Special features of modern electric mowers include variable speeds that allow users to adjust to different conditions on the ground. That means no need for extra effort when going uphill. In addition, electric mowers can be set for slower speeds to maneuver around flower beds, trees, or lawn furniture.

Many top companies, including DR Power Equipment, Ryobi, Greenworks, and Craftsman and Kobalt, among others, offer a range of styles and models for battery-powered, self-propelled, walk-behind lawn mowers that feature the unique and efficient variable-speed electric transmission designed by General Transmissions.

"With the variable-speed, self-propelled drive system, you mow the lawn at your own pace. Change speeds whenever you want by adjusting your grip on the speed control. You don't have to stop what you're doing to change speeds," says Wouter Barendrecht, chief executive officer of General Transmissions.

"The electric drive has a motor on it that controls the self-propelled function, so you can disengage the cutting blade and still keep moving with the self-propelled feature operating," says Barendrecht.

Still not convinced? Here are the top three reasons to try a battery-operated lawn mower this year:

- Easy to use. Battery-powered lawn mowers are safe and simple to use. Speeds can be adjusted without stopping the mower, and you mow at your own pace. Many of them include mulching features, and some have batteries that can be used interchangeably with other electric equipment from the same manufacturer. Other features, such as telescoping handles, make storage a snap, especially for homeowners in townhouses or other areas with limited space.

"These mowers weigh a lot less than comparable gas-powered ones, so they're easier to maneuver and easier to store. You can even hang them by their handles on a storage hook in your garage or storage area," says Jeff Land, vice president of merchandising and engineering at DR Power Equipment.

- Economically smart. A battery-powered, self-propelled lawn mower saves money. Think of all the cash you can save on gas this season, not to mention oil and oil filters. The batteries charge on a standard household current, and most homeowners can mow an average-sized lawn (about an hour of mowing power) without the need to recharge.

- Environmentally friendly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn equipment generates 5 percent of the air pollution in the United States each year. In addition, a gas-free mower eliminates the noise pollution, gasoline smell, and potential contamination and hazards of spilled gas and oil.

For more information, visit generaltransmissions.com/en/technology/electric/ to learn more about what makes battery-powered, self-propelled lawn mowers a good choice for today's many homeowners.

The Shen Yun Performing Arts company captures the imagination as it celebrates Chinese culture with a unique presentation of classical Chinese dance combined with original orchestral works and eye-popping special effects. 

Learn about the rigorous physical, mental and spiritual requirements for studying at the highest levels of classical Chinese dance and being a Shen Yun dancer in a video. This video is written and narrated by Shen Yun performers and illustrated through real practice footage. 

"Awe-Inspiring!" - ABC

"A Must See!" - Broadway World 

Watch the video here.

Drinking eight-ounces of Florida Orange Juice is the perfect way to start off the weekend - either during breakfast or by adding it to your favorite Cinco de Mayo or Derby cocktail.

The popular refrigerator staple is known for its "Amazing 5" benefits: no added sugar, vitamin C, potassium, folate and great taste; and an 8-ounce serving of 100-percent orange juice helps Americans meet their recommended daily fruit intake.

The vitamin C, potassium and folate in Florida Orange Juice offer several nutritional benefits for your body, such as helping support healthy skin and bones, proper muscle function and red blood cells. It also contains only natural- occurring sugar straight from the orange and is different from other orange juices in that it comes directly from the sandy soil of Florida, making it not only nutritious but also giving it a one-of-a-kind taste - like pure sunshine in a glass!

While fueling your fun with the "Amazing 5" found in Florida Orange Juice, you can also help keep your body hydrated, thanks to its electrolytes, which can help you to keep going strong throughout the day. Even on your routine weekdays, 100-percent orange juice is a great way to increase your vitamin and nutrient intake for all your activities - whether it's a pre-soccer practice snack for your kids or incorporating it into delicious recipes throughout the week, such as smoothies, salad dressings and make-ahead dinners.

To join the celebrations on May 4, consider trying a festive recipe, such as the Florida Orange Margarita, which is the perfect blend of sweet and sour, by visiting FloridaJuice.com, or follow @FloridaOrangeJuice on Instagram and Facebook and share the way Florida Orange Juice fuels your fun by using #NationalOJDay.

For more information about the great taste and health benefits of Florida Orange Juice, visit Floridajuice.com.

