(NewsUSA) - For many people seeking to become pregnant, the process is often challenging and frustrating. Myths and misinformation about fertility and how to get pregnant persist (would you believe—turkey basters?). Consequently, many couples start the process of trying to get pregnant either uninformed, misinformed, or a combination of the two.

Current guidance suggests that otherwise healthy individuals younger than 35 years should try to conceive on their own for a year before seeking medical help for “infertility.” That means they’re on their own often fumbling and hacking their way through those first 12 months before insurance will even cover an initial fertility consult.

“When my patients first come to me, so many of them are still unaware of the fundamentals of conception even after trying for a year – from how to track their ovulation to the importance of taking supplements,” says Dr. Stephanie Thompson, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist at The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS). “Furthermore, many still believe in DIY hacks and myths like using a turkey baster for insemination or taking cough medicine to better their chances.”

To help simplify the babymaking process and help better support a couple’s chances right from the time they start trying to conceive, the company behind the Frida Baby Snot Sucker and the Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle has launched the Frida Fertility product line. The products were developed in partnership with medical professionals and fertility specialists like Dr. Thompson and are designed to help promote pregnancy through pre-conception nutrition, optimizing egg and sperm health, tracking and testing cycles and timing sex.

“Our mission at Frida has always been to prepare parents for the unfiltered realities of parenthood, and now, with Frida Fertility, that starts the moment you think about becoming a parent,” says Chelsea Hirschhorn, mom of four and CEO of Frida.  “Women will no longer be left on an endless internet search for ‘how to get pregnant,’ and can feel supported and informed from the beginning of their conception journey.”

The Frida Fertility collection offers products for different stages of the pre-pregnancy process.

-Preparation: The preparation package includes pre-conception supplement sets for men as well as women. Research has shown the supplements with the right nutrients promote egg and sperm health and may increase chances of conception. The women’s product includes several components of common prenatal vitamins as well, so they can be continued during the conception phase.

-Testing and Tracking: Ovulation tracking is important when trying to conceive, as women who understand their cycle can maximize opportunities. Women are three times more likely to get pregnant during the fertile window, and the ovulation prediction test from Frida Fertility can help. Other components of testing and tracking include an ovulation plus pregnancy test and track set, and an early detection pregnancy test. The set comes with a novel collapsible, on-the-go Pee Cup – ending the days of peeing on your hand to get a sample.

-Conception: Finally, Frida Fertility’s at-home insemination set is designed to facilitate the delivery of sperm to the cervix during the fertile window to optimize changes of pregnancy. This set works for same-sex couples using donor sperm or heterosexual couples stressed by the pressure to perform during a limited time window.

Visit FridaFertility.com for more information.

(David Van Brunt) - With Memorial Day and the official start of summer upon us, it's time to get pools prepped for the swim season. However, as eager as you are to jump in, opening a pool is more complicated than simply removing the cover and topping off the water level.

The steps to get your pool ready for swim season range in complexity depending on your location. If you live in a cold winter climate and fully or partially winterize your pool, the pool opening process can take up to two days. So be patient and plan accordingly.

Following the right procedures is important to keeping the water safe, protecting swimmers, and preventing damage to the pool and equipment. Always carefully read and follow product label instructions, which include details for correct handling, storage, dosing, and application. Remember to never mix chemicals and allow ample time between different chemical applications.

Here are the 10 steps to follow when opening your pool in the spring:

1. Eliminate excess water with a submersible cover pump then remove pool cover. Chances are that a fair amount of water and debris have built up on the cover over the winter, which makes it difficult to remove. We recommend using a submersible cover pump to drain the water off the cover before removing it. It’s best to use two people to remove the cover because it’s heavy and can spill debris into the pool.
    
2. Store pool cover. After removing the cover, lay it flat and brush off any remaining water or debris. Let it dry. Before folding it, sprinkle it with Leslie’s Alkalinity Up or talcum powder to prevent mold and mildew. Fold the cover loosely, but carefully, to avoid rips. Store it in a cool, dry place, like a basement, garage, or storage shed to keep the cover in good condition for years to come.
    
3. Remove winterizing plugs and replace drain plugs. If you use winterizing plugs to protect pool plumbing during the coldest months, now is the time to remove them from the pool inlets and outlets. If you used antifreeze to winterize the suction plumbing, discharge this to waste or backwash the filter to remove it. You can also use a wet-dry vacuum to remove antifreeze. If the water level is below the skimmer, add water to raise the level to normal (around halfway up the opening of the skimmer). Inspect and reinstall the drain plugs in your pump, filter, heater, etc.
    
