If you’ve ever had the sneaking suspicion that hand dryers in public bathrooms just spray bacteria into the air, then you’ll want to look at this spatterful photo. A trio of scientists set out to test exactly how hand dryers aerosolize bacteria, and the results are gross.
We’ve a bit of bad news for anyone who wanted to pick up Samsung’s unusual Galaxy Note Edge next week. We knew something was up when the original pre-order date of November 14th rolled around and the curved curiosity was a no-show. A Samsung…
Cats are independent, stuck up, and neurotic. It makes you wonder how anyone couldn’t love them. They do have a loving side and secretly want to cuddle, but try their hardest to make you think they could care less if you existed. You are after all, their personal butler, chef, and maid. Having a pet is fun and relatively easy if you can keep up with them, but it’s hard to keep a keen eye on every little habit they have.
There’s one thing in particular that we don’t want to take any time to look at, but has all the tell-tale signs of your furry friend starting to get sick. Their litter box may not be the first place you’d want to check to see if your pet is ill, but it will give you the most information. If you’d prefer not to check their droppings on a daily basis, the Tailio can take over that task. This is a device that rests under your litter box, and can alert you if something is amiss with your cat’s bowel movements.
This acts as a scale so you can know the weight of your cat, but its main pull is that it tracks the routine and amount of presents your cat leaves behind. Of course, it also tracks their behavior while in the litter box, and if anything doesn’t seem to be right with the world, your phone will alert you through the corresponding app. This will cost you $149, and is sure to make your life and the life of your veterinarian far easier.
Available for crowdfunding on Kickstarter
[ The Tailio makes being a crazy cat person far too easy copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Is this you?
You have moments when you study the calendar in front of your office desk and question what you did with all those days gone by. Your body feels sluggish and you think your back might be permanently arched from hunching over a computer. You spend more time commuting to earn a living than you do actually living.
Oh, good friend, please allow us change this dire situation before it’s too late!
Welcome to the “graduated” ski bum life, the one that affords year-round adventure with a nod to your responsible side. Whether you spent time chasing snow as a freshly graduated college student or you find yourself wishing you had taken that ski bum opportunity while you had the chance, you can get it now and keep it for good.
The best news? While racking up days at some of the continent’s best ski hills, you won’t have to give up family life, financial security or the other non-ski activities you love (yes, we’re actually recognizing that there are three other seasons to be enjoyed).
Here, in alphabetical order, are North America’s top 10 mountain towns that provide equally great skiing and great year-round living, as chosen by current “graduated” ski bums:
PHOTO: Alta Ski Area
1. Alta, Utah
Home of: Alta Ski Area and neighbor to Snowbird – hit both with the AltaBird pass.
Perfect for: Becoming one of the locals (Queue “Cheers” theme song)
Like living at altitude? Alta ranks amongst some of the highest cities in North America, with an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet (and some sections going well beyond that). It’s home to one of North America’s earliest ski areas which installed its first chair, a single-seater, in 1939, at which time you could buy a single ride for just twenty-five cents. The town’s resort is now world-famous but still retains a very “local” feel.
Is Alta your future home? Find out if you’re a fit.
PHOTO: Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography
Home of: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village
Perfect for: Those who want to live in a postcard setting (literally)
After a series of hot springs were found nearby, Canada, seeking to increase visibility on its new transcontinental railway, created the country’s first national park, “Rocky Mountain Park.”
Touted as an international spa retreat, the name later faded into history but the town’s glory never did. Located inside the now most-popular of Canadian National Parks, the town of Banff features some of the continent’s most stunning scenery for skiing and living.
Is Banff the place for you? Find out more.
PHOTO: Durango Mountain Resort/Sven Brunso
Home of: Durango Mountain Resort (“Purgatory” to the locals), Ski Hesperus
Perfect for: The adventure family
Durango doesn’t just claim rights to Colorado’s plentiful San Juan Mountains’ snowfall. It’s also host to plenty of off-hill activities and events. Take, for example, the zany happenings of winter’s Snowdown Festival, jokingly said to be created as a cure for cabin fever for the town’s residents. Competitions during the festival include both beard growing and hot wing-eating contests — just a hint at how not seriously these mountain-living folks take their competitive shenanigans.
