(NewsUSA) - "Richard Vague is a rare combination of scholar, practitioner, and communicator. In The Paradox of Debt, he provides an essential guide to the modern economy that can be read with profit and pleasure by citizens and policymakers alike." (Author Michael Lind)

The well-credentialed Vague, who recently served as Secretary of Banking and Securities for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has established himself as a clear and independent voice in the ongoing conversation about the role of private sector debt in the global economy.

And now he shares his thinking and presents readers with a new view of macroeconomics in his very informative, important and readable book The Paradox of Debt: A New Path to Prosperity Without Crisis (University of Pennsylvania Press).

When we talk about debt and its impact on our economy, we almost always mean “government debt.” However, this is only a small part of the picture: Individuals, private firms, and households owe trillions, and these private debts are vital to understanding the economy.

In this iconoclastic book, Vague examines the assets, liabilities, and incomes of the entire country, private and public sector, to reveal its net worth. His holistic analysis shows that the real factor that drives both financial crises and spiraling inequality―but also, paradoxically, economic growth―is ever-rising private debt.

The paradox is that while debt is essential and our economy relies on it, it also brings instability unless it is periodically deleveraged―and that is very hard to do. It can, however, be carefully managed, and Vague ends the book by showing how to do so in policy areas ranging from trade and housing to financial policy and student debt.

Underpinned by pioneering data analysis and the author’s lifetime of experience in the financial world, this book is essential for anyone who wants to understand the deep, underlying dynamics of the American economy.

“Debt is a paradox,” writes Vague. “It creates and destroys. Even short of those extremes, it distorts.”

“As we as a society come to better understand debt, it will become possible to more accurately forecast economic trends, predict financial crises, shape policy decisions, and understand how national wealth grows and thus how to address inequality.”

Vague’s other works include A Brief History of Doom, The Next Economic Disaster,Illustrated Business History of the United States and The Case for a Debt Jubilee. He serves on the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees and the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees and is founder of the economic data service Tychos (tychosgroup.org) and the email newsletter service Delanceyplace.com, which focuses on nonfiction literature.

Says Steve Keen, author of The New Economics: A Manifesto, "Richard Vague is this century’s incarnation of Walter Bagehot, Charles Mackay, and Charles Kindleberger, all in one: a successful banker, brilliant author, and contrarian economist with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of money and banking, and the parts of economic theory that are worth knowing―above all the contributions of Hyman Minsky. No one else comes close to his blend of professional experience, oratorical flair, and critical insights."

Visit www.richardvague.com.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grip the imagination and the headlines, and AI will continue to impact productivity, security, and economics worldwide, but there is a role for smart regulation, according to Andrew Moore, CEO of Lovelace AI and co-chair of the Generative AI Task Force for the non-profit Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

Use of generative AI, which involves machine learning and the ability of a computer to predict the next word (such as ChatGPT), continues to expand globally, but it is still a work in progress, says Moore. “The world is very demanding, and it’s not OK for generative AI to be really impressive 96% of the time and really stupid 4% of the time.”

For example, the potential of self-driving cars has yet to be fully realized despite some impressive demos, Moore says. “That’s so similar to what we're talking about with generative AI at the moment, where sometimes GPT gives amazing answers that it seems so much smarter than any human, and sometimes it gives crazy answers,” he notes.

Regulation is needed, but businesses have expressed concerns that regulations will be impractical, stifle innovation, and prevent Western countries from competing with the rest of the world, Moore says.

In a recent podcast, Moore emphasized two areas in which AI innovation should be supported:

Education. AI provides unique opportunities not only for children, but for learners of all ages to get absolute full attention in a form of instruction that can diagnose where they are confused and help them understand, Moore explains. “I'm so excited about many results of how the use of AI tutors can help kids or other people who perhaps are not able to get that level of attention from a human teacher, or maybe the human teachers just don't have the expertise to teach a particular topic,” he adds. Too much regulation, such as a blanket refusal to allow the AI to listen to human voices in the form of students asking questions, would hinder the educational benefits, and countries with such regulation would fall behind in terms of the benefits in learning outcomes for kids, Moore says.

National security. Autonomy is the name of the game when it comes to using AI in national security, says Moore. The United States has careful rules about the use of autonomy in weapons systems. “But at the moment, as we're seeing around the world, the most important use of autonomous platforms is for gathering data,” he says. For example, “in an area where suddenly a surprising number of ships are gathering, you quickly get an eye on the sky, and make sure that the AI is in the sky and secure and operating even in the face of adversaries.”  

AI brings potential risks as well as benefits, but it is essential to find ways to strike a balance with regulation that still promotes innovation, says Moore.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.

(NewsUSA) - Whether you are recovering from surgery, injury, a hard workout, or just the stress of daily living, a new, noninvasive, innovative compression therapy can help promote healing and get you back to everyday life.