4. Prepare pool equipment. Reconnect the equipment you disconnected before the winter season, including the pool filter, pump, heater, automatic pool cleaner, in-line chlorinators, and any other devices. Then reattach any ladders, handrails, or other accessories. Lubricate O-rings, gaskets, and hardware with a silicone lubricant to keep them watertight. Once the pump is primed, set it to run continuously until startup is complete. Inspect the equipment for cracks or leaks and replace or repair, if necessary.
    
5. Remove and prevent metal stains. Metals like copper and iron can build up over the winter and cause staining. One dose of Leslie’s NoMetal neutralizes the metals and prevents further staining of the walls and floor. It also prevents water discoloration caused by high metal content. If you notice any staining, you can treat the stain and remove any metals in the pool water with a CuLator No-Drain Metal Stain Kit.
    
6. Test pool water. It’s important to test your water chemistry before adding any chemicals to know what’s needed and in what amounts. This can be done with a home test kit or by bringing a pool water sample into a store that tests pool water, such as Leslie’s, which offers a free AccuBlue 10-point water test and customized treatment plan in just 60 seconds.

7. Balance water, start with Total Alkalinity. Once you’ve tested the water, it’s time to add balancing chemicals to adjust the chemistry. Always follow product label instructions. Keep your pump running at high speed until the chemical is fully integrated into the water, which can take four hours or longer. If your pool water is cloudy, running your pool pump continuously for 24–48 hours will help to clear it up. Don’t worry, your pool pump is designed to run 24/7 if needed.

Never mix chemicals or add more than one at a time. When balancing the water, always begin with Total Alkalinity, since it has a direct impact on pH levels. To raise your Alkalinity, add Leslie's Alkalinity Up or Soda Ash. To lower the Alkalinity if it is high, add Leslie’s Dry Acid or Muriatic Acid. Note that these adjustments will raise or lower the pH, as well as the Alkalinity.

Once Total Alkalinity has returned to a range of 80–120 ppm, adjust the other chemistry levels. Test the pH level again since it likely changed after the Total Alkalinity adjustment. The recommended water balance ranges are as follows:

• Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• pH: 7.4–7.8
• Free Available Chlorine: 1–4 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid: 30–100 ppm

8. Brush and vacuum the pool. Thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool surfaces before shocking the pool water. This removes algae and bacteria from the walls and floor and lets the chlorine work most efficiently. Start brushing at the shallow end and move to the deep end. If possible, vacuum the debris directly to waste (if applicable) as this reduces strain on the pool filter. If you do this, replace any water that is lost. If you are not able to vacuum to waste, cleaning your pool filter after vacuuming up any dirt or algae is essential to a successful pool opening. 
    
9. Shock the pool. This is the final step for removing germs, algae spores, and other microorganisms. Shocking your pool is simply a term for raising the chlorine level, sometimes as high as 20–30 ppm. It is an important step if there is algae present in your pool; when present, algae quickly uses up chlorine in the water. Shocking your pool will ensure that your algae treatment is successful. Add the recommended dose of your chlorine product for your pool size to raise the chlorine level to 20-30 ppm. Run the pump for 24 hours, then test the Free Available Chlorine level to ensure it is in the 1–4 ppm range. If the level is at zero, repeat the shock process until your pool water can hold chlorine. Once you shock a pool, you must wait until the chlorine level drops below 4 ppm before swimming again. There are new products available today that reduce the wait time.  For example, this chlorine-free oxidizing shock has a wait time of just 15 minutes, and is ideal for routine oxidation in pools with optimal Free Available Chlorine levels.
    
10. Treat the water with algaecide, clarifier, and phosphate remover. After shocking the pool, run the circulation system overnight, then add algaecide the next day. Follow product directions on the algaecide product you are using. A dose of clarifier will clear up any haze, and weekly use of a phosphate remover will help prevent algae from starting. Depending on the condition of your pool, you may also need to backwash or clean your pool filter again. To help with making maintenance easy all season long, try Leslie's Perfect Weekly or PoolRx+ to help prevent algae in your pool.

Important Note: It’s crucial to use pool chemicals, specifically sanitizers and algaecides, that have been tested and approved by the U.S. EPA, which is the federal agency that protects people and the environment from significant health risks, sponsors and conducts research, as well as develops and enforces environmental regulations. See this blog post for simple instructions on reading pool product labels for the proper EPA details.

