior archetype tears society apart. The best response comes out of a more peaceful and playful approach. In a time of great political frustration and culture wars, readers respond well to Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love, which proposes the pursuit of fun and the refusal to take power seriously as a timeless and potent political strategy. Purchase at https://shepherdsiegel.com/books/. 

Messed Up Like You by Rick Culleton 

Rick Culleton is hardly the kind of person you’d expect to fly an airplane. He is fearful of heights and lacks a good sense of orientation. None of this, however, has prevented him from earning a pilot’s license. Nor have anxiety and ADHD and people labeling him a lost cause stopped him from becoming highly successful as an entrepreneur. 

The author struggled in school because of learning difficulties. He showed no athletic talent, did a brief stint in prison, and spiraled into debt hustling used cars. But with encouragement from a friend, he turned his life around and built an Inc. 5000 company selling discount electronics. 

Messed Up Like You is a compelling narrative. Weaving together harrowing anecdotes from flight school and from the author’s business ventures, it will propel readers toward becoming their best selves and prompt them to take action. Purchase at https://amzn.to/414aN0d.