Monday, December 23, 2024

Caring Causes - Unbridled and Mustang Heritage Foundation

Country rock music artist Rick Monroe and The Hitmen, are thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Unbridled," available now on all major streaming platforms. This powerful anthem not only showcases Monroe's signature sound but also carries a heartfelt mission: a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting America’s wild mustangs.


"Unbridled" written by Rick Monroe and Bassist Alan Beeler, is a celebration of freedom and the untamed spirit of the wild mustangs that roam the American West. The song's lyrics reflect the beauty and resilience of these majestic animals, while also raising awareness about the challenges they face.


Rick Monroe expresses his passion for this cause, stating, "Wild mustangs are a symbol of our freedom and heritage. With 'Unbridled,' we aim to honor their spirit and inspire others to join in the fight to protect them."


The Mustang Heritage Foundation works tirelessly to promote the adoption and training of wild mustangs, ensuring they have a future and a place in the hearts of Americans. By contributing a percentage of the proceeds from "Unbridled," Rick Monroe and The Hitmen hope to further support MHF’s vital mission and help raise awareness about the importance of preserving these iconic animals.


Fans can listen to "Unbridled" on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, with the option to contribute to the cause via direct links provided with the release. Distribution provided by The Label Group in partnership with Virgin Music Group.


Join Rick Monroe and The Hitmen in their efforts to make a difference. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of the wild mustangs continues to thrive for generations to come.

For more information about the song, upcoming performances, and how to support the Mustang Heritage Foundation, please visit rickmonroe.com or mustangheritagefoundation.org.



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About Rick Monroe and The Hitmen:

Rick Monroe and The Hitmen, a Nashville-based Country Rock band known for their engaging performances and authentic sound. Whose members include Bobby Perkins on guitar, Jason Bohl on drums, Alan Beeler on bass and Rick Monroe on vocals. With an impressive catalog of music and a dedicated fan base, RMHM continues to make waves in the country rock music scene. For more information, visit www.rickmonroe.com.

About The Label Group:

The Label Group (TLG) is a Virgin Music Group-distributed company dedicated to fostering authentic musical expression across diverse genres. Through a strategic alliance with dCommunity, TLG embraces a forward-thinking approach to the evolving music industry landscape, pioneering artist-centric initiatives and innovative fan engagement strategies that leverage the metaverse and blockchain technology. This progressive vision not only empowers artists but also redefines how fans connect with music in a digital-first era. To learn more about TLG and their groundbreaking efforts, visit www.tlgent.com.


About Mustang Heritage Foundation:

The Mustang Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation and protection of America's wild mustangs. Through various programs, they strive to create opportunities for mustangs and their adopters, ensuring a brighter future for these iconic animals.

Smart Safety - Protecting Your Home While Traveling During the Holidays

By Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo, the home insurance group focused on proactive hiring.

 

Imagine returning home from vacation and find that your basement is flooded. While this nightmarish scenario may feel unbelievable, It’s actually a common issue in the United States. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water that go to waste every year with 10% of homes that experience leaks wasting 90 gallons or more a day. Plus, our 2023 Housepower Report revealed that about half (46%) of homeowners had something unexpected go wrong in their home the past year. But homeownership shouldn’t be filled with unexpected headaches.

 

Proactively prepare your home before vacation, and your next trip, with our travel checklist.

 

1. Help prevent break-ins, theft, and vandalism

 

When you leave your home unattended, it can signal an open invitation to intruders. 

The violation of your personal space, the loss of belongings, and the lingering fear after these incidents can hinder any homeowner’s vacation experience. Your home is one of the most important financial assets you’ll own so it's important to stop potential problems before they happen.  

 

Actions to take:

 

  • Install security systems, like motion detectors, door and window sensors, and surveillance cameras. These devices help deter intruders and provide you with real-time alerts and remote monitoring capabilities.

 

Passive infrared motion detectors are the most useful for intruders because of their heat and motion-detecting features. These detectors often come with adjustable sensitivity settings, so pet owners can help avoid false alarms.

