(NewsUSA)

Celebrated novelist Mike Bond has been called one of the 21st Century's most exciting authors. His recently released historical epic, "America," is the first of a seven-book series that relives our last 70 years and our nation's most profound upheavals since the Civil War.

Now, in the tumultuous last years of the 1960s and through the wild, joyous, heartbroken and visionary lives of four young people, the story continues in Book Two, "Freedom."

SHIFTING LANDSCAPES AND MORAL CODES

From the war-shattered jungles of Vietnam to America's burning cities, near-death in Tibet, peace marches, the battle of the Pentagon, wild drugs, rock concerts, free love, CIA coups in Indonesia and Greece, the Six Days' War and Bobby Kennedy's last campaign, "Freedom" puts you in the Sixties as if it were now.

Bond continues the conjoined sagas of the four young people introduced in America. They've all gone their separate ways, each reacting to the political chaos of the country and the new set of moral codes as best as he or she can. 

Mick leaves for the Himalayas while Troy heads to Vietnam with the Marines. Daisy starts her Ph.D. in brain research, and Tara battles heroin as her rock band reaches stardom. Troy is soon caught up in mind-numbing combat in Vietnam, while Mick returns to the States to lead the antiwar effort. Tara's band signs a Motown contract amid the Detroit riots. At Stanford, Daisy expands her study of the human brain under LSD and other mind-altering drugs. Troy falls in love with a Vietnamese teacher and is slowly losing faith in the War.

Each of these characters could carry a novel on his or her own, but Bond has done a masterful job of telling all their stories, first one and then another and another and back again, without losing momentum. He ties into the story the haunting songs of Jim Morrison, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary, the unforgettable anti-war lyrics and the temptations of sex and drugs. These are educated and deeply alive young people, searching for truth and a vision of the future.

TRULY BEAUTIFUL WRITING

One reviewer called freedom "the most beautiful prose I have ever read."

Bond has been called "master of the existential thriller" by BBC, "one of America's best thriller writers" by Culture Buzz, and "one of the 21st century's most exciting authors" by The Washington Times. He is a best-selling novelist, war and human rights journalist, and ecologist. He has covered guerrilla wars, death squads and military dictatorships in Latin America and Africa, Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, and ivory poaching and other environmental battles in East Africa and Asia.

Firmly rooted in fact and history, "Freedom" is highly readable, bitterly nostalgic, romantic, heartbreaking and edifying. It is a testament to the effects of politics and moral revolutions on America and how what happened then created what we are now. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ns2tUS

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -It's a unique educational opportunity when students get to experience the enthusiasm, energy and decision-making behind real-time trading. That's why CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives exchange, hosts an annual electronic trading competition for students all around the world to partake in.

During this year's event, students learned hands-on techniques for trading agriculture, energy, metals, equity indices, interest rates and foreign exchange futures contracts using CQG's real-time simulated electronic trading platform. Throughout the challenge, students also received live market updates through Dow Jones newsfeeds and The Hightower Report.

"It's an exciting time to learn about how derivatives markets are used to manage risk and capture opportunities across the global economy," says Anita Liskey, CME Group Senior Managing Director of Global Brand Marketing and Communications. "Our annual competition provides a collaborative educational experience that is driven by global financial professionals and innovative technology. Each year, we are delighted to bring together students from all over the world to learn how to apply real-life trading strategies to everyday markets."

This year's four-week competition included 386 teams, comprised of more than 1,500 actively enrolled graduate and undergraduate students from 24 countries. Students on the top five winning teams are eligible to receive a cash prize and are invited to attend an exclusive one-day, virtual market education event this month.

The first-place winner was the University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano, which is the second consecutive Latin American team to top the global competition.

The 18th Annual CME Group University Trading Challenge Winners are:

First Place: University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Colombia);
Second Place: Loyola University Chicago (U.S.);
Third Place: Virginia Tech (U.S.);
Fourth Place: University of Illinois (U.S.);
Fifth Place: Southern Illinois University (U.S.).

"The CME Group University Trading Challenge is an excellent way to learn about derivatives markets and develop skills that can be put into practice in the future," said the first-place team from the University of Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano. "Trading through the CQG platform and having access to live market updates also helps students build an understanding of how these markets operate."

CME Group provides a wide range of risk management education, including its CME Institute education hub, which offers detailed courses, webinars and videos on trading futures on options markets, as well as a trading simulator.

