Author: Dave Funguy
Categories
Entertainment
The open road has always had appeal to those who like to
travel on their own terms. Taking a road trip in the USA, and driving across
the US to explore what the country has to offer is easy. Many routes crisscross
the nation, so we chose to focus on Route 66, which begins
in Chicago, Illinois and ends in Santa Monica in California.
It is truly about the journey and not the destination. Along
the way, there are beauties of nature to awe, and kitschy Americana to entertain.
Here are nine sights found along Route 66:
Cozy Dog
Drive In, Springfield Illinois
One of the main attractions of a drive across the US is the
variety of food that you will encounter. This historic diner claims to have
invented the corn dog, but who knows? A great place to grab a cheap and
cheerful meal and load up on Route 66 memorabilia.
Gardner,
Illinois
Home of an historic two cell jail that was built in 1906 and
held prisoners until 1950. Be glad you can see it and not stay there!
Meramec
Caverns, Missouri
Meramec Caverns is a collective name for a series of caverns
in the Ozarks that covers 4.6 miles. These ancient mineral formations make up
the largest cave formations in the world.
Cadillac
Ranch, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is a public art exhibit featuring a brightly
painted line of Cadillac cars sticking out of the ground, looking like they are
standing on their heads. An odd photo op that is a must see.
Sky
City, New Mexico
This Native American settlement or pueblo is one of the
oldest continuously occupied settlements in North America. There is a museum
and exhibits that will teach you about the culture.
The
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Here you will find the Rainbow Forest full of colourful
petrified wood, the Painted Desert, featuring bands of magnificent colour, ancient
petroglyphs and fossils. Camp overnight and take it all in!
Wigwam
Village, Arizona
Wigwam Village is a motel in the middle of the desert that
offers accommodation in concrete tipis. Arranged in a semi-circle, they are red
and white and stand 28 feet tall. They provide the basics: toilet, sink, shower
and furniture.
There is museum on site featuring Native American and
historical memorabilia.
Grand
Canyon, Arizona
OK. The Grand Canyon isn’t directly on Route 66, but you are
already close and it’s well worth the detour. This national park is home to one
of the most famous natural formations in the world. The Colorado River carved
out this 200-mile-long canyon, and the canyon has amazing colours and forms.
Santa
Monica Pier, California
The beach at Santa Monica Pier has many events to appeal to
everyone, including opera on the beach. You’ll find something you’ll like, and
if nothing else, you are at the end of Route 66.
This pier is over 100 years old, but only became the
official end of Route 66 in 2009.
Your Route 66 memories are sure to last a lifetime!
Categories
Best Backyard Equipment Sales
Best Backyard Equipment Sales
Now that autumn is in full swing, many people who enjoy spending time in their backyard might be feeling a little down, as the weather is getting colder, and the time for backyard BBQ’s is officially over.
However, while the changing seasons might mean spending less time in the yard, it also means all the things you’ve been meaning to get for your backyard are starting to go one sale (just like Halloween candy on November 1).
Below is a list of some of the best backyard equipment that is on sale now!
Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing
For many people, one of the fondest memories of their childhood is related to a swing set. Whether it was at a local park, or in your backyard; whether you were racing with your friends to see how high you could go, or just enjoying a gentles summer breeze on a warm sunny day (free of school)
Now, you can give your kids that opportunity, with the Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing. You won’t have to worry about your little one slipping out, as the adjustable seat belt and molded center support keep the child secure.
And the wide seat leg holes make for easy entrance and exit, so no need to worry about the little one getting stuck.
The rope is strong, and weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged outside; best of all, it easily attaches to an existing swing set.
Backyard Discovery Somerset All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set
Another fond childhood memory many people have is that of spending time at the local playground. The chance to run around on the jungle gym and ride down the slide is one that likely fills people with nostalgia.
However, another common part of that memory is how crowded the local jungle gyms were. Frequently kids would have to wait their turn to use the swings or the slide. But, with this home set, waiting in line becomes a thing of the past.
The great thing about this playset is it has something to offer just about any child. With a slide, two regular swings, a trapeze swing, a canopy, a rock-climbing wall, and a snack stand with a bench, there’s something for both kid who are active and energetic, and those who like to play pretend and use their imagination.
Skywalker Trampolines 12-Feet Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline with Safety Enclosure and Basketball Hoop
If your kids are fans of basketball, the chances are they’ve seen some pretty incredible dunks—maybe they’ve even wanted to try their own.
Unfortunately, most nets aren’t very accessible for children under three feet tall. However, with this trampoline, your kids can dunk like pros.
The backboard is fastened using tear-away Velcro, so you don’t have to worry about one of the kids dunking and ripping the whole thing down.
Best of all, the trampoline has a sturdy, steel frame to keep everyone inside and prevent injuries from falling off (and it’s rust-proof).
