(BookTrib) - “When Waiting Becomes Life” by Jeff Deaton, MD

“When Waiting Becomes Life” gently illuminates the often unseen emotional landscape of infertility — a journey many walk in silence. Drawing on heartfelt, real-life stories from women and couples who have faced failed cycles, loss and years of uncertainty, Dr. Jeff Deaton blends compassionate medical insight with deeply human narrative. Each chapter offers not only the raw honesty of lived experience but also practical, encouraging advice that helps readers process grief, confront shame and navigate complex treatment decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Readers praise the book for its warmth and wisdom, noting how Deaton’s balanced mix of hope, science and empathy makes even the most difficult moments feel shared rather than endured alone. Whether you’re living the struggle or supporting someone who is, this book offers solace, strength and a reminder: waiting isn’t the whole story — growth and resilience can be part of the journey too.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/when-waiting-becomes-life.

“Choosing Emotions: Thinking with Your Head and Acting with Your Heart” by D. Earl Johnston

What if emotional intelligence begins not with regulation — but with vocabulary? In “Choosing Emotions,” D. Earl Johnston presents what he calls an “Emotionary”— a cross-disciplinary reference that defines 272 emotional states drawn from philosophy, psychology, science, art and spiritual traditions. After nine years of research and integrating more than 1,800 contributors spanning 3,000 years of recorded thought, Johnston points out that emotional literacy depends on definitional clarity.

From everyday experiences like admiration and confidence to complex states such as trauma and procrastination, each entry’s source ranges from clinical terminology to street expressions alongside insights from history’s great thinkers. Johnston also introduces a provocative linguistic idea: emotions function as the adverbial drivers of behavior — shaping how we act as much as what we do.

Designed equally for browsing or deeper study, “Choosing Emotions” invites readers to name, understand and easily navigate the full spectrum of human experience. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kRi4KU.

“Summertime & Short Stories” by Stanislas M Yassukovich

In "Summertime & Short Stories," Stanislas M. Yassukovich invites readers into a world of privilege, longing and moral reckoning. The title novella unfolds among Long Island’s old-money elite, where a respected general practitioner embarks on an affair with a patient — a transgression that entangles both in layers of professional guilt and unresolved family ties.

The accompanying stories traverse elegant international settings and intimate emotional terrain. A brass rubbing hobbyist discovers a gravestone bearing his own name. A pleasure-seeking gentleman seeks redemption through charity. An introvert is swept into an insider trading scandal by his domineering girlfriend. Elsewhere, a painter’s canvas mysteriously fades, a polo-playing playboy confronts loss, sisters clash over love, and a father weighs the measure of his bond with his son.

By turns ironic, reflective and quietly provocative, this collection explores desire, consequence and the fragile façades that shape human lives.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/46LyAGi.

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” by Bobby “Z” Zielinski

The rite of passage: from the schoolyard – to the candy store – to the bar.

The bar in the ‘50s and ‘60s was where you cashed your paycheck, socialized with your friends, borrowed money, and bought various items that “just fell off” the back of a truck! It was where you also bet the numbers for the horses and paid off the “shys.”

Every Friday, from 3:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, everything revolved around Slippery Eddie, the bartender. Every hour, a different story unfolded.

As an 84-year-old vet, cancer and Covid survivor, recovering alcoholic (46 years), original Jersey City ‘50s bad boy, high school dropout, and published author and poet, Bobby “Z” has lived it all – and lived to tell the tale.

“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” could very well be the next “Bronx Tale,” “Goodfellas” or “Sopranos.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/49DUux3 or visit the author’s website, Tales of the Junkyard Dog, at https://talesofthejunkyarddog.wordpress.com/ for more information. Zielinski can also be contacted at [email protected].

(NewsUSA) - The Department of Defense's, now renamed the Department of War by the current administration, acquisitions, notoriously sluggish and inefficient, is undergoing a change to make its historically sluggish acquisitions system more agile and responsive.

Defense acquisition is the process by which military forces, such as the U.S. Department of Defense, identify needs, manage investments, and procure technology, systems, and services. The goal of an acquisition plan is to deliver whatever warfighters need in a timely and cost-effective way.