Pneumatic compression therapy is a physical therapy technique that helps improve lymphatic and venous circulation throughout the body. This therapy can aid in the treatment of edema, lymphedema, and circulatory problems by using inflatable boots and sleeve garments to help enhance circulation. A battery powered device works to pump air into the garments, applying precise pressure to help promote fluid movement and the body’s natural circulation. By gradually compressing and releasing the extremity, the device and garments work together to help speed recovery and reduce pain by flushing out lymphatic waste and toxins.

The all-new Mueller REVIVE^TM pneumatic compression therapy technology brings the benefits of compression therapy to everyone, not just elite athletes, or hospital patients. Developed by Mueller Sports Medicine, a global leader in sports medicine with more than 60 years of expertise, REVIVE^TM doesn’t just squeeze muscles, but provides a graduated compression therapy session to aid in the body’s natural circulation and healing process.

Anyone who has had a long day on their feet, or those who spend extended periods of time sitting may also benefit from REVIVE^TM pneumatic compression therapy. Distinctive potential benefits of the REVIVE^TM system include:

-Reduced swelling.

-Increased circulation.

-Decreased pain.

-Improved sleep.

-Accelerated recovery.

“I am excited for REVIVE^TM because it is a great new treatment for athletes and the general public,” says Brett Mueller, CEO of Mueller Sports Medicine. “Our manufacturer has over 40 years of experience in the hospital market, and Mueller Sports Medicine has 60 years under our belt, which makes us highly qualified in our field,” he adds. The REVIVE^TM system “is truly a high-performing product with results you can feel.”

The results of REVIVE^TM are reflected in testimonials from all types of users; athletes, truck drivers, construction workers, nurses, travelers, senior citizens and more all benefit from REVIVE^TM. Users notice the impact of REVIVE^TM immediately. After they enjoy a quick session of REVIVE^TM, they claim a reduction in pain and an increase in hope and confidence for the future. 

The REVIVE^TM compression technology offers a portable 8-hour rechargeable battery device with plug and play therapy pressure and time settings and two full leg boot garments made of easy to clean, durable biocompatible material. Mueller Sports Medicine also offers other options that include but are not limited to an advanced device with Bluetooth connectivity and additional treatment modes for greater flexibility.

The REVIVE^TM compression full leg boots are available in three sizes: small, medium and large, but the REVIVE^TM product portfolio does not stop there. To help reduce pain in more than just the legs, Mueller Sports Medicine offers the benefits of REVIVE^TM in other compression garments such as calf boots (covering the feet and calves), pants/torso (covering the feet, legs, glutes and lower back), core (covering the thighs, glutes and abdomen), arm/shoulder (covering the arm and shoulder, but not the hand), complete jacket (covering arm, shoulder, and much of torso, but not the hand).  For more information please go to: MuellerRevive.com

(NewsUSA) - For most, July is a time to have fun in the sun and enjoy the warmer weather. But at Toys for Tots, we’re already preparing for the 2023 Holiday Season!

Marine Toys for Tots is the Nation’s flagship children’s Christmastime charity, but the Program offers more than holiday hope. Marine Toys for Tots has expanded its reach to help children in need throughout the year, and its support has been more valuable than ever as many families struggle with inflation and continue to experience challenging circumstances.

Once again, Toys for Tots is set to bring hope and joy to children in need with the Program’s annual Christmas in July campaign, because we don’t want to wait until the holiday season to provide comfort and emotional support. With help from local nonprofits across the Nation, Toys for Tots is conducting our fourth annual Christmas in July initiative to bring the same Christmastime magic and hope to underprivileged children in July.

As we continue to provide hope and joy to children in need beyond the holiday season, we will work around the clock to keep our inventory of toys well stocked. This July, we are conducting our first ever Matching Gift Challenge—allowing the public to have twice the impact in the lives of less fortunate girls and boys. Any donation amount given during our Matching Gift Challenge will be used to create an online matching gift fund. Then, as the holiday season approaches, we’ll use that fund to match gifts from other donors, doubling your impact – and theirs!

“With every gift that is given, our generous supporters show how much they care about children who face poverty every day of the year. Between inflation and the rising cost of living, there are more children who need help than ever before,” says LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Santa’s boots are big ones to fill, but if anyone’s up to the task, it’s you! Your generosity helps us deliver hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he emphasizes.

The Program is a year-round force good, providing hope and emotional support whenever it’s needed most, and the support and generosity of the American public makes an extraordinary impact on the lives of struggling families and their children. That support recently had an extremely positive impact in Whitley County, Kentucky, where 7,239 toys and other gifts were provided to 2,413 children in need thanks to our partnership with the Christian Appalachian Project. Our supporters’ generosity made a significant difference to an underserved community – and we can continue to have the same powerful effect on even more communities with the American public’s tremendous support.  

