(NewsUSA) - The 2023 Marine Toys for Tots campaign season is well underway as Marines and volunteers work tirelessly with local businesses, media, and community leaders to provide holiday hope and joy to children in need in their local communities.

As the Christmas holiday approaches, we are asking for support from the American public now more than ever. Families across the Nation continue to face increasing challenges with rising costs and other economic hardships. When families are struggling to make financial ends meet, providing their children with Christmas gifts can feel entirely out of their reach.

That is why we are encouraging our dedicated supporters to give as generously as they can on Giving Tuesday.

“Giving Tuesday — or as we like to call it, Giving TOYSday — is a chance for Toys for Tots supporters to come together and make miracles happen for children in need all across our Nation,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“These children need and deserve every advantage we can give them, starting with a simple gift to open on Christmas morning,” LtGen Laster continues.

Giving TOYSday also serves as a reminder that generosity is not limited to material possession alone. Your kindness helps instill empathy, compassion, and responsibility in children and future generations, shaping them into more caring and socially conscious individuals.

Toys for Tots 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. By donating on Giving TOYSday, you can help ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of the holidays. Together, we can provide Christmas miracles and optimism to even more disadvantaged children across our Nation.

Visit toysfortots.org to donate on Giving TOYSday (or any day) or visit your local campaign website to find other ways to donate this giving season!

(NewsUSA) - For older Americans who smoke or have diabetes or high blood pressure, leg pain could signal a problem with blood flow and needs to be checked by a doctor.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart become narrow. The most common type of PAD affects the legs and feet.

Typical symptoms of PAD include sensations of burning, aching, numbness, fatigue, or pain in the leg or hip muscles while walking and occur when blocked arteries keep the legs from getting the blood flow they need.

Many people are unaware they have it, according to experts at the American Heart Association. Left untreated, PAD can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. In extreme cases, limb amputation is needed. Peripheral artery disease affects about 8.5 million American adults, with Black people disproportionately facing diagnosis and greater likelihood of amputation.

Fortunately, early detection can reduce the risk of complications.

“It’s important for people who are risk for PAD to talk to their doctors about their concerns, and especially important to ask their doctor to check the pulses in their feet,” said Dr. Natalie Evans, an American Heart Association volunteer expert serving on the national PAD Collaborative.

Several strategies to manage PAD include:

- Stop smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for PAD and can lead to complications for people diagnosed with PAD. 

- Get moving. Physical activity is a way to potentially prevent and treat PAD. Even if you have been diagnosed with PAD, regular exercise should be part of your treatment plan. Follow your doctor’s advice and start slowly.

- Eat well. Good nutrition is important for health and weight management. Many people with PAD also have high cholesterol, and a diet low in saturated fat can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of PAD complications.

-- Manage blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for PAD, but consistent blood sugar management can help reduce their risk.

-- Take medication as prescribed.

“Medications and walking exercise are usually the first-line treatments for people with PAD, but some people may need to have more invasive procedures to restore blood flow, like a stent that’s put inside the blood vessel or a bypass surgery,” said Evans, a vascular medicine specialist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute in Cleveland, and assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

“Unfortunately, sometimes people with severe PAD can lose a toe, foot, or leg due to amputation,” she said. “This is the thing my patients with PAD often worry about the most. The good news is that for most people, if we can catch PAD early we can prevent this worst-case scenario. That’s why it’s important to educate people about PAD. I also recommend that patients with PAD work with specialists who are trained in treating vascular disease.”

The bottom line: Take off your shoes and socks at a medical checkup and tell your doctor if you have any concerns about pain or discomfort in your legs and feet.

Visit heart.org/PAD for more information about the signs and symptoms of PAD.

(NewsUSA) - Residents and visitors to Northeast Pennsylvania can now explore a new addition to Pinchot State Forest – a 2,216-foot peaked mountain that is a stunning backdrop to the town of Tunkhannock.

