(NewsUSA) - As heatwaves intensify and storms grow more severe, the risk of prolonged power outages continues to climb. Forecasters across the country are sounding the alarm that extreme weather is no longer the exception, but the norm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects that a highly active Atlantic hurricane season will persist through 2025, with elevated potential for disruption to the power grid.

With these climate patterns in mind, reliable backup power is becoming a necessity. And while home standby generators receive much of the attention in conversations about emergency preparedness, a reliable transfer switch is just as essential to providing reliable, automatic power and home comfort during an outage.

Why the Transfer Switch Matters
A standby generator may be the muscle of your backup power system, but the transfer switch is the mechanism that enables the automatic backup experience. The system detects the loss of utility power and automatically reroutes the home's electrical power from the generator without the need for manual, owner intervention.

Generac, the leader in residential backup power, has long understood this critical connection. That’s why the company has introduced its most advanced line of residential home standby generators and automatic transfer switches. Now, the industry’s first all-new residential automatic transfer switch features factory-installed, full-home integrated surge protection to help protect both the home and the generator itself from harmful power surges.  The average US home has $15,000 worth of equipment that can be potentially damaged by power surges, according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).  

Choosing the Right Generator System
Home standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane, providing a continuous fuel supply via direct utility or on-site storage for extended runtime during grid failures. When integrated with a high-performance automatic transfer switch, a home standby generator forms a closed-loop system that delivers immediate, automatic power to full home and essential home systems. This makes them ideal for homes in areas prone to frequent or prolonged outages. While more costly than portable generators, they offer powerful peace of mind and convenience.

When evaluating backup power options, it’s important to first consider the size of your home and your household’s potential needs during an outage. Start by identifying the essential loads you want to keep powered, which might include heating or air conditioning systems, refrigeration for food preservation, lighting, and any critical equipment or supplies. Then review your typical energy consumption patterns to understand what level of power output your generator must support. This includes factoring in whether you want to maintain full-home functionality or focus only on priority systems. Accurately sizing your system from the start helps ensure optimal performance, safety, and long-term reliability.

Powering Resilience and the Future of the Grid
In addition to protecting home comfort during outages, new programs allow many homeowners to leverage their backup power systems to support broader energy resilience through Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs. These utility-led initiatives, where available, enable participating generators to supply power back to the grid during periods of high demand, thereby helping to stabilize local infrastructure and potentially earning financial incentives in the process.

A key component to participating in these programs efficiently and safely is an automatic transfer switch. Generac’s new automatic transfer switches are designed to instantly detect utility loss and transition the home to generator power. This hands-free operation is not only ideal for outage preparedness but also critical for meeting the responsiveness and automation standards many VPP programs require.

For homeowners looking to future-proof their homes while contributing to grid stability, a standby generator paired with a high-performance transfer switch offers the best of both worlds: uninterrupted comfort during outages, and meaningful participation in tomorrow’s energy ecosystem.
 

(NewsUSA) - The digital age has ushered in rapid societal changes, including the financial system. Cryptocurrencies have emerged and evolved, and it’s no longer just early adopters who are integrating these digital assets into modern financial planning. Consumers of all ages and in all phases of life are exploring the market’s potential for their financial futures. 

Financial literacy: an ongoing process 

According to a security.org study, nearly three in 10 American adults now own cryptocurrencies. The survey also reports that 40% of those owners lack confidence in the safety and security of the technology instrumental to the asset’s integrity, indicating a potential disconnect and knowledge gap that could be risky to some.  

Education is crucial for building confidence in financial decision-making. Financial literacy evolves throughout life, initially focusing on saving and budgeting, then progressing to borrowing, credit, and debt management. As financial understanding deepens, investing becomes relevant, requiring knowledge of asset classes and their associated risks and rewards. 

Cryptocurrencies are becoming widely accepted investment vehicles and one more way to diversify. Andrew Wiggins, forward for the Miami Heat who has partnered with Coinbase, explains, “I want to make sure my money is working in more places than just savings, stocks or real estate. Crypto is one way I’m doing that.” 

