Friday, November 30, 2018

President Bush Dies @ 94

George H.W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president and father of the 43rd, has died at age 94

By Susan Page and Judy KeenAP BARBARA BUSH A USA TX
(Photo: Paul Morse, Courtesy of Office of George H.W. Bush via AP)

HOUSTON — George Herbert Walker Bush, the president who managed the end of the Cold War and forged a global coalition to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait, has died at age 94. In a political career that spanned three decades, he lost his bid for re-election and lived to see his son win the Oval Office.

The death of Bush — nicknamed "41" to distinguish himself from son George W. Bush, "43" — was announced in a statement released late Friday.

Bribed Postal Workers

Drug traffickers bribed postal workers to deliver cocaine during their mail run

By Faith Karimi
The US Attorney's Office said drug traffickers bribed 16 postal workers to deliver drugs to designated addresses.
The US Attorney's Office said drug traffickers bribed 16 postal workers to deliver drugs to designated addresses.

Atlanta (CNN)Sixteen US Postal Service workers got sentences of between three to nine years in federal prison for accepting bribes to deliver cocaine on their routes in Atlanta.

Watch Out when Booking a Flight

Everything You Should Watch Out for When Booking a Flight, According to a Pilot

Everything You Should Watch Out for When Booking a Flight, According to a Pilot
In the world of flying, some airlines are a bit like magicians; not everything is as it appears.

CAILEY RIZZO

Last week, Chris Manno released “A Pilot’s Guide for Fearful Flyers,” a book wherein he shares his tips for flying, accrued over more than 30 years of airline service. In the spirit of demystification, he spoke with Travel + Leisure about the secrets of air travel and the “gotchas” that passengers should watch out for.

Thanksgiving Openings Hurt

Opening on Thanksgiving hurts retailers more than it helps

Nandita Bose, Melissa Fares


NEW YORK (Reuters) - As store sales fall and purchases shift online over the Thanksgiving weekend, many U.S. retailers still open their doors on Thanksgiving itself, Thursday evening - to their detriment.

VA Won't Repay Vets

VA Won't Repay Vets After GI Bill Snafu

Huge delay has left some vets facing hardship

By Rob Quinn

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie addresses the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.   (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

A major snafu has hit benefit payments to student veterans under the GI Bill—and congressional aides tells NBC that they have been told the veterans are never going to be paid back.

2020 Rivian R1T Electric Truck

The 2020 Rivian R1T Electric Truck Does 0-60 in 3.0 Seconds With 400 Miles of Range

This Michigan-based automotive startup is swinging for the fences with a hugely innovative electric pickup truck.

BY NATE PETROELJE
imageRIVIAN

Rivian, an electric adventure vehicle startup based in Plymouth, Michigan, unveiled its first vehicle, the R1T electric pickup truck, today. It looks the business, and the numbers that CEO R.J. Scaringe claims the truck will achieve are rather impressive.

Starbucks to Block Porn

Starbucks Finds a Way to Block Porn for Good

Solution to be rolled out next year

By Arden Dier

Customers are seen at a Starbucks in Burbank, Calif. on May 24, 2018.   (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File)

You'll soon be able to sit in Starbucks without fear of accidentally viewing porn.

Marriott Hacked

Marriott Hit by Starwood Hack That Ranks Among Biggest Ever

By Sree Vidya Bhaktavatsalam  and Giles Turner

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Marriott International Inc. said it’s investigating a hack of the guest reservation database at its Starwood unit that may be one of the biggest such breaches in corporate history. Marriott shares slumped 5.6 percent in pre-market trading.

Make Wise Decisions

Three Steps to Make Wise Decisions

Three Steps to Make Wise Decisions
By Rick Warren
“A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe”(Proverbs 28:26 TLB).
We tend to make decisions frivolously, but the Bible gives a simple, workable plan on how to handle things differently. Whether it’s about career, marriage, finances, health, children, or the future, here are three principles from God’s Word for making wise decisions.