Follow these 10 steps and your pool will be ready for the swim season kickoff. For pool owners in warmer regions who do not close their pool, you’ll execute an abbreviated version of these steps with a focus on steps 4–10, as needed. Then, inflate the pool toys and haul out the lounge chairs. Remember, following a regular pool maintenance program will help you avoid any expensive equipment or water balancing issues and let you get the most enjoyment out of your pool this summer. 

David Van Brunt is the owner of Swimming Pool Learning and a pool service professional with over 30 years of experience. He created the No. 1 swimming pool channel on YouTube and hosts the “Pool Guy Podcast” and is also a Leslie’s Pool Pro Partner.

(NewsUSA) - Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 years, and the second leading cause of injury-related death among children up to 14 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As spring and summer approach and water activity increases, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) is raising awareness to educate parents, caregivers, and communities on drowning prevention strategies.

“There are so many misperceptions about drowning, particularly as it relates to children,” says Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., executive director of the NDPA. “Perhaps the most important to dispel is the myth that one strategy for prevention is enough. This summer, we want to change that by putting information about the need for Five Layers of Protection directly into the hands of parents and communities.”

According to Katchmarchi, “Among parents who have lost a child to drowning, the most common response I hear is ‘we didn’t know’ – didn’t know how prevalent it is, didn’t know how easily it can happen, and didn’t know that one strategy for water safety and drowning prevention just isn't enough.” 

The bottom line on drowning prevention: more is better. The NDPA has developed the Five Layers of Protection protocol with input from pediatricians, epidemiologists, and aquatics education professionals. They recommend following this protocol whenever a child is near open water.

The Five Layers of Protection for water safety include:

1.Barriers and Alarms. Physical barriers and audio alerts help keep children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.

2.Supervision. Don’t leave the kids alone. Ensure close, constant, and capable adult supervision by a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.

3.Water Competency. Teach all children basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries, regardless of their swimming skill level.

4.Life Jackets. Make sure children are wearing life jackets (tested and approved by the United States Coast Guard) to provide protection when they are near the water, including on a dock or in a boat.

5.Emergency Response Preparedness. Parents and adults supervising children near the water should have basic CPR training and water rescue skills. Plus, have a charged phone nearby to call 911 if needed.

This summer, the NDPA’s #WaterSafetyChampion campaign includes working with social influencers across the country to reach parents and families; collaborating with a children’s swimwear designer to include an NDPA hang-tag with water safety information; and creating a downloadable Water Safety Season Toolkit with pre-produced content and assets for parents, pediatricians, and partners to share the message about the Five Layers of Protection and help save lives.

Visit ndpa.org/layers for more information about water safety and drowning prevention.

(NewsUSA) - At some point, you may need to step in and help care for the parents who once cared for you. Starting this new role can be a challenge, but with preparation you’ll be ready. These concrete steps will help you support your aging parents.

Communication

Start by talking to your parents and family members, and then get others involved, including professionals such as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional or lawyer:

• Sit down with your parents to get a handle on their finances, healthcare, plans for their estate, and other legal matters.
• Looking forward, decide between yourself and your siblings or other family members how you want to approach and share your parents' future care. Will family members divide up responsibilities? Would you prefer to pick one trusted agent to handle these matters? If you decide on someone outside the family, discuss how duties and costs will be shared by family members.
• Be sure to have legal documents in place. This includes current power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a terminal care directive. All of these documents can name a specific person to make decisions during periods of incapacity.

Financial Matters

If or when cognitive decline becomes an issue, put systems in place to protect your parents’ finances:

• Make sure bills are physically mailed to the home instead of electronically, where they can be missed.
• Create a separate checking account for discretionary spending that the parent can control with limited overdraft protection.
• Keep money for major bills and savings in a separate account that requires a dual signature.
• Arrange for transaction alerts to be sent to family members to help catch errors and reduce fraud.
• If possible, have a power of attorney on file with Social Security and Medicare, so someone other than your parents can discuss financial issues with these organizations. Common power of attorney forms do not provide this authorization.