Known locally as Miller Mountain, the 2,500-acre forested property was purchased with the help of natural gas infrastructure company, Williams, to ensure its permanent protection and public access. Williams handles one third of the nation’s natural gas, serving communities across the United States.

Miller Mountain is believed to be the last undeveloped, privately owned peak of its size in Pennsylvania and now is the first state forestland in Wyoming County.

“I cannot wait to view the area from the top of Miller Mountain and take in the beautiful sights provided from its vistas,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Williams partnered with DCNR and The Conservation Fund (TCF) to secure the property, which has been a priority for conservation for decades, said Kyle Shenk, Northeast Regional Director for TCF.

“Miller Mountain is an iconic feature of the landscape here in Tunkhannock so it's wonderful to have it protected in perpetuity and open to anyone to come visit,” he said.

Located in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, the property provides critical habitat for migratory birds, black bears, white-tailed deer and bobcats, and supports headwater streams of the Susquehanna River watershed.

Williams, which employs more than 200 people in the area, welcomed the opportunity to support the project, said Chad Teply, Sr. Vice President of Transmission and Gulf of Mexico.

“We’re excited about all of the recreational opportunities Miller Mountain has to offer to residents, visitors and our employees in Northeast Pennsylvania, while truly appreciating that critical wildlife habitat and watersheds are protected for generations to come,” he said.

Local resident and conservationist Bill Kern said he’s long championed the mountain’s conservation.

“I grew up on the back side of Miller Mountain and spent my childhood recreating there,” he said. “To see it permanently protected is one of the most important things to me in my life. And to know that others will be able to enjoy it, is just absolutely incredible.” 

DCNR staff is assessing the land to develop plans for trails and other recreational opportunities.

The property will be a big boost to local tourism and attracting industry to Wyoming County, said county commissioner chairman Rick Wilbur.

“The opening of Miller Mountain to the public is huge,” he said. “It never would have happened without the generosity of Williams.”

Watch a video about Miller Mountain here.

(NewsUSA) - The holidays ring in a season of food prep and culinary indulgence, enticing people and pets with an abundance of activity in the kitchen as holiday meals and treats are prepared for family and friends. As celebrations commence, it’s easy to allow your pets to take part in the festivities with special treats and scraps, as meals are prepared. Expert Veterinarian Dr. Aziza Glass for Freshpet, the leading fresh pet food company, advises pet parents to be choosey when it comes to involving your pet in the holidays, helping avoid the ER and creating ways to make the moments special.

Foods to Skip

Foods to keep away from your pet include any type of bones, sauce-ladened sides such as mashed potatoes or creamed peas, onions, garlic, and spicy foods.

Some dangerous holiday foods might come as a surprise to pet parents. Grapes, raisins, and currants may seem healthy, but they are extremely poisonous to dogs and potentially cats, whether alone, in a fruitcake or other food, according to Dr. Glass.

Also on the naughty list are alcoholic beverages and chocolate, as well as cookies, pies, and other sweets.

Fatty meat scraps aren’t safe either, as they can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Foods to Pick

Consider these twists on holiday favorite foods that are safe and easy to serve your pet as special occasion treats:

Cranberries: Skip the sweetened cranberry sauce, and instead serve your dog cranberries straight up. Whether dried, frozen, or fresh, a small handful is the perfect holiday dog dessert. Just keep moderation in mind, says Dr. Glass, since too many can cause an upset stomach.

Vegetables: If vegetables are on your menu, consider them for your pet as a healthy treat. Green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, are safe and nourishing options - just remember to keep the prep simple, avoiding seasonings including salt and pepper.

Fresh Pet Food: Take the guesswork out and give your pet a special holiday meal from Freshpet. Freshpet recipes include high quality proteins and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and are developed by veterinary nutritionists. For example, Freshpet’s Select Chunky Chicken & Turkey Roll includes peas, carrots and brown rice and never any fillers or additives - a simple way to elevate the nutritional value of your dog food bowl for the holidays and beyond.