Today's Encouragement

God Sees What You’re Going Through 

Sharon Jaynes

“She [Hagar] gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

One day I was sitting on the patio with my new stepfather, Pete, waiting for the grill to heat up before placing steaks on to cook. My mom opened the door and gave Pete his orders — telling him what to do and how to do it. When she went back inside, Pete made a hand signal, pointing in one ear and out the other. We both laughed. Then he placed his ruddy hand on my arm, a hand worn by years of working under the hood of cars of every make and model.

Fri Devotional

Good and Mad


By Touching Lives
“In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”  Ephesians 4:26-27
Anger is a problem, not only in our world, but also in the Christian Church.  Acting out of anger has ruined countless marriages and friendships.  It has caused churches to split, jobs to be lost, and spirits to be broken and scarred.  Most of us learned early in life that the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” couldn’t be further from the truth.  Words hurt, crush and wound…especially words spewed in anger.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Lego Needs 1.71 Days

A Lego Needs 1.71 Days to Make the Unkindest Journey

If swallowed, that's how long it takes to reappear, researchers conclude

By John Johnson

This, too, shall pass.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

It may not be the most burning of unanswered science questions, but researchers have figured out how long it would take for a swallowed Lego to re-emerge in the toilet bowl. Figure 1.71 days.

New Life Expectancy Statistics

New US Life Expectancy Statistics Are 'Sobering'

Life expectancy has fallen for a 3rd year in a row

By Rob Quinn

A fentanyl user holds a needle near Kensington and Cambria in Philadelphia.   (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File)

In 1918, the double whammy of World War I and the worldwide flu pandemic drove down American life expectancy for a third year in a row.

U.S. Navy: Nukes or Ships?

The U.S. Navy Is Facing a Choice: Nukes or Ships?

The era of having it all may be over.

By Kyle Mizokami
Nimitz Supports Operation Inherent ResolveU.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 3RD CLASS KENNISHAH J. MADDUX

The U.S. Navy may have a tough choice to make: prioritizing growing its fleet of warships or funding the next generation of nuclear ballistic missile submarines. The Navy has made growing the size of the overall fleet to 355 ships a major priority, while at the same time building the new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. Meanwhile, the service is also being warned that the Pentagon’s defense budget will start shrinking in fiscal year 2020, making the two priorities in the eyes of many analysts an either/or proposition.

Martial Law Declared

Ukraine Declares Martial Law After Russia Confrontation

Kremlin warns move could lead to escalation

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko gestures during a parliament session in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018.   (Mykola Lazarenko, Presidential Press Service via AP)

The Kremlin has warned that martial law that is to go into effect in parts of Ukraine on Wednesday might lead to an escalation in the rebel-held east.

GM Closing Plants

GM Closing Plants, Cutting Jobs

Automaker plans big cuts 'ahead of changing market conditions'

By John Johnson

In this 2011 photo, an assembly worker works on a Chevrolet Volt at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Hamtramck, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

It's a bleak day for workers at General Motors: The automaker said Monday it's cutting about 15% of its salaried workers in the US and Canada and closing five plants.

Creator of 'SpongeBob' Dead

Stephen Hillenburg, The Creator Of "SpongeBob SquarePants," Has Died At 57

"We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS," a Nickelodeon spokesperson said.

By David Mack

Dennis Van Tine / Dennis Van Tine/Geisler-Fotopres/picture-alliance/dpa / AP Images

Stephen Hillenburg, the man who used his background in marine biology to create the wildly popular cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants for Nickelodeon, has died from ALS, the network announced Tuesday. He was 57.

Stocks Surge

Powell's Interest Rate Comments Cheer Wall Street Despite Trump's Attacks


By Chloe Aiello

Stocks surged following Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell's comments at the Economic Club of New York during which he addressed risk factors to the health of the economy, softened his tone on monetary policy, and offered a fairly reassuring check-up on the economy on the heels of sharp disapproval from President Trump. The speech, widely considered the most important of the year and of Powell's career, follows months of blistering criticism of Powell and his monetary policy.