Healthcare

Ensure that your parents will have access to the healthcare they want and need as they age:

• Evaluate your own finances to see how you could help in the case of a large medical bill.
• Add your names to the paperwork on file with your doctors’ offices to make sure you and your siblings have a right to inquire about the health of your parents.
• Plan for someone to periodically attend medical appointments to get an understanding of health needs and prescribed medications.
• Evaluate long-term care insurance options that could cover the cost of a home health aide.
• Think about how to help with clothing and food choices, medication management, and meals as your parents’ physical abilities change, such as fading eyesight or decreased mobility.  

Safety at Home

Make sure your parent’s house is safe and fits their needs:

• Consider saving up for higher housing expenses, perhaps in a joint account with other family members.
• You may want to hire someone to mow the lawn and do odd jobs to ensure that your parents aren’t climbing ladders or putting themselves at risk doing chores.
• Put in safety rails and non-slip flooring.
• Add lighting by steps, close to doors, and around outside areas.
• Install alarm systems that can be connected to devices to detect falls or health changes, such as heart or blood pressure changes.

Stepping in to help when our aging parents need assistance can seem overwhelming, but only if we’re not prepared. Mapping out a strategy ahead of time, with love and care, can be rewarding and can bring a family even closer together.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help you plan for the uncertainties ahead. Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find local CFP^® professionals near you or your parents today.

(NewsUSA) - The First 1,000 Participants in Rockstar Energy’s “Fuel Your Drive” Promotion Will Receive Up to $50 Cash Back

PURCHASE, N.Y., May 23, 2023 – Starting Memorial Day weekend – a peak road trip weekend – Rockstar Energy wants to ‘Fuel Your Drive’ by giving away $50,000 to help summer travelers across the country get cash back at the pump and stay energized to get to their next destination.

Each year, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel and millions of Americans are eager to put pedal to the metal. In fact, experts predict that 82% of Memorial Day travelers in the United States will be hitting the road to take advantage of the long holiday weekend.

“With high gas prices, we know consumers are looking for special deals and ways to save money without sacrificing fun,” said Sara Ostrander, Director of Brand Programming, Energy Portfolio. “Almost 90% of Americans are looking for travel rewards, so we created ‘Fuel Your Drive’ to bring the energy to summer road trips and give consumers cash back at the pump across the nation.”

Throughout Memorial Day weekend, the first 1,000 people who fuel up on gas, purchase three or more Rockstar Energy products at participating gas stations nationwide and text ‘ENERGY’ to 81234 to upload their receipt will receive up to $50 cash back, all courtesy of Rockstar Energy.

The rewards don’t stop there. Americans will be road-tripping all summer long so to keep them fueled up and energized, Rockstar Energy will reward travelers with up to $5 cash back when they buy two products now through Labor Day. Those products include classic and summertime fan favorites like Recovery Orangeade and the latest addition Strawberry Peach available in Punched (full flavor) and Pure Zero (zero sugar), all providing that extra fuel to conquer summer road trips.

Whether grabbing the wheel for a long weekend or an epic summer-long road trip, it’s time to kick off the unofficial start of summer with Rockstar Energy to fuel your next adventure. For more information on Rockstar Energy’s “Fuel Your Drive” promotion, text ‘ROCKSTAR’ to 81234.

For more information, visit www.rockstarenergy.com.

(NewsUSA) - Websites focusing on sports betting and the gambling industry have been monitoring the evolution of sports wagering in the United States and around the world, yet most Americans couldn’t tell you the name of the law that was overturned by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling back in 2018. Still, its reverberating effects have been seismic.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, more commonly referred to as PASPA, was the law of the land that gave the federal government control over where sports betting could take place. Las Vegas was the most popular exception to the rule and only a few other jurisdictions were allowed to make book.

New Jersey Fights Back

However, a legal fight to overturn PASPA was mounted by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and followed by his successor, Phil Murphy, which ultimately proved to be successful. The SCOTUS voted 6-3 that all parts of PASPA were illegal and that opened the floodgates for states to decide for themselves whether they would allow sports betting within their boundaries.

Although the initial response was tepid, a steady stream of states began to pass sports betting legislation once they caught wind of the enormous revenue that was being generated by taxing the online and retail sportsbooks. That steady stream turned into a deluge, as more and more states hopped aboard the sports betting gravy train.

How Do American Books Compare?

Betting sports online is nothing new to millions of Americans who have been using offshore sports betting sites for decades. Many of those seasoned bettors, who have explored American digital sportsbooks, believe they offer less than they can find in online shops around the globe.