One of the more exciting times of a relationship is when things are new—you’re still getting to know the other person, there are tons of first: first dates, first kisses, first dances, and many others.
People are always happiest during the early stages of a relationship—often dubbed the ‘honeymoon stage’ when it feels new and fresh and exciting.
However, the more successful the relationship is, the longer the gap between these feelings of new relationships. It’s important for those looking to build their relationship to find ways to keep it feeling fresh even when they’ve been together for a long time.
Below is a list of ways to do exactly that.
Change Things Up
One of the most common complaints from couples who have been together for a long time and feel things have become stale is the lack of spontaneity in their relationship.
Generally speaking, humans are creatures of habit—we have a tendency to get set in our routines, and it can become hard to break out of them.
For couples, this can often lead to feelings of lethargy and stagnation—which can result in yearning for feelings during the early stages of the relationship.
This is why it’s important to attempt to mix things up and keep things exciting—whether that’s trying new things that neither person has done before, or taking turns planning a romantic evening together it’s important for couples to try to break away from their routine to avoid getting stuck in a rut.
Surprise Each Other
Unless they’re the kind of person who genuinely doesn’t enjoy surprises—they do exist—just doing something simple such as surprising your significant other with flowers on the way home, or a nice meal and their favorite drink, or a gift they’ve been talking about for a while.
Taking a few minutes out of your day to do something thoughtful for your significant other can mean more to them than you could even expect and is a great way to keep the spark in a relationship alive.
Not only will they appreciate it, but they’ll likely also want to go out of their way to return the favor (that’s not to say that should be a reason to do it, as this could lead to the relationship becoming toxic), which will result in both parties feeling appreciated by their paramour.
Spend Time Together
This one seems like a no-brainer—you have to spend time together to even be in a relationship—but, as relationships evolve, many times we start to take the other person for granted. When couples move in together, they start to get used to spending a significant amount of their time with their significant other.
While you would think that would mean they would spend more time together, that’s not always the case. Oftentimes, couples can begin to actually spend less time together, because they assume the other person is going to be there anyway. This can actually lead to couples drifting apart, which is why it’s important to make time to do things with each other. Go on dinner dates, go to the movies, go to museums, and carnivals, and festivals.
Ensuring that your significant other feels like they’re a priority to you will help abate stagnation in the relationship.
Categories
Headphones for Frequent Fliers
I think it’s safe to say no one enjoys traveling… hold on, I’m not talking about what people often think of when they hear traveling—which is exploring another country and culture—I’m talking about the part of traveling people often ignore or forget about—the part that is actually traveling from location A to location B.
Whether it’s flying or driving, whether you’re traveling alone or with family—the act of moving several hundred miles over a short period of time can feel extremely long.
Fortunately, we currently live in a time when technological breakthroughs are happening at what feels like a once-a-week clip.
Now, we live in a world where headphones are so advanced you can put on a pair and completely tune out the rest of the world.
Below is a list of headphones that can make traveling more bearable.
COWIN E7 Active
The E7 model offers a closed-back design and the cups can swivel and fall relatively flat on the ears, so they’re comfortable to wear for prolonged periods.
They feature bass optimized 45mm diaphragm drivers which work fairly efficiently. The electronics are engineered to respond based on a wave processing algorithm, which means their noise cancelling abilities are extremely effective.
The microphone, supported by the ANC, is good quality, and has user-friendly controls, which makes it effective at handling voice calls.
The active model is currently retailing for $79.99, while the PRO model can be bought for just $15 more at $95.99.
Koss UR-20
The Koss UR-20 is a very cost-effective option for people looking for quality headphones at a reasonable price.
While they aren’t initially intended to be used as travel headphones, they provide a cheap overhead option which capably competes with some of the more travel-worthy headphones.
The drivers utilize neodymium magnets and are sufficiently capable with a big workload. They have a decent frequency response and their audio quality is superior to anything with a comparable price point.
In terms of construction, the headband is very flexible, but also made from a very durable frame; the cups have the cushioning necessary for listening comfortably for extended periods of time.
You can buy them online for $41.99.
Bose QuietComfort 25
The QuietComfort 25 headphones from Bose are marketed as airplane headphones, so they’re specifically designed to use while traveling.
They provide deep resonant high-definition sound, and both actively and passively cancel noise, which is especially good considering how loud plane engines can be (not to mention the cabin if there’s a baby on board).
The cups are cushion-lined and feel extremely soft against your ears, which makes them ideal for prolonged use.
They feature powerful high-performance drivers, forged with top-quality components and employ over-sized coils for richer audio.
They are easy to fold, and they come with a durable storage case, making them convenient to pack (even when the airline doesn’t include luggage), and they come with a free compatible air-travel connector.
However, they are on the pricey side as their starting price is listed as: $220.
People travel to Greece because it has so much to offer and is tourist friendly. Greece has world-renowned food and drink, with great variety in their wines and liquors.