Think you’d fit in with Durango’s playful spirit? Check out more to see.
PHOTO: Gina Begin
Home of: Killington Mountain Resort
Perfect for: Those who want to live the country club lifestyle on a ski bum budget
The oldest town on our list, Killington resides in a region that maintains a connection with its history but isn’t against allowing in a touch of modern. Killington Resort has all the latest and greatest — with over $35 million in resort improvements as of 2014, while the town and region offer residents a glimpse into a bygone era with winter sleigh rides and a charming historic district. Sushi, spas, and extensive mountain biking (just to name a few modern features) keep things up to date for those with a hankering for the new.
Would Killington fit the bill for you? See more.
PHOTO: ©ORDA/Dave Schmidt
Home to: Whiteface Mountain
Perfect for: Those who want to pair hefty vertical with a side of culture.
It’s not always easy to find a place that perfectly balances nature with upscale amenities, especially when it comes to ski towns. While Lake Placid is comfortable in a pair of ski boots, it’s nearly as at home in high heels — as long as the wearer of those heels can navigate snowy sidewalks like a pro. If not, you’ll get the practice in during the ski season, which boasted 122 open days last year. Ski boots will come in handy while taking a short hike to what is claimed to be the most continuous vertical in all of the continent: Whiteface’s “The Slides” with 3,430 feet of big mountain fun. A night out on Lake Placid’s downtown is a worthy reward after a few laps on those bad boys.
Think Lake Placid might be the place for you? See if it’s your place.
PHOTO: David Gluns
Home of: Whitewater Ski Resort
Perfect For: People who love Portland and skiing
Know where Steve Martin’s Roxanne was filmed? Well, of course, Nelson (you are in the Nelson section of this piece, after all…). But maybe ski films are more your thing? A list of segments filmed in Nelson top the list, including: J.P. Auclair’s street segment in All.I.Can, The Art of Flight, and Sweetgrass Production’s incredibly cold naked segment in “Valhalla.” The latter, should give you a bit of an idea about the anything-goes vibe in this Canadian town.
Off-beat culture and hardcore mountain sports go hand-in-hand here–if you get bored in Nelson, you’re doing life wrong.
Is Nelson your forever home? Check it out and see.
PHOTO: Gina Begin
7. North Conway, New Hampshire
Home of: Attitash, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cranmore, King Pine, Wildcat Mountain, Tuckerman Ravine
Perfect for: The gnarliest of east-coast skiers
Can’t decide on one favorite ski area? A bit schizo when it comes to off-season sports? Head here and be as indecisive as you like.
North Conway is the base for some of the east coast’s most intense wilderness experiences. If you dig history, you’ll find no end to fascinating historical outdoor stories and personalities. If you geek out over the natural sciences, Mt. Washington and its long-standing observatory will keep you entertained indefinitely. Those who fancy themselves as photographers will be provided with a plethora of scenes to capture as each season turns.
Up for putting down roots in North Conway? Find out more.
PHOTO: Revelstoke Mountain Resort/Ian Houghton
8. Revelstoke, British Columbia
Home of: Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Perfect for: kicking back with mountain-crushing friends
We’re not sure you can find more snow than in this area. In the winter of 1971-72, more than 80 feet — 80 FEET! — of snow fell on the nearby Mount Copeland, making it the Canadian record holder for the snowiest winter, ever. It might have been a freak winter, but this place is known for incredible depths each season.
Enjoy it all on the ski resort’s 9.5 mile long ski trail, or try out the snow via cat, helicopter or backcountry — the resort is the only one in the world to offer it all from a single base. Thaw yourself out come summer by visiting two local national parks: Mount Revelstoke and Canada’s Glacier National Park.
Think you’ve found your utopia? Read more on Revelstoke.
