Hurricane Dorian left the Bahamas after 48 hours of wrecking havoc, hope was that the hurricane would lessen in strength. Unfortunately as it made its way off the islands, it picked up intensity again rising to a Category 3. When it hit South Carolina, it hit as a Category 2 with sustained winds of 110 mph. Hundreds of thousands of Carolina residents who lived along the coast packed up their belongings and fled ahead of the storm. Others stayed, but officials say most of the coastal residences had evacuated. Nearly 250,000 businesses as well as homes were without power before the hurricane even hit. “A lot of the power outages were part of the electric companies manually taking the grids offline in an effort to protect them. Some however were the product of winds and storms that arrived ahead of hurricane Dorian,” officials say. Governor Henry McMaster also warned people ahead of the storm’s arrival saying that, “it’s the water from the storms that kill the people. It’s the real danger and it’s pretty clear that we’re going to have quite a bit of water on our hands. I want to caution everyone to be careful. Don’t drive or wade through flooded areas. You can’t tell how deep these really are and there could be underlying currents waiting to sweep you away. If water starts to enter your home, get to the roof fast. Don’t take refuge in your attic without punching a hole to escape through. You don’t realize how fast the water levels can rise until they do.” Officials warned that as the storm continues to strike the Carolina coast, hurricane conditions are possible to last in particular areas even as Hurricane Dorian itself begins to dissipate. The center of the storm is expected to move closer to South Carolina throughout Thursday, and then make its way to North Carolina’s coast during the night and Friday. “Even as the storm dissolves, we want people to know that the dangers aren’t over. Just because it’s no longer a hurricane doesn’t mean that it’s not capable of massive destruction,” officials warn. Charleston, South Carolina gets Hit the Hardest by Hurricane DorianThe state suffered a lot of damage under the massive storm, but Charleston, particularly historic Market Street, were hit the hardest. “Market Street is completely gone. Parts were under more than a foot of solid water. The gusting winds blew both rain and seawater sideways, further flooding the area. We don’t know how much damage has been done yet, but we suspect that it’s a lot. We can already tell that some buildings are completely damaged,” say residents. According to the hurricane center, Charleston Harbor had sustained wind gusts of 80 mph. “Gusts that were nearly as strong as this were also recorded in other parts of the state. North Carolina also reported close to the same wind gust strength.” As hurricane force gusts can cause a lot of damage, both residents and officials feared the worst. However, Hurricane Dorian had more to give: several tornadoes also hit the area. “We’re not sure what Charleston did to Dorian, but whatever we did we pissed it off good because it’s wrecked serious havoc here,” says one resident. Hurricane force winds were also reported to extend more than 60 miles away from the storm’s center. The tropical storm force winds stretched outwards of 195 miles, covering a large swath of land. “Everyone needs to realize that it’s not just about the center of the storm,” Ken Graham who’s a director for the hurricane center said, “you need to look at the storm as a whole. And in Dorian’s case, it’s both massive and destructive.” Ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s arrival, Graham said that Charleston could see a storm surge of up to 4 feet. “That’s incredibly dangerous,” he further warned. As far as North Carolina was concerned, parts could see as much as 7 feet Graham continued. “Anything that goes above 3 feet is considered to be life threatening,” he said. “Residents who have stayed behind need to take this into consideration. Also as we’re also going to continue to be pounded by rain, you’re going to also get more flooding. Streets are going to go under and rivers may rise past their banks.” Preparing for the WorstAhead of Dorian’s arrival both South and North Carolina began preparing for the worst that the storm had to offer. Shelters were opened across both states and rescue crews waited on standby. According to Roy Cooper, North Carolina’s governor, more than 50 shelters were opened in preparation for the storm. 20 swift water rescue teams were also employed to help with water rescues. North Carolina also has sixteen aircraft that are ready and waiting. “We want to be as prepared as possible for the storm and we want to minimize how many lives are lost and the number of injuries. Some people have said that we don’t need that many rescue teams or aircraft but I’d rather have more than we need than not enough,” Cooper said. Unfortunately, not everyone was compliant. According to Police Chief Daniel House, several people in Wrightsville Beach were charged with class 2 misdemeanors for failing to comply with the state’s mandatory evacuation orders. “I hate writing tickets like that, especially during times like these but it’s necessary. You’re not only putting your own life at risk if you choose to stay, but you’re also putting the lives of first responders at risk. And if you’re on a barrier island, it’s even worse. There’s nothing in your home worth staying for. Nothing in there is worth your life or the life of others,” Cooper said. “And for those who haven’t evacuated now: get to the highest and safest place you can possibly get. If you think that’s your attic, make sure you have an exit area in case the water rises that high and you need to get onto your roof.” Not Everyone is Taking Cooper’s Advice to HeartUnfortunately, not everyone is taking Cooper’s advice of “get out” to heart. Derek Bellinger and his family are just one example of those who have decided to stay. Located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Bellinger’s home in Kill Devil Hills was under mandatory evacuation. However, Derek says that he is staying. “Were really not that worried about Hurricane Dorian. We’ve been through plenty of storms and we’ve done our prep. We’re going to hunker down and ride it out,” he said. The family has stockpiled four cases of water, filled their freezer with food, and they’ve got 25 gallons of gas on reserve to power the generator. “We’re as ready and prepared as we can be,” Derek said. North Carolina native Carol Ann Angelos also announced that she plans to stay. She’s the owner of The Jolly Roger, a beachside restaurant that has been in business for 35 years. “We’re going to stay open and serve customers for as long as the power stays on. We also plan on serving emergency responders. I’ll serve them whatever sandwiches I can scrape up by candlelight if I have to, but I’m not closing my doors,” Angelos said. Even though the windows have been boarded up, all of The Jolly Rogers’s signs read “open”. “Our entire livelihood is here and I think that’s something that a lot of people don’t get; especially those that haven’t been through hurricanes or storms. Evacuation isn’t always the best response either. You can get caught in traffic, run out of gas, and get stranded. A lot of evacuees wait in traffic for 14+ hours just to make it 2 hours out of the city and then what? You’re still in harm’s way. And even if you make it to a safe area, who’s to say that there’s shelter for you? Most of the hotels have already been booked. So we do sandbags, we board our windows, tie everything down that can be tied down, and we pray that the ocean doesn’t rise up enough to flood you.” Damage Done to the Bahamas By Hurricane DorianWhen Hurricane Dorian made its way to the Bahamas, the island braced for the worst. However, nobody was prepared for the amount of devastation and waste that the hurricane laid to their small island of 400,000 residents. Just days after Hurricane Dorian, now one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, images from the Bahamas began surfacing on the Internet as well as death/injury counts and what all has been destroyed. According to the media, the Bahamas is now 70% underwater. “You can’t even see some of the streets anymore and some of the buildings are just completely gone. We don’t know if they’re underwater or they were taken out by the hurricane. Some neighborhoods are just completely gone. Others are submerged,” residents say. As of the time of this article, officials estimate the storm’s death toll to be at least 23. “The real number could be much, much higher,” officials say. “23 is what we have currently confirmed. As the water levels lower and we’re able to access more areas, we expect that number to raise significantly.” As cleanup efforts have only just begun, Marvin Dames told press that “this is just the beginning.” The total number of those injured remains unclear/unreported. Marvin Dames, who is the minister of national security, told the media during a news press conference on Wednesday night that they have also begun the process of clearing streets and making the airports available. “We’ve started with the islands of Abaco and the Grand Bahamas,” Dames said. “These two areas were hit the hardest by the hurricane and they’re in need of help. While all of the Bahamas suffered from Hurricane Dorian, clearing these two areas will help make it easier for cleanup crews, rescue teams, first responders, and supplies to make it in.” Aerial footage also surfaced that was filmed over the Abaco Islands. In the footage, you can see roads that have been completely washed away as well as debris littering every free inch of space. Splintered wood juts out from damaged homes, roofs are missing, and some houses are nothing but a pile of debris now. It’s truly a sad sight to see. It’s also come out that Equinor, a Norwegian energy company stationed in the Bahamas, suffered damage to its oil storage terminal… Which is now leaking. When asked how much oil had spilled, the company said “it’s too early to know.” The Times flew over the company’s terminal on Wednesday and reported back that many of the storage tanks had lost their lid. At least 5 of the tank lids were missing. Of those 5, only 3 contained large amounts of oil. The Times also reported that oil was visible on the ground around the tanks, but the seawater looked clear. “Precautionary measures were taken before Hurricane Dorian’s arrival and the terminal was constructed with hurricanes in mind,” a company spokesman for Equinor said. “The areas around the tanks are there to serve as barriers to contain oil spills.” While it’s definitely good news that the oil hasn’t reached the ocean, it does spell out hazardous conditions and problems for cleanup crews in that immediate area. How You Can HelpIf you’re located in the path of the storm, officials say that the best way that you can help is by evacuating. “Don’t stay behind and become someone that we have to rescue; especially if you’re close to the beach where the storm surge will hit. It can cost lives trying to save one and you’re diverting first responders to you when other areas could benefit from them. Also, don’t be a hero. Don’t try to save people that are being swept away in the current. Don’t put your own life at risk; leave it to the professionals.” For those outside of the states, there are plenty of areas and websites that will allow you to help from a distance. You can join rescue crews, send supplies, or contribute funds to help out. Check out the following website for links and ways that you can help: How You Can Help Those Affected By Dorian The post Hurricane Dorian Continues its Path of Devastation as it Slams into South Carolina appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/hurricane-dorian/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190161309374