The landscape ranges from rugged mountains, to gorgeous beaches, lakes and forests.
Some of the islands are considered party islands, and there are cosmopolitan cities offering vibrant nightlife, if that is what you want.
Or perhaps you are more attracted to rural life and simple tranquillity that parts of Greece can offer for you to relax and unwind. Rural areas are available both on the mainland and on the islands.
Those are all appealing, and there is so much to explore, but you have to make a choice. What do you want to see in Greece more than anything else?
How about the ancient sites, where the people who dreamed up democracy and produced Plato and Aristotle once lived?
Greece has 5,000 years of history and some monuments still survive. In fact, Greece has 18 UNESCO world heritage sites, so there is yet another choice you have to make, to decide which sites you want to go to.
Here is a sample itinerary of seven attractions that may help you make your decision:
Athens
Here are three attractions you’ll find in Athens:
Explore the New Acropolis Museum. One of the most famous pieces there is the Parthenon frieze, a high-relief marble sculpture.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum. There you’ll find a variety of archaeological finds, such as marble sculptures, vases and Mycenean gold masks.
The Acropolis refers to the area of the highest point of the city. In order to get there, you have to ascend a steep slope. Your reward is seeing the ruins of the Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion and the Temple of Athene Nike. There are marble facades that have stood there for over two thousand years!
Mycenae
The next stop is the fortified city of Mycenae, dating from around the second millennium B.C. At that time, it was the center of the Mycenean civilization. Highlights include an ancient grave circle, the royal palace and the Tomb of Agamemnon, the king who united the Greek city states and demolished the city of Troy!
Olympia
Olympia was once a sanctuary honouring Zeus, where once the Pan-Hellenic Games were held every four years. It is now a world heritage site that is considered the birthplace of the Olympic Games. There are ancient temples, altars and a stadium. In addition, there are the thermai or ancient baths.
Delphi
The Greeks once considered this sanctuary the centre of the world. The sacred Temple of Apollo is there, along with ruins that include a theatre, a stadium, treasuries and altars. This is where the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess of Apollo, answered questions about the future.
Thermopylae
Made famous by the 300 Spartans, this mountain pass is where the Greeks and Persians fought in 480 B.C.
Greece is the place to travel to if you love history. This itinerary can get you started. Go there and explore!
Categories
Everyone Can Benefit from Stretching
Stretching is important and should be practiced regularly, or even daily if possible. In order to feel the benefits, it should be done two to three times a week.
The earlier in life that you start stretching, the better. Developing flexibility through stretching can help delay reduced mobility from aging and help seniors stay active and retain independence.
Here are five benefits of stretching, and tips on how to safely stretch:
Strong and Healthy Muscles
Stretching promotes strong, healthy muscles. Without stretching, the muscles shorten and become tight. With shortened muscles, you are at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.
#1 Tip: Avoid Injury
Stretching isn’t rigorous, but that doesn’t mean that it is totally harmless and you can’t get injured. For example, if a muscle is already strained and you try to stretch it, you may cause further harm. You might have to adjust your stretching technique if you have a chronic condition or injury.
Flexibility
With flexible muscles, you can maintain a range of motion in the joints and have more freedom of movement. Without that range of motion, even simple things like walking become harder to do. If you suddenly ask your muscles to do something strenuous, like a game of tennis, the muscles can become damaged from suddenly being stretched, resulting in injury.
#2 Tip: Target
Concentrate on stretching major muscle groups such as calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. Stretch both sides, and try to make your stretching symmetrical. Stretch the muscles and joints that you use a lot.
Balance
When the muscles are long, lean, and flexible from stretching, it can aid those with balance problems and help them avoid falls.
#3 Tip: Duration
Hold the stretches for about 30 seconds and don’t bounce. If you experience pain, you’ve pushed too far.
Improved Posture
Stretching improves your posture and promotes proper alignment, leading to less musculoskeletal pain. It helps prevent back pain by reducing muscle strain.
#4 Tip: Purpose
Tailor your stretches to the activity or sport you are going to participate in.
Stress Relief
A response to physical or emotional stress is often tightened muscles. Stretching them provides stress relief. It can calm your mind and provide relief for tension headaches.
Why Yoga is a Good Way to Stretch
Yoga has enduring popularity because of its many benefits. Not only does it provide excellent stretches, but it strengthens you at the same time. Other benefits include calorie burning and muscle toning.
The stretching poses are combined with deep breathing and meditative relaxation for a total mind and body workout.
Depending on what you want from your yoga practice, you can have vigorous, active stretching or gentle contemplative stretching.
People of all ages and fitness levels can do basic yoga poses and stretches. It doesn’t require any special equipment, because you use your own bodyweight for resistance. You can do it for free in your own home!
However you stretch, the important thing is to stretch!