Just as they would carefully evaluate stocks, bonds or mutual funds in traditional finance (the long-standing system of banks, stock exchanges, etc., involved in transactions), consumers need to do their research when it comes to cryptocurrency. Wiggins agrees, “I’ve taken the time to learn about it, I’ve asked the right questions, and I work with people that I trust.”  

Decentralized finance presents opportunity 

Cryptocurrency operates within a decentralized finance system, unlike government-issued fiat money. Cryptocurrencies are managed by global peer-to-peer networks using open-source software. Each has a blockchain, a transparent and cryptographically secured digital ledger of all transactions.

Like traditional financial assets, cryptocurrencies fluctuate in value, and a variety of platforms now help people incorporate digital money into their financial plans. "For the past decade, Coinbase has been dedicated to making crypto more accessible and secure for people around the world. As bitcoin and crypto moves further into the mainstream, Coinbase is ready to help consumers take part in this transformation," says Scott Shapiro, Senior Product Director of Coinbase.  

“A consumer only needs to create a wallet to start engaging with cryptocurrency, whether to save and invest or to trade and spend,” continues Shapiro. The Coinbase platform provides customers with clear overviews of their cryptocurrency holdings as well as analyst insights for informed decision-making. Plus, it offers features such as recurring buys to take advantage of investment concepts like dollar cost averaging. 

Cryptocurrencies are touted for their openness, flexibility, speed and transparency, as well as their growth potential. One Bitcoin, for example, was valued at over $107,000 on June 16. However, these assets come with volatility and may not be suitable for risk-averse investors. 

One of the ways Coinbase is reaching new audiences and introducing new consumers to crypto is through its official partnership with professional sports leagues and teams, which brings added brand visibility and engagement opportunities through in-arena signage and activations.

Taking an educated approach and balancing risk with reward are critical. As Wiggins notes, “Investing isn’t about chasing quick wins, it’s about building a smart, well-rounded portfolio that can grow despite market shifts. It’s about investing for the long term that will make sure my money grows along with the shifts of technology and the economy.”

(NewsUSA) - Violent weather events cause substantial loss of life and property damage throughout the world. Although we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare. Climate® Non-Slump (NS) Adhesive: A revolutionary product designed to help buildings better withstand extreme weather and earthquakes. When buildings survive, people survive.

Climate® NS, is a specialized high-performance structural adhesive designed to help buildings withstand seismic and violent-wind events. It functions as a shock absorber, increasing wall strength by up to 300 percent in light-frame-wood and panel-built structures.

Traditional wood frame buildings rely on nails and fasteners, which are typically sufficient when a building is at rest. However, these structures may not be designed for the forces applied by more frequent and intense violent winds and earthquakes, as their integrity depends on hundreds of nails. Climate® NS, a moisture-curing, non-shrinking polyether adhesive sealant, aims to address this vulnerability.

When applied to various points of a wood frame building, such as sub-flooring, stud-to-sheathing walls, and rafter/truss-to-top plate, this elastomeric adhesive creates "monocoque" or "load sharing function" buildings. This creates uniform bonds over the external surfaces of the framing lumber, allowing for a wider and more uniform distribution of load from the roof to the foundation, improving the chances of the building staying intact. The product is Eco-friendy and non-toxic. It can be used in various construction conditions, including damp, dry, or cold, and it cures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Climate® NS is durable and ductile. Its elasticity helps to absorb the cyclic forces of high winds and seismic events. It can elongate by as much as 950 percent and still stay in place, which helps buildings hold together in extreme conditions.

The cost of applying Climate® NS is minimal, amounting to less than 1% of building material costs. It works out to pennies per square foot but can increase a home's structural integrity by 200-300 percent, according to published scientific journal articles on testing results. More information, including videos of results and field application examples, is available at Climateadhesive.com or call 844.450.9604.