CME Group also partners with other industry organizations to offer educational tools, such as Futures Fundamentals, a one-stop educational resource to help learners of all levels understand futures markets and the role they play in everyday life.

(NewsUSA)

"The Mask"
by Clayton Marshall Adams

"The Mask" is an unconventional fairytale about an ugly and misshapen boy who has been abandoned to the forest by his parents when old enough to care for himself. His existence is lonely and sometimes painful, particularly when he encounters bullies from the village who abuse and torment him. His only comfort is sculpting, and he is able to sell some creations to a few villagers who can tolerate his presence.

One day, he makes an astounding discovery. It is a talking mask! It promises him a new life in a world of beauty that he never thought possible. The promise, however, comes with a price. But will the promise be worth the price? "The Mask" earned a star from a Kirkus review and a lightning bolt from BookLife. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bXCrDi.

"New Beginnings: From Behind the Iron Curtain to America"
by Antonina Duridanova

Burning with the desire to share the value of freedom, Antonina takes you from her plight in communist Bulgaria to the free shores of America. Following unfortunate events in a totalitarian regime in Bulgaria, Antonina flees to the Western world. She provides true observations of life in a communist society: her family's lands and cattle being confiscated by the agricultural labor cooperatives; censorship of the press and other works from the West; religion being prohibited; and any deviation from the norm leading to detention in a labor camp.

Antonina describes how she could taste, smell, feel and touch freedom as she gets off the plane in New York, ready to embark on new adventures. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3B6fjN6.

"The Killing Carol"
by Jennifer Bee

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me the reason your husband had to die."

Anna Greenan found the cryptic lyric shoved against her front door. Each day of Christmas brings Anna a new stanza with a new clue. Will this mysterious Christmas carol lead Anna to uncover her husband's murderer or will these notes lead to her demise?

In her debut murder mystery, Jennifer Bee takes readers on an unforgettable journey full of unrelenting suspense and unexpected surprises. The book, the first in the Anna Greenan Mystery Series, makes the perfect holiday gift for the mystery lover in your family. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bfvJIt.

"Uncommon Courage: An Invitation"
by Andrea T. Edwards

"Uncommon Courage" is an invitation to be your courageous best self every day. It's also an antidote to the overwhelming fear and rage rolling around the world. This book opens a path to inner contentment, peace and happiness, and a door to meaningful action. It brings you an opportunity to reflect. What if we could do something about the bigger issues facing our world? Well, despite today's turmoil, a transformational journey is possible.

You will discover 108 interlinking strategies to shift your thinking, improve your mood and lighten your heart. This book helps you take on anger, parenting, climate change, self-awareness and career change. Some of the stories are funny, while others may lovingly push your buttons. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cg57b2.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - -As the holiday season approaches, more families joyfully look to reconnect and celebrate with friends and loved ones. Chuck E. Cheese, the number-one children's entertainment brand, is ready to meet the demand during its second annual Winter Winner-land celebration. During this year's celebration, holiday festivities are met with merry entertainment and cheerful experiences for all ages, as well as a chance to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and BGC Clubs in Canada.

Every child who visits Chuck E. Cheese goes home a winner this holiday season! During Winter Winner-land, each child who enters a Chuck E. Cheese location receives an instant-win game piece featuring special treats, E-tickets, or a toy from the Chuck E. Cheese prize wall. Plus, one grand prize winner will take home the ultimate prize: A custom Chuck E. Cheese ICEBall Pro arcade game.

"The holidays are a special and magical time, and we want all guests who enter our venues to experience the spirit of the season. Snow globe-inspired decorations including giant snowflakes will transform each Chuck E. Cheese into our version of a Winter Winner-land," says Sherri Landry, CMO of CEC Entertainment, LLC.

Winter Winner-land is the latest installment of the brand's signature 4 Seasons of Fun and runs through January 2, 2022. The festive event brings joy and laughter to families at home and in-store through the holidays. Special experiences include not only games and prizes, but delicious seasonal sweet treats and family packages; gift card offers; and a new show and entertainment from Chuck E. and friends.

Taste the flavor of the holiday season with Churro Frost Bites and Winter Iced Brownies, along with delicious family meal deals. Shop for everyone on your gift list, too; Chuck E. Cheese gift card deals make the perfect stocking stuffers, and exclusive holiday gift boxes are available in the Chuck E. Cheese online store.