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Romantic Places in South India is one of the most decorative parts of the world in terms of natural beauty. The serenity offered by the South Indian places is so divine that many honeymoon couples and lovers of privacy who enjoy spending the days away from the hectic schedule of the city lives in the lap of nature flock to the southern zone of the country. Thus, it is evident that a note be made of one of the 5 romantic escapades in South India that have won the hearts of the couples in both India and abroad. It is also famous as honeymoon destination in India. OotyOoty or Udagamandalam is a beautiful hill station Tamil Nadu. Sitting atop the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is known for the abundance of greenery that lays a soft carpet for the tourists who lay foot upon its bosom. With the enormous Nilgiri Hills sounding and protecting the homely hill station, Ooty has always been a favorite tourist destination especially among the honeymoon couples. This hill station offers the soothing view of the silvery waterfalls that end in a pool of mist to play hide and seek with the gazers. The flowing rivulets and the chirping birds that add on to this musical extravaganza lure the tourists to this spot. PondicherryPondicherry is located in Tamil Nadu at present. This is the largest city and the capital of the Union Territory of Puducherry. This city has a rich historical background that dates back prior to the capture of the British in India. Some of the most significant aspects of this city are the blue sky that spreads overhead. There is something mystique about the sky with the golden rays drawing beautiful pictures on the white, fluffy cloud in that region. The aesthetic beauty existing in the city accompanied by a pure serenity draws tourists to this place occasionally. Thus, because of the astounding beauty, Pondicherry can be regarded as one of the most romantic places in south India. CoorgKnown as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg presents a ravishing beauty to the tourists who venture to this exotic hill station. Situated in Karnataka, Coorg is surrounded by forests that open up a wide range of flora and fauna for the excited tourists. This place is surrounded by the misty air that whispers dreams into the ears of the lovers and make their prayers come true. Thus, Coorg is visited by the honeymoon couples throughout the year. AleppeyAleppey is one of the most visited places in Kerala. Aleppey is famous for the backwaters that adorn the state. Ranging from the blue skies that stand witness to the famous boathouses floating across the backwaters to the lush, green surroundings that pay homage to the musical rhythm created by the migrating birds in synchronization while flying atop the golden beach, Aleppey is a paradise for the honeymoon couples. Thus, this place is considered as a paradise when it comes to romanticism in southern India. MunnarLike the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in every twelve years in Munnar, Munnar too keeps this extravagant beauty in mind and prepares and nurtures itself in a way that the tourists are left gawking at its unparalleled beauty. This place has one of the most unique structures called the muniyara dolmens that attract tourists from all over the world. Because of the calm and quiet scenario that adorns the beautiful environment, Munnar is one of the most visited places in South India, especially by the lovers and seekers of romanticism. Thus, it can be perceived that South India is truly an exotic place. This region of India is divine in its own art and culture that is so enchanting that no other place in India can match its extravagant display of beauty. Enriched by one of the best ranges of flora and fauna and kissed by the facades of the sun that leaves in place in a state of tranquility, South India is definitely the perfect region for the seekers of romance. The post 5 Romantic Escapades in South India appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/romantic-place-in-south-india/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190161309104 Acne is indeed a problem that brings a nasty feeling of irritation and low self-esteem for many people. Worse is that finding an effective treatment can be difficult for some folks who have this type of skin condition. Taking prescription medications and using beauty products with harsh ingredients can often do more harm than good on the right balance of your skin. Fortunately, there’s now a natural and affordable way to solve your acne problem: cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is one of the primary chemical compounds contained in cannabis plants, particularly from substrains known as hemp and marijuana. Scientific data points to the capacity of CBD to treat skin conditions like acne because the chemical is abundant with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people use CBD as a topical application on acne breakouts, while others ingest it as an acne treatment. Either way, users attest to the fact that CBD is an excellent solution to combat acne. If you want to try using CBD to treat your acne and other skin problems, here’s what you need to know. Let’s Explain Further What is CBDAs mentioned above, CBD is one of the many chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. It’s a type of cannabinoid that you can extract from cannabis substrains hemp and marijuana. While this chemical can be extracted from marijuana, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another type of cannabinoid in cannabis plants. Yes, like some other plants, cannabis is a complex plant. It contains a lot of chemical compounds, which have opposing effects. So, let’s just take it this way. If you want to get high, take THC. Use CBD, on the other hand, if you want to get some of its many health benefits. One of the beneficial effects that CBD can bring is the improvement of skin health. The human body has an endocannabinoid system with which CBD interacts to improve your skin. A regular oral intake of CBD and application of CBD on your skin can make a significant difference in treating skin problems such as acne. Read on below to know further on how CBD works in the body and improves your skin. How Does CBD Affect the Skin?Cannabinoid lipids are present in the human skin to regulate temperature, pain, and skin renewal. As an exogenous cannabinoid, CBD can help stimulate and make more effective those processes, in the same way that nutritious foods and multivitamin products help a variety of functions in our body. CBD targets transient receptor potential channels to repair dermatological damage and improve overall skin health. These channels respond well to cannabinoids, such as CBD. This chemical compound in cannabis also interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, inhibits the hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, and regulates sebum production. Moreover, CBD affects the body processes that control proper development, death, and renewal of skin cells. Not only that, but CBD is also an excellent treatment for skin itch and pain, sensations which are partially mediated by the endocannabinoid receptor CB2. Activation of endocannabinoid receptors also results in the release of opioid peptides, which relieves pain and produces a feel-good sensation. All these benefits of CBD as an anti-inflammatory treatment, pain and itch reliever and regulator of some of the body’s chemical processes are proof that CBD is good for treating skin conditions like acne. Acne and Its CausesAcne is a skin condition which is characterized by the forming of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts on the face, chest, shoulders, forehead, and back part of the body. Genetics, stress, and hormonal changes are the contributing factors that lead to the overproduction of sebum which, in turn, causes acne. People across all ages have this skin condition, but it’s most common among teenagers. It’s because when puberty hits, hormonal changes in teens activate the glands to create more sebum. When there’s more sebum, pores can get clogged up with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. And this leads to the formation of acne. If you’re dealing with an acne problem, you should find ways on how to prevent and treat it. Read on below to know more about acne prevention and treatment. Acne PreventionFor people who are undergoing hormonal changes, particularly teenagers and pregnant women, the best way that you can do to fight acne is by eating healthy foods and keeping your face clean. Not having the right balance of androgens in the body causes hyperproduction of sebum and formation of acne. It’s essential to watch your diet. Avoid foods like processed carbs and trans fats because they can cause inflammation. Also, maintain proper hygiene. As sebaceous glands produce more sebum on the skin, it’s essential to take a bath daily and clean your face with wipes from time to time. It’s also crucial to prevent yourself from getting stressed out as stressful situations can lead to overproduction of hormones and skin reaction. People with acne problems often resort to taking medication and using beauty products with harsh ingredients. These solutions sometimes do more harm than good. It’s time to try a natural alternative: cannabidiol (CBD). CBD for Treating AcneIt’s now time to learn about the benefits of CBD as an acne treatment. Here are some proven effects of CBD on the skin, particularly in preventing and treating the breakout of acne. CBD Prevents Skin InflammationCannabinoids, such as CBD, interact with cytokine production and immune cell function to control inflammations in the skin. Studies involving mice have shown that skin inflammation or dermatitis is a result of the inhibition of CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD activates these receptors and stimulates the skin’s healing process. CBD Controls Sebum ProductionYes, you heard it right. Using CBD helps in regulating the sebaceous glands to prevent their overproduction of oily substances in the body. For people who are going through hormonal changes, you must use CBD oil or topical creams to control your oil glands and prevent your skin from clogging and forming into acne. CBD Lessens StressAs mentioned earlier, stress can contribute to the formation of acne on the skin. If you want to be less stressful, CBD can help you. This chemical compound can make people more relaxed and calm in stressful situations. Specifically, CBD enables the release of neurotransmitters that lower your heart rate and make you feel better. It also controls adrenal reaction in times of anxiety attacks, thus reducing sweating, panting, and rushing of blood to the skin. CBD Reduces Redness of the Skin Associated with AcneCBD products like topical creams can have anti-redness effects when applied directly to the affected spot. Such effects happen because CBD can bypass metabolism and directly interact with the affected area of the skin. However, periods of effectiveness vary from person to person and from product to product. You must not expect that once you apply the cream, it will clear away the redness on your skin. Some CBD creams have additional ingredients, such as vitamins, oils, and minerals. Others have higher CBD concentrations and are water-based. CBD and Acne ScarsAcne breakout can turn into scars that can last for many years and even permanently. Indeed, acne scars are hard to eliminate. Can CBD get rid of these unsightly acne traces? What Cause the Appearance of Acne Scars?For you to understand the reasons why acne scars appear, you have to know the process of scarring in the first place. Once you get wounded on the skin, as in the case of acne breakouts, the wounds go through a six-stage healing process.
The wound healing process may involve scarring as new skin layers forms. How the scars will look like, whether it will appear big or small, depends on the healthy function of every part involved in the healing process. Different Kinds of Acne ScarsYou must identify acne scars to treat them properly. So, here’s a list of different kinds of acne scars that you need to know.
Can CBD Get Rid of Acne Scars?There’s no definitive answer to this question. But CBD can control inflammation as new acne wounds undergo the process of healing. However, it’s a whole different story when you’re talking about old scars. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBDcan only make a positive difference in the appearance of new scars. In this case, CBD works well in reducing the oxidative stress on the skin tissue. One study has shown CBD’s ability to support the process of wound healing as it interacts with mesenchymal stem (MSC) cells. Cannabidiol checks the MSC cells immunosuppressive properties and serves as an antioxidant for the regrowth of healthy skin. For years-old acne scars, the goal is to develop natural collagen from the inside to form new tissue to replace damaged skin. A study involving rats has shown that orally-administered CBD can interact with collagen-induced arthritis in these animals. However, this study doesn’t prove CBD as an effective treatment for years-old scars. Further studies need to be carried out to determine the ability of CBD to get rid of old acne scars. Moreover, the research should involve human subjects to justify CBD’s effectiveness in this case. TakeawayYes, cannabidiol is an excellent treatment for acne. It’s because CBD has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce itchiness, pain, redness, and acne breakout on the skin. The chemical compound also shows to regulate sebaceous glands on the skin to balance the release of sebum and prevent clogging and formation of acne. So, if you’re suffering from acne, you should consider using CBD as an acne treatment. The post CBD for Acne Treatment: How Does It Work? appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/cbd-for-acne/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190161309034 When it comes to people’s behavior, nothing affects it as much as winter. People who live in warm climates travel to cold climates to ski, people who live in cold climates travel to warm climates. It never ceases to amaze how much people will go out of their way during the winter. Wouldn’t it just be easier to move to where you prefer to be all year round? However, it happens every year. It’s the human version of migration. So if you plan on migrating this year, here are the top 10 winter destinations that you should consider visiting! 10. TexasComing in at the number 10 spot is the state of Texas. Texas is the second-largest state in the United States. Because it covers such a large area, it has a wide range of temperatures, geography, and options. For the people looking to escape the cold, Texas is a pretty comfortable option. Temperatures rarely dip below the 32-45 degree mark. The size of Texas offers a little something for everyone, for beach and ocean lovers, the east region of Texas borders the Gulf of Mexico. The mountain lovers can find some arid mountains and desert steppes on the western side of Texas. With major cities spread out from the west to the east, there is an abundant nightlife to be found throughout the state. Winter is the best time to visit Texas because it’s worst weather feature; the tornadoes don’t appear until the beginning of spring. Why isn’t it higher on the list? Texas has no skiing or winter sports opportunities. 