Magnetic reed switch sensors are useful for doors and windows. These sensors have two parts. One part attaches to the door or window frame, and the other attaches directly to the door or window. The sensors will trigger an alarm when the connection between the exterior frame and the door or window breaks.

 

  • Ensure that valuable items, like electronics, jewelry, and expensive gadgets, are not visible through windows. Close curtains or blinds to conceal the contents of your home.

 

Alternatively, you can opt to frost your windows with frosted window film. You can easily apply this film over your windows from the inside with a pair of scissors, a spray bottle of water, and a smoothing tool.

Cut the film into your window’s proportions, generously spray the window with water, apply one coat of the frosted film, and smooth out air bubbles using a smoothing tool. 

 

  • Reach out to a reliable neighbor or friend and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Request that they collect mail, newspapers, and packages on your behalf to prevent them from piling up and signaling your absence.

 

2. Avoid water damage

 

Water-related incidents, such as leaks, burst pipes, or flooding, can quickly wreak havoc on your property in your absence. Undetected water damage can lead to costly repairs, structural issues, and mold growth. 

 

While nature is precariously difficult to gauge, you can take measures to identify water leaks with plumbing maintenance, regular gutter and downspout cleaning, and water leak detection devices.

 

Actions to take:

 

Inspect your plumbing system for leaks or weaknesses. Key areas to look for:

 

  • Faucets and fixtures: Turn on all plumbing fixtures and turn them off. Your fixture may show signs of a leak if it forms water droplets at the spout or the handle two to three minutes after you shut them off.

    If water droplets continue to form, it’s likely due to internal damage, which requires cartridge and O-ring replacements. Cartridges are the internal valves in faucets that control water flow and temperature. O-rings form the watertight seal around the spout of faucets and fixtures.

    In most cases, you need to contact your fixture’s manufacturer for the precise replacement parts. Alternatively, plumbers can evaluate the condition of your faucets and fixtures and order the parts accordingly.
     
  • Toilet tanks:  Flush your toilets, and if you can still hear the sound of running water after one to two minutes, you may have a leak.

    You can potentially stop the sound by adjusting the flapper valve, the plastic component that covers the valve seat (the hole at the bottom of the tank). Push the flapper valve into the valve seat and confirm it forms a watertight seal.

    If you can still hear running water, this may suggest a deeper issue within the pipes. To avoid worsening the damages, contact a plumber to evaluate them and offer you a professional solution.

 

  • Ensure your gutters and downspouts are debris-free to allow rainwater to flow away from your home effectively. Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks and water infiltration, especially during heavy rainfall.

Gardening trowels are useful for digging out the bulk of debris from gutters and downspouts. After removing bigger chunks, use a water hose to flush out the residual debris.

 

  • Install water leak detection devices and smart sensors that can alert you of any unusual water activity in your home. These devices can send notifications to your smartphone for immediate action.

 

Water leak sensors are small battery-operated devices you can attach to leak-prone areas of the home, like bathrooms and kitchens. Their moisture-sensing probes detect high moisture levels and send alerts to your phone. 

 

3. Inside the home

 

While you can turn off your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems while you’re away, there are some essential appliances you’d want to leave on, such as your refrigerator and freezer. 

 

Unplugging appliances and devices can help preserve energy while you’re away, but there are also alternatives, like smart plugs, that you can schedule to adjust power levels while you’re away.

Maintaining energy efficiency may boil down to turning off nonessential appliances and devices. While there are obvious ones, below are some not-so-obvious actions to take regarding your appliances.

 

Actions to take:

 

  • Unplug nonessential electronics and appliances or use smart plugs to cut power to devices that don't need to remain active. Some appliances and electronics consume power even when turned off if left plugged in.

 

Smart plugs enable you to adjust the power supply to any appliance you connect to them. Smart plugs are especially useful for their scheduling features. You can time your plugs to bring power supplies down to zero when you leave for vacation if you often forget to unplug your devices.