One veteran of the gaming industry explained, “There really is no advantage to using American sportsbooks over the offshores. The offshore books I use are licensed and regulated too; it’s just that those regulations are from overseas countries but they’re every bit as strict. The biggest advantage to using offshores is they give much better bonuses, usually have better lines, they take crypto like Bitcoin, there’s anonymity, and most importantly, I don't have to give the government a slice of my winnings. I don’t really want Uncle Sam knowing my business.”

Sportsbooks like BetUS are often considered better alternatives to American sportsbooks by veteran bettors, but, either way, sports betting has hit the mainstream in the USA and there is no turning back!

Did You Know?

At this juncture, sports betting has been regulated in 34 states; find the breakdown below:

• Only in-person sportsbooks (10)
• Full mobile betting with multiple options (21)
• Limited mobile betting options (4)

-          Studies show mobile betting towers over in-person -aka retail- sports betting, generating over 90 percent of the handle.

-          Although the NFL is the most bet-on sports league, we should note that college football ranks second, NBA is third, and college basketball ranks fourth. Thus, it’s not surprising that college sports contribute at least 50 percent of the sports betting handle compared to the professional leagues.

Money Changes Everything

It didn’t take long for sports betting to catch fire with the American public, but perhaps the biggest 180-degree turn occurred when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his league would partner up with the same entities the NFL had been castigating for decades as a clear and present danger to the integrity of their hallowed National Football League.

The sanctimonious finger-pointing by Goodell, and by those who had come before him, was akin to a WWE story arc. Except this one lived on and on and on without any reprieve. It was a wholly transparent attempt at feigning animosity towards the sports betting industry while its very existence contributed mightily to the NFL’s enormous television ratings.

No one is watching two last-place teams on Monday night except when it’s the NFL’s Monday Night Football. Point spreads and totals create plenty of excitement because a financial interest attracts more eyeballs to the TV set than an emotional investment ever could.

But the NFL could have its cake and eat it too. They could decry sports betting all they wanted because it wouldn’t stop the masses from betting. Meanwhile, they could continue to state that their game was free of any sports betting chicanery because they went to such great pains to ensure there is no place for betting in the NFL.

Yet the latter is true; neither the NFL nor any professional league wants even a hint of impropriety nor cheating. Pro sports can weather virtually any storm – domestic abuse, steroids, rape, and even murder, but the death knell of any league will come if the fans believe the fix is in. Then it’s no longer worth watching, and that’s a wrap.

However, when sports betting became regulated in the U.S., the NFL smelled money - lots of money - and realized those sports betting platforms would pay beaucoup bucks to partner with Roger and his 31 billionaires (the Packers are community-owned.)

It wasn’t at all surprising that the NFL dropped the charade against the evils of sports betting. That was inevitable, as there were hundreds of millions on the table. But the alacrity with which they did it, without any soft pivot, was stunning in its brazen shamelessness.

It was as though Goodell knew everyone else knew he was just playing a part and those that were too stupid not to pick up on the act weren’t worth his contrition. It’s almost like meeting The Undertaker at a bar. He’s not going to be the Undertaker, he’s going to be Mark Calaway, just a big dude quaffing a beer. No need to keep up the pretense.

And that’s how it was with Goodell. He went from preaching fire-and-brimstone on all things sports betting to Mr. Vegas slinking into a lounge with his new best friends, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.

Back in the 80s Cyndi Lauper had a hit song, “Money Changes Everything.” If you ever doubted the wisdom of those words, just ask Roger. 

Offshore vs Regulated - Pros and Cons

REGULATED PROS

• Credit & Cash Deposit/Withdraw Options
• Abide by local regulations. Funds are fully protected.
• All transactions are reported to Gov. entities (IRS).

REGULATED CONS

• Fewer wager offers per games.
• Fewer leagues and events offered.
• Odds (payouts) are less attractive.
• Registration processes are more invasive.
• Cryptocurrencies are not an option.
• Fewer shops.
• In-person wagering required on some states.
• Tax variables depending on which state you wager on.
• Bonuses and promotions are limited/minimum.

OFFSHORE PROS

• Deposit/withdraw options with cryptocurrencies. 
• Bitcoin and other alternative currencies often available.
• Deposits/withdrawals with crypto are often immediate and fees don't apply.
• No tax withholding.
• More wagering options per league/games
• More leagues and events are offered.
• More casino games are offered.
• Higher privacy standards.
• More bonuses and promotions are offered
• More shop options are available. Some reliable sportsbooks include:
  • BetUS
  • BetOnline
  • Heritage Sports

OFFSHORE CONS

• Cash and credit deposits can be more difficult.
• Regulations are determined by the country the shop is licensed in.
• No wager limits placed by government to protect customers.

