(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)

"In the Hole"
by Ben Levin

Life goes from great to worst for nine-year-old David Kimball when his father loses his family restaurant ... then the house ... then the borrowed car they were forced to be living in.

The family seeks shelter in a derelict inn with other homeless folks, driving home the reality that David is in the hole. Poverty is more than David can take. But as a young athlete clinging to hope, David works harder than ever, finding ways to support his family. Through thick and thin, teammates stand by him and his best friend Justin leads the charge.

David and his family face their biggest challenge when sister Julia slips into a coma. Terrified he may lose her, David needs to figure a way out of the hole of homelessness. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hMfxkS.

"The Liability of Love"
by Susan Schoenberger

Margaret Carlyle is searching for an epic love as she heads to college in 1979 after the loss of her beloved mother to cancer. When a charismatic boy named Anders rapes her on their first date, she wants to forget it ever happened. But as the years pass, each life decision she makes seems driven by what happened that night.

When Anders becomes famous as an actor, Margaret can no longer ignore her past -- and she must make choices that will affect everyone around her, most notably her husband, Douglas, and Fitz, the man who has loved her patiently since college.

This deeply moving novel is a window into class and privilege, the mysteries of marriage, and the destructive power of secrets. Purchase at http://amzn.to/2Npqi18.

"The Weight of Memory"
by Shawn Smucker

Secrets are never truly forgotten. They are simply waiting for us to remember.

When Paul Elias receives a terminal diagnosis, he returns to his hometown to seek a guardian for his granddaughter. But her imagination leads him on a journey into forgotten things and old secrets that leave him wondering about the nature of his illness, his granddaughter's future and reality itself.

In this mesmerizing story from award-winning author Shawn Smucker, past and present mingle like opposing breezes, teasing out the truth about life, death and sacrifice. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rqQQ0K.

"The Universal Language of Nature: A New Way of Conflict Resolution and Authentic Leadership"
by Alexandra Sitch

The bestselling book, "The Universal Language of Nature," struck a chord with many in today's times of lockdown which shows the need of a new vision and innovative solutions. More than ever, our personal evolution and expanding consciousness are important to heal our fragmented world.

This book highlights interesting aspects that have been neglected for far too long but could offer structural solutions to the problems of our society today by caring for our "Mother Nature" and intuition inside us. Nature, and especially horses, help us in our personal development; they act in the service of a greater good, feel the system and the energy of each person, feel the dynamics of his relations and show us the solutions! Purchase at https://amzn.to/2P7OWEv.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and you can help unlock its life-changing power today.

Parker's wish is to have a rainbow playset, and Jade wishes for a white fluffy puppy. These children and countless others hope to capture your heart and ignite your desire to support the Make-A-Wish mission to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Make-A-Wish is the world's largest wish-granting organization, serving children in nearly 50 countries. With generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 40,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. An integral part of a child's treatment journey, Make-A-Wish has fulfilled the wishes of more than 340,000 children nationwide since its founding in 1980.

There remains a tremendous gap between the number of wishes granted today and the estimated 27,000 children in the United States that are diagnosed with a qualifying condition annually. Together, we can raise the funds necessary to help close that gap.

"Fujitsu is known as a global leader in ductless mini-splits, but we're actually much more," said Matt Peterson, president and COO of Fujitsu General America, Inc. "We also supply VRF, unitary ducted, and commercial rooftops as a full line equipment supplier. But we're also much, much more than that. We support causes that are near and dear to our hearts. One of them is Make-A-Wish. If you know our culture, supporting children with critical illnesses is a no-brainer to us. It's the right thing to do. We hope you will find a way to join us in this incredible cause as we strive to make the world a better place. Visit fujitsugeneral.com/cares/wishes to learn more about how you can get involved."

There are many ways to support this extraordinary organization that grants wishes that help children replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy.

Here are just a few more ways to make a difference:

* Donate monthly to help reach every eligible child and ensure more children re-discover hope when they need it most.

* Fundraising, whether it's through athletic events, lemonade stands or birthday fundraisers, empowers passionate supporters to rally networks in their communities.

* Volunteers are the backbone of making wishes come true. Share your time and talents as a volunteer and transform a child's life.

Research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight a critical illness. This can improve their quality of life and produce better health outcomes.

Together we can transform lives, one wish at a time. Visit Wish.org to learn more and see how you can get involved today!

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)

"In the Black"
by Andrew Ceroni

The CIA's most valued Russian double agents are being methodically assassinated one by one.

When the Agency discovers the attacks originate from a Russian top-secret cyberwarfare program called Chernyy Almaz or Black Diamond, a mind-control program, the CIA must respond swiftly to shut down the attacks and extract its top agents before they're lost forever.

Among them is Dr. Armand Mishenkov, head of Russia's research for cold fusion weaponry. Mishenkov escapes to Ukraine, but freedom is still far from his reach. Pursued by Russian assassins and Spetsnaz teams, agent Dave McClure and partner Tony Robertson must find Mishenkov and smuggle him across Europe and to the United States. Can they make it alive? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3uK5e68.

"Hello Whimsy"
by Jean Ngo

In this fun children's book, Whimsy the cat tries to make friends, ironically, with birds! When another furry feline comes along, does this make a great match because they are both cats? Whimsy travels through the day meeting one creature after another -- but has her challenges. Find out in this tale about socializing beyond the genus-surface! And learn how beautiful frienships get started.