(Dhaval Jadav, CEO of alliantgroup) - Robotics and hard‑tech transformation are reshaping the business landscape at an extraordinary pace. What was once confined to research labs and science fiction is now redefining entire industries — from intelligent machines on the factory floor to cyber‑physical systems driving smarter decision‑making in the boardroom. The global industrial robotics market was valued at US $87.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US $162.7 billion by 2030 — representing an 11% CAGR. This clear signal shows the wave of transformation is not just here—it’s accelerating.

And yet, amid the excitement, the conversation is often split into extremes. On one side: aggressive adoption of robotics, automation and hard‑tech tools, sometimes without a clear strategy. On the other: skepticism rooted in fear — fear of job loss, ethical implications, or losing control. Neither extreme is helpful, and the truth is far more nuanced.

At alliantgroup, we’re embracing this wave — but with purpose. We see robotics, AI and automation not as a replacement for people, but as a force multiplier. A way to extend human potential, eliminate friction, and reimagine how work gets done. When introduced with intention, these technologies become enablers — not just of efficiency, but of impact.

Don’t Deploy Tech for Tech’s Sake

One of the biggest mistakes I see businesses make is leading with the technology instead of the outcome. It’s a trap many fall into — chasing innovation without alignment, and at alliantgroup we’ve learned from our mistakes here too. It’s no surprise then that nearly 70% of digital transformation efforts fall short. often because companies lead with capability instead of clarity. The result? Tools that don’t fit, teams that don’t buy in, and outcomes that never materialize.

The companies that win with automation don’t start with “What can we automate?” They start with “What’s holding us back?” Then they solve from there. Sometimes that answer involves automation from robotics, smart sensors, or AI-powered workflows. Sometimes it involves people, process, or design. Often, it’s all of the above.

Why Human Expertise Still Matters — and How alliantgroup Puts It Into Practice

No matter how advanced the systems become, human judgment remains irreplaceable. Business isn’t a formula — it’s a dynamic mix of tradeoffs, nuance, and lived experience. Real success still depends on knowing when to question the model, when to course-correct, and when to trust instinct.

That’s especially true in industries where regulatory complexity, operational risk, and legacy systems collide. Robotics can accelerate action — but only people can interpret meaning, balance priorities, and act with foresight.

At alliantgroup, we’ve seen this firsthand. Our teams include engineers, operators, former executives — people who have built companies, led through crises, and understand what execution really looks like. When they work alongside clients to implement AI, robotics or hard-tech solutions, the results are smarter, not just faster — and they last.

Technology amplifies whatever foundation it’s built on. If your systems are broken, robotics won’t fix them. But if you have the right strategy and the right people, it becomes a force multiplier — not a replacement.

How to Get Robotics and Hard-Tech Transformation Right

We’ve seen how empowering employees through integrating advanced solutions leads to stronger execution — not just faster workflows, but better business outcomes. And when it’s done right, the results speak for themselves — organizations that scale automation effectively report productivity gains of up to 50%. But that only happens when technology serves people, not sidelines them.

1. Start with real-world friction.

Start by identifying friction — not just in operations, but in decision-making. Where are your teams spending too much time? Where do errors creep in? Where are you reacting instead of anticipating? Let the answers guide your solution.

2. Elevate your workforce.

Robotics should take on the Three D’s — the dirty, dangerous, and dull tasks — so your people don’t have to. By offloading the repetitive, high-risk, and mind-numbing work, you free up your teams to focus on what truly drives value: strategic thinking, relationship building, and innovation. That’s where human potential shines.

3. Execute over evangelize.

It’s tempting to talk about automation in grand terms — “digital transformation,” “Industry 4.0,” “AI-powered everything.” But transformation doesn’t happen through headlines. It happens through disciplined, consistent execution. Start with small wins. Prove value. Scale from there.

Building a Future Where People and Machines Thrive

The future belongs to companies that can blend speed with substance. That means embracing robotics, AI and automation, — not as a trend, but as a strategic capability. And it means holding onto the fundamentals: clarity, accountability, adaptability, and expertise.