 

  • Use LED bulbs in your lighting fixtures when you leave your lights on to give the illusion of occupancy. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.

 

A19 LED bulbs are the most versatile, and you can apply them to most fixtures, like lamps, ceiling lights, and pendant lights. For outdoor lighting, PAR38 LED bulbs are waterproof and can light entire driveways and pathways.

 

4. Get ahead of electrical and fire hazards

Protecting your home while on vacation includes eliminating electrical and fire hazard risks. Electrical faults, overloaded circuits, and appliance malfunctions can spark fires, especially in homes where these issues go unnoticed. 

 

Some essential devices, like refrigerators, security systems, HVAC systems, and sump dumps, need to remain plugged. For these essential devices, you should ensure their wiring is in good condition and pose little risk of electrical faults.

 

Actions to take:

 

  • Look for frayed wires, exposed cables, and signs of overheating. Ensure your circuit breakers or fuses are in good working condition.

 

Overheated cables and wires will emit a burning smell and be visibly discolored. The smell and discoloration can also extend to the outlets. Cables and wires hot to the touch and outlets that spark are more obvious signs your electrical systems are overheating.

You can also install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI), which are circuit breakers that help prevent electrical fires from arc faults. Arc faults are electric discharges from frayed and damaged wires and cables. Due to the complexity, you should contact an electrician to install it before your vacation. 

 

  • Equip your home with smart carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in key areas like bedrooms and hallways. Make sure your detectors are connected to the internet, allowing remote monitoring and alerts through a smartphone, app, or a web interface. 
  • Store flammable materials and liquids away from ignitors, like lights, electric outlets, and stoves. While fabrics and cleaning supplies are the first that come to mind, dust and debris can accumulate in larger piles, which travel more freely in the home.

 

Do a thorough cleaning of dust and debris before you leave. Vacuum hard-to-reach corners, especially in areas with many ignition sources, like the kitchen, washer/dryer room, garage, etc.

 

5. Keep out pests

 

Pest infestations, whether it's rodents, insects, or other critters, can lead to property damage, health hazards, and substantial nuisance. Vacant homes, especially those with no preventative measures, can become prime targets for pests seeking shelter and sustenance. 

 

While pest and animal control services are available, you can also take preventative measures to help shield your home from them. 

 

Actions to take:

 

  • Check your home's exterior for cracks, gaps, or openings that pests could enter. Use caulk to seal the openings, weather stripping to seal the gaps in windows and doorways, and mesh screens for windows and vents. Pay attention to areas around doors, windows, utility penetrations, and the foundation.

 

Silicone caulk is durable and weather-, mold-, and mildew-resistant, meaning you can expect all-year usage for this sealant to work. Adhesive-backed weather stripping is easy to apply and ideal for sealing gaps in windows and doors. Fiberglass window screens are convenient as they effectively keep insects out while allowing ample airflow.

 

  • Remove all perishable food items from your pantry before leaving. Place pantry items in airtight containers, and clean all dishes and kitchen appliances. Empty all trash cans and dispose of waste before departing.
  • Turn to professional services if you have a history of pest problems or infestations. While preventative measures can help pest control, they cannot help existing problems. Pest control professionals can inspect your property, implement removal measures, and provide ongoing monitoring to keep pests at bay.

 

6. Reinforce your home against severe weather

 

Natural disasters, like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and extreme storms, can strike unexpectedly and inflict significant damage on unprepared properties. Reinforcing your home against severe weather is not only a matter of protecting your home but also helping to ensure the safety and well-being of your neighbors should your property become a risk itself.

 

Actions to take:

 

  • Install shutters or impact-resistant windows to block high winds and flying debris as a deterrent if your home is in an area prone to wind. You can also attach accordion shutters to help protect against hurricanes. When choosing your shutters, opt for steel, which is the most durable and corrosion-resistant.


Accordion shutters will usually have a wind rating in its product documentation. A wind rating measures a product's capability to withstand harsh winds. The wind rating will show the miles per hour (MPH) of wind the shutter can withstand, with 145+ MPH ratings the most reliable. 