The author lives in Southern California with her fur baby Misty, after whom Whimsy is modeled. Jean likes to spend her time off talking to roses, daydreaming or having a cup of tea. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3xnM4UO.

"Functional Dysfunction: From Sour Grapes to Fine Wine"
by Dr. C. Errol Ball

Life can be a bumpy ride, and for some of us, our greatest challenges can present themselves as early as childhood and in the worst of ways. How we deal with those early challenges is often what will shape our world and how we see it.

As a physician and a minister, the author bears witness to both the joys and the sorrows of his patients and congregants. He sees the world as an interplay of body, mind and spirit. And at the intersection of these pieces of his life, he has come to find that every experience -- whether painful or pleasant -- offers an opportunity for growth, a chance to turn our sour grapes into a fine wine. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3w92q3p.

"Riding the Executive Roller Coaster: Medical Staffing Cases "
by Kelli Christina

This is a fictionalized book based on real-life events and court cases that went unnoticed by the public eye over the period of a decade. The author plays the primary role in the book, which covers the trials and tribulations of professional offices at their highest and lowest moments.

The consequences of handling business and professional issues in the wrong manner or even illegally can escalate and destroy many lives along the way. The book follows the long path of success and falling in despair over lawsuits and loss; it includes all the important life lessons to be learned along life's path. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3onrwZb.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA)

by John Hansen - Solar energy isn't new, but like any worthwhile technology, it has been upgraded. When you think of solar panels, do you think of unsightly blocks marring the lines of your roof? Today's solar energy panels are a clean and sleek source of renewable energy that increasing numbers of homeowners embrace as a way to save the planet and save on their energy bills.

Installing solar panels could save a homeowner as much as 35% on energy bills in the first year of use, according to Solar Energy Partners, a community-focused solar company based in California. "We strive to grant homeowners the peace of mind to live their lives without interruption through the power of Earth's most renewable resource," according to the company.

Solar energy is an environmentally sound energy source that reduces air pollution, reduces water use, reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy, and reduces energy costs to consumers.

The experts at Solar Energy Partners (SEP) act as true partners when it comes to helping homeowners enjoy the benefits of green energy, with a commitment to community and customer service that sets them apart. SEP offers not only a cost-free savings analysis, but also a computer-generated image to show potential customers exactly how their solar panels will look on their roof. SEP installers work flexible days and times to suit any schedule, they are committed to an unintrusive process that customers appreciate. Solar panels are durable and require almost no maintenance. The SEP panels are designed to generate power for 25 to 35 years, and can be installed on almost any type of roof. Although a southern-facing roof is ideal, SEP experts can create a workaround as needed

SEP's service-oriented business model extends to the community at large; in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SEP partnered with the Salvation Army through their California South Division to provide local families in need with groceries, school supplies, and assistance with rent and utility bills. SEP currently serves communities in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and New Jersey.

Visit solarenergy.partners to learn more the value of solar energy, and check out the company's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SolarEnergyPartnersUSA/.

(NewsUSA)

This past year, back-to-back hurricanes in Central America, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Ethiopia have increased the need for international aid as well as people's desire to help. Although many people want to support global disaster relief efforts, most people don't know the most effective way to contribute, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development's Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI). 

When it comes to supporting international disaster relief efforts, monetary donations are the best way to help. Every disaster response is unique and cash contributions are fast and flexible, allowing relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it's needed and support local economies. Donating material goods such as food, water, and clothing, incurs additional costs, including transportation and storage, and may be culturally inappropriate or otherwise hinder relief efforts.

To promote the message that cash is best, USAID sponsors an annual Public Service Announcements for International Disasters contest (PSAid) for college students, recruiting them to create PSAs in three formats: print, video, or digital. The contest entries this year included nearly 90 submissions from 11 universities. All 2021 winners hail from Arizona State University, making this the first clean sweep in the PSAid contest's 15 year history. Entries were judged by a panel of five experts from the humanitarian and communications fields.

Additionally, three entries were selected as the winners of the People's Choice competition, an opportunity for the general public to vote on their favorite contest entry in each category on the PSAid website.

"I learned that donating physical items to overseas disasters often does more harm than good," says Molly Gaffey, People's Choice winner in the video category and University of Michigan student. "Although these items are provided in good intention, they come with barriers that can be avoided with monetary donations."

Some winning PSAs will be featured in prominent magazines or aired during popular television programs, and will be also used in CIDI's 'Cash is Best' education efforts.

Some common myths about donating cash to help international disasters include:

MYTH: I cannot donate enough money to make a difference.

FACT: Even a small donation can help international disaster victims. In Haiti, $5 will buy a life-saving course of antibiotics. In Zimbabwe, a $10 donation can provide regular healthcare to 90 people for a year. In Java, $50 provides a one-month food supply to volunteers rebuilding homes for earthquake victims. (Source: www.globalgiving.org).

MYTH: If I donate cash, most of it will go to administrative costs and not directly to help the victims.

FACT: There are numerous reputable international disaster response agencies which dedicate monetary contributions directly to relief programs in the field. It is important that contributors feel comfortable with their charity of choice and research their methods as appropriate. Cash donations have far greater impact than donated goods.

Visit PSAid.org for more information and to view the winning PSA entries.