I’m fortunate to work with teams that are building that kind of future every day — not just implementing tools, but rethinking how work gets done. The most successful among them aren’t afraid of automation. They’re energized by it. But they’re also grounded. They know that no matter how advanced the systems become, their edge will still come from people — people who know how to ask the right questions, connect the dots, and lead with purpose.

That’s the mindset we champion at alliantgroup and the one we believe will define the next era of smart, resilient business leadership.

Dhaval Jadav is the co-founder and CEO of alliant. Under Jadav’s leadership, the firm has empowered 24,000+ companies in 70+ industries with actionable business solutions. Prior to founding alliant, Jadav developed his expertise in high-tech business deals as a member of a Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity/Strategic Buyer Services Group in San Francisco and honed his business operations acumen with Deloitte & Touche in its Washington National Office. Linkedin • Facebook • Instagram • YouTube

(NewsUSA) - Mark Twain famously said that golf is a good walk spoiled. For most golfers, the sport is also fraught with a very high risk of getting skin cancer.

On the course, golfers are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the primary cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The journal Exercise Medicine advises that golf is associated with more UV radiation exposure than other outdoor activities such as fishing, tennis, swimming, gardening, sun-worshipping and sailing.

How common is NMSC? Some 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with more than 3 million new cases recorded yearly – more cases than all other types of cancer combined. One in five Americans will have NMSC in their lifetime, and incident rates are rising.

Dr. Robyn Messing, a physician specializing in diseases of the skin at Family Medicine of Michigan in Grand Ledge and who is married to a golf pro, notes, “New research shows that 27 percent of golfers have been diagnosed with skin cancer, compared to just seven percent of the general population. That really underscores how important it is for golfers to use sunscreen repeatedly during their outings, and to wear protective clothing.”

Popular tee times between 11am and 3pm result in exposure to the sun’s strongest UV rays, leading to the fact that golfers are prone to cancerous lesions on the scalp, shoulders, back of neck and forearms. The more one plays, the higher the cancer risk, as UV exposure is cumulative over one’s lifetime.

Professional golfer Rory Sabbatini had a squamous cell carcinoma removed from his face; Adam Scott was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, another type of NMSC; and Aron Price reported three incidents of NMSC before doctors diagnosed him in 2010 with melanoma.

The good news for anyone with NMSC is that dermatologists around the country now offer a nonsurgical treatment with a 99%+ cure rate that eliminates cutting, surgical scarring and the possible need for reconstructive surgery. Called image-guided SRT or the GentleCure Experience™, it’s covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Information is available at www.GentleCure.com.

On the golf course, water and sand traps reflect the sun’s rays and increase your UV exposure. All the more reason to stay on fairways and greens!

(NewsUSA) - “Black Sun Rising” by Otho Eskin

When Washington, DC, homicide detective Marko Zorn's partner is murdered, his search for justice leads him deep into Black Sun, a violent neo-Nazi movement built from the ruins of WWII's most sinister forces. Their goal: unleash a catastrophic attack that will plunge the nation into chaos.

To stop them, Marko must confront a conspiracy stretching from Washington's corridors of power to the shadows of the city's underworld. Can Marko save the country from annihilation?

A pulse-pounding thriller in the tradition of Baldacci, Clancy, and Patterson, "Black Sun Rising" delivers relentless suspense, razor-sharp political intrigue, and a chillingly timely story of unchecked hatred — and the one man willing to risk everything to stop it. “Black Sun Rising” is the fourth book in Otho Eskin's Marko Zorn series and can be read as a stand-alone or as a part of the series. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4kpR1VV.

“Gone Dark” by Ryan Steck

Late-summer wildfires are a fact of life in Montana. But as an inferno nears Wellington, Matthew Redd gets the unusual call that a team of smoke jumpers has suddenly gone dark. As head of the county’s fledgling search and rescue team, Redd drops into the fire zone and finds more than he bargained for: a killer has taken out the smoke jumper team along with two civilians, and only a terrified young boy is left as witness. Redd and little Jack narrowly escape the raging fire, and Redd calls in the acting director of the FBI to investigate the bigger forces at play.