9. New MexicoUsually, when New Mexico is on a list, it is for places you don’t want to go. There is an age-old joke that the only thing New Mexico has going for it is that it isn’t Old Mexico. However, according to Rockrunner, the outdoor adventure journal, “New Mexico is one of the most underrated states when it comes to recreation, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is.” Rockrunner may be onto something. When it comes to sunshine, New Mexico has 167 clear days per year, second only to Arizona, and that place gets so hot, you need oven mitts to drive. Winter temperatures can be a little on the cool side in New Mexico, with an average winter temperature about 43. However, the cold temperature brings some of the lightest and fluffiest powder snow to Taos ski resort in the northern part of the state for some of the best skiing in the nation. New Mexico isn’t one of peoples first skiing destinations, so the prices for lift tickets are still relatively modest compared to Colorado and Utah. If you migrate to New Mexico slightly before Winter, you will be just in time for the Taos Balloon Festival, which brings out 25-40 hot air balloons every year. Why isn’t it higher on the list? It is still New Mexico. 8. AlaskaAlaska is still a great mystery. Alaska is so far removed from the contiguous United States that it almost feels like another country. It feels even further removed than Hawaii. However, for the extreme winter, sports fanatic or traveler Alaska is a premier winter destination. As the biggest state it should have a variety of terrain, but it doesn’t. It has one terrain, Rugged. Even though more people travel here during the summer, during the winter, Alaska makes for spectacular backcountry and helicopter skiing or snowboarding. Exploring glaciers and sea kayaking with the appropriate dry suits is fun all year round. During the winter you don’t have to fight the crowds, but you do have to deal with the cold. Why isn’t it higher on the list? There is nothing for heat seekers here. 7. NevadaNevada has a little of everything, warm weather, cold weather, skiing (via California), gambling, prostitution, and of course, regret. What could be a better winter destination? Well, six places which put Nevada on this list at number 7. Nevada can be broken down into two areas, Reno and Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of the best-known cities in the United States and is one of the most visited tourist destinations. There is an abundance of shows, night clubs and entertainment venues along the Las Vegas strip. With winter temperatures sitting around the 60-degree mark, a winter in Las Vegas means you don’t have to spend any money on winter clothes. Up north is Reno. Reno is a smaller version of Las Vegas, which claims the title of the Biggest Little City in the World. It still features all the gambling of Las Vegas, but just across the border and up I-80 in Lake Tahoe is some of the best skiing. According to Turnkey Vacation Rentals’ annual ski report, the number 1 ski resort in 2018 was Squaw Valley ski resort, just a hop skip and a jump away from Reno. Why isn’t it higher on the list? What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, except regret and there is a lot of that waiting for you. 6. HawaiiHawaii is one of the warm destinations on this list. It has spectacular scenery with a lot of warm things to do. The winter is the rainy season, but with an average winter temperature of 78, a little rain is more like a warm shower for the mainland folk. Hawaii has some unique activities for the people rich enough to make the flight. Night dives with manta rays are one of the more amazing adventures that will make for a story sure to steal the attention away from anyone not named Neil Armstrong. On the Island of Kauai, there is sugar plantation tubing, which features riding a tube on the canals that used to water the old sugar cane fields. Why isn’t it higher on the list? It’s expensive. 5. New YorkIf you are like me and avoid big cities like they are the plague, then you are wondering why New York is on this list. Well, that is your mistake; there is more to New York than the city. New York happens to have several ski resorts. They don’t have the most vertical drop. People on the west coast would consider them the bunny hill, but the prices of lift tickets are modest compared to the west coast resorts, and they are closer to the major metropolitan areas than the ski resorts in places like Colorado, Idaho or Wyoming. For the lively nightlife crowd who still wants to live a little, New York can’t be beaten. There is always a party or something to do in NYC and if you are there over the New Year, Times Square is the place to be. Hey the ball drop is something special, why not get in on that. Why isn’t it higher on the list? New York is an acquired taste. The people there are unique; some people find them honest and abrasive. They are! Not everyone is okay with that. 4. UtahTraveling to Utah is unique. Utah’s license plate says, “the greatest snow on earth.” That is indisputable. They hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and are putting in a bid for another Winter Olympics. It’s the only place you can fly into an international airport, and be skiing at your choice of 7 different ski resorts in less than 45 minutes. Salt Lake City also has one of the top 20 tourist attractions in the nation, Temple Square. Temple Square is an old Gothic Roman-style temple built by the Mormons, the predominant religion. Despite strange liquor laws, such as you can only by hard alcohol at state-run stores, Salt Lake has an abundance of night clubs and bars. Within a 4 hour drive of Salt Lake City, one can be at their choice of 5 national parks or four national monuments. The southern half of the state is usually a pleasant 20 degrees warmer than the northern half. It made the number one state for outdoor recreation according to one list. Why isn’t it higher on the list? Utah is a Theocracy masquerading as a democratic state. It has a low crime rate but funny laws including the nation’s lowest DUI law. You may come on vacation and leave on probation. If you can get past the ridiculous alcohol laws, you will still have to deal with the locals trying to convert you to Mormonism. 3. ColoradoColorado is best known for its skiing and marijuana laws. When it comes to skiing, Colorado is the best-known state. It has the best developed and most technologically advanced ski resorts in the nation. The resorts have become small towns on their own, and they define winter culture. Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs is what skiing is. Most of the ski resorts and towns have winter festivals, carnivals, or themed events that happen at various times during the winter. Breckenridge hosts Ullrfest a tribute to the Norse God of Snow. Steamboat Springs hosts a torchlight parade, and Glenwood has an adventure park. To the south are Telluride and Ouray. Telluride is another ski resort. Ouray offers a unique winter activity on a mass scale that few others on this list offer, ice climbing. The town of Ouray installed water pipes on the cliffs overlooking the city. During winter they drip water along the cliff to create a massive sheet of ice that draws ice climbers from all over the world. Why isn’t it higher on the list? Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana for every use. Some parents and people may not find this the ideal location for this reason. 2. FloridaFlorida is a haven for people looking to escape cold weather. It is one of the top retirement states for people looking to have amicable temperatures year-round. It has more golf courses than any other state, and it has beaches on all three sides. It has something for everyone except the ski bunny. For families, Florida is home to Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Disney World. Dad can golf, while mom shops at any number of designer stores in any one of Florida’s cosmopolitan cities like Orlando, Tampa or Miami. Couples can even find a little romance in Naples Florida, currently listed as one of the best romantic weekend getaways. All of the major cities in Florida have a vibrant nightlife. With a complete roster of pro and college sports teams competing year-round, there will never be a dull moment in Florida. Why isn’t it higher on the list? There are no winter activities to participate in. 1. California (Northern)At this point, you probably guessed California would be number 1. I mean, who else was left? South Dakota? The only thing in South Dakota is a bunch of guys carved in rock, and if they weren’t chiseled out of granite, they would have split a long time ago. To be fair I did have to clarify that I am making a distinction between Northern and Southern California, which are as different as Utah is when compared to rest of the 49 states. California is so different depending on where you are that people have proposed splitting it up into 3 to 6 different states. What there is to do in California differs depending on where you are located. The Northern part is the best winter destination, so that is what will be covered here. Northern California features cities like San Francisco and Sacramento. At one point Sacramento was considered the most diverse city in the United States. San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in America, and many people would believe the most iconic on the west coast, second only in America behind New York City. With notable landmarks such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge it is the site seers dream. Two amusement parks are located just a hop skip and a jump from San Francisco, Paramount’s Great America, and Six Flags Over Marine World. If that isn’t enough to get your adrenaline flowing, Northern California is one of the few places where you can participate in several outdoor recreation activities year-round. The northern part of California provides for rafting during the winter. Rivers are fed from rainfall, which isn’t much colder than many snowmelt runoff rivers in other parts of the United States in the spring. East of San Francisco and Sacramento are the Sierra Nevadas and Lake Tahoe. Most of these resorts are the same ones that provide skiing for Nevada residents. Why should you avoid California? Because it has a little bit of negative from everything else on this list except Utah. That place is just weird. The post Top Ten Winter Destinations appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/winter-destinations/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190161308949 Travel hacks is everyone looking for when its come to comfort traveling. Traveling is one of the most experiences any person can have. Not only does it break you out of your everyday funk, but it also gives you a chance to experience the rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle of areas and people outside your norm. Even if you’re traveling to a different city in the same state you live in, you’re still going to experience a new way of life. but if you learned travel hacks it will help you some extent when you traveling to new cities. No one city or community is the same; there is always something new and exciting. Sometimes it’s even right around the corner! Just ask people who have embarked on the latest travel trend: staycations. Even if you’re staying in your own city, this type of getaway will allow you to explore areas that you haven’t previously as well as open you up to places that you have probably never even heard of. In short, traveling is a great way to learn about a place intimately. You’re also exposed to endless opportunities, life-changing experiences, and more all wrapped in a fun little package. Travel hacks will prepare you for your next adventure trip to the beautiful world. Plus, you get a break from your everyday schedule and you’re free to do things at your own pace. It’s your vacation and you can divvy your time up how you see fit. Want to spend your entire trip seeing sight after sight and only sleeping when you have to? Cool! There are definitely some cities and attractions that can cater to that. Want to kick back, relax, and be on island time? There’s definitely a beach out there with sugar white sands and crystal clear blue water where you can plant a beach chair and relax to your heart’s content. However, traveling isn’t always all sunshine and rainbows. It can be a headache sometimes, especially in the pre-planning period when you’re trying to get everything in order. Booking the hotel, your flight, planning your itinerary, etc. can all be nothing short of a drag. This is especially true if you’re trying to make accommodations for a large group of people (hello trying to find something that everyone is interested in) and/or staying extended periods of time (yes, hello Airbnb? Can you accommodate 7 adults and 3 children for 2 weeks?). And even after you have everything in order, there can be some hiccups along the journey such as a delayed flight or an extended layover. Hardly anyone plans for these kinds of things and it can be a bummer when it happens to you. However even if everything goes off without a hitch, there are still a number of travel hacks that can make your trip even better. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best travel hacks that will make sure your vacation is the best one to date! So whether you’re doing a staycation or traveling half way around the world, these hacks are sure to help! Top Travel Hacks1. Check out FourSquare for Wi-Fi PasswordsFourSquare is a great resource for finding food, drinks, and attractions as well as reviews. However, it’s also a great place to find Wi-Fi passwords. While most people are going to tell you to “stay off your phone and enjoy your trip”, we all know how important access to our phones can be as well. Even if you’re not uploading vacay photos to social media to make your friends jealous, there might be the off chance that you need Wi-Fi in order to find your next destination or even your hotel. If you’re traveling outside of the United States, relying on your phone’s network can be extremely expensive. Finding a Wi-Fi pocket will save you a lot of money! So make sure you check the comments on FourSquare regarding the place you’ve ducked into. Chances are, the password is there. 