The Next Generation Test for Prostate Cancer 

While Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is currently the most used screening test for prostate cancer, it is widely recognized that PSA results can indicate the possibility of prostate cancer when none is present.

The Prostate Health Index (phi) is an FDA approved blood test that can help differentiate prostate cancer from benign prostate conditions in men with elevated PSA.

The Prostate Health Index is fast becoming the "second opinion" for men with elevated PSA who want more information before deciding to move forward with a prostate biopsy.

The Prostate Health Index utilizes three different PSA markers (PSA, freePSA, and p2PSA) as part of a sophisticated algorithm to more reliably determine the probability of cancer in patients with elevated PSA levels and can help men and their physicians decide if a prostate biopsy is indicated.

Like many men who are told they have an elevated PSA, Jim Robinson was concerned about prostate cancer. "I certainly didn't want to delay treatment if I had prostate cancer, but I was also worried about having a prostate biopsy if I didn't need one." Jim's story is not an unusual one, after all, studies have shown that approximately 70 percent of men with an elevated PSA who have a biopsy do not have cancer.

In addition to prostate cancer, a number of benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause a man's PSA level to rise. The most frequent benign prostate conditions that cause an elevation in PSA level are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate.

The Prostate Health Index is included in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guideline for Prostate Cancer Early Detection as a blood test to improve specificity for prostate cancer detection. The Prostate Health Index is indicated for men age 50 years and older with an elevated PSA between 4ng/ml and 10ng/ml. 

Patients Can Order The Test Online 

Men who want a greater say in their treatment and want the Prostate Health Index test done at their request, can now initiate a physician order online through a telehealth physician network that can address a patient's immediate need to get tested and to help guide their management. Patients are advised to share their test report with their regular healthcare professionals so that results can be integrated into their treatment plans.

Learn more about the Prostate Health Index at www.mycancerrisk.info/phi or by calling 1-855-420-7140 ext 0.

According to a new "Female Financial Empowerment" survey from Edward Jones, while women have made great strides in gender and income equality in the workplace, one of the biggest challenges they continue to face is their tendency to "prioritize immediate family needs" over saving for their own future.

That certainly helps explain what the financial services firm acknowledged was an inherent conflict in the findings: While seven out of 10 women polled said they felt "confident" about their financial knowledge, all too many have actually done little to nothing to generate their own long-term wealth.

"Only 25 percent of women surveyed consider saving for retirement as their most important goal over the next three to five years," said Nela Richardson, an investment strategist at Edward Jones. "That tells us that female financial empowerment should be next on the list of barriers women have broken over the past few decades."

The two other biggest challenges women need to surmount, according to the national sample of 1,004 adult women ages 18 and older?

They're either waiting for some amorphous "perfect" time to invest - something, in all fairness, men are also guilty of - or they're waiting for … you name it to motivate them.

A big raise or other windfall (49 percent). A financial emergency (20 percent). A significant life event (20 percent). A market correction (12 percent).

None of which, let's be frank, is likely to make you the next Francoise Bettencourt Meyers. (More on that in a minute.)

"Waiting for a raise or a significant life event, by definition, isn't a financial strategy," Richardson said, "and they'll always be competing priorities. The key is to anticipate both tailwinds and headwinds in life, and be flexible enough to adapt to changing situations so you can meet your long-term financial goals."

Edward Jones lays out a female-centric approach to handling your finances on its website. But here's a quick cheat sheet to get you started:

* Make yourself a priority by starting to invest now in order to give your money time to grow - never underestimating the power of a wondrous thing called compound interest.

* Begin small with modest investments.

* Develop a goals-based financial strategy.

As for how much better women are doing financially, here's one notable sign: Forbes' list of the world's 100 richest people featured just four females in 2000 compared to 10 this year. The richest woman - and fifteenth overall - was the aforementioned L'Oréal heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers ($49.3 billion), who's chairwoman of the family's holding company.

But she inherited her wealth, you say? Well, the youngest self-made billionaire ever, according to Forbes, is none other than 21-year-old cosmetics wunderkind Kylie Jenner ($1 billion).

As Americans strive to satisfy their appetite for the next nutritional trend, malt is a resounding reminder that sometimes our ancestors truly do know best.