The Possession of Hannah Grace

Make a Decision

Got a Dream? Now Make a Decision

Got a Dream? Now Make a Decision.
By Rick Warren
“If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord”(James 1:7-8 GNT).
When God gives you a dream for your life, your eyes suddenly open up to see what he wants to do in and through you. You begin to understand that you’re not just here on Earth by accident. You begin to see his plan, his purpose.

Today's Encouragement

Finding Purpose in the Darkness

LYSA TERKEURST

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” Psalm 57:7 (ESV)

It doesn’t feel like a very Christian thing to say. To admit we still have moments when we feel a bit suspicious of God while we’re clinging to the promises of God.

But can I be completely honest with you? I have wrestled with these feelings.

Thur Devotional

Life


By Touching Lives 
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”  John 11:25
“I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”  These were Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, the devout Jewish Pharisee who was so intrigued by Him.  Nicodemus wanted to know who Jesus was, saying, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.”  He had seen the signs and miracles Jesus performed; and he wondered how a Rabbi could do such things.  He knew no one could apart from God.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Holiday Hangover

Holiday hangover: How to bounce back from the food, booze and emotional stress

Use these simple strategies to recover from common holiday health hazards.

Serene couple napping with dog on sofa next to Christmas tree
Over-eating and over-drinking, lack of sleep and exercise can make us feel lethargic and irritable. Caiaimage/Robert Daly / Getty Images

By Brianna Steinhilber

At the first mention of politics at the dinner table, you reach for the closest bottle of red and never look back. After four helpings of mashed potatoes, an argument with drunken Uncle Tony and a night spent tossing and turning on the lumpy couch, it’s no wonder that the next morning you feel like you got run over by Santa’s sleigh.

Worst Rip-offs

8 Worst Cruise Rip-offs Not Worth Your Money



Erica Silverstein
Senior Editor

Cruise ships charge extra for all sorts of things -- tours, specialty dining, drinks, etc. -- and many of these are worth the cost to enhance your vacation enjoyment. But a few are total rip-offs.

Amazon’s Cyber Monday

Amazon’s Cyber Monday was the biggest shopping day in the company’s history

Sarah Perez@sarahintampa 
Internet shopping e-commerce application

Amazon  said on Tuesday it just had its biggest shopping day in the company’s history on Cyber Monday (Monday, November 26), based on the number of products sold worldwide. That means the shopping event topped Black Friday and even Amazon’s own sales event known as Prime Day, which this July had become the biggest sales day in Amazon’s history with more than 100 million products sold.

Do or Die for Sears/Kmart

It's a do-or-die Christmas for Sears and Kmart

By Chris Isidore

New York (CNN Business)Sears' 133rd holiday season could be its last.

The company plans to emerge from bankruptcy much smaller but profitable and competitive. But that may be wishful thinking. By next year, there's a very good chance the iconic retailer will be a ghost of Christmas past.

A 'Surprise' Discontinued Car

A 'Surprise' Among GM's 6 Discontinued Cars

The Cadillac CT6 was the 'tech halo' for the brand

By Jenn Gidman

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt hybrid is seen at a presentation during the North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12, 2015, in Detroit.   (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

Now that General Motors' big announcement that it will be shuttering five plants in North America and slashing thousands of jobs has started to settle in, more details are emerging on the vehicle production that will be affected.

Only Type of Bread

This Is the Only Type of Bread You Should Be Eating, According to a Cardiologist

This Is the Only Type of Bread You Should Be Eating, According to a Cardiologist
Getty Images/Universal Images Group

Put down the Wonder Bread.

ELISABETH SHERMAN / FOODANDWINE.COM 
This story originally appeared on FoodandWine.com.

Gluten shows up – in some variation – in all the best foods: Doughnuts, pizza, beer, and of course bread, a staple in almost everyone’s kitchen. But now one cardiologist is here to tell you that your favorite gluten-based foods are actually toxic – and that there’s only one truly healthy bread out there.

Entertainment News

Macy's Thanksgiving parade tops Grammys in ratings for first time


Eric Liebowitz/NBC

JAMES HIBBERD 

Everybody, it seems, really does love a parade.

The 92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade delivered a terrific 23.7 million viewers last week, according to NBC which released the numbers Tuesday. The parade also received a big 6.0 rating among adults 18-49.