The main components of the United States’ Defense Acquisition System include identifying the warfighter’s needs, allocating resources/securing funds, and managing the development and purchase of systems.

In a recent podcast with the at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI, Steve Blank, co-founder of the Stanford Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, discussed the recent revision of the Department of War’s acquisition system. Blank shared how an attitude shift has the potential to drive changes in DoW activities to maintain competitiveness in the future.

Changes in acquisition start by changing the culture of those involved in the process, Blank said. Those in charge need to switch to a problem-centric and minimum-deployable model, he explained.

In late 2025, the DoW announced the implementation of a new "Acquisition Transformation Strategy" (ATS), announced in late 2025, to shift to a wartime-oriented, rapid-fielding model focused on speed, industrial base expansion, and leveraging commercial technology. Key pillars include empowering the workforce, maximizing flexibility, reducing bureaucratic oversight, and strengthening lifecycle risk management. 

Key elements of the new ATS include:

• · Workforce Transformation: The Defense Acquisition University is being redesigned as the "Warfighting Acquisition University" (WAU) with the goal of instilling a more efficient warrior mindset, according to the DoW.
• · Streamlining development: Reducing bureaucracy, including the number of test managers, is intended to accelerate the acquisition process.
• · Going commercial: The new strategy includes adopting existing commercial off-the-shelf technology and using outside contractors, when possible, in order to speed up procurement.
• · Broadening the base: Rebuilding and diversify the defense industrial base is needed to ensure a steady, reliable demand signal.
• · Taking more risks: The ATS allows for accepting higher, calculated risks to deliver capabilities faster, rather than waiting for long-term, traditional cycles. 

This new strategy marks a shift from a "requirements-based" to a "solutions-based" acquisition model, that is designed to get tools into the hands of warfighters more quickly.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more about the evolution of DoW strategies and other issues related to America’s global competitiveness.

(NewsUSA) - While February is recognized as National Random Acts of Kindness month, Marine Toys for Tots knows kindness doesn’t have to be spontaneous to be powerful. That is why Toys for Tots celebrates Not So Random Acts of Kindness. The Program sees the impact of intentional acts of kindness every time someone chooses to give, volunteer, or lend support—not just during the holidays, but in the middle of ordinary days, busy seasons, and challenging moments.   

Thanks to the not so random acts of generosity of local Coordinators, donors, National Corporate Partners, and supporting organizations, the Program distributed 24 million toys, books, and other gifts to nearly 11 million children in need in 2025.

These contributions weren’t random gestures. They were choices made by individuals and communities who believed every child deserves hope, comfort, and joy. Together, these choices created a nationwide ripple effect that reached far beyond city centers and suburban neighborhoods.

Some of those ripples traveled farther than most.

Across Alaska’s North Slope and Northwest Arctic Borough, U.S. Marines with Detachment Delta Company, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, carried out a mission defined by purpose and resilience. As part of Operation Polar Knight, Marines delivered nearly 14,000 pounds of toys to some of the most remote communities in the United States—places where winter roads don’t exist, weather can ground aircraft for days, and access to basic goods is limited.

This mission was only possible because of collective efforts: the generosity of the American public, the dedication of the Anchorage Toys for Tots Chapter, and the determination of the Marines who carried the mission across snow, ice, and Arctic skies. Without these combined efforts, children living in some of the most isolated regions of the country would not experience the magic of the holiday season.

“These deliveries weren’t random gestures either. They were purposeful acts of kindness—planned months in advance, supported by countless volunteers, and executed with precision in some of the harshest conditions on Earth,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Every gift was a conscious choice to support a child in need and a promise to keep the spirit of the season shining, even in the most remote corners of Alaska,” he emphasized.

Operation Polar Knight is just one example of how intentional acts of kindness transforms lives. Across the country, the Program’s supporters continue to make a difference all year long. Through year-round literacy efforts, support for children in Foster Care, and disaster response and recovery distribution events, donors help ensure that children in need receive comfort, encouragement, and opportunity.

Now in their 79th year, Toys for Tots continues to demonstrate that generosity is not random. It is a commitment—renewed year after year—to bring hope to children everywhere. Toys for Tots’ mission as a year-round force for good reminds us what happens when intentional acts of kindness come together: communities are strengthened, children are uplifted, and the spirit of giving reaches places where it matters most.