(NewsUSA) - The Shadow of Death: From My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul by Fernando Arroyo

The powerful memoir of a suicidal veteran who surrendered to Jesus Christ, pleading for help…

Jesus answered.

At the young age of 19, Arroyo learned, “In combat, you have to put your emotions aside, because the next mission is just around the corner.” Arroyo honorably served in the Airborne Infantry for five years in positions ranging from scout observer to squad leader, then served three deployments after graduating from U.S. Army Ranger School, working in combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan. And yet, while serving our nation, his work as a soldier was hardening his heart, pulling him farther away from God. This is the candid, poignant story of Arroyo’s descent into unimaginable despair—and his glorious redemption in God.

The Shadow of Death | Fidelis Publishing (faithfultext.com)

Use special discount code SHADOW30 for 30% off

Heather: Tuu Maia Lou Lima Give Me Your Hand by Steven A. Yagyagan

A firsthand look into the often-hidden world of child abuse. A heart-wrenching and heartwarming story of a young Sāmoan-Scottish girl and how she endured and survived 60 years of abuse. She shares her story and hopes more women and children will be spared from mental and physical abuse. It’s a personal and powerful story of survival and resilience toward child and adult abuse, highlighting the courage and strength of a child who faced adversity and ultimately triumphed over it.

There are various layers of cultures and languages in the book, including Ilocano, Sāmoan, Hawaiian Pidgin English, and Spanish (Puerto Rican culture). There are peaks and valleys from heart-wrenching to heartwarming moments in the story. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3Lt6AgC.

Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang

Having a stroke is one of our worst fears. But the truth is a stroke is a common medical issue. Most of us have no idea what a stroke feels like or what it takes to recover from one. Our fear often has us pull away from people who most need our help and support.

In his first book, A Cry in the Dark, the author shared his moving story of stroke recovery. In this second book, Ang has assembled a collection of moving stories from people in all stages of stroke recovery, tales of unimaginable courage and determination. These people reject the idea of being a victim and fight with everything they have to return to a normal life. These are positive people with positive stories. Five stars from USA Today. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3TnDphn.

The Second Coming by E.L. Smith

Has society turned its back on God? Are we drifting further away from the truth?

In The Second Coming, private investigator Shawn Abernathy struggles with his beliefs in God, good, and evil, and with revelations he cannot escape. After facing a surprise visitor from Heaven, his life changes dramatically. Soon he finds himself hiding from the Antichrist as he comes to terms with his ultimate purpose: aiding in the salvation of all humanity.

Derived from the book of Revelation, The Second Coming follows the travails of individuals across the globe as they face what lies within their own hearts and souls at the end of the world. We all have only two choices before life after death. What side will you choose? Purchase at https://bit.ly/3HVHtRg.

(NewsUSA) - AI systems continue to enable a range of economic, social, and defense opportunities. However, the same AI characteristics that allow for new and transformative opportunities also present risks to national security, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

Well-intentioned AI developers, deployers, and users of an AI system must assess and consider risks to national security posed by their particular system, the SCSP experts warn. This risk goes beyond AI systems involved in national security and extends to commercial entities.

SCSP offers several examples of how commercial AI has the potential to threaten national security.

Misuse: Misuse can occur when an AI system developed for non-national security purposes is accidentally or purposefully used in a way that causes harm to national security. This threat is especially relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises developing new systems or applications. For example, unrelated AI systems can be linked to reveal sensitive data about strategic infrastructure, populations, or other subjects that are relevant to national security and could be manipulated by adversaries.

Scaling: Leveraging large amounts of data creates opportunities for new business models and increases the efficiency of existing models. However, extreme scaling also creates the potential for rapid introduction and adoption of new systems and use cases not previously encountered, predicted, or evaluated. For example, the aggregation of cell phone data enables the identification of cell phones associated with regular visits to sensitive facilities.

Generative AI: The advancement and adoption of generative AI already has resulted in unintended consequences. For example, text, voice, image, and/or video generation technology designed for entertainment purposes can be used to create information campaigns or deepfakes to spread misinformation and disinformation, incite political violence, and generally undermine public trust.