Whispered

When God Whispered

When God Whispered 
by Fred Alberti
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
My four year old son had to learn 2 Timothy 3:16 for AWANA. One of the leaders was concerned and stated that there was just no way the children could grasp the idea of Scripture being "God-breathed." So we decided to ask my son to explain what "God-breathed" meant.

Today's Encouragement

Give Me a Break: Exchanging the Guilt of Rest for the Gift of Rest



Katie Reid

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11 (NLT)

While I think we can all agree that rest is crucial to our well-being, it can also be exhausting to feel guilty that we aren’t getting enough of it.

Wed Devotional

Safe


By Touching Lives 
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”  John 10:28-30

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Fox launches 'Fox Nation'

Fox News launches 'Fox Nation' as news networks try to catch the streaming wave

By STEPHEN BATTAGLIO
Fox News launches 'Fox Nation' as news networks try to catch the streaming wave
Pro wrestler Tyrus and former ESPN correspondent Britt McHenry are among the new hosts on the new Fox Nation streaming service. (Fox News)

Whenever longtime Fox News executive John Finley walks through an airport in Dallas carrying a bag emblazoned with his company’s logo, strangers who are viewers of the cable channel come up to him and say, “Thank you.”

Millions under Blizzard Warning

Millions under blizzard warning as winter storm impacts holiday travel

By Dakin Andone and Christina Zdanowicz, CNN

(CNN)Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed and 14 million people were under a blizzard warning Sunday as a storm brought snow, wind and rain to large stretches of the Midwest on a major Thanksgiving holiday travel day.

Kansas City International Airport was closed to flights arriving on the airfield due to low visibility caused by weather conditions and limited visibility under a quarter-mile, according to an airport tweet.

Genetically Altered Twins

Chinese Researcher Claims to Have Used CRISPR to Genetically Alter Twins

If confirmed, the procedure would represent a new breakthrough in CRISPR technology.

By David Grossman
He Jiankui
 YOUTUBE/THE HE LAB

He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, is claiming to have successfully used the genetic editing tool CRISPR-cas9 to alter the DNA of two twin baby girls. A researcher at the Southern University of Science and Technology of China in Shenzhen, He claims that he has given the girls an ability to resist possible future HIV infection.

Microsoft vs Apple

Microsoft briefly dethrones Apple as the most valuable US company (AAPL, MSFT)

Jonathan Garber
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
Reuters/Shannon Stapleton

  • Microsoft briefly surpassed Apple as the most valuable US company.
  • It passed Apple on Monday with a market value of about $812 billion.


Microsoft on Monday briefly surpassed Apple as the most valuable company in the US, with a market capitalization of about $812 billion. Still, Apple was back on top by the stock market's close, with a market value of more than $825 billion. The last time Microsoft was more valuable than Apple was in 2010.

Sports

James Harden's 54 points not enough to lift Rockets past Wizards


Photo: Rob Carr, Getty Images

WASHINGTON – James Harden carried the Rockets as long and as far as he could, piling up numbers and matching the Wizards offense the Rockets could not stop.

When he could carry the Rockets no farther, consecutive last-minute turnovers and two more in overtime finally stopping him, the Wizards had the opening they needed.

Romaine Lettuce Latest

FDA Narrows Its Romaine Lettuce Warning

Lettuce from outside parts of California not linked to outbreak

By Rob Quinn

Romaine lettuce sits on the shelves as a shopper walks through the produce area of an Albertsons market Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, in Simi Valley, Calif.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Food and Drug Administration has narrowed its warning not to eat romaine lettuce.

$400K Money Laundering

Man suspected of money laundering after $400,000 found in washing machine

By Tara John
Police were looking for unregistered residents when they found the valuable load.
Police were looking for unregistered residents when they found the valuable load.

(CNN)The term "money laundering" was never more appropriate than this week, when Dutch police found around $400,000 stuffed inside the drum of a washing machine.

A man present in the house during Monday's raid was arrested on suspicion of -- yes, you've guessed it -- money laundering.