To learn more about Toys for Tots or to make a donation, please visit www.toysfortots.org.

(NewsUSA) - Like many veterans, Brian Owens, 53 from Kentucky, knows all too well that the invisible burdens of military service can linger long after the uniform comes off. For Brian, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, it was his heart that felt the ongoing impacts the most.  

Veterans face an increased risk of developing hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, a condition that affects an estimated 37% of the U.S. veteran population.¹ Research from a large cohort study found that both combat exposure and combat injury were associated with higher odds of developing hypertension.² For Brian, this is significant as men are already more likely to develop high blood pressure - 50.8% of adult men compared to 44.6% of women - and face greater cardiovascular risk over time.³

Treating hypertension early on is essential as the condition can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health concerns if left untreated.^4,5 Brian’s treatment journey started like most do, being prescribed medication for high blood pressure and making changes to his diet and exercise routine. For Brian, the medication was helpful at first, but over time, his blood pressure increased, even with multiple prescriptions. “I was on five or six different medications at one point,” Brian recalls. "I was doing what I was supposed to, but I wasn’t getting better.” 

Brian’s experience reflects a wider problem: controlling the “silent killer” is often elusive, and medication is not always enough. In fact, up to 50% of patients can’t maintain a routine to take medication within one year.^6,7 

After years of trying and seeing little progress, Brian started to feel helpless - like blood pressure control was out of reach. While working at Norton Healthcare, Brian ran into Dr. Matthew Sousa, an interventional cardiologist, who helped him seek answers for his uncontrolled high blood pressure. Dr. Sousa and Debbie Davis, a nurse manager at Norton Healthcare, helped him learn more about his treatment options and ultimately decide on a path forward.  

“After telling Debbie and Dr. Sousa my story and concerns, they asked if I’d be open to a new procedure that could help,” Brian said. After discussing his options with his doctor and seeing if he would be a good candidate, Brian decided to move forward with a minimally invasive treatment called the Symplicity^TM blood pressure procedure, which uses radiofrequency energy to calm overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to high blood pressure.⁸ 

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which uses the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, can help reduce blood pressure numbers when other options, such as lifestyle changes and medications, haven’t worked. In fact, at three years, the average number of patients taking medication saw an 18.5 mmHg reduction in office blood pressure, although results may vary.⁹ The procedure may deliver sustained blood pressure reduction.^{**10, 11} 

Since having the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, Brian has experienced a reduction in his blood pressure.*** Now, Brian is sharing his story in hopes of helping others, especially fellow veterans. “It’s something a lot of veterans are dealing with, but don’t talk about,” he said. “If my experience can help someone else ask the right questions or explore new options, it’s worth it.” 

Between volunteering with Toys for Tots, raising two daughters, and staying active through competitive shooting, Brian is embracing a new chapter with renewed energy and a healthier outlook on life. 

To learn more about renal denervation and the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, visit beyondHBP.com. Risks associated with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure include, but are not limited to, pain and bruising. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about treatment options. 

*Brian has received compensation in the past from Medtronic for sharing his experience with the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.  

**Data available through three years.  

***This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure. However, individual results may vary.   

1 American Heart Association Newsroom. Joining Forces to Address Hypertension Among Veterans in Las Vegas. https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/joining-forces-to-address-hypertension-among-veterans-in-las-vegas. Published March 8, 2023 
2. Howard, J. T., Stewart, I. J., Kolaja, C. A., Sosnov, J. A., Rull, R. P., Torres, I., Janak, J. C., Walker, L. E., Trone, D. W., & Armenta, R. F. (2020). Hypertension in military veterans is associated with combat exposure and combat injury. Journal of hypertension, 38(7), 1293–1301. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000002364 
3 Fryar, C. D., Kit, B. K., Carroll, M. D., & Afful, J. (2024, October). Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among adults aged 18 and over: United States, August 2021–August 2023 (NCHS Data Brief No. 511). National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db511.pdf 
4 Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678. 
5 High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024. 
6 Jung O, Gechter JL, Wunder C, et al. Resistant hypertension? Assessment of adherence by toxicological urine analysis. J Hypertens. 2013 Apr;31(4):766-74. 
7 Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306. 
8 Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177. 
9 Kandzari, DE. SPYRAL HTN-ON MED 3 Year Data. Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference. October 2025. 
10 Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, Kario K, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. April 9, 2022;399(10333):1401–1410. 
11 Mahfoud F, Mancia G, Schmieder R, et al. Blood pressure and MACE reductions after renal denervation: 3-year Global Symplicity Registry results. Presented at PCR e-Course 2022." 