 

  • Trim overhanging branches and remove dead or weak trees near your home to help prevent them from falling onto your or your neighbor’s property during storms. For the larger hazardous overhanging branches, pole pruners give a long range and precise control for pruning. 
  • Install a temporary roof cover, such as a tarpaulin as a temporary measure to protect your roof from leaks or damage during your absence. Roof covers can be installed by securing them over vulnerable areas where leaks are likely to occur. 
  • Install a sump pump in your basement to help prevent water buildup if your area is prone to flooding. Sump pumps are vacuum-like devices that remove excess water from the lowest point of a building.


The key considerations for finding the ideal sump pump are:

 

  • Submersible vs. pedestal sump pump: Submersible is more expensive but quieter, and pedestal pumps are cheaper and louder.
  • Pump capacity: Capacity is measured by gallons per hour (GPH). The higher the capacity, the faster it can pump out excess water.
  • Material: Iron pumps last longer than plastic but are more expensive.

 

Your hard-earned vacation time should be free from the perils of what can happen to your home while you’re away. Take extra precautions with these crucial to-dos to enjoy your trip.

Healthy Habits - New Telehealth Collaboration for Men's Health

 The sensitive nature of sexual health can cause men to avoid seeking treatment that could improve their physical and mental health. According to one survey, 37% of American men have experienced issues related to sexual health, yet only 2 in 5 have sought professional help. A new telehealth collaboration between Health-E Commerce and Rex MD hopes to address this trend by giving millions of men who are enrolled in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) easy access to clinical support and personalized treatments to address erectile dysfunction at FSA Store and HSA Store


“Time, access to appointments, cost, and stigma are all common reasons for not going to the doctor, especially when seeking care for issues like sexual health,” said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce, parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store. “Our collaboration with Rex MD reinforces our mission to help account holders benefit better from their tax-free funds by giving them access to products and services that improve their health and quality of life.”

Rex MD, a subsidiary of LifeMD.com, is a telemedicine company that offers discreet and convenient telehealth consultation, prescription delivery, and treatment for men’s health needsThe Rex MD experience begins with a confidential online questionnaire, which is analyzed by a Rex MD-affiliated healthcare provider. Based on this clinical analysis, the provider prescribes a treatment plan and medication, if needed. Subscribers benefit from same-day appointments and the ability to easily reach their assigned physician via the Rex MD Member Portal at any time with questions, requests, or concerns. 

Men who access Rex MD services through FSA Store or HSA Store will receive 95% off erectile dysfunction medication (offer valid for first-time customers only, for first treatment plan). 

“By removing the common barriers to care for men, like access, time, cost, and complexity, our team at Rex MD has been able to help over 500,000 men get the care they need since launching in 2019,” said Nicholas Alvarez, co-founder LifeMD, parent brand to Rex MD. “We’re thrilled that our effective, affordable healthcare services will now be more easily accessible to millions of people, thanks to this collaboration with Health-E Commerce.”

To take advantage of this new partnership, visit FSAstore.com or HSAstore.com.

###

About Health-E Commerce
Health-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill™, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children’s Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new categories within the list of eligible medical expenses.

About Rex MD 
Rex MD is a leading men’s telehealth platform that offers access to virtual medical treatment for a variety of men’s health needs, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss, weight management, and, most recently, hormone replacement therapy. Since its inception in 2019, Rex MD has served approximately 500,000 patients.

Going Green - Best Cities for Composting

With a new year for setting resolutions around the corner and numerous cities (and California) looking to hit a zero-waste target in 2025, LawnStarter ranked 2025’s Best Cities for Composting.

How does St. Paul stack up in some key metrics (1st = Best)?

  • Access to Municipal Composting - 1st
  • Number of Local Composting Facilities - 4th
  • Google Search Interest (Adj. to 100K Population) - 1st

How does St. Paul compare with other Minnesota cities (1st = Best)?