Malt is nostalgically remembered as a cornerstone of American culture, conjuring fond memories of vintage "malt shops" or a delicious glass of Ovaltine™ malted milk. But, what exactly is malt?

Malt is basically sprouted barley. By sprouting the barley, the grain's enzymes are unlocked with only water and heat in an ancient, natural process that releases the whole grain's nutritional power. Malt can be further processed to produce liquid or powder sweeteners called malt extracts that are used in beverages (beer, malted shakes, energy drinks), baked goods (cakes, pretzels, breads), cereals and snacks (protein bars, yogurts, confections), and other foods.

Malt Extract's Natural Health Benefits

* Athletic Recovery: Today, malt extract is drawing renewed attention as a naturally-functional ingredient that packs a host of powerful intrinsic health benefits - one reason that, among other uses, athletes are increasingly relying on malt extract-based beverages to replenish and recover.

* Boosts Happiness: Malt extract might actually make you happy! Malt extract contains Hordenine, a plant-based, naturally occurring compound that has been found in scientific studies to lift your spirits. Hordenine was shown to activate the dopamine D2 receptor, the brain's reward center, which causes this "feel-good" effect. It has also been reported to sharpen mental focus and heighten energy levels.

* Sweetener with Substance: Malt extract is not an empty sugar. When used as a sweetener, malt extract is a functional ingredient that serves as a source of antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and is made with whole grains. As an added benefit, malt extract has a significantly lower glycemic index than table sugar.

* Supports Digestive Health: Malt extract can be good for your gut. Malt extract is a rich source of soluble fiber, which helps improve digestion by optimizing good bacteria and minimizing bad bacteria. Studies show malt extract facilitates the growth of probiotic cultures that can enhance digestive health by supporting the good bacteria that lines the gut. This can help prevent illness and promote essential nutrient absorption, enhancing overall health.

* Promotes Heart Health: Malt extract is shown to reduce the risk of heart problems by helping to lower cholesterol. A heart-healthy mix, malt contains fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6, which together lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiac disease. Its dietary fiber helps reduce insulin activity and increases cholesterol absorption from the gut and encourages cholesterol breakdown. Studies indicate this promotes lower cholesterol by reducing plaque formation.

* Antioxidants Galore: Malt extract packs more than 5 times the antioxidant power of fresh broccoli and nearly 50 percent more than blueberries. It is an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, dietary silicon (supports bone health), B complex vitamins and micro minerals. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants has been shown to strengthen heart health, support anti-aging, and lower risk of infection and some forms of cancer.

"Malt extract is emerging as a naturally-functional ingredient that consumers should look for in many of their favorite foods and beverages," says Amy Targan, president, Malt Products Corporation.

"Today's health-conscious consumer demands a diet enriched with ingredients that provide optimal flavor and nutritional function to complement their lifestyle."

Companies such as Malt Products Corporation provide all natural, non-GMO certified malt extracts to a multitude of leading bakery, confectionary, beverage, snack food, and cereal manufacturers nationwide.

ALS is a disease that makes the nerve cells stop working and die. The nerves lose the ability to trigger specific muscles, which causes the muscles to become weak and leads to paralysis. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of people who get ALS die within two to five years of diagnosis.

After Mr. Alderman's diagnosis, he became determined that ALS might eventually take his life, but it would not destroy it.

For the past 18 years, Alan has been fighting against ALS. He has been active in fundraising, advocacy, and raising awareness for ALS. This winter, he rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a rowboat to help raise funds and awareness for the organization Row4ALS.

While most of us don't want to face the ocean in a rowboat, what can we do to help fight ALS?

The National ALS Registry helps gather information from people like Mr. Alderman who are living with this terrible disease. The National ALS Registry is the only population-based registry in the U.S. that collects information to help scientists learn more about who gets ALS and its causes. Researchers and scientists from all around the world can access the Registry data.

During the seven years of the National ALS Registry's existence, researchers have learned a lot about ALS. But there is still a long way to go to understanding this disease. The Registry relies upon the participation of the people around the U.S. living with ALS.

The Registry has found that over 16,000 persons with ALS live in the United States. In addition, the Registry is funding research to find out what may cause ALS, such as exposures to environmental toxins and pollution, genetic links, and certain medical conditions or medications.

While we don't know the causes of this disease, we do know that to get a full picture of this disease - and to understand its possible causes, and potential treatments - the Registry needs as many patients as possible to register. All of the data are confidential; researchers do not get patients' personal information.

