Save Money While Booking Your Next Vacation

September 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

cheap vacation

When traveling,it is important to realize that timing is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting a great deal. No matter if it is timing your trip around meets at work, the kid’s school vacation, or someone’s destination wedding- timing is key. While you are looking for the best deal, remember that the best prices on flights are available to many locations but only if you take the time to do some careful research. You can even find a great price on a flight clear across the country from Los Angeles to New York, across the globe, or anywhere in between. I would suggest you check multiple dates and sites when looking for the best deals- prices can vary wildly from day to day. Many sites offer comparisons in this manner. As with all shopping online, of course you have to be careful  where you actually buy your tickets and where to leave your information. In this day and age, you want to keep an watchful eye out for fraud.

Once you are satisfied that you found the best deal, book your flight and get packing. Check the weather for your destination and of course, remember to bring a sweatshirt just in case.

As they saying goes- don’t forget to bring a towel! Or your toothbrush, also your cell phone charger, that would be a disaster. Then make sure you don’t leave everything at the ten thousand security check points you will go thorough between home and your destination and back again, that’s not fun. And of course, remember not to pack any large shampoos or sunblocks- they will confiscate them. That’s no way to start a trip, by losing something.  Well, not the way you’d like to end one, either, I’m sure.

Now that you’ve done all your research, booked your trip, and packed- just sit back and enjoy your well deserved vacation. Have a great time, and make tons of memories. Share them on social media to keep in touch with friends and family, and to make that one super annoying coworker jealous, haha.

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Maxi The Taxi Dog- now an app!

September 17, 2018 by 8 Comments

Maxi, the adorable and adventurous dog from the book “The Advntures of Taxi Dog” (and others in the series about his excursions) by Debra Barracca, is now available as an app. And not just any app- one that gives your child an AR plus 3D experience.   If you’ve red the series, you know all about Maxi and how much fun he has. If you haven’t- well, there’s no time like the present. There is even an option to have the book read to you on the app itself- page by page, while you are entertained by Mai the whole time.

maxi the taxi dog app

Maxi The Taxi Dog reads you his story.

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With Alzheimer’s treatment stalled, promising pipeline drugs and a shift in perception could be key

September 17, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As World Alzheimer’s Day approaches (21 September) with the aim of raising global awareness and understanding of the issues faced by people affected by dementia it’s timely to reflect that no new drug for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been approved in the past 16 years, despite more than 400 clinical trials and billions of dollars being spent in an attempt to tackle the disease and address unmet needs, says GlobalData a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Alzheimer’s Disease: Competitive Landscape to 2026’, the pipeline has been characterized by big failures, as AD drug development is considered to have one of the highest failure rates of all indications. The AD pipeline features 657 drugs across all stages of development, and out of these, only 3.2% of drugs are in late-stage development; which is dominated by small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The report reveals that amyloid precursor protein (Aβ peptide and protein) and microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) are the major targets being pursued by companies developing drugs against AD.

Alessio Brunello, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, commented, ‘‘The need for new disease modifying drugs (DMDs) is urgent as the current competitive landscape in AD offers medications that are aimed at treating only the symptoms of the disease. A few key drugmakers have already stopped their research into AD, and given the significant amount of R&D failures, pharma companies may be disincentivized from producing new drugs.

“The amyloid hypothesis has been the central theory for the pathogenesis of AD, but all Aβ-targeting drugs treating AD have ended in failure. In fact, recent studies indicated that one of the main factors concerning the development and progression of the disease could be tau and not beta amyloid. We may, in the future, see tailored therapies to include potentially both an anti-amyloid and an anti-tau approach being administered concurrently.”

Currently, treatments for AD consist only of symptomatic treatments, of which there are only five approved medications: three cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine), one N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist (memantine), and one combination therapy (memantine/donepezil). These leave a lot to be desired in terms of efficacy, routes of administration, and dosing frequencies.

The potential launch of promising monoclonal antibodies from Biogen (aducanumab) and Roche (gantenerumab and crenezumab) will boost the size of the Alzheimer’s market given their potential to halt or prevent disease progression. Most of the tau-targeting approaches that are currently in clinical trials are immunotherapies such as Axon neuroscience’s AADvac-1 and Eli Lilly’s LY3303560. Tau is more likely to be a better target than Aβ as the clinical stages of cognitive decline much better correlate with the number, density and distribution of tangles than does the Aβ burden.

Brunello concludes, ‘‘Monoclonal antibodies have shown more promise than anything in the pipeline and in the next 10 years, we’re going to have a good idea whether amyloid is really a meaningful player or not. The industry shifted a little to anti-tau therapies, showing that tau treatments represent a new direction with a possible combination approach if trials will provide positive results. In the absence of any proven disease-modifying therapy, if and when one will reach the market, the rewards in terms of profits for the developer would be huge.”