Armor of Protection

Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day

Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every Day
By Debbie McDaniel
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.

Today's Encouragment

Breaking Free from Hurt 



Karen Ehman

“Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.” Psalm 142:6-7 (NIV)

My family often teases me because I am such a rule follower. I have an immense fear of breaking a rule, or worse yet, breaking a law. Doing so could result in serious consequences.

Tues Devotional

Boasting in Christ


By Touching Lives
“If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about – but not before God.  What does the Scripture say?  ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’  Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.  However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.”  Romans 4:2-5

Monday, November 26, 2018

Stuck on Tracks

Driver Gets Stuck on Tracks After GPS Gaffe

Pennsylvania police have a little fun posting about it

By Neal Colgrass

The car.   (City of Duquesne Police Department)

A woman learned the limits of GPS Wednesday when she turned off a road onto railway tracks and got stuck there—parallel to the tracks, USA Today reports.

Black Friday $23B

Black Friday sales could hit a record $23 billion

By Chris Isidore

New York (CNN Business)The holiday shopping season got off to a hot start as consumers flooded into stores and logged onto e-commerce sites in search of deals.

Real-time figures from Mastercard projected that overall sales totaled $23 billion on Black Friday alone. That's up about 9% from the day after Thanksgiving last year.

Jail over Cotton Candy

Woman Spends Months in Jail Over Cotton Candy Mix-Up

Needless to say, she's now suing

By Evann Gastaldo

A cotton candy vendor during the first inning of a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Oakland Athletics Thursday, May 21, 2015, in St. Petersburg, Fla.   (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Dasha Fincher had a bag of blue cotton candy in the car with her when two Monroe County, Georgia, sheriff's deputies pulled the vehicle over on New Year's Eve in 2016.

Get Paid to Travel

9 Companies That Want You to Travel — and Will Pay You to Do It

Female tourist exploring lush Jungle lake surrounded by limestone cliffs, Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Sam Spicer/Getty Images

CLAUDIA FISHER / REALSIMPLE.COM 

These companies really help you customize your work-life balance.

Believe it or not, there are some companies that will actually help their employees pay for vacations. If this seems like a wild pipe dream to you, maybe it's time to reconsider your career path...

Brexit Latest

EU leaders agree UK's Brexit deal at Brussels summit


EU leaders have approved an agreement on the UK's withdrawal and future relations - insisting it is the "best and only deal possible".

After 20 months of negotiations, the 27 leaders gave the deal their blessing after less than an hour's discussion.

They said the deal - which needs to be approved by the UK Parliament - paved the way for an "orderly withdrawal".

Best Cyber Monday Deals

The 40 best Cyber Monday deals you need to know about


By ALEX WARNER 

Every year we look forward to the Monday after Thanksgiving for one thing and one thing only: online shopping. And by online shopping, we mean snatching up hugely discounted tech deals, since Cyber Monday is the very best time to buy entertainment essentials like TVs, laptops, smartphones, headphones, and more.

California Camp Fire

Northern California Camp Fire Contained

CLARE LOMBARDO

Volunteers search for remains at a mobile home park in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 23. The Camp Fire destroyed the town. Kathleen Ronayne/AP

After more than two weeks, the Camp Fire of Northern California is 100 percent contained. It was both the deadliest and most destructive fire in California's history.

Storage Unit w/7.5M Inside

Man Buys Storage Unit for $500, Finds $7.5M Inside

If it sounds like something out of 'Storage Wars,' it almost is

By Kate Seamons

Sorry to burst your bubble, but whatever bargain you scored on Black Friday pales in comparison to the deal a man got when he purchased a storage unit in Southern California in October.

Weekend Box Office Results

'Ralph' Delivers Second Largest Thanksgiving Opening Ever While 'Creed II' Punches Up $55M Debut

by Brad Brevet

It was a massive five days at the box office, the last three days of which resulted in the largest Thanksgiving three-day weekend ever with the top twelve films combining for over $206 million. Leading the way was Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet, which brought in the second largest Thanksgiving five-day gross of all-time followed by MGM's Creed II with the largest holiday opening ever for a live-action film. Despite the performances of these two films, it wasn't all success stories, however, as Summit's big budget attempt at Robin Hood collapsed both with critics and audiences.