For more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit freshpet.com.

(NewsUSA) - On a global level, models of governance for artificial intelligence (AI) are on display for judgement and potential adoption, and the United States is poised to shape the future geopolitical order by providing an effective, democratic model for generative AI governance, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

Although the U.S. has established governance mechanisms that can be adapted to address imminent threats to society from generative AI (GenAI), we also must explore new approaches, as well as international governance mechanisms to address the global issues raised by GenAI.

The rapid advancement of GenAI has several near-term implications for society, including threats to democratic values such as privacy, nondiscrimination, fairness, and accountability.

“Synthetic media is nearly, or at least soon will be, indiscernible from truth and GenAI allows for increased volume,” according to SCSP.

The U.S. government should utilize existing capabilities to address the most pressing concerns presented by GenAI to society, while continuing to explore additional mechanisms.

To that end, SCSP advises attention to four key areas:

Domestic Election Systems. To protect U.S. digital information and elections systems, SCSP recommends a voluntary standard of conduct for synthetic media in advance of the 2024 elections. This standard could be based on existing guidance, such as the Partnership on AI’s Responsible Practices for Synthetic Media. In addition, Congress should increase public digital literacy education and disinformation awareness to alert the public of the use of synthetic media in federal elections.

Domestic Regulatory Needs. The United States should consider a flexible AI governance model that includes four principles previously identified by SCSP: govern AI use cases and outcomes by sector; empower and modernize existing regulators, while considering a longer-term centralized AI regulatory authority; focus on highly consequential uses, both beneficial and harmful significant impacts; and strengthen non-regulatory AI governance, such as the voluntary codes of conduct, with input from industry and key stakeholders.

Digital Platforms from Countries of Concern. An increased number of United States voters use foreign digital platforms from countries of concern, and these platforms are converging with GenAI. For example, ByteDance has incorporated a chatbot into TikTok in Southeast Asia. GenAI presents the possibility of increasing the volume and speed of malign content on platforms.

Governing Transnational Generative AI Challenges. GenAI’s transnational nature makes international mechanisms essential to domestic governance. GenAI’s risks cut across borders and affect sovereignty, social harms, and legitimate law enforcement needs.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - The holidays are right around the corner, and so are the Black Friday deals you want. Check out this guide for details on this year’s must-have gifts from Spin Master.

Monster Jam Grave Digger Trax. Monster Jam fans have their eyes on the latest remote-controlled vehicle, the Grave Digger Trax. The unique body design and rugged treads are engineered for epic Monster Jam stunts, including back wheelies and donuts. The all-terrain Grave Digger Trax conquers mud, rocks, dirt, and snow, and even floats through water.

$69.99 – 36 % off on Amazon starting November 24th

Batman Gotham City Guardian Playset. Unleash the ultimate Batman experience: a massive two-and-a-half-foot tall playset that transforms into three vehicles (the Batwing, BatTank, and Batcycle) plus a Bat Computer and Mobile Command Center. When combined, the elements form a giant Mech Batman, ready to defend Gotham City against the forces of evil. Other special features include lights, sounds, and an exclusive four-inch armored Batman figure that fits into any of the vehicles.

$99.99 – 32% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle. Bring the beach home with the all-new Kinetic Sand Deluxe Beach Castle playset. This set features two and a half pounds of Kinetic Sand, and everything you need to create a unique sand kingdom, including a multi-tier tray for dynamic beach builds and 9 new, multi-purpose tools and molds to for custom decorating. Once you're done playing, seal the play tray with the innovative easy-seal lid. 

$24.99 - 54% off on Amazon now!

Cool Maker PopStyle Bracelet Maker. Make bracelets in a snap with the PopStyle Bracelet Maker; no knots, clasps, or cuts needed. Choose from 170 gorgeous beads, place them on the elastics, and pop the top to reveal your custom bracelet. The fun doesn’t stop there—you can make and remake up to 10 different bracelets easily by popping off and swapping the beads whenever you want. Bead designs include emojis, stripes, and letter stickers for the ultimate personal touch.