2. Got Jet Lag? Go for a Run!Jet lag can severely hinder your trip experience and leave you feeling run down and drained for the first day. Your sleep schedule might also be off and the last thing you want is to waste any part of your vacation feeling less than your best. While there are many ways out there to combat jet lag, the best is running. We get that it’s totally tempting to lie down and take a nap, but this isn’t really going to give you relief from jet lag. In fact, it’s probably going to make you even more tired and mess up your sleep schedule even more. And it’s going to eat into your vacay time as well. Running will wake you up, engage your muscles that have sat stiff and idle on the plane ride, and help you adjust to the new time zone. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to see and explore the area! Also, you’ll be able to fit some extra vacation calories in without feeling guilty. 3. Airport Water HackNothing sucks more than having to dump out your favorite drink or bottle of water before you go sit in the waiting area for the next three years. Luckily, there’s a solution for that. Take an empty water bottle or reusable bottle with you. It’ll pass through security just fine and once you’re clear, you can head over to the restroom water fountains for a refill. While you won’t be able to refill your bottle with a delicious sugary drink, you at least won’t have to wait on your plane with cottonmouth. Plus having that water handy is also great for people who get plane anxiety and need to take some medication last minute to help ease the process. You also won’t have to pay through the nose for airport water either, which is usually about 2-3 times the cost of the same water you picked up at the gas station. So in our book, this hack checks all the boxes! 4. Skip the Currency Exchange CentersIf you’ve ever traveled outside of the US before, then you know that you need to convert your US dollars over to the currency of your destination. This usually means a trip to the local currency exchange center. And if you’ve never had the displeasure of visiting one, then lucky you. Currency exchange centers can be a real drain on both your time and money. They charge outrageous prices because they can. After all, you need this country’s currency and the center knows that. So how do you combat this? Visit an ATM instead! While you’re going to get hit with bank fees, you won’t spend nearly as much time (or money) as you would by going through an exchange center. 5. Don’t Fold Your Clothes, Roll ThemPersonally speaking, packing is one of the biggest pains when it comes to travel. This travel hacks will teach you how to over come with packing. In all honesty, we don’t know how to pack! We’re always over packing and thinking, “well maybe I’ll want to wear this shirt but what if I want this tank instead? Or maybe I should bring my dress? Let’s bring them all just in case!” And suddenly our suitcase can’t even hold our makeup or toiletries. This is why instead of folding your clothes into your suitcase you should roll them up. You’ll be able to pack way more by doing this or if you’re not like us, you’ll be able to save a ton of space and even opt for a smaller suitcase. And rolling your clothes doesn’t wrinkle them as much as you’d think either. Simply let your clothes air out for 15-20 minutes before wearing them and the wrinkles will fade. 6. Use a Pill Container to Store JewelryTrying to pack jewelry is one of those delayed nightmares. It’s pretty easy to shove into a makeup bag or a zipper compartment on your suitcase, but once you go to select a piece it becomes hell. Your necklaces are tangled up, there’s knots in the chains, your rings have somehow vanished into tiny little corners never to be found again, and you have to spend quite a bit of time digging for matching earrings. Prevent this by picking up a pill container box from your local drugstore. They come in a variety of sizes so regardless of how much jewelry you need to pack, chances are you’ll find the right amount of spaces. For larger pieces, you might need a bigger pillbox that’s separate from the others. Also because the lids securely close, there’s less chance of your pieces tumbling around your belongings and getting separated. 7. Stop Wrinkles by Packing a Dryer SheetOne of the last things you want to do on your trip is spend a bunch of time ironing your clothes. And while you can certainly let them steam in the bathroom with the hot water running or let them air out by hanging them up, packing a dryer sheet will mean that you can skip the process altogether. Just like the sheets unwrinkled your clothes in the dryer, the sheet will also prevent your clothes from wrinkling inside your suitcase. Plus, your clothes will smell super fresh! And it’ll also keep your dirty clothes smell to a minimum and prevent that odor from seeping onto your clean stuff. Even if you have a separate garment bag for your dirty stuff, the scent can still travel. Remember to pack extras too to keep yourself going during your trip! this is very easy travel hacks! 8. Check Flight Prices while in Incognito ModeThis is probably one of the oldest tricks in the book, but unfortunately not very many people take advantage of it. Perhaps they aren’t aware of it, or maybe they don’t think it’s real. Either way, you should definitely check flight prices only when using a private browser. Popular sites tend to not only check how often you visit their site, but they also raise their prices when they pick up on your patterns. This means the more frequently you check those same dates the more they’re going to raise the prices. It’s not fair, but that’s how they do business. And if you don’t believe us, do a comparison yourself. Frequently check the same dates on a public browser for a short duration and watch the prices change then check those same times on a private one. You’ll be shocked at the difference! So use a private browser to look up flights for the best deal possible. 9. Empty Tic-Tac Boxes make Great Bobby Pin StoragesBobby pins are almost a requirement for people traveling on vacation. They’re great for messy buns, keeping fly aways out of your face, and styling your hair for a nice dinner date. While there are a number of ways to store your bobby pins, the best way is to keep them in an empty Tic-Tac container. They tend to stay together and stay away from everything else when they’re kept here. Plus, they’re much easier to find and get to! How many times have you put them in your makeup bag only to have to rinse your foundation off of them? Or if you’ve mixed them with your toiletries only to find that they’re tangled in your toothbrush or hairbrush bristles? Gross! And how many have ended up in the bottom of your suitcase for no discernable reason? Tic-Tac containers fix this issue. 10. Put a Fragile Label on Your LuggageEven if nothing in your suitcase is even remotely fragile, you’ll still want to stick one of these labels on it. If you’ve ever watched how luggage gets handled, it can be a shocking and disturbing experience. And this applies to traveling via bus, plane, and cruise ship. Regardless of how you’re reaching your destination, your luggage is probably being handled roughly. Having a warning label on it doesn’t necessarily insure that it’ll get the best treatment, but it will be treated better than the rest. And as an added bonus, you’ll be one of the first to get your bags at the suitcase collection since none of the other bags get stacked on top of it. Score! Bonus travel tip:Opt for a plastic or shell suitcase instead of a cloth. These offer more room than traditional suitcases and they also do a better job of protecting your belongings. Even if you don’t have anything fragile inside, your luggage can still get damaged. During a cruise, something happened with the machinery and a lot of people’s belongings were severely damaged. Some people were dragging literal shreds of their suitcase behind them to their room. A hard case will help negate this. If you absolutely must opt for cloth, make sure it’s a thick, hearty material. You’ll be glad you did! What are your thoughts about road trip hacks ?Do any of the travel hacks on our list surprise you? Are there some that you never thought of? Or are you an avid practitioner of some of them? We’d also like to know if you have any travel hacks that you’d like to see added to the list! If so, let us know in the comments below and make sure to share this with your friends and family that are traveling. We’re sure that they’ll be incredibly grateful for the information! The post 10 Travel Hacks (Including Ones You Haven’t Thought Of!) appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/travel-hacks-for-better-traveling/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190102687669 Travel Mistakes can be very expensive or deadly, all of us writers are always giving you advice on what you should do during your travels. “You should definitely pack this!” Or “you absolutely must visit this place!” However, avoiding common travel mistakes that will make your trip and vacation feel more like work is something that doesn’t come up a lot. And honestly, it should. There are tons of travel mistakes that we’re all guilty of that can lead to extra costs, lost time, and some sorely missed opportunities. Once again, it’s easier to tell you where to go and what to do than it is to tell you what exactly to avoid. While you’re probably familiar with some of the age-old travel wisdom like book early, use traveler’s checks, and shop around most of these aren’t even relevant anymore given the digital age. Even if you decide to go on a mini vacation with two days notice to a popular tourist spot during peak travel season, you’re not going to struggle too much with finding a place to stay thanks to websites like Airbnb. “Back in the day” this would have been a problem but now, not so much. Traveler’s checks also used to be a must-have but with currency exchange sites and ATMs that are able to exchange your currency, they’ve become a thing of the past. Checking airline fees on a public browser is also travel mistakes that a lot of people either don’t know or don’t believe. So how do we prevent these travel mistakes and others from flying under the radar? How do you avoid them and better yet, how do you even know what they are? Well, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most overlooked travel mistakes that can cost you big. By avoiding the list we’ve provided, you’ll spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time nursing that travel mistakes headache: 1. Don’t Skip Travel InsuranceWe get it. You’re trying to cut corners to maximize your vacation without spending more than you need to. And one of the corners that usually gets cut is travel insurance. Most people assume that is just another way for companies to skim you out of your money but honestly, travel insurance should be mandatory. While the fees can be a bit high, keep in mind that travel is unpredictable. You never know what’s going to happen during your trip. You could break a bone, lose a valuable item, deal with lost luggage and an airline company unwilling to do anything, or have to flee a destination because of a natural disaster. Without travel insurance, you’re at the mercy of your own bank account and if something is lost, it’s on you to deal with the company responsible. And if you’ve ever tried to get back lost luggage from an airline company then you know how big of a pain this can be. Travel insurance protects you, especially when you’re overseas. Going to the hospital can be a huge expense, especially since overseas hospitals tend to charge tourists more and don’t expect them to take your American health insurance either. This can be big out of pocket expenses. So for some peace of mind and the safety of your wallet, spend the extra bucks to get travel insurance. If something happens, you’ll be glad you did. 2. Don’t Book Your Trip too EarlyIt’s easy to get excited about the thought of your trip and if you’re at work, it can be incredibly tempting to start booking everything immediately. After all, it starts to feel “real” once you pick your hotel, flight, and start putting everything together. However unless you’re planning on leaving in a few days or a week, you shouldn’t book your travel expenses early. And while it’s definitely tempting to scoop up that hotel or Airbnb that only has one availability for the week of your travel and there are 100 other people checking out the same dates and place as you don’t get lured in. This is how these companies rope you in and you’ll end up paying far more for the same accommodations that you could have snagged on sale if you’d waited. So be patient! So when should you book? Personally we suggest waiting three or four months before your trip to book your flight. This is when airline companies begin to lower and raise their prices based on current demand. For tour groups and cruises, wait until the last minute. Even if it’s a popular cruise ship, chances are there are still going to be cabins available and the ship will offer some serious discounts last minute in order to fill them. You can also score some coveted ocean view rooms for a fraction of the cost this way. 3. Don’t Bypass the Tourist CenterAdmittedly, this is one we were guilty of for a long time. Once your plane lands and your vacation starts, you’re ready to start exploring and diving in. This usually means skipping the tourist center and going straight to the action. And you guessed it- this is a huge travel mistakes! The tourist center should be your first stop on any trip. They can clue you to current events, festivals, and hidden information that you won’t find in the guidebooks. And if you’re looking for that “living like a local” experience, they can help you out by pointing out all the hot destinations that the locals frequent. The tourism office can also help you find some killer deals. If you’ve spotted a local concert that you want to check out but the prices are too high, talk to the tourist center. They might have discount cards or know a way to slash those prices. The office can also let you know about some serious sales and discounts on things you want to do or places you want to visit in the city. So if you’re looking to save money and find some unique things to do, make this your first stop. 4. Don’t Fill Your Time by Taking Tons of PicturesYou’re on vacation, you’re seeing tons of cool stuff and your first thought is probably “I should document this so that I’ll remember and also so that my friends on social media can see what’s up!” Don’t do this. We’re not telling you to avoid taking pictures altogether, but we are cautioning you to not overdo it. You can end up missing some really cool stuff and if you’re always on your phone looking for the best shot and hashtag, you’re also missing out on your vacation. You’re here to relax, unwind, and make some memories. You don’t need 50 pictures of the sunset over the beach waters to remember it. Chances are, that image will be in your head forever so take a few shots but then get back to the action. So in other words, don’t get so wrapped in finding the perfect angle of you standing are great, but the memories you create outside of your phone will be even better. 