Theatrical essence, we know, relies upon a shared experience of space and time. How else does one describe the crescendo between the stage and stalls during a curtain call?

In Presence, the Play, William E. Jefferson’s protagonist puts it like this: “So many years, scripts scripted, performers performing, music scored, songs sung — it’s live, it’s real, it’s present. The theatre — what can be better, tell me? You can’t.”

Presence, the Play is an allegorical tale woven across multiple levels: Christian theology, media critique, the hero’s journey, poetic reimagining of classic works, and sheer entertainment. The work vigorously explores the concept of presence and its many manifestations, both divine and mundane. Continue reading →

Self-Care for Heartburn

 (NewsUSA) – After a year like no other, we are beginning to see glimpses of a return to our pre-pandemic lives. Public health guidance and scientific advances mean we are trickling back into our favorite restaurants, joining together to share meals, and toasting to a year of missing family and friends.

But these celebrations come with their fair share of greasy foods and bubbly beverages. And unfortunately, our favorite indulgences often bring an all-too-familiar side effect: heartburn.

Also known as acid reflux, heartburn can be a miserable experience: the burning sensation in your chest or throat may start after finishing a meal and last for hours afterwards. Other symptoms can include a hot, sour, or acidic fluid feeling in the back of your throat, as well as a lingering cough, sore throat, or hoarse voice. May is Digestive Disease Awareness Month so it’s a great time to learn about self-care for heartburn. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Spring is coming, and as we get out our lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment from storage to work in our yards, businesses and other green spaces, it’s important to put safe practices in place.

“Think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “We’re all eager to get back outside in the spring weather but I can’t stress enough to read your owner’s manuals before starting up any equipment—especially your lawn mower.”

OPEI offers these tips to get your outdoor power equipment ready, especially mowers: Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—Do you contribute to racial unity or disunity? That’s the focus of a new book, which offers a surprising perspective on race relations in America today, and offers suggestions to improve racial conditions.

One Man’s Story

Young white man experiences beatings received from black men in his community. The trauma associated with the beatings had the potential to destroy any favorable constructs of Black people in his life. But the author, Gene Heil, now an ordained minister, refused to allow racial hatred to control him.

Instead, inspired by God, he gained a different perspective of racial disunity, which, according to Heil, is rooted in understanding the impact the dominant white culture has had on the Black culture through generations of cultural abuse and systemic racism. God taught him to forgive his oppressors, and led him to blend into the black community to gain insight, and to prepare him to become an advocate for racial healing. Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—The IRS offers an incentive to lower your tax bill when you save for retirement. Many taxpayers may be eligible to claim the Saver’s Credit, but they may not know that it exists. Also referred to as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, the Saver’s Credit can reduce federal income taxes for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement through a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

The 23rd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey finds that fewer than half (49 percent) of workers are aware of the Saver’s Credit.

“People who are saving for retirement may be able to claim the Saver’s Credit and reduce their federal taxes,” says Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of nonprofit Transamerica Institute® and its Center for Retirement Studies. “Some people may be confusing the tax credit with the tax-advantaged treatment of retirement accounts. The idea of a double tax benefit may sound too good to be true, but both are available to eligible savers.” Continue reading →

Chicago, Illinois, USA sightseeing cruise and skyline on the river.

Why it Matters to You

(NAPSI)—It’s raining hard. You need to get to an important appointment. You’re halfway to your destination when you hit a roadblock. The intersection is flooded, wind gusts have downed electrical wires and there’s no end in sight. You have no choice but to return home, where there’s no electricity.

Scenarios like this—and much worse—are playing out in communities around the country. Climate change is causing more destructive conditions nationwide, turning every street into a potential flood zone. From earthquakes to severe storms and flooding, Americans are increasingly seeing startling images of cars disappearing into sinkholes, widespread power outages and destroyed homes and neighborhoods. Everyday stressors and extreme weather are pushing local infrastructure to the brink.  Continue reading →

by Laura Corbin, Bureau Chief,

Tobacco Free Florida

(NAPSI)—The ball, the confetti and the 2022 wall calendars have all come down, and our attention turns to the annual tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. This can include health goals, such as deciding to have 2023 be the year to finally quit tobacco successfully. Most adult smokers in our state tried to do so at least once in the past year, reports the Florida Department of Health.

Quitting for good may take several attempts. With the resolution to quit, every year more and more people succeed on their own. But it may help to know some tips, and to know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Are you resolving to quit tobacco? If so…

Remember your reason.

What’s your biggest personal motivator to quit? If what keeps you going is a desire to be healthy and be there for your kids for years to come, strategically position photos of those smiling faces in the places you used to take your smoke breaks.  Continue reading →

5G Home Internet: Powerful Enough For Your Home?

(NAPSI)—5G Home Internet is making waves when it comes to connectivity. And while the technology behind 5G is a great choice when it comes to mobile data and serving remote areas with limited connectivity, the same might not be said for powering most home Internet needs.

What is 5G Home Internet?

Simply put, 5G networks are mobile networks. Because 5G Home Internet relies on the same cell towers as 5G mobile devices, they are essentially competing for capacity. When many mobile users utilize the 5G network at once, the 5G Home Internet users must wait in line behind them for connectivity. Think of it as a congested interstate highway, with everyone headed for the same exit. Continue reading →

Digital is increasing and print is stabilizing. Large & Small Businesses are Buying more digital in 2023 while print newspapers are stabilizing.

By Mark McCormick says, Borrell Associates, a marketing research firm based in Virginia, hosted a webinar recently to shine a light on local business trends and what their spending might look like down the road. In addition to actual ad spending, they offered publishers insight about tomorrows spenders.

The webinar, titled “What 2023 Will Bring?” Local ad spending forecasts, opened with a look at some upward sales trends since the pandemic began, Including general retail sales (above) as well as categories such as liquor, hardware, and cars. With that foundation, Borrell Associates shifted the focus to small businesses, particularly business applications.

Crostinis:

10.5-ounce baguette, sliced ½-inch thick

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon coarse salt

Bruschetta:

1-pound strawberries, trimmed and diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar

½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar

¼ teaspoon coarse salt

4 ounces fresh goat cheese, ricotta or burrata

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Continue reading →