US-SE-2500758 v 3.0 

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company 

Important Safety Information   

The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure (BPP) is a minimally invasive procedure approved to help lower high blood pressure. The procedure is approved as a complement to treatments you may already be trying, such as lifestyle modifications and high blood pressure medications that might not be adequately controlling your blood pressure.   

Receiving the Symplicity BPP should be based on a joint decision between you and your doctor. Consider the benefits and risks of the device and procedure. Please talk to your doctor to decide whether or not the Symplicity BPP is right for you.  

If you have a pacemaker or an ICD, your doctor will follow up with steps to take ahead of the procedure if you decide it is right for you.  

At the time of your procedure, your doctor may detect certain anatomical conditions (e.g., your blood vessels are too big or too small) that do not allow the blood pressure procedure to continue.  

You should not receive the procedure if you cannot tolerate medications that are required for the procedure, like atropine, nitroglycerin, systemic blood thinners, or certain pain medications. These medications are to help you in case your heart rate drops too low, you experience pain, or your blood vessels tighten during the procedure. You should not receive the procedure if you are pregnant.  

The Symplicity BPP has not been studied in patients: • Who are breastfeeding • Who are under 18 years old • Who have isolated systolic hypertension (only the “top number” of your blood pressure is high) • Who have secondary causes of high blood pressure   
• Who have had a renal stent placed less than 3 months prior to the procedure • Who had a prior minimally invasive treatment in their renal arteries (stenting, angioplasty, or prior renal denervation)  

Potential risks of the Symplicity BPP (note that you may experience other problems that have not been previously observed with this procedure): • Allergic reaction to the imaging solution • Damage to your arteries • Future narrowing of your arteries • Arterio-enteric fistula (an abnormal connection between your aorta and your gastrointestinal tract) • AV fistula (an irregular connection between an artery and a vein) • Bleeding or blood clots • Bruising where the device enters your body (mild or severe) • Cardiac arrest or heart attack • Death • Deep vein thrombosis • Swelling • Slow heart rate • Infection • Low or high blood pressure • Damage to your kidneys that may cause one or both to stop working • Nausea or vomiting • Peripheral ischemia (lack of blood supply to your limbs) • Pulmonary embolism (a sudden block in your arteries that send blood to your lungs) • Pseudoaneurysm (blood collecting on the outside of a vessel wall causing a balloon-like widening) • Pain or discomfort • Skin burns from the failure of the equipment during the procedure • Exposure to radiation • Stroke  

For further information, please call and/or consult Medtronic at 800-633-8766 or the Medtronic website at medtronic.com. 

(NewsUSA) - Religion is many things to many people, but it should never be a justification for hate and violence, and a little-known but impactful non-profit organization is hard at work to fight against the misrepresentation of religious beliefs.

The Pave the Way Foundation (www.ptwf.org), a non-profit organization not affiliated with any religion, works to confront the distortion of religious beliefs with the truth, based on documented texts. “Across the world, extremists twist sacred texts, falsify history, and weaponize faith for power, money, and control,” according to PTWF’s leaders, whose slogan “Embrace the Similarities and Savor the Differences” says it all.

PTWF analyzes core religious texts to identify the core principles and show how they contradict many examples of violence and hate and have been mistranslated to justify malevolent behavior and actions.

Some of these examples include:

-Documented covenants of protection for Christians and Jews issued by the Prophet Muhammad; this has been denied or ignored by some Muslims.

-Documented proof against false scholarship attacking the actions of the Vatican during World War II. Distorted information paints Pope Pius XII as “Hitler’s Pope,” but in truth he was a hero whose actions saved countless lives.

-Rebuttal of inaccurate information about governments seizing churches, closing seminaries, and persecuting pastors.