Feeling Overwhelmed

For the Days You Feel Overwhelmed: There’s a Rock that Is Higher

For the Days You Feel Overwhelmed: There's a Rock that Is Higher
By Debbie McDaniel
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalms 61:2
For the times when you feel overwhelmed, there's a Rock that is higher. Stable, sure, faithful, true...a place you can trust, a place you can rest.

Today's Encouragement

Chalk-Line Faith 


SUZIE ELLER

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” Proverbs 16:1 (ESV)

A few years ago, I was praying for a close friend. She had made choices that created a personal crisis. It had the power to destroy almost everything she cared about. As I prayed for her, I asked, “Lord, what can I do?” Though I was asking God for help, I was already on task.

Mon Devotional

New Life


By Touching Lives 
“You know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins.  And in Him is no sin.  No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning.  No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.”  1 John 3:5-6

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Sports

Bowl Projections: Live Updates of the Postseason Picture as Week 13's Games Go Final

 Eric Single,Sports IllustratedReactions

Shoppers Choose Computers

On Black Friday, more U.S. shoppers chose the computer over the mall


A Lord and Taylor store is pictured during Black Friday shopping in New York City, New York, U.S., REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

By Nandita Bose and Melissa Fares

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday kickoff of the U.S. holiday shopping season showed the increasing preference for online purchases, as more Americans opted to stay home and use their smartphones while sales and traffic at brick-and-mortar stores declined.

Get a New Passport

How to Get a New Passport as Quickly as Possible

U.S. passports
Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Don't freak out.

CAILEY RIZZO

There are few travel situations more nightmarish than realizing a passport has expired right before an international trip.

Escape a Shark Attack

This Move Could Help You Escape a Shark Attack

Shark Swimming in Hawaii
Philip Waller/Image Source/Getty Images

Travel isn’t always a vacation.

CAILEY RIZZO

When on the road, things can — and will — go wrong. The best defense is preparation, even for worst case scenarios.

Buy a Domain Name

The Best Places to Buy a Domain Name



Unless you’ve got a connection at ICANN, the organization responsible for managing the creation of domain names, you’ll be buying your domain name from a “Domain Name Registrar,” a company accredited by ICANN to sell domain names.

New Electronic Device

A New Electronic Device Could Cure the Military's Big Motion Sickness Problem

Motion sickness affects all branches of the armed forces, from vehicle crews to submariners.

By Kyle Mizokami
Rough seas
 MC1 NATHANAEL MILLER

A new invention fools the human nervous system into filtering out the causes of motion sickness, preventing users from needing to reach for the barf bag. The Ototech device causes the brain to ignore the signals that lead to motion sickness, a huge problem for the U.S. military.

Meet Daily

God Blesses Those Who Meet with Him Daily

God Blesses Those Who Meet with Him Daily
By Rick Warren
“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway” (Proverbs 8:34 NIV).
Want to know something you can do every day that will certainly lead to God’s blessing?
Spend time with him.

The Last Days

The Last Days

The Last Days
by Sarah Phillips
"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:25

Fools for Christ

Fools for Christ

Fools for Christ
by Ryan Duncan
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. – 1 Corinthians 1:27 
I was leaving the grocery store and had just started my car, when I was approached by a man pushing a stroller. I assumed he was going to ask for directions, but it turned out that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Six Biblical Truths

Six Biblical Truths about God’s Blessing

Six Biblical Truths about God’s Blessing
By Rick Warren
“Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another” (John 1:16 GNT).
You probably hear the phrase“God bless you” on a regular basis. You may even hear it daily.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Prevent PP from Auto Resizing


How to Prevent PowerPoint from Automatically Resizing Text





In PowerPoint, when you type, you may notice that if you enter more text than can fit inside a text placeholder, the text is automatically resized to a smaller size. This is called AutoFit. In some cases, that might be helpful; in other cases, it might not. Here’s how to turn that off.