PHOTO: Mont-Sainte-Anne
9. St-Ferreol-les-Neiges, Quebec
Home of: Mont Sainte Anne
Perfect For: French immersion and nature’s diversions
Steeped in uncommonly wild, rugged natural beauty (especially when comparing to what most think of when considering its east coast location), this quiet, French-speaking town doesn’t do much boasting of itself but locals speak proudly on its behalf.
Skiers are treated with an expansive view of the St. Laurence River as they rip down trails from the summit while summer sport enthusiasts have outdoor playgrounds that come with a UNESCO stamp of approval. City life is just far enough away to keep this spot unique, but close enough for a daily commute.
Want more on this eastern gem? Check out what we’ve gathered from locals.
PHOTO: Brian Schott
Home of: Whitefish Mountain Resort
Perfect for: living where the West still means “wild”
Just as you think you’ve gone as far north as you possibly can before crossing into Canada, you hit Whitefish. For such a small place, this town is happening. It’s got refined rusticity written all over it and keeps close ties with both its historical and present-day western culture.
Need verification that it’s worthy of your skis? National Geographic named it one of the 25 best ski towns in the world.
See what’s up in Whitefish that makes it so great for you year-round.
Got a ski town to add to the list? Tell us about it!
By Gina Bégin / @Ginabegin
In all the important ways, dwarfs are the same as average-sized people. However, there are a few things about short stature that make life for little people a bit different.
Cracked.com sat down with one little person who shared a few insights.
By Renee Smith, President MyGuru Publishing, Real Estate Industry Expert
I recently attended a women’s conference that was paneled by some of the most influential women in today’s national policy making including three Congresswomen, Senior Deputy Director at FDIC of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI), the Small Business Administration’s Assistant Administrator for Women Business Ownership (SBA), Executive Director of the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) and the President of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). The conference panelists encouraged us to assess our now, influence the present as it transitions into tomorrow and inspire the future for 50 percent of the United States population. Women.
So, as we seek ways to implement the suggestions on how to operate in the current environment, innovate the agendas that influence today’s women and throw open doors to meeting rooms around the country, what are these Big Three issues that need to be addressed?
1. Awareness. The state of being aware. It is a present moment event. Every panel put forward the statement that women need to understand the current environment that influences your business or career. I was shocked when Congresswoman Judy Chu shared during our interview that in 2014, the Federal Government has contracts set aside for veteran-owned businesses, but not for women-owned businesses (WOB). How is it possible that 50% of the population hasn’t been recognized in the Federal contracting system? It is because we weren’t aware? Barbara Kasoff, President of WIPP, stated women need to learn that even if Federal contracting isn’t in your front row of business issues, it matters as the work trickles down to subcontractors, suppliers and more importantly, in mindset. If Congress doesn’t recognize 50% of the population as needing to be part of the Federal billions spent each year, why should private industry?
This lack of awareness raises the first important point for today’s women which was highlighted by the CEO of the National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB), Desire Patno, “If you don’t know the system you won’t win at it.” Women need to be part of the present conversation if we want to be part of tomorrow’s decisions. Wishing for an equal business playing field is not enough for women in 2014. We need to educate ourselves and be aware of the barriers, systems and policy that reflects outdated mindsets. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. She recounted a “behind the scenes” committee story wherein she was discussing the need for affordable child care in terms of women’s access to better-paying jobs. A male committee member commented that is wasn’t an issue, as the grandparents could watch the children. Rep Sanchez shared the story not in an “us versus them” tone, but highlighting the void of women’s voices in Congress and how the mindsets don’t represent the current environment for women.