5. Don’t Book a Short LayoverThis probably sounds counterintuitive, but bear with us. While sitting at the airport is probably the last thing you want to do on your vacation, we highly recommend avoiding flights with really short layover times. It’s tempting to think about getting to your vacation spot that much faster, but you can really screw yourself over with these short layovers. If you have a limited amount of time (IE just enough time to snatch your bags and run to the next gate), then you’re not giving yourself enough time for setbacks. For example, how many times have you stood for what felt like hours at the luggage carousel waiting for your stuff to show up? How many times has the airline had issues getting the luggage out on time?
6. Don’t Leave Your Credit Card Company in the DarkThis advice also applies to your bank. Before you leave on vacation, you’ll want to notify both your bank and your credit card provider that you’re traveling. Nothing can slow you down faster than trying to make a purchase only to have your card declined because your bank or credit card company thinks you’re a victim of fraud. This can mean stepping out of line and calling your bank or credit card (hello overseas cell fees) and letting them know. This takes valuable time out of your vacation so plan ahead! Let them know before you leave. You’ll also want to tell them where you’re traveling. Most banks and credit card companies can make a note on your account with this information. While you might not think it’s important to let them know, it can help protect you from fraud while you’re out. If you tell your bank that you’re traveling overseas but not where, they’ll clear purchases that go through other countries; including ones that you aren’t currently visiting. While this is unlikely to happen, you can be a victim of fraud anywhere at any time. By letting your bank know where you’ll be, they can filter out possible fraudulent purchases in other areas. 7. Don’t Overbook YourselfYou have a limited amount of time at your vacation destination and you want to make the most of it. You want to see everything you possibly can and attend every single event so you jam pack your calendar with stuff to do. Even your meals are planned around your activities! While this probably sounds great, it can also make your trip incredibly stressful. You might get so caught up in trying to do it all that you forget to really take your time and enjoy yourself. Let’s say that you’re visiting your dream destination. You want to see all the sites! Since you have a limited amount of time there, you plan to be at each location for about an hour. This means that if all goes well (no delays), you’ll only be spending a set amount of time at each spot. So if you fall in love with a location and want to spend more time there, you’ll be stuck either leaving early or sacking another spot to free up more time. This translates to a lot of unnecessary stress! So pick some things you really want to see, but let the trip unfold naturally. You’ll enjoy yourself far more! Plus, you’ll be allowing yourself some down time that can end up being very much needed after a long day of site seeing. 8. Don’t Check Your Medicine and Other Necessities/ValuablesThis probably sounds counter-intuitive as well. You want your medicine and other items that you need with you on your trip, right? Right! But checking them isn’t the best idea. They can easily get lost or mishandled, which can lead to some serious consequences and unpleasantries. Plus, it’s a hassle and a half! The safest and best place for these items is to stay in your carry-on. This way, it’s easily reached but you aren’t in danger of having it stolen, lost or tampered with. The last thing that you want is for something you need to not make it to the same destination as you. Keep in mind that this doesn’t just apply to your medication or other things that you need on hand. You should also keep your iPad, phone, expensive jewelry and any other item(s) of value on your carry-on. This insures that you know where it is at all times and prevents theft and damage. 9. Don’t Leave Your Valuables UnsecuredOnce you leave the airport and enter your hotel room, it can be tempting to just set down your luggage and start exploring the city. If you’re on a cruise, you might be tempted to drag your suitcase into your room and hit the pool. Or maybe you’ll go exploring instead of waiting for them to drop off your luggage at your room. Don’t! Your cruise service will not bring your baggage into your room; it’s left at your door instead. This means that any other passenger in the hall can swipe your suitcases. So even though it takes a bit of time for your stuff to arrive, you should definitely wait on it. You should also secure or hide your valuables. Most rooms, including ship cabins, have a safe where you can store your expensive items. Don’t assume that housekeeping and others who enter your room are going to be honest. Keep your stuff put up and out of sight. 10. Don’t Over PackObviously you want some options for your trip, but you don’t want to over pack either. Not only is hauling your overloaded luggage through the airport or to your hotel a pain in the butt, but re-packing all of your mess can be time consuming when you’re getting ready to head home. And if you’re planning on checking your bags, this can be a big issue since over packing means that you could easily tip the airline’s weight limit. You can prevent this by planning out what you’re going to wear for your vacation. Make sure to also include one or two extra shirts and a pair of extra socks and underwear but don’t go overboard. Most of the clothes, even the outfits you planned, will probably still go unworn. And if you’re worried about wearing something that’s gotten dirty, chances are your hotel or cruise ship has a way of cleaning it for you. Bonus mistake to avoid:Not Checking ReviewsThis is probably something you do already for cruises and hotels/Airbnbs, but you should also extend it to other aspects of your travel as well. If you’re thinking of going on a particular excursion via your cruise ship, check out what others have said about it on TripAdvisor. Just because the title, description, and pictures make it look super appealing doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy yourself. People might have had a bad experience with it because the guide was less than friendly or maybe you don’t get as much time as they advertised. You want to make the most of your vacation, so check the reviews! Also, check the reviews on restaurants before you try them. Just because the place looks and smells good from the outside doesn’t mean you’ll have a good experience. People might have discovered that they severely overpaid for the same quality of food that they could have gotten a few streets down. So learn from their mistakes and travel savvy! The post 10 Travel Mistakes You Should Definitely Avoid appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/avoid-travel-mistakes/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190102687529 eBay sold some unbelievable expensive items. We live in a digital world where everything imaginable is available at the click of a button. You don’t even have to leave your house or change out of your pajamas to get everything you need and probably a lot you don’t. Companies like Wish, eBay, Amazon and almost every brick and mortar store have a website where you can order products. Some even go as far as to host “exclusive web deals” that you won’t find in stores. We’re looking at you Urban Outfitters. For better and for worse, online shopping has changed our lives. A lot of stores can no longer compete and have closed down. While a lot of them have moved to online only, some like PayLess have completely closed for good. “We can’t compete with the online retail market. People don’t want to come to a physical store anymore and can you blame them? You can order anything you want from your house,” some of the companies have said. With that in mind, online shopping saw a huge influx back in 1995 when global auction site giant eBay entered the game. Since its induction, more than 3 billion items have been sold worldwide through their site. It still remains one of the most popular sites to buy and sell things online. While a lot of people use the website for mundane purchases such as clothing, baby items, etc. there are some very interesting things that have been listed. EBay has definitely seen its share of the weird things including bottled mountain air, celebrity napkins, rare artifacts, cars, and even the meaning of life have been posted for sale. While none of this comes as a surprise since most of it probably sits unsold, there is a long and ever growing list of extraordinarily expensive items that have been listed… And sold. Let’s take a look at the 10 most expensive items that have ever graced eBay’s website and been sold: 10. Zagami Martian Meteorite- $450,000We’re starting the list off at nearly half a grand. And with that kind of price tag you’d expect something that looks a little more interesting, right? Given the title and the origin, we expected the Zagami Martian Meteorite to look a little more otherworldly and neat. However, it looks just like a rock to us… A very expensive rock. But we’re fairly certain that if somebody presented us something like this, we’d assume it was just an average rock dug up out of their backyard. And now we’re wondering how many goldmines we’ve passed up. But what exactly is this rock and what makes it so special? Well, it’s actually a piece of Mars. It was knocked free by an asteroid and somehow found its way to Earth. There are 60,000 plus different meteorite pieces, but of that number only 135 come from Mars. Thus, the high price tag. 9. 2016 Lamborghini Aventador- $659,800The idea of purchasing a luxury sports car online, especially one that boasts this sizeable price tag, seems kind of iffy. Personally speaking, before we shelled out that kind of cash on a vehicle (or anything) we’d want to see it in person. However for the person who now owns this Lambo, he/she went in relatively blind aside from the pictures, clicked buy, and hoped for the best. Luckily, they got exactly what they purchased. And good for them! Because we’ve heard horror stories of people buying expensive cars on eBay and receiving toy vehicles and Hot Wheels instead. While cars are often sold on eBay, most aren’t a Lamborghini Aventador. And also according to the website, this is currently the most expensive car ever sold on their website. We’re definitely sure that the record will be beat at some point, but for now this buyer is the proud owner of a luxe sports car and an eBay record. 8. Vintage Sun Maid Raisin Box- $700,000Chances are you’re familiar with this tasty packaged snack. You’re probably familiar with the price of them too at your local grocery store. Personally speaking, we pick these up in my household as a cheap and easy to transport snack. That’s why whenever we were putting this list together, we had to stop for a moment and triple check our sources. After all the raisin boxes are under $5 for several, but someone actually paid $700,000 for a box of raisins?? While many vintage items come with a sizeable price tag attached, this one blows our minds. The vintage Sun Maid raisins box from the 1950s shocked both eBay and people worldwide when it sold for such a hefty amount. While the price of some antiques make sense, this one definitely takes us by surprise. Hopefully the box was at least empty! We don’t want to think about what raisins look like after nearly 60 years of sitting in a box. 7. Navy F/A-18A Hornet- $1,075,000Here’s another mind blowing price and item: a Navy plane, specifically the F/A-18A Hornet. We’ve got so many questions regarding this purchase, but the two we really want the answers to are: 1. How did the seller get this plane in the beginning? Did they retire from the Air Force and were gifted the plane? Did the government sell them the plane and they want to resell it? How did they get their hands on this? Far as we knew the government keeps these kinds of things. 