$24.99 - 38% off on Amazon starting November 24th

Rubble & Crew Bark Yard Crane Tower Playset. The Bark Yard Playset is inspired by the construction yard and home base for the pups in the popular series Rubble & Crew. This playset includes lights, sounds, music, and phrases that fans will recognize from the show. The playset stands more than 2 feet tall and comes with 12 ounces of Kinetic Sand Build-It Sand, four molds, interchangeable tools and a Rubble vehicle and pup to encourage open-ended building and sensory play for preschoolers.

$79.99 – 33% off on Amazon now!

(NewsUSA) - With the holiday season upon us and Small Business Saturday around the corner, many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) want to utilize their time efficiently more than ever. Equipping your teams with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled business technology solutions will allow them to efficiently tackle creative tasks and save time on administrative work so they can maximize time with the people who matter most.

AI continues to drive conversations and decisions for businesses of all sizes, with a recent study showing 68% of IT leaders across the globe saying AI will define business strategy by the end of 2024. Furthermore, research shows the global AI market size was valued at USD 136.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. This points to the rising influence of AI being viewed as the key to improving efficiencies and enhancing use cases across verticals.

AI can be a lifesaver for small businesses as it can help save time, improve workflows and power technology solutions to provide greater performance for a business’ needs. As the adoption of AI expands across industries, so does the need for high-performing and secure solutions.

The era of AI adoption

Now is the time for small businesses to invest in AI-enabled solutions as recent industry reports share that approximately 45% of small businesses are considering AI solutions to help allocate more time to core business operations. Another small business report indicated 91% of small businesses that use AI said it has helped make their business more successful and 60% said that AI saves time and promotes efficiency.

AI can benefit small businesses in several ways, including streamlining workflows, using AI-powered visual enhancements and noise cancellation features to keep meetings running smoothly and effectively. Incorporating AI-enabled hardware and software with intelligent cooling features and adaptive performance management can help tackle heavy workloads, enhance privacy and improve protection against cyber threats.

AI also promotes the creation of personalized services for customers as well as employees, and the implementation of data-driven insights to improve experiences inside and outside of the business. This allows businesses to stand apart from their competitors as they cater to their consumers' needs by providing them with personalized experiences.

Since small businesses may not have the budget to invest in multiple fail-safe business solutions, AI can save small businesses money by predicting and preventing device downtime through intelligent predictive analytics.

Taking advantage of AI-ready servers, cutting edge smart devices, and versatile hardware simplifies the adoption and use of AI by businesses and organizations of all sizes. Procurement and capital expense can be further managed by the adoption of as-a-service models that can include AI solutions to support public or private cloud AI models.  

How Lenovo is supporting SMBs with AI-enabled technology solutions

To help small businesses thrive, there are numerous business solutions available such as the latest Lenovo ThinkPad commercial laptops which offer AI-enabled features such as computer vision technology with enhanced video image quality and human presence detection, and self-healing BIOS for added protection. For businesses seeking immersive solutions, the ThinkReality XR solution helps users access deeper, captivating simulations, an ideal solution for remote job training or diagnostic services. In addition, SMBs can optimize AI-assisted functionality with devices within Lenovo’s ThinkBook line purpose-built for SMBs. They offer the latest collaboration technology with AI Meeting Manager, and include scalability and robust security features, such as a mechanical camera shutter and fingerprint-activated power button.

Ultimately, by learning how to harness the capabilities of AI to bring the most value to their business, small businesses can enable transformative intelligence across all industries.

Visit Lenovo.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - A Reaction to Messianic Missionaries by Cheryl Simani

A fresh, exciting perspective on the missionary/counter-missionary controversy. Appalled by the nefarious tactics of Christian missionaries disguised as Jews, Rabbanit Simani pens a personal letter to those misled by their wiles. She addresses the “Jews for Jesus” organization head-on and dives deep into the characters and sources for Jewish and Christian Messianic claims.