In this pulse-pounding thriller, former Marine Raider Matthew Redd, “a force to be reckoned with” (Jack Carr) and “the go-to man in a bad situation” (Brad Taylor), must face his greatest fears and figure out how to escape when the one way out goes up in flames. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4iSD3Lf.

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” by James Manning

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” is a non-fiction historical treatise on the JFK Assassination. It was written for people who know nothing about it, people who think they know everything about it and for everybody in between.

As a young Marine, Jim Manning saw hidden evidence that would prove Lee Harvey Oswald innocent of all charges in the case. Soon after revealing what he saw, Jim’s life was threatened, and he spent the next 55 years as a Kennedy investigator. As the years went by, he concentrated on evidence that had been covered up by the CIA's Propaganda Section. Now, he reveals the evidence marked top secret that was taken from Langley to bring out the truth.

“Patriotism: Unhinged 1963-2024” exonerates Lee Oswald of all charges, and explains the who, the why and how it was orchestrated by the top intelligence agencies. Purchase at https://amzn.to/457fKJS.

“Taking the Stairs & Liking It: Seven Steps to an Amazing Life” by Lauren Speeth, PhD

Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience, “Taking the Stairs and Liking It” inspires readers to find joy through a life of purpose, coherence and significance. The counsel laid out within these pages has its lineage from author Lauren Speeth’s serendipitous interview with President Jimmy Carter. The former President’s words to Speeth changed the course of her life. Speeth delved deeply into what President Carter shared with her, developing a methodology based on his offerings, and, having put these ideas to the test, she traveled the world teaching them. All the while, Speeth was putting Carter’s fundamental precepts into practice in her personal life without realizing it.

Within these pages, readers will find that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of the present obstacles, as Speeth provides a pathway for making a positive impact on the world while leading a richer, more joyous and fulfilling life. Purchase at https://amzn.to/45wxbUt.

(NewsUSA) - Ready to turn up the fun and make unforgettable memories this summer? Plano, Texas is your go-to destination for summer adventures with family and friends. Whether you’re planning epic outings with the kids or lively nights out with your crew, Plano serves up the perfect blend of excitement and charm. Dive into our top must-do activities this summer and discover why this North Texas hotspot should be at the top of your vacation list.

Make a Splash

The Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West’s third floor oasis includes a rooftop swimming pool + spa, with large, resort-style umbrellas along the perimeter. Complete with a bar and grill, it’s easy to lose track of time. Looking for more fun? Secure your space with a cabana rental. Available for reservations through Resort Pass or directly at the hotel, these cabanas allow you to stay shady all summer.

Swim across Texas at the historic Texas Pool, a 168,000 gallon saltwater pool shaped like the great State of Texas. It’s also a National Landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places! The pool is open Memorial Day to Labor Day and features a diving board, two water slides, and an island with a shallow “South Texas” wading area for small children and parents. Cook out on their BBQ grills or enjoy the snack bar. There are also picnic tables and a beach volleyball court. Visitor passes are available.

Stay cool this summer by visiting one of Plano’s indoor and outdoor pool locations: Carpenter Park Recreation Center (indoor), Jack Carter Pool (outdoor), Liberty Recreation Center (outdoor), Oak Point Recreation Center (indoor and outdoor), and Plano Aquatic Center (indoor pool and outdoor splash pad). Admission to the pools is included in Plano Recreation Center memberships. Non-members and guests can pay a minimal daily admission fee at each pool. Check individual rec center pages for hours of operation.

Hit the splash pad at Liberty Playground at Windhaven Meadows Park, Jack Carter Pool, and Plano Aquatic Center.

Catch Live Music

When it comes to finding live music in Plano, Legacy Hall knows how put on a show! All summer long they are throwing out all the tunes of all genres. From Taylor Swift to Queen, Legacy Hall has all the best tribute concerts covered this summer. Check out all their upcoming shows and events on their calendar.