This season, Chuck E. Cheese is encouraging kids to help others win, too. Kids can give back by donating Chuck E. Cheese e-tickets throughout the season to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and BGC Clubs in Canada. The company is donating up to 15,000 toys to regional locations, as well as an additional ten thousand dollars to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America programs.

Safety comes first at Chuck E. Cheese all year long, so families can feel comfortable enjoying the Winter Winner-land activities. All Chuck E. Cheese venues follow local COVID-19 guidelines with regard to masks, air circulation, and the cleaning of games, dining rooms, and restrooms.

Visit chuckecheese.com/winter-winnerland for more information and to find locations in your area.

(NewsUSA) -Many people routinely reach for over-the-counter pain medications for immediate pain relief, especially during cold and flu season. Individuals also may reach for these medications to manage symptoms related to COVID-19. However, most people are unaware that some over-the-counter pain relievers can raise blood pressure. Only six out of 10 (63 percent) of adults with high blood pressure say they check with their doctors before choosing an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, according to a recent survey commissioned by the American Heart Association.

"People who have high blood pressure or are being treated with blood pressure medication -- along with their loved ones and caretakers -- need to be informed about safe over-the-counter pain relievers," says Willie Lawrence, Jr., M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association's National

Hypertension Control Initiative oversight committee and interventional cardiologist, medical director for health equity, Spectrum Health in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

"Because some pain relievers may cause elevated blood pressure, the American Heart Association recommends consulting your doctor or pharmacist and making sure you read the label before taking any over-the-counter medication for pain, especially if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure." Dr. Lawrence adds.

Only 28% of U.S. adults with high blood pressure know that the OTC medication acetaminophen does not raise blood pressure and is therefore a safe choice for immediate pain relief, according to the American Heart Association survey.

The American Heart Association's current guidelines for high blood pressure define it as a consistent blood pressure measurement of 130 over 80 or higher, in terms of units called millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The guidelines also state that some OTC pain relievers may elevate blood pressure.

So talk to your doctor about the potential interactions between blood pressure and any medication you are taking, including dietary supplements or other products for pain relief.

Individuals with high blood pressure can manage their condition by checking their blood pressure regularly at home with a validated monitor. Ask your doctor to recommend a monitor that would work best for you. These monitors provide useful information for regular communication with doctors through virtual visits as well as in person.

Visit heart.org/bptools for more information about managing high blood pressure and potential medication interactions.

(NewsUSA) - Today’s car shoppers want it all -- style, luxury, efficiency, and reliability. The subcompact SUV segment continues to be popular, but there is a new option on the market -- the 2023 Kia Sportage. The Sportage, Kia’s longest running nameplate, debuted the redesigned model at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

The updated Sportage offers eco-appeal with an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy over previous models, despite its larger size. 

“While Kia moves purposefully toward electrification, we are further strengthening the Sportage lineup by adding a variety of options suited for all different kinds of customers,” says Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America.

“The tremendous success formula of our current stable of SUVs has been infused into every ounce of the new Sportage, transforming it into a leader of the pack with its cutting-edge design, adventurous capability and desirable in-car technology,” Yoon emphasizes. 

The company’s design philosophy for the new Sportage is an “Opposites United” theme that combines futuristic and rugged elements for a look that’s sleek, but sporty. Click here to view video.

Distinctive features of the Sportage include: 

- Looks. The Sportage design is available in adventure trims (the X-Line, Sportage X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige) that showcase the Sportage AWD’s 1.5-inch increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and multi-terrain mode AWD system. 

- Luxury. The new Sportage offers upgrades in comfort as well as power and style. Key features include dual panoramic curved 12.3-inch display screens, angular air vents and smart story solutions. 

- Size. The Sportage is larger than its predecessors, with enhanced rear-seat legroom and the largest rear-cargo capacity in its segment. 

- Safety. Key safety features on the updated Sportage include eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including newly available features such as 360° Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live-feed Blind-Spot View Monitor within instrument cluster.

Visit kia.com for more details about the 2023 Sportage and other Kia vehicles. 

(NewsUSA) - Every family has a unique financial situation with its own set of challenges. However, financial planning can be a bit more complex for LGBTQ+ couples. Depending on the state in which they live, LGBTQ+ couples may find it hard to secure access to health care, higher earning opportunities and retirement savings.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals can help LGBTQ+ couples navigate these challenges and develop financial planning strategies tailored to their specific needs and the laws of their state.