Every year, nearly 5,000 more people are diagnosed with this terrible disease. Everyone's story is different, and everyone's piece of the puzzle is essential. When patients join the Registry, it helps give researchers more information. This could lead to a better understanding of the causes of ALS, and could help offer a better future for people with the disease.

If you or someone you care about has ALS, please consider learning more about the ALS Registry by visiting www.cdc.gov/als.

Each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the CDC by state health departments, but this number doesn't reflect all diagnosed cases of Lyme disease. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease each year in the United States.

New data reported by the CDC in 2018 showed that state and local health departments reported more cases of tick-borne diseases in 2017 than ever before, including Lyme disease. While the uptick in ticks remains unclear, a number of factors can affect tick populations, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and most certainly, host populations, like deer.

Although ticks can thrive just about anywhere in suburbia, it's common that they prefer wooded areas, gardens, plantings, and tall backyard grasses. One reason ticks continue to flourish is their propensity to hang out on shrubs, trees, and in tall grass waiting for unsuspecting hosts- like your dog or deer- to wander by so they can latch on and hitch a ride to your backyard.

We know that deer have made themselves at home in suburbia and most of us have seen more than our share of deer right outside our windows. When you see deer outside, its probable ticks hitched a ride and will stay behind when the deer move on. Ticks need a host to survive and they find a prefect host when attaching to your dog, cat, or any human in close proximity.

Avoiding the outdoors during warm weather isn't an option so prevention and protection is paramount when it comes to dodging ticks and defending yourself against tick-borne illness.

It stands to reason and statistic show, deer are carrying ticks to your backyard. Your best and most logical defense is to discourage deer from roaming onto your property in the first place.

One of the most reliable and logical ways to keep ticks out of your yard is to keep the deer away.

There's a number of strategies to keep deer at bay, including physical barriers like fencing, but fencing can be unsightly and deer can jump two feet higher than allowable suburban fence height restrictions of six feet. Planting deer resistant varieties like marigolds, foxgloves boxwood and rosemary could help, but when food supply is low, deer will eat just about anything. Motion deterrents positioned near your garden can scare deer off, however, you'll have to continually reposition them since deer will become acclimated to them and won't be scared away.

Back to logic. We know deer rely heavily on their sense of taste for feeding and smell to alert them to predators. Using a scent aversion, fear-based repellent, like Bobbex Deer, is often considered the most effective, practical, and easy way to keep deer out of your yard, and turn the tide on ticks, keeping them out too. Repellents make good sense.

There's quite a few repellents to choose from but Bobbex Deer works. It's third party verified through testing by the Connecticut Department of Forestry and Horticulture. Bobbex trumped nine other repellents products, was cited number one in comparison testing, and second in effectiveness only to a fence barrier.

Bobbex Deer Repellent combines scent and taste deterrents. The all-natural repellent blends six scents, including rotten eggs, garlic, clove oil (among other things) to mimic predator scents, classifying it as an effective fear repellent. It also tastes terrible to deer, but is actually good for plants because it contains trace nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus. The product dries clear, is harmless to humans and pets, won't burn plants and its odor, after 24 hours, is undetectable to humans, but deer are still repelled by it. Bobbex is safe for use on the most sensitive plants and can be used on shrubs, trees or as a bulb dip.

The takeaway? Ticks are on the rise and deer populations are high just about everywhere. The dual key to combat both deer in your yard and hitchhiking ticks is proactive protection, using a verified, tested, and effective repellent. Don't forget ticks can be active year-round and Bobbex Deer is designed for year-round use.

For more information about Bobbex Deer, visit www.bobbex.com.

The good news is that there are many places outside of major cities for great culture and cuisine, but with a more laid-back feel.