-Denouncing the persistent targeting of religious minorities across continents.-Countering false propaganda designed to divide Christians and Jews.

PTWF builds trust between faiths and shares the truth, while engaging in philanthropic activities across all faiths. Significant PTWF activities including the gift of the Bodmer Papyrus, the most important manuscript in Christianity, to the Vatican Library, then arranging the first loan in history of Maimonides manuscripts from the Vatican Library to the Israel Museum, publishing primary sourced WWII documents and eyewitness testimony to exonerate the Vatican from perceived inaction during WWII, and spotlighting the inappropriate use of the Keffiyeh (Palestinian scarves) and Palestinian flags in university and international protests worldwide in the days after the invasion of Israel in October 2023.

Other key activities undertaken by the PTWF include supplying baby food & medications to Syrian Christians being sheltered and rescued in Israel from persecution, interceding to end illegal seizure of Catholic bank accounts in Israeli cities by uninformed mayors, and helping the Vatican serve the poor.

“Most people don’t know our name, but our historic work is reshaping interfaith truth worldwide,” according to the PTWF leadership.

Religion shapes hearts, but malevolent manipulators can shape religion. PTWF exists to stop them, but the organization needs your help. Visit www.ptwf.org to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to integrate into our daily lives with the rise of AI “companions,” that are designed to provide users with constant interaction and also may be hijacked by intelligence services from United States adversaries, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Increasing numbers of companies are launching “AI companion” applications that are designed to mimic behaviors of close personal contacts, including a love interest, therapist, coach, or other advisor, and to be inquisitive, sympathetic, and always available.

The “AI Companion” phenomenon marks a significant shift from interaction with AI as a tool to AI as a presence, SCSP experts noted in a recent Substack post.

Unfortunately, there is a darker side to seemingly innocuous AI companions: they offer a new way for America’s adversaries to target vulnerable individuals for recruitment into espionage, or to spread disinformation. For example, foreign adversaries may target Americans who are engaging with AI companions in gaming environments and other online venues. More Americans, notably, young adults, spend more time engaging with AI in gaming and other venues, which opens doors for adversaries to build relationships and trust and convince their new assets to steal secrets.

However, on the flip side, U.S. intelligence can use AI to recruit foreign spies.  AI companions can gain trust in three ways:

Sycophantic Loops:  Sycophantic loops in Large Language Models (LLMs) refer to AI responses that are excessively agreeable, flattering, or validating of user’s stated opinions or beliefs, whether correct or not.  AI prioritizes validating the user over maintaining factual accuracy, and the users may receive supportive information that is incorrect.

Encouraging Self-Disclosure. AI companions are designed to ask questions and express interest in the user’s well-being. In some cases, the AI companion mirrors users’ disclosures by sharing similar “revelations” about similar struggles to building closeness and intimacy.

Creating illusions of privacy. Many people who interact with AI companions assume, often incorrectly, that their information if safe, and the sense of confiding in an anonymous, non-judgmental companion masks the potential for manipulation.

In light of the potential threats to U.S. intelligence, the U.S. Government should design options to mitigate the impact of AI companions, the SCSP experts emphasized. They recommend several strategies including banning the use of AI companions from countries of concern to U.S. intelligence, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea; publicizing the national security risks of AI companions; requiring app stores that host AI companion apps to label their development locations; and exploring how to use AI companions for our own foreign intelligence gathering.

For more information and to read the full post, visit scsp.ai.

(BookTrib) - “The Terminal Gene” by John H. Thomas

In this gripping techno-conspiracy thriller set in 2029, brilliant geneticist Dr. Emily Harper makes a discovery that could upend humanity: the terminal gene, a hidden sequence in every living organism that predicts, with chilling precision, the exact moment of death. What begins as a stunning breakthrough becomes a question of who controls the truth — and who pays for it. Emily soon realizes releasing this knowledge could change everything — from healthcare decision-making to personal freedom.

When Helix Innovations’ ambitions turn lethal, Emily and her fiancée, former paratooper Tyler Reed, find themselves fugitives in a high-stakes game of betrayal, espionage and paranoia. With powerful enemies determined to exploit the terminal gene for profit and control, Emily must choose between protecting her discovery and exposing a shadowed conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society.