Another music hotspot is McCall Plaza in the Downtown Plano Arts District. Enjoy free live music all summer long. Don’t miss out on all the fun in downtown Plano; check upcoming events on our event calendar listing.

The Plano Community Band is also bringing back their Mondays in the Park concert series at Haggard Park in the Downtown Plano Arts District on June 16, July 3 and July 14.

Celebrate July Fourth

Celebrate Independence Day in Plano with several patriotic events throughout the day. On July 4, swim across Texas at The Texas Pool and enjoy food, traditional pool games and legendary fun in the sun. Admission is $10 per person; veterans and active-duty military get in FREE with an ID.

Then, come out to Oak Point Park for Plano’s free All American 4th celebration. The event opens at 6pm with the Rotary Clubs of Plano parade and fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. Parking will be available at Collin College.

Shop Till You Drop

One thing is for sure when it comes to Plano, there are endless shopping options to experience. Dallas may be known as one of the top shopping destinations in the U.S., but just 20 miles north, you can continue the one-of-a-kind shopping adventure in Plano.

From Legacy West, The Shops at Legacy, The Shops at Willow Bend to the Downtown Plano Arts District and everywhere in between – Plano is brimming with shopping areas. Check out Plano’s shopping adventure here.

Don’t miss the new luxury shopping at Legacy West. The line-up of the best-of luxury retail includes: Gucci, CHANEL Beauty, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Golden Goose, David Yurman, and Louis Vuitton.

Downtown Plano Arts District will celebrate the season at Summer Fest Market in the heart of Downtown Plano on June 22 from 11am-5pm. Enjoy a vibrant day of local shopping, live entertainment, and family fun.

Walk the boardwalk

Day or night, The Boardwalk at Granite Park makes for a special dining experience! Nestled in the middle of the Granite Park corporate business center sits a 30,000 square foot restaurant park called The Boardwalk. With restaurants of all types, a casual family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment, and an amazing waterfront view, The Boardwalk is the perfect place for a patio brunch date with friends, a fun family dinner, or a late night date spot. Grab a beverage from one of the restaurants on The Boardwalk and relax with friends on the waterfront!

Dodge the heat at Crayola Experience

Beat the heat at Plano’s most colorful attraction, the Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend, an amazing place where families can explore 22 hands-on attractions in a 60,000 square foot space that Parents Magazine calls one of the “Top 10 Trips to Take Before Your Kid Turns 10.”

Fly high at Go Ape

The first treetop adventure course in Texas is just minutes from the Downtown Plano Arts District at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve. This vast area of natural beauty sits on 800 acres and features more than just a canopy tour. Go Ape includes five individual sections with rope ladders and 39 exciting crossings.

Fowl-On at Fowling Warehouse

Fowling is a unique and entertaining game that merges football with bowling, and in Plano at Fowling Warehouse, older kids and their parents can have a blast playing this new sport. It’s as easy as throwing a football at ten bowling pins until someone knocks them all down.

Have a Laugh

Enjoy a boutique comedy experience in Plano’s Legacy neighborhood. With a playful nod to Robin Hood, Mic Drop Comedy offers a vibrant, intimate setting where laughter and connection take center stage. Check out their upcoming shows and grab your tickets for an unforgettable night.

Be a Plano Foodie

Visit Plano has a FREE and limited-time foodie pass! Now through September 30, 2025, you can accumulate points just for checking in at participating restaurants and redeeming coupons, then you can cash in your points for “I’m a Plano Foodie” swag. But that’s not all! Be an over-achiever and check in at 20 restaurants to be automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes for a chance to win ultimate foodie experiences. Sign up now and start your delicious journey! Sign up at visitplano.com/tasteofplano.

Check out a food tour too! Lone Star Food Tours provides an immersive journey through Downtown Plano’s food culture, offering visitors and locals alike a chance to taste their way through downtown’s eateries, while also learning about its history and culture.

Find more things to do and unique places to eat in Plano by exploring our website The Most Amazing Places to Visit in the City of Plano and blog.