Celebrate Christmas in July and help Toys for Tots continue to be a year-round force for good by joining our Matching Gift Challenge today. Visit https://secure.toysfortots.org/a/evergreen-news to donate today -- and help us bring holiday more to even more children in need.

(NewsUSA) - Congratulations! You’ve already taken one of the most important steps to secure your financial future — connecting with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional. You will want to make the most of this opportunity to plot the best course forward for you and your family.

Your first meeting with your CFP^® professional sets the groundwork for the financial planning process. Before mapping out a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your objectives and risk tolerance, your CFP^® professional needs to get to know you. Getting to know you includes finding out more about the following:

Your Personal Circumstances

Financial advice depends on your age and stage of life. What are your personal obligations and responsibilities? Do you have a growing family? Are college expenses in your future? Perhaps you’re starting a business, planning for retirement or caring for a child with disabilities.

Your Financial Circumstances

What’s your financial situation right now? Do you have a solid emergency fund or are you still working to create your first budget? Your CFP^® professional will perform a detailed analysis of your financial condition. Bring these documents to the meeting in addition to any paperwork or questionnaires that your CFP^® professional may have sent you ahead of time.

Your Goals

Everyone has dreams and goals. What are yours? You probably have a few short-term and long-term financial goals to bring to this first conversation, from a family vacation to leaving a bequest to your favorite charity. Don’t worry if you don’t have all your goals figured out. Your advisor is there to help you set and prioritize them.

When you hire a CFP^® professional, you are hiring a trusted advisor who has made a commitment to putting your best interests first. As part of their certification, a CFP^® professional commits to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary — which means to act in the best interests of the client at all times.

In working with a CFP^® professional, you also have to consider logistics, especially how you’ll pay for their services. Financial advisors may charge differently, or one financial advisor may offer various ways that clients can choose to pay. Whether it’s fees or commissions, compensation is one of the 10 key issues to raise with your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ professional.

Remember, it’s your future. Whatever your goals are, your CFP^® professional will help you navigate the path forward. Find your CFP^® professional today.

(NewsUSA) - One of the ongoing challenges for parents with disabilities who also have children with disabilities is finding recreational activities that the whole family can enjoy together.

As the father of a blind daughter, Jim Elliott, the founder and president of Diveheart, a non-profit organization, discovered blind skiing in the 1980s. He saw how it helped build confidence, independence, and self-esteem in children and adults who were visually impaired.

With properly trained ski guides accompanying the blind skiers, families can ski together, even if parents, caregivers, or other family members are wheelchair users or have other limitations and employ a bucket ski to get down the hill. The positive impact of blind skiing so inspired Elliott that in 2001 he founded Diveheart, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, to serve individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities through adaptive scuba and scuba therapy.

As a young journalist, Elliott took scuba diving lessons in case he had to interview a diver such as Jacques Cousteau. He fell in love with scuba and immediately recognized the therapeutic value of diving and its ability to equal the playing field for everyone participating. For example, a parent in a wheelchair can hover underwater, neutrally buoyant alongside their child with autism, cerebral palsy, or Down’s syndrome. A family member who is blind, has an amputation, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder can be equal to anyone under the water.

With a little adaptation, zero gravity can be a tool that turns the pool or the ocean into inner space and the individual from a terrestrial to an aquanaut. This transformation is a powerful tool that can create a paradigm shift in an individual with a disability. They are no longer that person in the wheelchair; they are scuba divers, and they can self-identify as a diver instead of someone with a disability.

 “Not only is scuba a great equalizer, but it can also be mastered quickly,” says Elliott.” It can take me at least two or more days to get a blind skier ready to go down a green run efficiently. But in thirty minutes I can get someone who has never been in the water out of their wheelchair and neutrally buoyant, standing up underwater.” He adds, “It’s like magic. Once they realize they are free, they begin to imagine the possibilities in their lives.”

For more information about the therapeutic value of scuba diving, visit diveheart.org.

(NewsUSA) - What We Buried by Robert Rotenberg 

Inspired by the true story of the Forty Martyrs in Gubbio, Italy, during World War II, this is an extraordinary crime novel about troubled legacies, revenge, and the unbreakable bonds of family. 

For fans of Scott Turow and David Baldacci, a Toronto homicide detective is attacked at his doorstep when his investigation into possible links between the Nazi occupation of Italy and the murder of his brother decades later gets too close to the truth. 

It’s been years since Daniel Kennicott’s brother, Michael, was shot and killed the night before he was about to depart for Gubbio. The case was never solved. Daniel has put off going there—until now. As he’s about to leave, Daniel learns his two mentors have been involved in the investigation of Michael’s murder and they’re concerned about Daniel’s safety. Is Daniel risking his life—and those of others—by trying to uncover the truth? Purchase at https://bit.ly/3TVVRPK. 