Corrupted Data or Software: Large AI systems typically rely on external software components, but the prevalence of these components in machine learning introduces risks of intentionally and unintentionally corrupted versions being unknowingly incorporated in critical systems. For example, a facial recognition system that may be manipulated to include a “trigger,” such as an unusual hat, that prompts it to perform not as intended, perhaps by authorizing unintended access.

To help mitigate the potential national security risks associated with AI, the SCSP recommends educating stakeholders and incentivizing practices to promote cooperation.

In addition, public-private partnerships between stakeholders and national security entities are needed to help all stakeholders understand requirements, policies, and standing documents.

The SCSP experts also call on the U.S. government to create an AI tested where technologies can be objectively evaluated. This mechanism would support the exploration of AI systems to identify risks that have not previously occurred.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Father's Day and graduation are just around the corner, and the pressure is on to find the perfect gift. Forget about the clichéd ties and boring watches; we've got an idea that will rev up your gifting game. Imagine the look of surprise and delight on your dad or grad's face when they receive a prepaid car wash membership or wash pack. And not just any car wash, we're talking about Take 5 Car Wash, the ultimate car care experience with over 400 sites nationwide.

So, why is a clean car the ultimate gift idea? Well, besides being a refreshing change from the usual presents, it's an opportunity for your loved one to have a clean ride, any time they want. With a prepaid car wash membership or wash pack from Take 5 Car Wash, they can enjoy the convenience of visiting any of their numerous locations at their preferred time. From quick touch-ups before important meetings to thorough cleanings after long road trips, this gift ensures their ride always shines.

But that's not all. We all know that time is a precious commodity, especially for busy dads and hardworking grads. That's where Take 5 Car Wash comes in. Their fast and efficient service guarantees a thorough cleaning in just a few minutes. With a prepaid membership or wash pack, your dad or grad can breeze through the car wash whenever it suits them, saving valuable time that can be better spent on things they love.

Now, let's talk about the quality and care your loved one will receive. Take 5 Car Wash is renowned for its exceptional service and commitment to every vehicle that crosses its path. Their team uses top-of-the-line equipment and products to ensure a thorough and gentle cleaning process.

When it comes to finding a practical, convenient, and thoughtful gift, a prepaid car wash membership or wash pack from Take 5 Car Wash is a no-brainer. With their extensive network of locations, time-saving convenience, and exceptional quality, you can't go wrong. So, why wait? Give the gift of a prepaid car wash membership and let the dad or grad in your life enjoy a clean and shiny ride all year long. Trust us; they'll thank you for it.

Find your nearest Take 5 Car Wash location here.

(NewsUSA) - Silver is a part of everyday life in more ways than most people realize. Besides the more obvious industrial uses, silver is a key component in many products that people rely on every day. Your electric-powered car, the antibacterial thread in your sports gear, and even your smartphone all use silver.

Silver also factors in products ranging from solar panels to burn creams and water purification systems.

Silver is one of the most versatile elements; it can be ground into powder, turned into paste, shaved into flakes, converted into a salt, combined with other metals, flattened into printable sheets, drawn into wires, suspended within other materials, or even used as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Key areas where silver shines include:

Automotive. Nearly 90 million ounces of silver is projected to be absorbed annually in the automotive industry alone by the year 2025, according to the Silver Institute, a nonprofit organization that informs the public about silver and its uses.

Medicine. Silver has a long and intriguing history as an antibiotic in human health care. Silver has been developed for use in water purification, wound care, bone prostheses, reconstructive orthopedic surgery, cardiac devices, catheters and surgical appliances. In addition, recent research suggests that silver’s long-lasting antibacterial power could improve the performance of medical products that help protect us from harmful pathogens.

Electronics/Technology. Silver’s excellent electrical conductivity makes it a natural choice for everything from printed circuit boards to switches and TV screens. Silver has become an important element in 5G infrastructure investment.

Silver also is a solid choice for savvy investors, as the demand will continue to rise. Currently, there is an abundance of silver, which has kept prices low.

Companies such as Vancouver-based Silvercorp Metals offer an opportunity to benefit from the investment value of silver. Silvercorp acquires, explores, develops, and mines precious and base metal mineral properties at its producing mines and exploration and development projects, primarily in China’s Ying Mining District, known as “The Silver Quadrant,” where it also produces gold, lead and zinc.  

Looking ahead, silver is an essential element of the “electrification economy,” and companies such as Silvercorp that are positioned for long-term growth and committed to responsible mining practices are worth watching.

Visit silvercorpmetals.com for more information.