  • Minneapolis - 9th
  • Brooklyn Park - 37th
  • Bloomington - 39th
  • Plymouth - 63rd

To come up with our ranking, we compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on 5 categories. More specifically, we factored in access to municipal and private composting programs, zero-waste initiatives, yard size, and local interest in composting, among 11 total metrics.

Read the full story here: http://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/compost-survey/ 

Other helpful links:

 

Why does LawnStarter care about composting? Half of U.S. states require grass clippings and yard waste to be composted or collected separately from their other trash.


Call a local LawnStarter pro to help you set up a spot in your yard for your new compost pile.


More from LawnStarter:

Money Makers - How Many Skills on a Resume?

 How many skills should you list on your resume?


It all depends on the sector and the candidate’s qualifications, but our research highlights some interesting trends:
  • On average, American resumes feature 9.65 skills.
  • The majority of resumes (41.39%) list between 6 and 10 skills, striking a balance between demonstrating versatility and keeping the list concise.
  • A significant number (35.7%) go further, listing between 11 and 20 skills, showcasing a broader range of qualifications to meet employer expectations.
These findings indicate a general trend towards emphasizing a moderate number of well-rounded skills rather than an extensive list to better highlight key qualifications relevant to potential employers.

In the new report, The Most Popular Resume Skills: A 2024 Zety US Study, Zety analyzed over 93,000 resumes created by users of the platform to uncover the most sought-after skills in 2024.

They also created infographics illustrating some key results. Check them out to learn more!

Book Nook - Understanding the Fragility of Life in "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

 

Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief delivers a deeply moving exploration of the human experience set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany. The narrative follows young Liesel Meminger who finds solace in the power of words. Through Liesel’s eyes readers witness the fragility of life as war looms over every corner of her world. In the middle of chaos books offer her a refuge — unique reads and simple access — all at Z library, a platform that delivers this escape just like the books did for Liesel.

The Power of Words and Its Consequences

The Book Thief paints a vivid picture of the potency that words hold. Liesel begins to understand how stories can bring hope but also harm. This duality of words plays out dramatically throughout the novel as Hitler’s propaganda poisons minds while Liesel’s stolen books provide moments of comfort.

Words shape Liesel’s reality and challenge the harsh truths around her. From reading in bomb shelters to sharing stories with her best friend the narrative always circles back to the simple yet profound role that books play in shaping emotions and thoughts.

Life and Death: Intertwined Themes

The novel doesn’t shy away from presenting death as a central figure. Death narrates the story providing readers with insights that make the fragility of life feel even more palpable. Death’s calm reflective voice adds layers to the characters’ experiences painting their short lives with nuance.

While death is ever-present in The Book Thief it isn’t depicted in an entirely negative light. There’s a unique emotional range to how Zusak intertwines life and death presenting them as inevitable companions in a world torn by war.

Moments of Tenderness Amidst the Horror

Though war and death fill the pages there are also tender moments in the novel where love friendship and family prevail. Liesel’s relationships with her foster parents her friend Rudy and Max the Jewish man they hide serve as reminders of human resilience. Before we explore those relationships further let’s reflect on some key takeaways from Liesel’s journey through a world filled with uncertainty:

  • The value of human connection in the face of adversity

  • How love continues to exist even in war’s shadow

  • The transformative power of friendship in bleak times

  • The importance of preserving hope and innocence

These elements demonstrate how life’s small moments can stand tall amidst vast destruction.

The Role of Digital Libraries Today

Much like how Liesel finds strength in her stolen books, readers today can find solace and knowledge in an online platform called Z-lib. E-libraries offer quick access to thousands of works providing users with the ability to learn, grow or escape through literature in seconds.

Platforms like zlibrary are changing the way we access stories and are transforming the reading experience for many around the world. Some benefits include:

  • Easy access to a wide variety of genres

  • Cost-effective solutions for avid readers

  • Instant downloads without any waiting periods

  • A chance to discover rare books or lesser-known authors

By shifting the focus to online access readers can continuously engage with books just as Liesel did in her world of limited physical resources.