(NewsUSA) - If you’re looking to freshen up your living space, it’s easy to get swept away in on-trend designs. But while trends come and go, savvy homebuilders and designers agree that there’s one thing that never goes out of style: natural wood details, such as those crafted from a versatile species like cypress. Here are a handful of helpful tips to flip your home from drab to fab.  

Accentuate Walls
For decades, accent walls have been a popular way to jazz up a room. But, today’s homeowners are ditching bold paints in favor of a wooden backdrop that can create a cozy setting in any room. “A shiplap wall can completely transform a mundane room,” says Stephen Ellis of MGB Fine Custom Homes in Sarasota, Florida. “I like working with shiplap cypress with a nickel gap. It’s available in multiple grades—offering the perfect combination of visual interest and texture without being overbearing—and it stands up to dings and dents better than drywall.”

Make a Statement with Ceilings
Accent walls are one thing, but have you heard of statement ceilings? Top designers are crafting elegant ceilings with wood. “Cypress is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for ceiling treatments ranging from planks and beams to intricate coffers,” says Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer Vicki Payne. “I recently completed a chic dining room that features a tray ceiling enhanced with cypress. The wood—with its rich grain and natural color—is the showpiece of the space.”

Top Off the Kitchen
When it comes to designing the heart of your home, architect Michelle Bultman from Stuart, Florida, relies on a few principles. “Simple lines, uncluttered counters, and modern materials,” she says. “Overall, I believe simplicity is the ultimate form of elegance, but ceilings often offer untapped potential in kitchens. I prefer working with neutral tones—whites and grays—on most surfaces, but introducing a wood element, such as a tongue-and-groove cypress ceiling, can add complementary warmth and character to an otherwise cool, modern palette.”

Rethink Doors
If simple swinging doors are too basic, consider installing an eye-catching barn door instead. “I’ve been including sliding barn doors in many projects,” says architect Geoff Chick from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. “They work great for closets, laundry rooms, wet bars, room partitions, and other semi-private spaces. Most often, I custom fabricate barn doors out of cypress because of the wood’s natural beauty and ability to accept a variety of finishes.” 

Enjoy the Outdoors
Outdoor living space is one of the most sought after features in a new or renovated home. And when it comes to specifying materials to create stunning spaces, Stephen Ellis chooses cypress. “With porches and patios, ceilings are often an afterthought,” he says. “I like to add a finished look with cypress for multiple reasons. First, not only is cypress naturally resistant to insect infestation, but it’s also an incredibly stable wood that performs well in areas with constantly changing humidity levels. One of my recent projects is all cypress—porch ceilings, beams, and board-and-batten siding. Cypress’ natural characteristics and good looks enhance the relaxing vibe almost as much as the ocean views.”

“Wood is a timeless building material,” says Mark Tuck of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association, “and when you’re talking about a versatile species like cypress, it provides aesthetic warmth, lasting value, and dependable performance in—or out of—the house. Small upgrades can make a big impact—and they’re more affordable than a full-on remodel.” 

Is it time to upgrade your living space? Think cypress! Visit www.CypressInfo.org to get inspired.

(NewsUSA) - As America’s need for electricity grows, solar energy is stepping up to meet the moment. Today, utility-scale solar power now generates enough electricity to power 22 million homes. In 2024 alone, a record 33 GW+ of new solar capacity was added to our power grid.
Solar energy is more than just clean energy— it is an economic powerhouse. The solar sector employs nearly 261,000 Americans across all 50 states, more than any other clean energy sector. Since 2020, more than 20,000 new solar jobs have been added, many of them filled by U.S. veterans.

These projects also deliver major benefits to local communities. Utility-scale solar contributes over $550 million annually in land lease payments to American landowners, and $375 million in tax revenues to state and local governments. That means more money for schools, infrastructure, and services—and more economic opportunities in rural areas.

Solar panels are safe, effective, and sustainable. They are built to last for decades, even in extreme conditions. Many panels continue to operate well beyond their warranty period and can often be reused or refurbished. In fact, thanks to new recycling technology, over 90% of a panel’s materials can be reused.