2. What is the buyer going to use it for? Is it legal to own? Where are they going to keep it stored? Can they fly it? Is it legal to fly? The questions are never endless regarding this purchase. Please send help! 6. Honus Wagner Baseball Card- $1,200,000Pretty shocking that a baseball card can sell for more than a plane, but here we are. It’s no secret that baseball cards can have some serious value, but the fortune attached to this one is pretty staggering. It’s surprising too given the fact that Honus Wagner is arguably not one of the more popular baseball players. However, his cards hold the record for being the most expensive cards in history. Also, this isn’t even the most expensive Honus Wagner card sold; the most expensive one sold for over $3 million. We’ll consider that a definite home run for this baseball player value wise. 5. Titan 1 Nuclear Missile Base- $1,500,000So while this one hasn’t sold just yet, there have been some bids and some buyers that have backed out last minute. So if you’re looking for a pretty slick military base to live out the rest of your life should the apocalypse hit, then head over to eBay and snag this one before someone else does! Seriously, this has Doomsday Prepper written all over it. So what do you get for $1,500,000? You’ll get a 57-acre retired air force base. The base features 16 underground structures all ready for you to move you and your family and friends in. You’ll also get access to equipment buildings, control spaces, and even missile silos. However, you might be disappointed to learn that the purchase doesn’t come with any nuclear missiles. Sorry! 4. Vintage Metal Lunchbox Collection- $1,700,000You might be asking yourself what could possible be more expensive than an entire military base and you might be surprised to learn that it’s a vintage metal lunchbox collection. Yes, that’s right. A collection of metal lunchboxes sold for more than an entire military base and more than an ex Navy airplane. Once again, antiques and vintage items often come with a high price tag, but we’re blown away with how much this collection of metal lunchboxes sold for. According to eBay, the collection featured a wide variety of characters from both comic books and television shows that have aired over the years. The collection was in pristine condition and featured notable characters like the A-Team, Superman, Underdog, and of course Scooby Doo. You have to either really love lunchboxes or vintage items to shell out that kind of money though! But who are we to judge? We’re sure that you’ll be the envy of your office at lunch. 3. Albert Einstein’s Letter to God- $3,000,000Albert Einstein is a household name and it’s no surprise that something relevant to him would sell for so much. What’s unusual though is the item itself. On January 3, 1954 the German scientist wrote a letter to God that would later become incredibly famous (and valuable). It was address to the Choose Life: The Biblical Call to Revolt author Eric Gutkind who featured it in his book. How it ended up in someone’s hands and on eBay is anyone’s guess; it’s hard to imagine this kind of valuable item floating around someone’s attic like an old quilt or photo album. However, for whatever reason it ended up on the global bidding giant and now someone is the proud owner of a handwritten Einstein letter. 2. Action Comics #1- $3,200,000It’s hard to imagine something being more valuable than a hand written letter from Albert Einstein, but apparently the first issue of Action Comics is worth more. Not by much considering the already staggering price (there’s a $200,000 difference), but nonetheless it was valued higher than the letter. It should also come as no surprise that the first issue of Action Comics, which was in pristine condition, sold for so much. Comics tend to accrue a lot of value over the years; especially if they’re well cared for. While this comic won’t take the cake as the most expensive one ever sold, it’s still a staggering amount. In 1938, a comic was printed that featured Superman for the first time ever and so far it’s the most expensive comic book that has ever been sold. 1. Crypt above Marilyn Monroe- $4,600,000Okay, so this one shocked us and yes you’re reading that correctly: the most expensive item ever sold on eBay was a crypt slot above famed Marilyn Monroe. Elsie and Richard Poncher owned the slot. The pair were well off; even making cars for infamous Al Capone. Because of their lifestyle they often rubbed shoulders with celebs and one of those that they brushed against was Dimaggio, Monroe’s ex. They decided then that they would purchase the crypt slot above Marilyn Monroe. What persuaded them to purchase it is up for debate, but once Richard Poncher became sick, he told Elsie that if she didn’t bury him face down above Marilyn Monroe, he would haunt her for the rest of her life. It was a very strange request but when Richard passed, Elsie fulfilled her late husband’s wish and he was placed upside down in the crypt slot. So if someone is currently occupying it, why did it go up for sale? Well according to Elsie Poncher, she decided to put her late husband’s slot up for sale because of money problems. Specifically, she was trying to pay off the mortgage of their home in Beverly Hills. However, there’s a something out there for everyone and the crypt slot was scooped up by a buyer for a staggering $4.6 million. How they’ll divvy up the slot is up in the air and while we’re curious, we’re not sure that we want to know that badly. What are your thoughts?We’d like to know what you think of the items on this list. Were you shocked by what people bought and the prices? Which one shocked you the most? We also want to know what you think about the values placed on these items. Do you feel that a crypt slot should be worth more than an Albert Einstein letter or do you feel like a military base is the most valuable? Let us know in the comment section below and share with your eBay addicted friends! The post 10 of The Most Outrageously Expensive Items Ever Sold on eBay appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/ebay-sold-expensive-items/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190102687439 Big Mac from McDonald’s is an actual measurement tool, well you know now. Called the “Big Mac index”, experts and curiosity seekers from around the world use the burger as a way of understanding and relating prices in different countries. It’s an easy index to follow since most of us are familiar with both the menu item and its price. But is it really that important? What does knowing the price of a McDonald’s burger do? Well if you’re planning on traveling and you’re a big McDonald’s fan then it helps to know how much you’re going to spend on your favorite burger. Jokes aside, it actually does serve a purpose. The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986. The idea behind this is often referred to as Burgernomics (not sure how we feel about all of these puns) and it is meant to serve as a basic guide to figuring out the cost of living in different countries. It might sound silly, but Burgernomics can actually provide some valuable insight into which currencies are being under valued and those that are being over valued. You can also determine how “inflated” that particular country’s economy is based on the price of the burger. McDonald’s is a “budget friendly” fast food joint so most of their menu items are far cheaper than their competitors’. By finding the price of the Big Mac in another country and comparing it to the price in other places, you can determine how well the country is doing so to speak. Burgernomics aside, let’s take a look at what a Big Mac will run you in other countries: By the way, this data is from January 2019 and comes from Statista. The results are also quoted in US dollars. 10. Australia ($4.35)That’s right if you want to eat a Big Mac in the land down under you’ll have to fork over $4.35 or about the same as a Starbucks venti pumpkin spice latte with a caramel flavor shot added for flare. McDonald’s markets the burger as containing two 100% pure Aussie beef patties, iceberg lettuce, cheese, onions, pickles, and of course that special Big Mac sauce. All of this is wedged between two toasted sesame seed buns. So basically, it’s the Big Mac we’re all familiar with. We’re not sure what the difference between Aussie beef patties and regular beef patties are, but we’re pretty sure that isn’t one. Either way, you’ll be paying a premium for their beef patties. There was also a Double Big Mac at one point in Australia as well. It was quickly discontinued and replaced with the Grand Big Mac. This monster burger uses larger patties that are 1/3 lbs. In 2017, they also released the Big Mac BLT as part of a promotion. 9. Brazil ($4.55)Back in the early 2000’s the Big Mac was around $1.50 in most parts of the world, including Brazil. However now, it’ll cost you $4.55 for just the sandwich. What caused the inflation? Honestly, nobody really knows. It could be a combination of things like economics, exchange, or even the fact that McDonald’s is considered to be a tourist trap. Thus, it’s a luxury and its menu items incur luxury prices to reflect that. Also, many locals are far more content to eat rice, beans, and vegetarian options over the calorie rich burger. So since it’s marketed towards tourists instead of locals, you get the higher price. But honestly, who is going to stop into McDonald’s in Brazil for a Big Mac when you have all kinds of other interesting local cuisine available? You can also find a Cheddar McMelt on their menu, which sounds absolutely delicious despite the fact that we were just knocking them for catering to tourists. This sandwich has creamy cheddar cheese, soy sauce, and grilled onions on a beef burger patty. It also comes on a whole-wheat bun instead of the traditional sesame seed one. You can also find banana flavored pies as well as vegetarian burger options on their menu. Okay, we’re starting to see how it can rope in tourists now… 8. Israel ($4.58)For the most part, Israel’s Big Mac is pretty close to what we’re used to in the United States. However, there are a few key differences. For starters, the meat is 100% kosher and is cooked on charcoal rather than being fried. This means that cheese isn’t an option at some of the locations, but many will still offer cheeseburgers. If you’d rather spend your money on something else instead of a Big Mac, you can also opt for the McKebab or the McShawarma. You won’t find these anywhere else so while McDonald’s might not have been on your list of places to visit in Israel, you might want to add it. Also if you’re visiting during Passover when Jewish people don’t eat bread, the bulk of these McDonald’s locations will serve the burgers on lettuce or matzo instead of the traditional buns. However, don’t expect a discount on your meal if bread isn’t available; you’ll still be paying $4.58 for the sandwich. 7. Denmark ($4.60)Why would you pay .60 cents more for the same burger in Denmark than you would in the United States? After all, there’s really no difference between the American version and Denmark’s take on it. Well according to reports from 2014, McDonald’s is a pretty good place to work. Employees are paid a staggering $20 an hour and the company is unionized. This means that overhead costs are pretty Mc-High (sorry) and in order to cover them, the menu items are marked up. And if you’re interested in comparing this to US McDonald’s wages, Denmark pays its employees about double what those in the states get. And honestly that’s worth. Working in fast food isn’t pleasant for anybody. If you’ve ever had the displeasure of working in fast food then you’re probably thinking that $20 is right on the mark. We think so too. Thus, it really isn’t that surprising that Denmark takes spot #7 on our list for the world’s highest Big Mac prices. 6. Euro Area ($4.64)What exactly is the “Euro Area”? Well, it’s also known as the Eurozone and it encompasses 19 countries that use the Euro currency. This list includes: Germany, Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Slovakia. The reason why we didn’t use one specific country here is because the price is same in these 19 countries. In these countries, you’ll spend $4.64 on your Big Mac. It comes with all of the same toppings as the American version, but with a higher price tag. You can also opt for the smaller Big Mac Jr., which is a few cents cheaper than the Big Mac but features the same delicious toppings just on a smaller burger patty. The Big Mac Jr. is one of the newest items to grace the company’s menu and arrived as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. You can also go for the Grand Mac, which is a larger version of the Big Mac if you’re feeling particularly hungry. There are also unique menu variations across the European country list if you’re craving something different. In Belgium, you can sink your teeth into the Croque McDo with Emmental cheese and ham that’s toasted between two thick buns. In Denmark, you can pick up the chicken salsa cheeseburger. Want something for breakfast? Hop over to France and order the Croque McDo donuts. 5. Canada ($5.08)In a country that’s constantly the boot of “sorry” jokes (and we’re sorry for these terrible puns), they certainly don’t seem apologetic about their high Big Mac prices. So what makes the burger worth $5 and some change? Well, it’s pretty much the same burger you can grab in America for far less. Also sorry to disappoint you, but the Big Mac “special sauce” isn’t maple syrup; it’s the sauce we’re all familiar with. However, the combo is where things change a bit. You’ll still get your drink, but you’ll also get your choice of French Fries or poutine (French fries with cheese curds topped with brown gravy). You can also add bacon to your sandwich but don’t expect it to be what we refer to as Canadian bacon; these are the crispy strips that we’re all familiar with. On the menu you can also find Tim Horton’s coffee; a Canadian staple. 