Finding Strength in Fragility

In The Book Thief the fragility of life is not portrayed as weakness. Instead it serves as a constant reminder of the beauty in everyday moments. Liesel’s journey teaches readers that even when surrounded by darkness there is always a way to find light.

Zusak masterfully weaves a story of human fragility, resilience and hope. Through Liesel’s life we see the profound impact that stories can have — both in moments of despair and in times of joy.


Travel Tidbits - Portugal

 Portugal is a wonder to behold...one of the last great remaining values in Europe, a haven where overcrowding just isn't a thing, but picture perfect weather , incredible charm, and an intensely unique sense of place are all VERY MUCH a thing.. It's the ideal destination when considering a group curated by our incredible DMC partner and here are just a few reasons why!

AUTHENTICITY + CHARM- History, incredible architecture, beguiling nature, outrageous gastronomy and wine, and a seemingly endless coastline with gorgeous golden beaches all fuse together to ensure the perfect experience.

LOCATION- Set in the extreme southwest of Europe, it's a brief flight from East Coast and now, with more airlift than ever from key gateways around the country it's more accessible tahn ever

SAFETY- Portugal is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world

HERITAGE- The oldest borders in Europe, encircling a unique cultural heritage that feels like a delightful secret to uncover through its warm locals, charming endless villages and intact traditions.

LANDSCAPES- Everything is just a short distance away due to Portugal's diminuitive size so it's often possible to visit cities, beaches and mountains all in one day

VENUES- From historical sites to palaces, castles to ultra modern hotel spaces, Portugal has it all for your specialized groups.

GASTRONOMY- Portugal's food and wine are considered amongst the best in the world with rich flavors and diverse dishes

VALUE- Variety and VALUE about here for the most enriching return on one's spend

PEOPLE- The Portuguese are incredibly welcoming, ensuring local connections and incredibly hospitality everywhere you go

Money Matters - Financial Fears for the New Year

 With holiday shopping season nearly done and inflation season breathing down our necks, 56% of Americans say inflation is their biggest financial concern for 2025, according to a new WalletHub survey released today. In order to provide a playbook for how to overcome financial obstacles and make improvements in the new year, WalletHub also released its list of the Top 15 Financial Resolutions for 2025.


Key Findings
  • Biggest Worry for 2025: 56% of Americans say inflation is their biggest financial concern for 2025.
     
  • Frugal New Year's Festivities: More than 3 in 5 Americans expect to spend less money on New Year’s plans this year compared to last year.
     
  • Wallet Optimism for 2025: Nearly 2 in 3 people say that 2025 will be better for their wallet than 2024.
     
  • Financial Resolutions: 52% of Americans are planning to make finance-related New Year’s resolutions.
     
  • Manifesting More Money: 41% of people making a financial resolution say they want to save more, while 21% want to spend less and 20% want to make more money.
     
  • Stressed by Resolutions: 62% of Americans think New Year’s resolutions add too much pressure.
     
WalletHub’s Top Resolutions for 2025 
1. Make a realistic budget & stick to it9. Protect your identity 
2. Get a 5%+ return on your cash10. Focus on physical health, given its
      strong connection to financial health
 
3. Save more money11. Look for a better job 
4. Explore ways to refinance high interest
    rates
12. Make sure you have enough insurance
      for a catastrophe
 
5. Repay 25% of your credit card debt13. Get an A in financial literacy 
6. Use different credit cards for everyday
    purchases & debt
14. Improve your WalletScore 
7. Fight back against inflation15. Join a Credit Union 
8. Pay bills right after getting your
    paycheck
  
   

“Despite continued concerns about inflation, Americans are cautiously optimistic about their finances heading into the new year. Nearly 2 in 3 people believe that 2025 will be better for their wallet than 2024, according to a new WalletHub survey. One reason for that is the fact that 52% of people plan to make finance-related New Year’s resolutions, with saving more being at the top of that list. Hopefully, this will reduce debt levels and put people on a more sustainable path.”

John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor




 
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