Right Across the Bay by Quinn Avery 

They were cousins who shared decades of secrets. And now one of them is dead. 

Britta Baxter, beloved fitness influencer and estranged wife of a surgeon, gave up city life to start anew on grandma's lakefront property. After she convinces her cousin, Maxine Thomsen, to revisit the same lake where they'd spent their summers together as kids, Maxine is shocked to learn the boy she loved as a teenager lives across the bay. Although repairing the decades-old relationship between Maxine and Noah seems possible, a dark ending has already been set in place. 

When Britta's body is discovered floating in the bay, Detective Josephine Kelly is called in to investigate. But Britta isn't the only victim on the killer's list. Here’s a thriller fraught with life-changing twists and unfathomable secrets rooted in a shadowy past. Purchase at https://bit.ly/49vZ7pv. 

Somewhere/Not/Here by The Goblin Queen 

Join the Goblin Queen on her quest for Somewhere/not/here as she searches for the place she belongs. Visit the Road to Ruin, a strange witchy woman who reads from her book of M-Tales. Meet Shockappeal the punk faerie, hang with Halloween Jack, and fly with the Techno-Witch, but avoid buying one of her moody brooms. 

Travel to the lands of Love and Unlove - nice places to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there. Have a therapy session with the Magick Mirror. No appointment required. By the way, Truth has teeth, and it will use them... bring band-aids. The author, who loves to write and travel to mystical places, lives in a magical house in a fantasy realm with her family and the ghosts of her dogs. And enjoy the book’s full-color illustrations. Purchase at https://bit.ly/4azRqAa. 

Human Justice by Human and the Lights 

Human Justice is the true story of a human rights lawyer's last trial in a 15-year career spent helping humans living on the margins enforce civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. 

Corporate values, which are only about money and nothing else, played out to their logical extreme in the trial, signaling that corporatism is incompatible with a sustainable future for our species and planet. 

The harmonic divide reverberating in society is less about blue values versus red values, and more about human values versus corporate values. Human values must always trump corporate values. If we lead with our hearts and behave as if what’s good for our neighbor is good for us, it would be the greatest evolutionary leap in human history. If humanity, rejected corporate values and went with human values, then money, competition, and war would all disappear. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3JxIqje.

(NewsUSA) - Screen time among children is reaching alarming levels, leaving parents searching for creative ways to get their kids off the couch and engaged in physical activities. Studies show that 95% of kids spend 5-7 hours a day gaming or using social media, raising concerns about sedentary lifestyles and their impact on overall well-being.

Amidst this trend, Playfinity has emerged as a pioneer in active gaming by offering a revolutionary solution that combines the excitement of virtual play with the benefits of physical activity and engagement in sport. Through smart, digitized sporting equipment like the Gaming Baseball, a regulation size and weight baseball connected to a free app packed with interactive games, Playfinity provides an immersive experience that motivates children to be active, healthy and happy while offering parents and caregivers alternative ways to empower their kids.

“Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports by the age of 13 because it’s ‘no longer fun’, leaving many of them to sit in front of screens for hours each day, living a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle,” says Pippa Boothman, CEO of Playfinity. “As a company originally founded by five dads with the urgency to keep their kids active, we are taking strides to make sports fun again, give kids a reason to get outside, and motivate them to make physical activity a priority. We speak to kids in a language they understand, and quite frankly, expect: leaderboards, avatars, rewards, communities, and more.”

How Playfinity is fostering a more active future for kids: 

• Skill-building through repetition: We all know that practice helps improve your skills, whether it’s in school, sports or even backyard play. Playfinity’s Gaming Baseball encourages kids to establish a routine that helps them build a physically healthy foundation and improves their mental well-being as well. Connected devices and gamification makes it easy for kids to watch their progress in real-time and will make them want to keep getting better with practice, which was evident in May of 2023, when more than 1.5 million throws and jumps were logged on the Playfinity app across the world.
• Fitness for life: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to fitness, which is why Playfinity has a diversified lineup of active gaming products to ensure all kids can find a game that interests them and keeps them engaged. For example, JumpGames is an activity tracker that loops onto a child’s ankle and turns any trampoline into an exciting gaming destination. With every leap, twist and twirl logged, kids can quite literally jump into endless fun and play with other jumpers all around the world. 
• Smart engagement without burnout: In today’s day and age, it’s just not possible to completely remove technology from our lives. Playfinity embraces technology and uses it for good: to inspire positive and healthy behavior. Their game-packed app tracks scores, offers creative outlets for players to create their own games and global challenges, and even provides real-time coaching. Kids enjoy digital engagement through a fun mobile app while being encouraged to go outside and fulfill their daily play and exercise requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about Playfinity’s active-gaming products and mission, visit playfinity.com.