4. United States ($5.58)You’re probably thinking, “wait! I thought the Big Mac was cheaper in America than a lot of these places? After all, you said that Burger X in country Y was Z amount of cents more expensive than the American chain!” You’re right. However, there are a handful of cities and states where the cost of the burger is so outrageous that it caused the United States to place #4 on our list. For the most part in the States, you’ll pay a lot less for your Big Mac than you will in other countries, but if you’re visiting tourist traps expect that price to sky rocket. One of those places in particular is Disney; both World and Land. At these theme parks, you can expect to spend about $8 for that McDonald’s staple. Shocking, right?! While that’s definitely on the high end, bustling cities like New York and San Francisco sell their Big Macs for an average of $5.58. That’s significantly higher than a lot of the other countries on the list. And as far as differences go, there isn’t any: it’s the exact same burger. 3. Sweden ($5.84)After tax, you can expect to spend $6 on a Big Mac in Sweden. That’s more than it would cost for an entire Happy Meal! That alone would encourage us to skip McDonald’s (and fast food in general) in hopes of something healthier! However, McDonald’s in Sweden has you covered there too. If you want something that’s less calorie laden but tastier than a bowl of greens, you can opt for the McVegan. It’s pretty close to the Big Mac, but the patty is made of cannellini and kidney beans. It’s then topped with onions, carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers before being served on a crisp lettuce bun. While we’ve personally never had one, those who have claim that the vegan patty is actually tastier than the regular meat patty. And if you’re fresh off the ski slopes, you can also duck into their McSki drive-thru (yes, we’re serious) and grab a bite before heading back to the powder and slopes. 2. Norway ($5.86)According to studies, Norway has one of the most overvalued currencies in the entire world. Because of this, you’ll pay over $6 to satiate your Big Mac cravings. And once again, there isn’t anything special about this burger in comparison to other countries. It’s still the same beef patties on the same sesame seed buns with the same toppings and sauce; just at a staggering premium. However, you can also pick other McDonald’s treats that are exclusive to Sweden. These include the El Maco, which is a burger that is topped with sour cream and salsa then paired with barbecue spiced fries (yum!) and the Laksewrap. This unique sandwich is composed of deep-fried fish, salad, and topped with a mango slice wrapped inside a tortilla. 1. Switzerland ($6.62)Switzerland’s scenery isn’t the only thing that will take your breath away; once you get a peek at how much a Big Mac will cost you, you’ll be struggling for air. Switzerland takes the cake as having the most expensive Big Mac in the world. Weighing in at almost $7 for just the burger, you’d expect to get something different out of it or a treat, right? Nope. Switzerland’s Big Mac is the exact same as any other Big Mac and that price is for just the sandwich. No fries. No drinks. No apple pie. No prize. So why is it so expensive? Well, considering the fact that Switzerland is actually one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in, it makes sense that their Big Mac is also pretty expensive. According to studies, residents get paid pretty well so it’s all relative; the locals can easily afford it. However if you’re visiting and you’re on a tight budget, the Big Mac might not be the option you’re after. The post Big Mac Cost in 10 of the Most Expensive Countries in the World? appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/big-mac-mcdonalds/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/190102687384 Over the weekend, an explosion rocked the German town of Ahlbach. Residents were woken up around 4 a.m. by a loud explosion and tremor that according to residents, felt similar to an earthquake. “My house shook from the blast. My husband and I were very, very confused at first. We thought an earthquake had hit our town but that didn’t explain the loud explosion we heard. It was deafening! When we looked outside, we didn’t see anything. It was really confusing at first. All of our neighbors were outside too trying to figure out what was going on. We called the police. We weren’t sure what else to do.” According to Hessenschau, a German TV program, the bomb’s explosion registered as a magnitude 1.7 tremor on the Richter scale. This lead a lot of people to believe that it was in fact an earthquake. Social media and police lines quickly became congested with rumors, suspicions, and concerns regarding the incident. Within a matter of hours, the topic was trending all over social media with people throwing out some wild theories about what had had happened. Luckily, it didn’t take long for officials to discover the cause of the noise and put both the townspeople and the world at ease. “Everyone was saying that we were under attack! It was really, really scary. Others were saying that it was a violent earthquake and we should all be concerned. There was so much misinformation floating around online that I eventually just had to unplug from it,” said one resident. They were able to track the noise/tremors to a large cornfield where they stumbled upon a massive crater. At first, many assumed that it was the result of a meteorite. After all, what else could create that kind of a blast zone? However, the fact that a meteorite and traces were missing meant that it wasn’t the cause. Investigators eventually found the source of the noise and tremors: a World War II bomb that had detonated in a cornfield. The bomb had been buried deep within the ground and forgotten about. Once it went off, it created a crater that was 13 feet deep and 33 feet wide according to Limburg officials. “It was a big bomb as you can tell by the damage it did to the cornfield. Luckily, nobody was injured when it blew. We’re very, very thankful for that,” investigators said regarding the incident. How did the Bomb get There?But what was the bomb doing out in the cornfield in the first place? Had someone put it there and if so, how did they get access to such weaponry? Should the city be concerned about more attacks? Or had it actually be dropped by invaders? And if so, who dropped the bomb on the cornfield and why there? Once again, social media was set aflame as both residents and people around the world spoke their concerns. “When something like this happens, people always assume the worst. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and in many cases it’s the appropriate response. However in this case, they were creating widespread panic over nothing. Sure, the bomb’s explosion caused significant damage but nobody was hurt and it’s not a sign of an imminent threat. People were quick to blow things out of proportion,” officials stated in response to the explosion making its way around the Internet. Limburg officials were also quick to address these concerns. In their statement, they mentioned that that specific area had been a prime target for bombing raids during the war. A former Nazi operated railway facility and radio stations were located nearby, making it a target for bombs. Because of this, many bombs were dropped on the area. The ones that didn’t explode simply sunk into the ground to be forgotten about. While this sounds weird to think about, apparently it’s not all that uncommon. “In certain areas there are a lot of undetonated bombs, landmines, and other relics of the war that remain buried underground. A lot of these require some form of trigger mechanism to activate it such as stepping on the area or messing with the piece. This area is unfortunately one of those. It was a hotbed for bombing activity and a lot of those remain buried and forgotten by time until something like this happens.” What Triggered the Explosion?Was someone messing with the bomb at 4 in the morning? And if so, how did they manage to dig 13 feet into the ground to access it in the first place? After all, the bomb wasn’t just sitting exposed above ground begging for someone to come mess with it. Experts were quick to answer this as well. According to them, undiscovered bombs can explode somewhat randomly. “We can’t necessarily determine when or even if an unexploded bomb is going to go off. Some were ‘duds’ that landed while others still have a chance of exploding. Most of the time, these things require someone to mess with them in order to explode. However in some cases, the bombs simply go off on their own,” experts say. But what would cause a bomb that’s laid dormant for so long to just suddenly go off? Well, this happens when their detonators deteriorate and become compromised. As the bomb sits underground, a lot of the gears and intricacies rot/deteriorate and the structure becomes compromised over time. Eventually the parts just wear out so much that the bomb is triggered and explodes. The bombs also have long-term acid ignite fuses that keep them “active” for a long time as well making them extremely susceptible to explosions. And unfortunately, Germany is full of them. WWII Bombs aren’t that Uncommon in Germany“70 years after the war, we’re still finding undetonated bombs and in some cases landmines. The landmines aren’t as common, but they do show up from time to time. We’re unfortunately a hub for these kinds of things. Certain areas were more popular than others because of their importance to Nazi soldiers and commanders. Those fighting against the Nazis dropped a lot of bombs on Germany in an effort to halt progress and end the war. As others have said, not all of these bombs went off. Even though great cleanup efforts were made to get rid of them after the war, it’s impossible to do a thorough sweep and get them all. A lot were covered up by rubble and blown up pieces of land so we were already at a disadvantage. Over time, they were simply reclaimed by the earth.” Finding bombs in Germany is fairly common. In fact, many have been defused in large cities like Frankfurt and Berlin over the years. “It’s become so commonplace now that you hardly see it online or hear about it on the TV. If news is slow, you might hear them mention that another bomb was found and defused, but nobody gives it much attention. The only reason why this one got as much media coverage as it did is because it exploded on its own, causing a large crater. It garnered a lot of attention. It’s far more newsworthy and interesting to talk about a bomb that went off and blew up a field than it is to talk about how experts cleared out an undetonated one.” Another bomb was found in Berlin last April. It was quickly defused and then another showed up in Frankfurt. This one forced 60,000 people out of their homes and the city as technicians worked to defuse it. The whole process took several hours, but nobody was injured and nothing was damaged in the process. 50,000 people were also evacuated in Hanover when bombs were discovered during a construction project. In other words, they’re unfortunately not all that uncommon in Germany. You’ll also hear about this kind of activity in other war torn countries. In some places, especially near war camps, people sweep the grounds around them multiple times a day in order to find landmines and undetonated weaponry that could be triggered by stepping on it or go off on its own causing a lot of destruction. In Vietnam for example, there are hundreds of thousands of landmines, traps, and undetonated bombs scattered across the jungle. “In some areas you simply can’t safely cross the terrain without some sort of bomb of metal detector. My dad and I sweep the area frequently and we always come home with handfuls. It’s nerve wracking but you get used to it. So far there have only been a few injuries from these landmines and that number is shrinking everyday as we clear out more and more of them,” say residents. Should Residents be Concerned?One of the biggest things on everyone’s mind right now is how concerned they should be regarding this incident. If Germany is “full of bombs” as it’s self described, how likely are other incidents like this to take place? Should citizens be worried? “It’s always concerning when we stumble across an undetonated bomb, but we always take precautions. We evacuate the surrounding areas and call in professionals to defuse it. There’s also a lot of concern from citizens that they will come across these buried bombs and set them off by accident but that’s highly unlikely. They are buried so far underground that it’s nearly impossible for someone to walk over it and trigger it,” officials say. On Monday, residents outside of Frankfurt were evacuated when not one but two World War II bombs were found. According to TheLocal.de, 2,500 people were evacuated from the area. “We didn’t believe that they were a direct threat to the citizens of the town, but we didn’t want to take any chances,” authorities said. Most of the time, the bombs are detonated by professionals on site if they’re far enough away from civilization so no damage is caused. If this isn’t an option, they can be defused where they lay if the parts are still in working condition or they can be moved to a safer location for detonation. “You’re more likely to be hit by lightning than you are to trigger a bomb, “ say local officials. Self-detonations are also incredibly rare; even for Germany who is full of them. According to Wolfgang Spyra, who