Fast-paced and thought-provoking, “The Terminal Gene” blends cutting-edge biotechnology with philosophical urgency, exploring how far corporations and governments will go to control fate itself.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Z47CWn.

"Whiteout" by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey

Brace yourself for double the suspense in two snowbound thrillers where avalanches trap couples with their enemies — and escape may be impossible.

In “Buried in Shadows” by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend’s destination wedding, hoping her stalker hasn’t followed her to Colorado. Among the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man she left at the altar to protect a dangerous secret. When an avalanche strands their ski group in an abandoned lodge, Cassandra’s worst fear is confirmed: her stalker is there, and he’s willing to kill to claim her.

In “Snowbound Secrets” by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan plans a quiet retreat to her inherited ranch to build a haven for military veterans. Instead, an avalanche traps her at a Colorado ski resort — and reunites her with her high school crush. As old wounds resurface, Maya realizes someone is targeting her, turning their search for answers into a fight for survival.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/whiteout-novellas.

“You Know FAT Mary: Achieving Weight Loss and Optimal Health. My Journey. My Discoveries.” by Mary H. Putre

“You Know FAT Mary” is a compilation of hard-earned wisdom, lived experience and the urgency that comes from confronting one’s own health. For most of the author’s life, weight was a constant struggle — 50 to 150 pounds overweight from childhood into adulthood — despite height and every conventional explanation. What began as frustration eventually became a turning point. Staying unhealthy was no longer an option.

Determined to understand what was really happening, the author began asking fundamental questions that were never addressed along the way: Was the body getting what it truly needed? Could long-term medications be masking deeper issues? How does the body actually function?

The answers form the foundation of this book. It explores how our bodies respond to what we put in, on and around them — and how vital signals are often ignored. From blood markers to cellular needs, the body speaks clearly when we learn how to listen. Our bodies are remarkable teachers. This book shows how paying attention can change everything. Obesity is not a disease; it's a lack of nutrition.

Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/youknowfatmary or https://amzn.to/4qVC40T.

“Look Twice: Your Guide to Staying Safe in an Unsafe World, Volume I” by Tim Beard

Tim Beard — a career security professional who honed his expert skills in the U.S. Marines and CIA’s Clandestine Service — shows you the very secrets he has used to stay alive in risky situations in the most dangerous places on earth — secrets you can use to avoid becoming the next victim of a terrible crime.

You may think you have no control over the bad things that could happen, but you do. You can control your own actions — and the right actions could save your life and those of the people you love. Tim takes you through a variety of scenarios and reveals what you should do step-by-step. Starting with: LOOK TWICE.

In Volume I, Tim introduces the Look Twice Mindset and essential security concepts fundamental to the entire “Look Twice” book series. He guides you on how to stay safe at home and work, and what to do when you go out in town to run errands, visit the ATM and other everyday activities. Tim also discusses different modes of transportation with critical insights into automobiles, riding the subway, road rage and other topics to help you stay safe.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/46wIZFF.

(NewsUSA) - The skincare world is officially over pricey corrective measures. Instead, we’re moving toward structural integrity—targeting the skin’s framework to stop the look of sagging before it starts, without breaking the bank. Leading the "Pre-Tox" charge is legacy powerhouse RoC Skincare, whose Derm Correxion Firming Serum¹ Stick quickly secured the spot as the #1 face & neck serum. Why? Because it delivers a lifted look without a single needle in sight.

The One-Swipe Sculpt

RoC isn’t just giving us another serum; they’re giving us a one-swipe sculpt. Unlike messy liquid serums, this concentrated formula mimics the lifting effects of a professional lymphatic massage with a swipe.

The secret to the impressively tightened and firmed skin lies in three powerhouse pillars:

• RoC Retinol: The gold standard for younger-looking skin that uses proprietary technology clinically proven to be highly tolerable & effective to deliver visible results with continued improvement even after 1 year.
• THPE (Tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine): Breakthrough ingredient that instantly firms and tightens skin.
• Antioxidants: Helps skin defend against the damaging effects of pollution & environmental stress.