The book addresses the development of the “Messianic Jewish” movement and the “Isaiah 53 Campaign” – an aggressive effort targeting Jews with misinformation to convert them to their disguised form of Christianity. It also outlines the conflicting historical paths of Judaism and Christianity.  This is a dynamic perspective of the origins of Early Christianity, a must-read for anyone interested in who was or will be the Messiah. A perfect gift for the “truth-seekers” among family and friends, and that special rabbi. Purchase at https://bit.ly/45OLZue.

The Coppinville Experience by Frederick Hamilton

This book is a testament that it's not where you start, but how you reach your potential. Frederick L. Hamilton was born into poverty, but by God's favor is led to a public service career improving the lives of low-income persons that mirror his childhood. His story starts with his great, great, great, great, grandparents being born into slavery. It follows his genealogy through Coffee County and Enterprise, Alabama and presents the genesis of education for Blacks in Enterprise.

At an early age, he developed a powerful relationship with God. He understood his family was poor, but God was still present and his family is blessed with love. This book is A historic, comical, spiritual, and triumphant example of how God can use anybody to do His Will! Purchase at https://bit.ly/3QYXgUg.

Diplomats & Admirals by Dale A. Jenkins

Was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor inevitable? It’s November 1941. Japan and the U.S. are teetering on a knife-edge as leaders on both sides of the Pacific strive to prevent war between them. But failed diplomacy, foiled negotiations, and possible duplicity in the Roosevelt Administration thwart their attempts.

 Drawing on now-declassified original documents, here’s the inside story, including:

• How hidden agendas of powerful civilian and military leaders pushed the two nations toward war
• Miscommunications, misjudgments, and blunders that doomed peace efforts
• China’s role in the U.S. ultimatum that triggered the Pearl Harbor attack
• Why the carrier-to-carrier showdown at Coral Sea proved a fatal mistake for Japan
• How U.S. navy pilots snatched victory from defeat at the Battle of Midway

Combining perspectives from military and civilian leaders, here are new insights into the Pacific naval battles that shaped the world. Purchase at https://bit.ly/48stnCw.

The Future King: Return of the Once Monarch by Vishnul Jain

Plunge into a modern world full of magical creatures and sorcery in this Amazon bestselling novel, as Merlin grapples with the insidious Order of Rhamnusia in a race to control the return of the Once and Future King. Will the Order free Morgana and control the fate of the king’s return? Or will Merlin rise to redemption after the tragedy that befell him centuries ago and become the hero this world so desperately needs?

 "The fanciful illustrations lend a storybook ambiance to the novel. The prose reads at a young adult level but with enough flourishes and spark to fire adult readers' imaginations too...A remarkable, inventive tale combining elements of two very different cultures with ancient traditions...Devotees of the Arthurian legend will appreciate this modern spinoff of a classic tale," says The US Review. Purchase at https://bit.ly/40lQjzW.

(NewsUSA) - As the holiday season approaches, more people are out shopping, searching crowded stores and online promotions for the best discounts, and using their credit cards to pay for it all. But beware the financial dangers of credit use — how you pay for these deals could safeguard your budget or lead to debt.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional can help you guard against costly credit mistakes, paving the way for a financially sound festive season and beyond. Learn more about how to use credit in a way that works for you with the insights below.

Choose Your Credit Card Wisely

Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or purchasing necessities like groceries, the credit card you use can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider:

• Interest Rates. Rates generally run from 21-33%. The standard bank card charges at the low end of the range, and retailer credit cards (those typically with the store’s name on them) charge as much as 33%.
• Cash Back. Among the best deals are bank cards that offer cash back ranging from 1-4% of your purchase.
• Rewards Points. Some cards have rewards programs where you earn points that you can redeem for products or services. They may seem attractive but are worthwhile only if you’re actually interested in the rewards offered.
• Cash Discounts. While retailer credit cards have the highest rates, some offer big cash discounts at the point of purchase. That may be the only time they’re worth using.