is both an engineer and professor at the Brandenburg University of Technology in Cottbus, only about one or two WWII era bombs detonate by themselves each year. “They’re typically not in densely populated areas either. The ones located in suburbs and cities are typically discovered quickly before they can detonated and they are rendered inert immediately,” Spyra said. The Bomb’s PastAfter the bomb exploded, a lot of people began asking questions about its past. Had it been placed in that location and forgotten about? Was it dropped from a plane? At first, experts had their doubts that it was a World War II bomb, but evidence quickly swayed them in that direction; especially given the area’s importance as a railway center during the war. Now according to experts, the 550 pound bomb was dropped by plane. “The bomb was incredibly huge and was designed to do a lot of damage as you can tell by the photo of the crater. Something of that size and caliber doesn’t just get ‘placed’ down; it has to be dropped by an aircraft. As to why it didn’t detonate upon impact is up in the air. The bomb was definitely alive, but it didn’t explode once it hit the ground. Instead, it detonated after its mechanics rotted away.” The aerial bomb possessed a chemical detonator. This likely explains why it didn’t detonate once it hit the ground. “Sometimes the chemicals just don’t mix properly right away or don’t get exposed to each other to create the right reaction. Because of this, they sit dormant until their detonator materials decompose. Then, they go off.” What are your thoughts?Let us know what you think about the article and its content in the comment section! We’d love to hear from you. The post World War II Bomb Detonated in German town of Ahlbach, Creates Crater in Cornfield appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/bomb-detonated-in-german-town-of-ahlbach/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/189724051819 Detroit: Become Human video game once it was released last year, the game completely flew under the radar. Fans of the game heavily praised it, but the fact that many critics felt it “missed the mark” coupled with its release on a single platform (PS4) left a lot of people out of the loop. While the game plans to expand to the PC in August of this year, many are worried that it’s “too late” for the game to gain any grounds. “They released it for one platform last year and there wasn’t even a lot of marketing behind it. They spent 2 years crafting this game and cast some big names; you’d expect with all of that work that they would have had one hell of a marketing platform. You’d also expect them to release it for all systems. It was a big mistake for them to not release it immediately for PC. That’s where the bulk of your gamers are now. It would have done much, much better if they’d been smart about it,” critics say. Despite its lackluster launch, the game remains one of Quantic Dreams’ best sellers. Sales exceeded $2 million. However, there’s no denying the game’s worth. The stunning visuals, complex story lines (there are so many branches and different routes to take in the game), and hard hitting social justice issues make it one of the most important and interesting games that have surfaced. The fact that it blatantly tackles civil rights issues and puts in your face is incredibly important for this day and age. The game starts off by showing protesters who are less than compassionate about Androids. The gamer has the option to listen in on the anti Android propaganda and it’s heartbreaking. There is also the presence of Androids carrying signs asking for the same rights as humans. They’re chanting “we have a dream”, made infamous by Martin Luther King Jr. The divide is clear and right from the start, the gamer will feel his or her heart strings being tugged. What’s the Detroit: Become Human game About?Detroit: Become Human can best be described as a choose your own adventure game. It was developed by Quantic Dream then published by Sony exclusively for PlayStation 4 last year. The plot of the game centers around three different androids and plays through their stories respectively. One of the first Androids the gamer is introduced to is Connor (voiced by Bryan Dechart). Connor works for the police department and it’s his job to track down sentient Androids. Connor is definitely valuable, but he struggles to find a place among his peers in many instances. In essence, he was created to help take out his own kind. Out of all of the three androids in the game, Connor seems to be the most “robotic.” You do have options to disobey commands, but overall he appears less sentient than the others. Then there’s Markus who is voiced by Jesse Williams. Markus is the Android we meet in the streets when we see the protesters. He is running errands for his owner and ends up crossing paths with the anti Android group. They bully and even physically attack him until the police break it up. Markus doesn’t respond to the violence and the gamer assumes he’s not very sentient either. However when Markus arrives home and begins caring for his owner, you’re really exposed to the level of compassion and empathy that Markus is capable of. Without spoilers, he shows many signs of human qualities. He is also dedicated to freeing fellow Androids from their owners. Those that he frees may live or die depending on the gamer’s choices in dialogue. Last is Kara (voiced by Valorie Curry) and she arguably has the saddest story. When the gamer meets her, she is being picked up by a less than compassionate man who has brought her in for repairs. When asked how she got so damaged, the man dismisses the question and says she was hit by a car. This alludes to the fact that she was beaten and possibly dismembered by her owner. Home life is rough too, not just for Kara. The owner is a father and he takes his anger out on his daughter after he gets high. Many describe her story as “difficult to sit through” because of the treatment of the child. “When I feel like they’ve gone too far with this I remind myself that it’s an important issue that we need to be aware of. For many, this is reality,” say some fans. Kara’s purpose becomes protecting the young girl. How the Detroit: Become Human Game was BuiltDetroit: Become Human is based on Kara: Quantic Dream’s 2012 demonstration in technology. The idea for a sentient Android culture came from her model and the game took off from there with Curry returning to fill the role. In order to make the game as realistic as possible, the developers visited Detroit. They spent a lot of time enveloping themselves in the culture and aspects of the city. “We wanted to make sure we got it as close to the city as possible. We wanted to stay true to Detroit’s heart and soul, but we wanted to make it futuristic at the same time. We didn’t want to lose elements that make Detroit, well, Detroit,” developers said. As mentioned earlier, the game took 2 years to construct. The script was complicated and heady on its own. “We wanted our audience to get attached to the characters. We wanted them to feel for Androids and question their own morality. We also wanted to address social issues and bring them to the forefront of everyone’s mind. And what better way to do that to present Androids as an underprivileged race that’s been taking the brunt of everyone’s prejudices,” devs said. Artificial intelligence experts were also contacted. “We wanted to make the Detroit: Become Human as realistic as possible. Talking to AI experts really gave us a leg up in the field. They helped give birth to the three Androids in the game.” A new engine was also built for Detroit: Become Human which allowed for multiple ends and complex choice branching. Hundreds of actors were also cast to fill roles. “We didn’t want to use the same voice actor to fill multiple roles. We wanted each person in the game to be their own unique individual.” Actors were also used to aid with the animation in order to make the characters look and move as realistically as possible. There are Serious Consequences to Your ActionsAs mentioned earlier, Detroit: Become Human features some seriously complex branching. “Even open world games can be linear and we wanted to break away from that as much as possible. We wanted our audience to really think about what they chose to say and do in game. Even small choices can have major consequences on the story. There are a lot of different paths that you can take and a lot of dialogue that gets closed off if you go a certain direction. The only way to 100% complete this game is to replay it multiple times,” developers said. In other words, you can’t just mindlessly click on dialogue or choice options; you need to weigh each one individually. And if you’re thinking of taking the time to Google the best response, you can forget it because a lot of them are timed. This means you must not only weigh the choices, but you must make them fast. Many of them can mean the life or death of a character so you have to be careful. “The fact that other characters can die because of a poor choice on your end is very impactful. It engages me in the storyline and I feel responsible for my actions. It forces me to sit down and really evaluate the choices given to me. You don’t see that in a lot if any other games,” fans say. The dialogue choices will also follow a number of branched webs. If you miss something or choose a specific response, you will be led down a specific path without the option of exploring the other branch. You can see the branches at the end of the “level” and for completionists, this can be overwhelming. You can also see how many other players chose the same path as you. However, the choices that would have led you to this branch as well as its dialogue/choices are locked. You won’t be able to see them. What makes it so Thought Provoking?The Detroit: Become Human is incredibly thought provoking. Not only must you carefully consider your dialogue and play options as they can have dire consequences on the game, but you’re also faced with whether or not to consider the Androids “real” or not. Do you give them the same rights as humans? Do they really feel like we do? The game becomes a large question of ethics and morality. Some treat their Androids very well while others not so much. As you progress through the game you find yourself forming a bond with these AIs. Thus the question springs up, do they deserve the same rights as humans? The same treatment? Essentially they’re just “plastic” with complex computer programming, but some of their actions make the gamer think otherwise. Are these empathic outbursts and human like emotions just complex computer patterns or do they really think/feel? In a survey, researchers found that a lot of people are rude/mean to their Alexa. Most users have no problem screaming profanities at her or telling her to shut up. So what makes Alexa different from the Androids? Why do we want to treat them better than we treat Alexa? Is it because they’re in a human form? The game really digs deep into the gamer’s mind, probing for answers. Issues of race, prejudice, domestic abuse, substance abuse, and rich versus poor mentality/struggles are all present within the game. And they aren’t just content to sit back and wait for the clever eye to discover them; they’re all front and center. As mentioned earlier, Kara is a housekeeper for a drug addicted father who takes his rage out on both the Android and his daughter. The viewer is spared from the graphic images of abuse, but they are definitely implied. “It’s hard to sit through sometimes. I could feel myself getting legitimately mad at the game and yelling at the father. I grew attached to both Kara and Alice quickly. I just wanted them to be happy and healthy in a way that I hadn’t with other characters before,” says one fan. Others zero on the issues of prejudice and civil rights. As stated earlier, there are protesters for both sides of the fence. Androids want the same rights as humans and protesters want them eradicated. “It’s hard to imagine that some odd years ago this was the norm for POC. They had no rights whatsoever and possessed the knowledge that they were treated unfairly. They couldn’t do anything about it but sit back and be prisoners. Even though things have definitely made a shift for the better, this mentality still exists today. You still see episodes and cases of racial prejudice and division. Detroit: Become Human won’t let you forget that. Negative PressDespite the fact that Detroit: Become Human was met with mostly favorable reviews from even the harshest of critics, others were quick to attack it. Many suggested that the game fell short of its message. “Sure, they do a good job of bringing this to the forefront, but it feels forced. It doesn’t feel natural and it’s hard to relate to,” say some critics. Others suggest that, “the game means well but it falls short. It’s disrespectful to put these social issues onto robots. POC aren’t robots and you achieve nothing by putting their problems on the Androids.” While the Detroit: Become Human game got a lot of praise for its setting, visuals, characters, voice actors, flowchart, narrative, and attention to detail many hated the motion controls. “They were extremely difficult and disruptive. As Kara, I want to get through the boring chores as quickly as possible so I can get back to the story. And yes, they make you actually pick up trash and clean as Kara. However the controls were too touchy in some cases and in others they were too difficult. I’d be pressing the command and nothing would happen. It became irritating.” The post Detroit: Become Human Tackles Civil Rights Issues appeared first on Ishli.com. source https://ishli.com/detroit-become-human-video-game/ Via https://valledeparaiso.tumblr.com/post/189724051649 |