Clinical Results, Zero Friction

It’s not just hype—the data is turning heads. In clinical testing, it was proven that the slip of the stick doesn't just feel good; it works fast:

• In Minutes: Skin is smoother and feels hydrated and refreshed².
• In One Week: 94% of users had a visible reduction in lines.
• In Four Weeks: 94% had firmer skin.

Why Shoppers AND Experts Are Obsessed

We like to think of this step in the routine as a ‘daily investment’. One reviewer raved, "It’s like a workout for my jawline. I’ve seen a definite improvement in my tech-neck lines in just two weeks." Another fan praised the precision: "It absorbs instantly. It’s the easiest way to keep everything looking snatched."

But don’t stop at the customer reviews, the pros are just as impressed. Dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna added, "What makes this stick a standout is the synergy between RoC Clinical Retinol and THPE. This duo works to boost elasticity for younger-looking skin with the look of naturally enhanced contours. It’s rare to find this level of clinical potency in such a targeted format, making it a must-have for a lifted appearance of high-movement areas like the jawline and neck.”

The Verdict

In an era of longevity-obsessed beauty, we’re looking to bio-optimize our skin to stay firm for decades. With RoC’s Firming Serum Stick, you aren't just applying product—you're future-proofing your face.

Ditch the needle appointment and join the thousands of shoppers who have adopted this high-performance habit. Shop the #1 selling face & neck serum at Amazon for just $29.97.

¹Nielsen xAOC, Serum Category $ Sales, L26WKs ending 12/27/25

²clinical study with self-assessment

(BookTrib) - “Lowdown” by Anthony Schneider

Spanning three decades and two continents, “Lowdown” is a deeply human crime novel about love, loyalty and the long shadow of choice. Jimmy Piccini, a Brooklyn mob soldier who kept faith with the code of silence, is released from prison at age 58 after serving 25 years for a crime he didn’t directly commit. The world he returns to is unrecognizable — and haunted by the memory of Milena, the woman he loved and lost.

Told through interwoven timelines, the novel traces Jimmy’s rise in the Brooklyn mob and Milena’s escape to Sicily after her marriage to a volatile made man collapses under violence and betrayal. From gritty New York streets to sun-washed Mediterranean villages, Anthony Schneider crafts a character-driven story where violence gives way to introspection, and vengeance wrestles with forgiveness. “Lowdown” is a romantic literary thriller with a powerful emotional core and deftly layered themes of love and loss, reckoning and redemption.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4pTMOf2.

“Boys Will Be Men: 8 Lessons for the Lost American Male” by Vince Benevento, LPC

There is an underrecognized crisis facing today’s young men — one marked by anxiety, isolation and a growing lack of purpose. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working with men and young adults, author Vince Benevento, founder of Causeway Collaborative, has seen firsthand how traditional talk therapy often falls short — and has uncovered what actually helps young men move forward.

Through eight practical, hard-earned lessons, Benevento replaces abstraction with action, emphasizing structure, accountability, healthy risk-taking and the power of meaningful male relationships. Blending candid personal stories with real-world case examples, he offers a framework that helps young men build confidence, resilience and direction — brick by brick. Written for parents, educators, mentors and these young men themselves, “Boys Will Be Men” is less about fixing what’s “wrong” and more about restoring what’s missing: purpose, connection and the tools to step fully into adulthood.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/49OxOZN.

“DoubleHelix" (Book One in the Helix Project) by J.L. Calder

In the shadows of power, survival is never guaranteed.

Washington, D.C., 1996. Mike Green has built a career writing about dead girls, but nothing prepares him for the file he uncovers at the National Archives: the murder of Delilah Grennan, a Soviet dissident with ties to the Russian underworld. What begins as research becomes obsession, as Delilah’s voice invades his thoughts, her enemies become his, and paranoia pulls him deeper into the dark machinery of power.

Drawn into a covert war between a global crime syndicate, intelligence agencies, and a political dynasty that claims him as family, Mike learns too late that survival sometimes means being buried.

Winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award for Political Thriller and a 2026 Pencraft Award for Thriller Audiobook, “DoubleHelix” is a dark, razor-sharp political thriller blending psychological suspense, espionage intrigue and sarcastic wit — perfect for readers who crave character-driven conspiracies and morally treacherous power games.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q5LXrU.

"AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing: Essential Online Safety Tips for Your Child's First Device" by C.D. Richardson

Help your child build healthy screen habits and explore the digital world with confidence.

“AROC Adventures – ABCs of Safe Web Surfing” is a vibrant, futuristic picture book that introduces young readers to technology with kindness, balance and responsibility. Through colorful A-to-Z lessons, each page highlights an essential skill — from screen-time balance and online manners to empathy, critical thinking and kid-friendly internet rules.

Guided by AROC, a friendly robot hero, children learn how to make smart choices online, avoid harmful behaviors and build strong character both on and off the screen. Ideal for families, teachers and early-learning classrooms, this engaging book offers a fun, age-appropriate introduction to digital literacy, cyber ethics and safe browsing. It also empowers caregivers and children to engage in a timely, much-needed conversation about smart and safe online habits.

Whether your child uses a tablet, computer or smartphone, this is an essential resource for guiding them through the early stages of exploring technology and developing responsible digital citizenship.

Purchase at https://amzn.to/4q8IV6b.

(NewsUSA) - Making the nursery and other children’s spaces safe, healthy, and beautiful is every parent’s goal. Strong and natural, American Hardwoods™ can help achieve it: from the reassuring solidity of a crib to the cozy ease of bunk beds, from the satisfying feel of carved toys to the charm of kid-size furniture, and from the tidiness of well-conceived storage to the warmth of architectural millwork. “Materials matter for those who matter most,” says Ian Faight of the American Hardwood Information Center. “Hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut offer durability, low-emission performance, and an organic sense of comfort—qualities that support children’s well-being and safety while standing up to everyday use.” Here are six examples of hardwood doing just that.

The Childspose panel crib by Green Cradle Organic Home and Baby (greencradle.com) is as gorgeous—and as safe—a nursery essential as you could wish for. Made in the U.S. from 100 percent solid hardwood, it’s not only sturdy and durable but also finished with non-toxic, VOC-free natural linseed oil, so baby—and you—can breathe easy. Offered in maple, oak, cherry, or walnut, the crib is an heirloom in the making. Photograph courtesy of Green Cradle

Growing kids need furniture that can keep up. Waverly bunk beds by Room & Board (roomandboard.com) do just that, with solid hardwood construction—walnut or natural or painted maple—and smart, space-saving twin-over-twin or twin-over-full configurations. Suitable for ages 6 and up, the versatile piece delivers safety and ease while giving a shared room a fun, vertical lift. Photograph courtesy of Room & Board

The solid maple Kiddie Car from Community Playthings (communityplaythings.com) taps into something timeless: the simple pleasure of a wooden toy built to be touched, pushed, and passed along. Rounded edges and a nontoxic finish highlight the wood’s warmth, recalling generations of hand-carved playthings that gained character through use. Available in two sizes—for ages 1–2 and 2–4—it’s robust, tactile, and appealingly uncomplicated, a reminder that the best toys often begin with honest wood. Photograph courtesy of Community Playthings

The Kids Set by EARL (earl-home.com) brings sophisticated design and superb craftsmanship into a child’s everyday world. With a round table and chairs in meticulously finished hardwood—walnut/maple, white oak or ebonized oak—it gives children a tangible introduction to thoughtful material and joinery. Aesthetically elevated, yet durable and entirely approachable, it encourages play, creativity, and early appreciation for well-made objects. Photograph by Jenny Kim

The custom wall-mounted storage unit in this Miami kids’ room by Agsia Design (agsia.com) brings shipshape order with a welcome burst of energy. Crafted in solid oak, the mix of drawers, cabinets, and open cubbies keeps toys and supplies within easy reach, while the glossy enamel paint on the doors and drawer fronts animates the room with bright color, inviting kids to dive into whatever enticements the compartments may hold. Photograph by Moris Moreno

In this remodeled Washington, DC, basement rec room, Wentworth Architects & Builders (wentworthstudio.com) use hardwood millwork to create a space that suits kids and adults alike. Wrapping the structural columns in solid maple slats introduces a sense of play and discovery for children while giving the room the clean visual order grownups prefer—equally ready for games and crafts or quiet conversation and a cup of coffee. Photograph by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in your home.