Improving Your Credit Score

Boosting your credit score can help you qualify for the lowest available interest rates on auto loans, personal loans and mortgages. If you can, pay the full balance when your credit card bill arrives. But most importantly, never miss a payment. Paying on time not only avoids late fees, but also is a key factor in improving your credit score. The easy way to ensure timely payment is to set up automatic online payments.

A CFP^® professional can help you develop other strategies to save money while improving your credit profile, including the following:

• Identifying which debt to pay down first.
• Switching to balance transfer cards that don’t charge interest for a year or longer.
• Converting high-interest debt with interest payments that are not tax-deductible to lower-interest debt whose interest payments are tax-deductible.

Establishing Credit

Lenders offer credit to people with a long and reliable credit history. Most young adults don’t have one. There are various ways to obtain credit, but steer clear of debit cards that claim they can help you build a credit history. When you consider the costs and requirements, they’re usually no bargain. You have better and cheaper options for establishing credit. Here are three of them:

• Get a secured credit card.
• If you have a student loan, make sure you’re up-to-date with payments.
• If you pay rent, ask your landlord to report your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.

The choices we make in managing credit can have a lasting impact on our financial journey. As you navigate the complex credit landscape, remember that CFP^® professionals can offer tailored guidance for your unique circumstances. Whether it's identifying strategic debt payments, exploring balance transfer options or establishing credit responsibly, a CFP^® professional can provide a roadmap for achieving your financial goals. Find a CFP^® professional today.

(NewsUSA) - November 15 is America Recycles Day – a day to celebrate recycling and encourage people to be mindful of what they consume and where and how to recycle. While it seems like an easy task, only 32 percent of waste is recycled, according to the EPA. Barriers to recycling include limited access to recycling bins, lack of recycling facilities and not knowing what can and can’t be recycled.

Regarding that last point, did you know that pet food cans, which are made from aluminum and steel, are recyclable? No need to peel off the label; just rinse the can and put the lid inside. However, recycling pet food cans is important because using recycled aluminum cans to make new aluminum cans takes 95 percent less energy than making new cans from raw materials.  

“Making a difference can be easy, and Purina has launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to encourage pet owners to help make an impact by recycling their pet food cans,” says Gopi Sandhu, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Purina. “Aluminum and steel cans can be reused over and over when recycled, but we need pet owners’ help to get pet food cans into the recycling bin. We want to help create a healthier planet for pets and people for generations to come, and recycling pet food cans is a small step that we can take.”

To participate in the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge, pet owners can upload their best recycling trick shot video to Instagram and/or TikTok using the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. Trick shots can be as simple as tossing a pet food can into the bin or as elaborate as the use of a Rube Goldberg machine. Through December 15, 2023, Purina will donate $10 for every original video posted using the hashtag and $1 for every engagement (like/share/comment) for a total donation of up to $100,000 to The Recycling Partnership to help increase access to recycling across the country.

Beyond participating in the challenge, keep these simple tips in mind to make a difference through recycling:

-Check the labels: Look on product packaging for specific recycling instructions. On Purina products, for example, look for the How2Recycle icon. Ask local waste haulers or community recycling centers to verify if a specific material is acceptable for single-stream recycling. 

-Check the dates: Know the recyclable collection days in your neighborhood and note that holidays may affect these days and times. For updated information, visit your local recycling programs’ website.

-Shop sustainably: Many brands use recycled materials in their packaging or design packaging with recycling in mind. Currently, nearly 90 percent of Purina’s plastic packages are designed for recycling. In addition, nearly half of Purina’s Tidy Cats litter jugs are made with 60 percent post-consumer resin.

-Share and simplify: Keep recycling bins visible during gatherings, especially for guests; this makes recycling easy and encourages others to recycle at home.

For more information, visit https://www.purina.com/about/recycling/recycling-challenge.