We have busy lives but we can plug into the events around us. It may be an email to your Congress (wo)man to support legislation, a blog about what you see missing or a “like” on a Facebook page for someone who is getting it right. Rep Chu shared that 1,200 architects contacting the SBA changed a policy. Just 1,200 out of the entire U.S. population influenced the future of the architectural industry. In that context, think about the results if 50% of the population just “liked” Rep Chu’s Facebook page in support for her bills coming up for vote to open future doors for WOB. http://chu.house.gov/ or https://www.facebook.com/RepJudyChu
2. Opportunities. The term “opportunities” straddles the present and the near future. Amanda Brown, Executive Director of NWBC, shared current research impacting WOB. 2014 lending has become more gender neutral, as the evaluation process is based largely on the facts. However, women are 40% less likely to ask for a loan when starting a business and equally likely to ask for smaller loan amount than their male counterparts when in the evaluation process. This undercapitalization increases the likelihood of failure for WOB without any negative policy, environment or external influence. This statistic correlates with the percentage of women who fail to negotiate salaries or ask for advancement. It reminded the attendees that without asking for what you want, there can be all the opportunities available but none will become yours. Congresswoman Maxine Waters stated it the best. “Congress can legislate the opportunity but if women won’t use the power given them it is worthless. Women tend to wait when the opportunity is different or difficult instead of using their power. We need to encourage a change in our mindset.”
3. Access. This is a process which is forward thinking. Panelists gave examples. Rep. Maxine Waters talked about how in 2010, Dodd Frank created OMWI but it wasn’t until 2014 Congressional hearings about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) failure to implement OMWI to raise awareness. Access is not created by the laws but by their implementation. Rep Chu shared that Rep Hilda Solis, after she was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor, opened the door for Rep Chu to step onto the national stage by supporting her run to fill the vacant seat. Access is created by the process of giving a hand to those who follow and accepting the hand from those who lead. Melodee Brooks, Senior Deputy Director of OMWI at the FDIC shared that they have phones and are waiting for our calls. Access is created by taking initiative and input.
No one legislation, one congresswoman, one business woman or one industry diversification is enough, but they are building blocks to a future filled with awareness of how valuable every segment of our great nation is, opportunities that are for the ready and access to ideas that were once just dreams. As Michelle Skiljan, the Executive Director of the IECV Women’s Business Centers, ended by saying have Focus: Forward on Course until Success.
Attorney Renee Marie Smith is an 18 year Real Estate industry expert, author of “My Guru’s” book series listed on Amazon.com, 2012 Host of Fox29 TV’s Short Sale Guru Show and her education series is approved in Nevada & Florida for realtors’ continuing credits. Renee has counseled thousands of distressed property owners, agents and advocates throughout the country. She is a guest speaker at conventions, as well as, radio. She is nationally published by numerous magazines & blogs including NAWRB’s “N”, Palm Beach Woman, Women’s Council of Realtors PB quarterly. Mortgage. Orb and Forbes. @mygurupublishes
Look at 10-year-old Stephanie Pucheta’s face on the video, sad but determined to tell her family’s story. She describes the day her father was put in jail and then deported, putting a stop to his helping her with her homework and playing with her in the park. Her mother is seriously ill, but the immigration officials did not take that into account. Times are very hard for them now. Stephanie doesn’t think the laws are fair, and dreams of becoming a lawyer to help immigrants get protection. She wakes up every morning, she tells us, wondering why they didn’t let her father stay.
Stephanie’s story is at the heart of President Obama’s action to stop deporting parents of citizen or permanent resident children. Americans believe that parents should be able to raise their children. When parents and children fear each day that they may be split apart, and hundreds of thousands of parents are wrested from their children, it is an affront to our deepest values. So, after waiting more than 500 days for the House of Representatives to take up the comprehensive immigration reform bill passed by the Senate, the President called us back to those values and used his authority to protect children and parents.
Another cherished American ideal: that we are a nation of laws. The President acted within his legal authority to focus enforcement of immigration laws on felons, not families. Despite accusations that the President was assuming the role of “emperor,” he is taking limited steps, as did Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and every other president over the past 50 years. He cannot do all that is needed on his own. Congress should send him legislation to sign, so immigrants can have a path to citizenship, with the responsibilities and benefits our nation requires and provides.
But it is a cause for celebration that the President waited no longer to take action. Nothing is more damaging to our democracy, to the American ideal, than to have millions of people unable to participate fully, unable to seek the protection of law or the full opportunities to advance. Workers whose employers fail to pay them what they are owed are too fearful to seek redress from the authorities. In 2012, there were 8.1 million unauthorized immigrants working or looking for work. In California and Texas, 9 percent of the labor force is undocumented immigrants; in Nevada, it’s 10 percent. When so many are unable to stand up for their rights in the workplace, it depresses wages and working conditions for everyone. That is in part why the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the immigration reform legislation passed by the Senate would boost the economy and increase tax revenues. A low-paid underclass of workers holds us all back.