America is also ramping up solar manufacturing. In 2024, more than 20 U.S. solar component manufacturing facilities were commissioned, including the largest expansion of U.S. solar module manufacturing production ever. In fact, U.S. solar module manufacturing is now on pace to match domestic demand by next year. But these facilities still rely on an international supply chain of specialty inputs.

However, demand is outpacing supply. U.S. made panels are already sold-out years in advance, creating the need for imports to fill the gap. Bridging this gap will require continued investment and faster policy action to scale production at the pace needed to meet surging demand.

To keep the momentum going, maintaining consistent, long-term policies is essential. Sudden changes in trade or tax rules can disrupt progress and delay the clean energy projects that Americans and businesses are counting on for reliability and energy security. The path forward requires clear, reliable guidelines to support the investment needed to strengthen American manufacturing and power the energy transition.

(NewsUSA) - “Voices of the Civil War” by Barry Robbins

Step into the hearts and minds of those who lived through America's darkest chapter with "Voices of the Civil War", a groundbreaking work that brings history to vivid life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives.

More than just a retelling of battles and dates, "Voices of the Civil War" plunges you into the human experiences and wrenching emotions of a nation at war with itself. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the adrenaline-pumping terror of combat, the soaring hope of emancipation and the heart-rending anguish of a country torn asunder.

Prepare to be transported back in time and forever changed by the poignant, personal voices within these pages. You'll walk away with a profound new appreciation for the impossible choices, the inspiring resilience and the staggering human toll of the war that forged modern America. Purchase at https://2ly.link/26Qn3.

“Thunderbird Rising” by John H. Thomas

An action-packed alternate-history thriller full of uncertain loyalties, deceit, and international espionage set in Seattle and New York City.

Maxx King is a former Army Ranger turned cybercrime investigator trying to get his life back on track when he has an unexpected confrontation with a ruthless Chinese spy. Struggling to understand the escalating violence, he discovers a clandestine US-China conflict centered around a device of unknown origins with the power to trigger massive natural disasters.

Caught between competing US government agencies, Chinese assassins, secret informants, and a rising number of deaths, Maxx must get to the truth before the next catastrophe strikes. Things get personal when it turns out his girlfriend has been working on the covert project and may be the source of damaging leaks that threaten national security.

A great fit for fans of Jack Slater, Matthew Reilly and Steve Berry. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Q0HWVO.

“Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen” by Heather Hester

Your kid just came out to you, and amid the flurry of emotion, you know you would do anything to protect their health and happiness. And you are not alone! Heather Hester, coach, advocate, and host of the #1 rated podcast, “Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen,” combines an honest retelling of her own son’s coming-out experience with wide-ranging research, conversations with dozens of professionals, and the unique experiences of other families to provide the ultimate guidebook for parents embarking on this journey.

Hester gently guides parents and caregivers through the four pillars (Embrace, Educate, Empower and Love) toward fully supporting and loving their LGBTQ+ child. With trustworthy information and an accessible, straightforward plan, “Parenting with Pride” provides actionable yet profound tools and mental shifts to help parents support their teens and themselves and be a catalyst for change in their communities. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3RieZpi.

“Return to Hawaii (A Donovan Cross Novel)” by Daniel Voelker

Originally from Hawaii, NIA agent Donovan Cross has not returned home in nearly 30 years. The unexpected death of his parents altered the course of his life. Instead of attending a prestigious college on a scholarship, he chose a path of spying and espionage.

When the Agency ordered him to return to his birthplace, he anticipated confronting painful memories of his parents' passing. However, those feelings were replaced by a sense of excitement and rejuvenation.

Unbeknownst to him, his presence on the island is crucial to addressing a sensitive global crisis: China's imminent invasion of Taiwan. Hawaii is being used, shrouded in secrecy, to facilitate this invasion. The skills Cross has honed over the years and his knowledge of the island's secrets will lead him and his newfound ally, the beautiful Jade Viper, on the thrill ride of a lifetime. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3GPwyee.