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Your Medications Could Be Putting You at Risk Behind the Wheel

September 12, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

Image Credit: DimaBerlin/Shutterstock

Prescription medications are a vital part of modern healthcare, helping millions of Americans manage various health conditions. However, many people are unaware of the potential risks associated with driving while taking certain prescription drugs. Studies we will share show the prevalence of prescription drug use among drivers and the increased risk of accidents and fatalities. As the use of prescription medications continues to rise, it is crucial to understand how these drugs can impair driving ability and what steps we can take to ensure road safety. The Prevalence of Prescription Drug Use Prescription medications are a staple in many American …

32 Chocolate Facts That Will Make You Rethink Every Bite

September 12, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

Image Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Chocolate isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a world of wonder all on its own! In 2023, U.S. consumers indulged in an impressive average of 19.8 pounds of chocolate per person,1 showing just how beloved this confection is. But did you know that chocolate has a rich history and an array of surprising facts that most people don’t know? 1. Chocolate was Used as Currency The Aztecs and Mayans used cocoa beans as a form of currency. They valued them so highly that they were used to trade for goods and services, much like money is used today. 2. Chocolate Melts …

16 Spanish Cities That are a Magnet for Expats

September 12, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

Image Credit: Stefano Politi Markovina/Shutterstock

A recent InterNations Expat Insider 2023 report revealed that three Spanish cities – Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia – took the top spots in their global ranking of the best cities for expats.1 These cities and other Spanish hotspots, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, attract foreigners with their unique blend of affordability, quality of life, and thriving expat communities. Whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or simply looking for a change of pace, Spain has a city that will capture your heart. Here are the 16 best expat cities in Spain, and find your perfect home away from home. 1. …

10 Aircraft That Pushed the Limits of Danger in the Air

September 12, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

Image Credit: U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The global aviation industry has made significant strides in improving safety, with 2023 being the safest year in the past five years according to the ICAO 2024 Safety Report1. Despite this progress, air travel has seen its share of dark moments throughout history. A single fatal accident in 2023 resulted in the loss of 72 lives2, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and improvements in aviation safety. Certain aircraft types have been involved in more notorious fatal accidents over the years. Here are 10 of the most dangerous. 1. de Havilland DH.106 Comet The de Havilland DH.106 Comet, the world’s …

20 Notable Figures Who Lost Their Lives to Guns

September 12, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

Image Credit: Joe Seer/Shutterstock

Guns have played a tragic role in the deaths of many notable figures throughout history. In the U.S. alone, the impact of gun violence is staggering. In 2021, the most recent year for which complete data is available, 48,830 people lost their lives to gun-related injuries, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these deaths, 54% were suicides while 43% were murders.1 This tragic fact illustrates how deeply gun violence affects people, as seen in the lives of well-known individuals who have been its victims. 1. Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was shot by actor John Wilkes …

15 Animals So Unique, You’ll Think They’re Fictional

September 12, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

Image Credit: Muhammadphotoes/Shutterstock

The wonders of the animal kingdom can be incredibly inspiring to learn about. These animals exhibit how diverse life is with the special traits and behaviors that help them live in their habitats. Each animal has its own story and a place in our planet’s wildlife. 1. Axolotl Origin: Mexico Interesting Fact: Known as the “Mexican walking fish,” this amphibian can regenerate lost limbs and even parts of its heart and brain. 2. Komodo Dragon Origin: Indonesia Interesting Fact: This is the largest lizard in the world. It has a venomous bite and can grow up to 10 feet long. …

20 Dark Moments That Forever Changed the World of Classic Rock

September 11, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

Image Credit: Eric Koch / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Behind the bright lights and screaming fans lie tales of tragedy, loss, and heartbreak that have forever altered the course of music history. From plane crashes to overdoses, these events have not only claimed the lives of beloved artists but have also left an indelible mark on the industry and its fans. Here are the 20 darkest moments that sent shockwaves through classic rock, forever changing the music landscape as we know it. 1. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & The Big Bopper On February 3, 1959, the music world suffered a devastating blow that would come to be known as …

Make Money Doing What You Love: 15 Passion Projects Turned Careers

September 11, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

Image Credit: DC Studio/Shutterstock

The American workforce is undergoing a transformation, with side hustles becoming increasingly prevalent. A study reveals that 27% of full-time employees have already turned a hobby into a side business, while 55% aspire to do so.1 This trend reflects a growing desire for financial stability, personal fulfillment, and professional growth beyond traditional career paths. As more Americans seek to monetize their passions and skills, the line between hobby and career is blurring. Have you ever dreamed of turning your favorite pastime into a lucrative career? These 15 hobbies could be your ticket to financial freedom and job satisfaction 1. Photography …

The Rise of the F-16: How It Became the World’s Most Versatile Fighter Jet

September 11, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

Image Credit: VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock

When it comes to fighter jets, few have left as lasting an impression as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It has dominated the skies for nearly half a century, evolving from a lightweight, cost-effective fighter into a global powerhouse. But what’s the secret behind its incredible longevity? How has the F-16 managed to stay relevant in an era of rapidly advancing technology and fifth-generation fighters? The Birth of a Legend The F-16’s story begins in the early 1970s when the U.S. military was on the hunt for a new kind of fighter jet. They wanted something agile, effective, and, most importantly, …

12 of the Oldest Lighthouses in the US Still Shining Bright

September 11, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

Image Credit: Oleg_P/Shutterstock

Lighthouses have been crucial in maritime history, guiding ships to safe harbors for centuries. Did you know that the United States is home to more lighthouses than any other country in the world? With over 670 lighthouses dotting its shores, America boasts a rich lighthouse heritage that spans from the colonial era to the present day.1 Here are some of the oldest and most fascinating lighthouses in the United States that continue to shine their guiding light for modern seafarers. 1. Boston Light, Massachusetts (1716) Perched on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor, the Boston Light holds the distinction of …