Blue-Roads, a world leader in small group touring, specializes in taking you to these more intimate destinations where you get the best of both worlds. Here are a few ideas for authentic experiences coupled with a relaxed pace that allow you to truly decompress and better enjoy your travels:

Bilbao, Spain. Millions of tourists flock annually to Catalonia's capital, Barcelona, for its world-class art museums, its imposing gothic architecture and Northern Spanish delights such as paella. In Bilbao, you'll find equally appealing character and ambiance. In this rugged coastal city, steep yourself in Basque culture, history and cuisine. It's renowned for its fresh seafood and Basque foodways, its world-class Guggenheim Museum, and it's amazing indoor food market and contemporary architecture. On Blue-Roads' Highlights of Northern Spain tour, you'll explore the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Granada, Spain. Madrid may be famous for its great European masterworks and breathtaking architecture, notably the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, but Granada is a jewel in its own right. You'll marvel at Granada's equally breathtaking Moorish architecture, a distinctive mix of Islamic and Arabic influences. No visit to Granada is complete without seeing the splendor of the Alhambra's palace and gardens from its plateau in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with a sweeping vista overlooking the city. Included in the Iberian Inspiration tour is an exploration of this famed place, considered one of the finest masterpieces in Islamic architecture.

York, England. While few cities can match the lure of London, it is a very crowded destination. About three and a half hours north is York, one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in the world. It dates back to Roman times. It's also one of the most picturesque places in England. The Heart of Britain tour brings you into the heart of Old Town York. Steps built in the middle ages bring you to the top of the city wall where you can take in dazzling views before sitting down to enjoy a pint or a meal.

Galway, Ireland. Ireland is famous for its rugged coastline, majestic castles and emerald green hills. Be sure not to limit yourself to Dublin or Belfast, though. Don't miss Galway, considered Ireland's cultural heart and designated the European Cultural Capital 2020. Known for its traditional Irish music, Galway is rich in medieval history, street art and is the birthplace of the traditional Claddagh ring. On Blue-Roads' Emerald Isle tour, you'll soak in the vibrant energy of this eclectic city, including a walking tour of the harbor city of Galway, where fisherman have lived and worked for centuries.

Who says you can't have it all? When you visit one of these less-traveled cities featured in Blue-Roads Tours, you'll replace the day-to-day with a getaway to remember.

Finding consensus on addressing the question of how to pay for the massive investment needed to fix the problem, however, is another matter entirely.

As federal and state legislators discuss and debate the means by which to fund infrastructure improvements, what has become clear is that funds, whether from public or private sources or a combination of the two, are precious commodities that must be wisely spent and protected.

Mandatory bonding on federal and state public construction projects has been in existence for many decades, protecting and preserving countless projects through prequalification of contractors and providing guarantees of contract performance.

In fact, a recent study conducted by The Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis verified the economic value of surety bond protection.

"One of the conclusions which leapt off the page to us was…that non-bonded construction enterprises are 10 times more likely to become insolvent than bonded companies," states Steve Ness, President of the Surety Association of Canada. Construction projects carried out under the protection of bonded contracts have reduced risk of contractor insolvency, greater protection of economic activity, and better management of economic risk, Ness adds.

"Disastrous consequences for the public can result from instances when mandatory bond requirements are ignored," asserts John Bustard, President of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, Inc. and Executive Vice President of King & Neel, Inc., an insurance and surety bonding agency in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He cites the example of the city of Harrisburg, PA, which decided to retrofit its trash incinerator plant without requiring the contractor to furnish a bond guaranteeing its work. The work turned out to be deficient, leaving the city with more than $280 million in debt. A grand jury investigation of the situation produced "A Report of the Thirty-Ninth Statewide Investigating Grand Jury" under then Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, in which it was concluded that "the absence of performance bonds which were equal to the contract amounts involved here was the single biggest factor in producing the overwhelming debt now facing the city."

The report further states: "Had performance bonds been in place, they would have shielded the City from the financial fallout from the failed contract to retrofit the incinerator." Subsequently, Pennsylvania legislators have introduced legislation to address this particular issue and to require bonds at 100 percent of the amount.

Even when infrastructure projects are not solely funded with public funds, such as projects undertaken through a combination of public and private financing, as through public-private partnership arrangements, those projects need bond requirements.

Approximately 20 states have already reached that policy conclusion, enacting public-private partnership legislation that also mandates bonding requirements on such projects. Situations have arisen, however, in which bonding has been ignored or reduced on public-private partnership infrastructure projects; and the public has paid a heavy price when problems have arisen with little or no backstop.

As Congress weighs how to address the tremendous infrastructure needs of the country in the coming months, protections in the form of performance and payment bonds will be absolutely necessary to ensure that the precious funds of America's private and public investment are wisely spent and that the public receives the quality of infrastructure that it deserves.