Learning a New Language


The Best Websites for Learning a New Language



websites-to-learn-new-languages-header
You’d think that with the vast amount of information on the Internet, learning a new language would be easy. But the availability of all that information is part of the problem. We’ve scoured the depths of the Internet to compile this list of the best websites for learning a new language.

Room Based on Your Mood

This New Hotel Will Assign You a Room Based on Your Mood Angad Arts Hotel - St. Louis

The mood ring of hotels just opened in St. Louis.

By KRISTINE HANSEN 

What if, in addition to handing over your credit card at check-in, you told the front desk how you were feeling?

Most Popular Dog Name

Most Popular Dog Name Holds Firm for 9th Year

Well-balanced 'Bella' on top again

By Arden Dier

A 10.5-year-old Pumi named Bella takes part in a dog agility competition in San Diego in 2017.   (Christy Radecic/AP Images for Purina Pro Plan)

Shout "Bella" in a dog park and there's a good chance a new friend will come running. According to Nextdoor.com, Bella is the most popular dog name in the US ... as it was in 2017 and 2016.

Islands 'Creeping' Closer Together

Islands 'Creeping' Closer Together

New Zealand islands still unsettled after 2016 earthquake

By Arden Dier

Kayakers race across the South Island of New Zealand on Feb. 11, 2017.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

New Zealanders are coming together this holiday season in more ways than one. A magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck two years ago initially brought the country's North and South Islands about 16 feet closer together, and the land masses have continued to close the gap.

Essential Christmas Albums Ranked

This year's essential Christmas albums ranked, from 'Shatner Claus' to the irresistible JD McPherson

By RANDY LEWIS
This year's essential Christmas albums ranked, from 'Shatner Claus' to the irresistible JD McPherson
Critically acclaimed, multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Legend has released his first Christmas album, "A Legendary Christmas." Pictured: John Legend with Chrissy Teigen, daughter Luna Simone Stephens and son Miles Theodore Stephens. (F. Scott Schafer)

The spirit of inspiration runs stronger than usual through this year’s batch of new holiday music collections, with fresh melodies and lyrics in some of the best. Veteran country singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, Oklahoma recent arrival JD McPherson, the long-running Nashville, Tenn.-based genre-defying band the Mavericks and Texas’ barnstorming Old 97’s each have delivered Christmas albums built around inviting new songs that make them worthy additions to the favorites you might turn to year in and year out. Albums, listed alphabetically by artist, are ranked on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (classic). Let the roundup begin:

Couple Is $1.3M Richer

Couple Is $1.3M Richer After Pre-Thanksgiving Cleanup

They found a lottery ticket 2 weeks away from expiring

By Rob Quinn

Harold and Tina Ehrenberg.   (Louisiana Lottery)

A Louisiana couple found something to be very thankful about while cleaning their house to prepare for Thanksgiving guests.

NASA's Experimental Supersonic Jet

Lockheed Martin Has Started Building NASA's X-59 Experimental Supersonic Jet

The X-59 can reportedly break the sound barrier without registering so much as a 'thud.'

By Sam Blum
imageLOCKHEED MARTIN

Lockheed Martin and NASA are poised to bring supersonic travel back to the commercial aviation industry.

Enjoy What You Have

Enjoy What You Have Right Now

Enjoy What You Have Right Now
By Rick Warren
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” (Philippians 4:11-12 NLT).
One reason so many of us are stressed out today is we’re rarely content with what we have. We always want more—more money, more pleasure, more power. We want more of just about everything.

Time for Radical Action

The Time for Radical Action Is Now

The Time for Radical Action Is Now
by Alex Crain
"...if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Romans 8:13 
Aron Ralston's grisly experience during a climbing expedition illustrates a spiritual truth that makes me wince. If you aren't familiar with the story, take a look at his book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place (© 2004 Simon & Schuster), which is a detailed tell-all of his ordeal that occurred in late April 2003.

Win or Lose

You Win or Lose the Battle Against Stress in Your Mind

You Win or Lose the Battle Against Stress in Your Mind
By Rick Warren
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
Blaming stress on external forces is easy. We think we’re stressed because of work or relationships or health struggles.