Here are 4 examples of strategies that a CFP® professional can help you consider:

1. Estate planning: Estate planning is important for LGBTQ+ couples, particularly when considerable assets are involved such as multiple retirement accounts or real estate. In addition to a will and beneficiary designations, your estate plan should also explain how your medical wishes should be honored. Your plan should include health care proxies and medical powers of attorney.

2. Retirement planning: A CFP® professional will work with you to choose the best savings and investment options to meet your retirement goals. They can help align your investment options with your values, combine or consolidate retirement accounts, and make annual contributions. A CFP® professional can also help you review your beneficiary designations to ensure your loved ones are protected. This includes understanding the tax implications of naming a spouse and unmarried partner as a beneficiary.

3. Insurance planning: A CFP® professional can help you evaluate your needs for foundational insurance -- that is, health, life, long-term care and disability insurance. It is important to know your rights, resources and insurance-policy details before incorporating insurance into your financial plan. For example, many insurance carriers recognize domestic partner status and will offer a preferred rate if you live with your life partner, even if you are not legally married.

4. Family planning: Deciding whether to get married and whether to start a family involves many important financial considerations for LGBTQ+ couples. Marriage may offer several long-term financial benefits, including health care coverage and federal protection of certain assets. Alternatively, a domestic partnership agreement can provide financial protections for unmarried LGBTQ+ couples. And starting a family may mean saving for fertility treatments, or a domestic or international adoption program.

These strategies, along with other financial best practices, can help put LGBTQ+ couples on a path to financial success.

You can find a CFP® professional by visiting LetsMakeAPlan.org and using the Find A CFP® Professional tool. You can also filter your search to find a planner with experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

By Brad Bauer, Senior Vice President, Bamboo Health

(MWW) - Understandably, COVID continues to be a high priority for healthcare workers, public officials and the media. However, it has also drawn attention away from the opioid epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses from April 2020 to April 2021, up almost 30% from the 78,000 deaths in the prior year.

Of those deaths, more than two-thirds involved opioids. This astounding number exceeds the overdose death toll in any year since the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s and is the largest annual percentage increase since 1999, according to The Commonwealth Fund.

It's clear that healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and federal and state governments collectively must renew their focus on opioids. Not only does opioid addiction devastate communities and families, but it also exacts a huge toll on our economy.

First, treatment services for substance use disorders such as opioid addiction need to be made more accessible and affordable to those who need it. Accessibility starts with helping to fund financially imperiled and resource-strapped treatment organizations to keep their doors open and services available. To that end, the Biden Administration in August announced $10.7 million in federal grants to enable state and regional networks of pediatric mental healthcare providers to integrate telehealth services into behavioral healthcare programs and substance abuse treatment. While that's a start, more government investment in opioid treatment is critical.

Second, we need to upgrade and expand crisis services to make these easily accessible to all in need. In July, the 988 initiative launches, establishing a new nationwide 3-digit number for people in crisis to connect with a mental health professionals and suicide prevention counselors. Beyond infrastructure needed to support this, such as mobile crisis teams, states must also invest in digital infrastructure necessary to ensure people can access care once they've contacted a crisis line.

Third, we must integrate new treatment models such as telemedicine into care plans. This may require relaxing regulations governing the delivery of remote care. We know from our experience during the pandemic that telemedicine is effective, so it makes sense to permanently waive remote care restrictions so more people can get help to overcome mental health challenges and addiction.

Finally, we must continue to use the powerful technologies already at our disposal to monitor the dispensing of prescribed opioids. State prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) allow physicians and pharmacists to see a patient's recent prescription history and make more informed decisions to keep patients safe. Providers are more aware of prescriptions and changes in prescription history to help reduce negative drug interactions, prevent opioid misuse, and reduce the risk of opioid-related harm.

Bamboo Health's NarxCare is a clinical decision support tool and care management technology application currently used in more than 30 states and jurisdictions. The platform helps prescribers and dispensers analyze controlled substance data from PDMPs to make more informed prescription-care decisions. NarxCare automatically analyzes PDMP data and then it provides an interactive visualization of prescription drug usage patterns along with use scores and an overdose risk score.

NarxCare is designed to provide physicians and pharmacists with a tool to ensure highly addictive pain medication is prescribed accurately to those who need it, while also helping to identify patients who may need intervening steps.

The opioid epidemic isn't going away by itself. We must all focus on reducing the death and destruction caused by insidious and persistent addiction. It will take caring, commitment, cooperation, and the right tools and resources. It will be a tough fight, but it's one we can win.