If we want to live up to our ideal of government by law, we must provide legal status to most of those living in our communities. A few years ago, I got the chance to visit Alabama with a delegation of women leaders, to see the consequences of that state’s harshly restrictive anti-immigrant law. We heard from women who were routinely stopped by police for trumped-up reasons in the early morning as they drove to work. The police knew they were denied drivers’ licenses, but had to drive in order to survive. It was a cash cow for the local government: police would impound their cars and force them to pay a fine to get them back – repeatedly. Employers want their labor, but their vulnerable status creates a climate of corruption that taints us all.
And most centrally, nothing is further from the American ideal than the government wresting parents from their children. Pew Research tells us that about 7 percent of elementary school students had at least one unauthorized immigrant parent in 2012. About 8 in 10 of these children are citizens. The President’s order will at least temporarily end the fear of deportation for parents who have been in the country for five years or more and who do not have a serious criminal record.
This is not all that must be done to repair our damaged national fabric. Millions of our neighbors are not covered by this order. None of the 5-plus million helped so far by the executive orders are eligible to buy health insurance through the exchanges; no matter how poor, these immigrants cannot qualify for any benefits. But this is a long journey, and immigrants know all about long journeys. Thank you, Mr. President, for taking some important steps to make our nation stronger and better.
Not since Underdog have canines looked so awkward in the air.
Julia Christe, a German photographer and dog lover, wanted to capture her favorite breeds from a unique perspective, so she asked some pet owners if she could shoot their pooches in mid-flight.
The pups had their pictures taken as they were dropped onto a mattress by their owners. Despite pulling some pretty precious faces, the puppies in the photo shoot are all okay. We’re betting some of them even wanted to go again, since dogs are just awesome.
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“The National Press Club is a place where culture, as well as news, happens.” That was the proclamation from Club President Myron Belkind, as he introduced a spirited International Cultural Evening. There were speeches of course — newspeople, politicians, and diplomats have to talk. But there were also magnificent musical and dance performances from many countries. There were graceful Asian dancers, ferocious Chinese lion dancers, powerful African drums, sensuous Latin dances, a masterful young South African cellist , a lullaby sung in Zulu and a spirited Russian violinist. Young performers from George Washington University took time from their studies to present a traditional Bhangra dance.
There was wonderful food served from several countries and excellent South African wine. South Africa was a major theme of the evening. It’s Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was presented a Press Club Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In eloquent remarks, he talked about his efforts to keep alive the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He added, he hopes to leave his own legacy in Washington, and ” not just a vacancy.”
The evening’s event was the result of the hard work of many — primarily Myron Belkind, international publicist Jan Du Plain, production manager Tara Compton, Executive Chef Susan Delbert, and many others. Myron Belkin was presented his own award for achievement by the World Affairs Council of DC.
Myron has had an extraordinary year as president — bringing news and culture to the National Press Club; one of the biggest press clubs in the world.
Let’s get one thing straight — Pizza Hut’s new “Flavor of Now” menu totally makes us cringe, but damn it — their new commercial is really freakin’ funny.
In a genius work of advertising by Deutsch L.A, Pizza Hut takes its outrageously-named pizza (slice of Cock-A-Doodle Bacon, anyone) — back to the supposed “original pizza makers” — Italy, otherwise known as “The Old World.” And let’s just say the Italians weren’t happy with the new take on pizza. At all.
We’re with you, Carmela.
Other things the Italians hated? The new Pizza Hut mobile ordering site, jeggings and EDM music. According to The New York Times, the people in the ad are real people from Sorrento, Italy, and yes — they did really hate the pizza.
And while we’re not too excited about names like “Skinny Beach” or “Pretzel Piggy,” we’re definitely gonna watch this commercial a few more times.
Arrivederci, Italy!
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