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@UniversalPics ‘s Jurassic World Featuring @OriginalFunko Now at @Walmart #FallenKingdomArrives #FallenKingdom #JurassicWorld #Funko #dinosaurs #DVDlaunch #ad

September 15, 2018 by 31 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Universal Pictures at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

Jurassic World

One of the most anticipated summer blockbuster movies of the year is coming to DVD and Blu-ray just in time for some fall fun. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is set to release on September 18.

“Three years after the Jurassic World theme park was closed down, Owen and Claire return to Isla Nublar to save the dinosaurs when they learn that a once dormant volcano on the island is active and is threatening to extinguish all life there. Along the way, Owen sets out to find Blue, his lead raptor, and discovers a conspiracy that could disrupt the natural order of the entire planet. Life has found a way, again.”

To add to the excitement of the movie launch, Universal Pictures has created a Walmart Exclusive Limited-Edition Blu-ray Funko Gift Set. The set includes Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copies of Fallen Kingdom with several bonus features. It also comes with a 2-pack set of Funko Pocket Pop! Keychains which features two of the movie’s main characters: Owen and his beloved raptor, Blue.

We have not seen the movie yet, and are looking forward to checking it out when it is released. My kids have been talking about seeing it for a while now. I’m old, and remember being scared out of my mind when the original Jurassic Park came out in theaters when I was a kid, LOL.

My son really loves the Funko Pop! keychains that are part of this gift set at Walmart as well. He collects keychains, and has quite the load on his backpack. I’m not even sure how he carries them anymore.

This exclusive gift set can only be found at Walmart starting on , ready to be picked up on September 18, and it’s ONLY $24.96.. Make sure you get yours early before they’re gone. If you just can’t wait, you can pre-order yours today on Walmart.com .

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Universal Pictures at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Be Prepared – it starts with a go bag

September 14, 2018 by 1 Comment

Saying: “It won’t happen to us” is a poor disaster response plan. And thinking: “It can’t happen here” is categorically wrong. There are all sorts of “its” out there, and they can and do happen, here, there, everywhere. And when it happens, there might be only minutes in which to get out the door and go. Emergencies don’t wait for us to get ready.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that you can minimize the impact that “it” has when it happens. How? By getting getting the supplies you need at the ready.

A Few of the “Its” We face

  • More than 9,100 wildfires scorched California in 2017 alone. 2018’s record large burn, the 300,000-plus-acre Mendocino Complex Fire, displaced tens of thousands of people.
  • Following the 9/11 attacks, tens of thousands of people were displaced, with hundreds of thousands exposed to hazards like fire, dust, and particulates. According to The American Preparedness Project, 83% of us worry about another attack happening.
  • Hurricanes have displaced millions of Americans so far in the 21st Century; after Katrina, more than one million residents were initially forced from their homes. Hurricane Sandy temporarily displaced more than 775,000 people across 24 states.
  • California has not experienced a magnitude 7.0 earthquake along the San Andreas Fault System in more than 100 years. Seismologists calculate a 93% probability of the so-called Big One striking before the year 2045.
  • Tornado warning systems offer an average lead-time of 13 minutes, but residents often have much less notice. And as most tornadoes move across the ground at 30 miles per hour (some have traveled at 70 MPH), there is no time to waste after the warning.
  • When the Oroville Dam threatened failure in early 2017, 180,000 faced immediate evacuation orders, some coming with less than five minutes of warning.

And this is a partial list at best; the dangers facing your follower base likely include some of these dangers as well as numerous other catastrophes.

 

You Can’t Prepare After the Fact

With events like earthquakes, terror attacks, or infrastructure failures, there is no warning at all; there is only the response that follows. If a household has not taken the time to prepare before such disasters, there is no time left to mitigate the challenges of the response. If you take it from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s own statement: “You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. You could get help in hours or it might take days. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.”

That’s right, the agency tasked with emergency management says we will likely have to fend for ourselves following a disaster. Now there’s a talking point to note as you spread awareness.

Get a Good Go Bag

VLES Designs founders Karina and Stuart Warshaw didn’t create these bags or serve as firefighters and EMTs for the money. Nor did they become American Red Cross CPR instructors or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members for the cash.

Neither was direct involvement in Hurricane Irene or direct impact by Superstorm Sandy financially driven. The training and experiences of the staff at VLES Designs coalesced to inspire development of our brand: we saw a need that wasn’t met, so we went out to meet it.

They started the company because they care deeply about sharing the products and spreading the awareness that can help keep people safe during the worst scenarios they will ever face. That’s why we not only offer a fully stocked emergency kit, but why we include literature like a quick checklist and a comprehensive Readiness Playbook that features a tear-off emergency plan and readiness test. Our passion for promoting safety through preparation also explains why we list the supplies included in the GO-bag on our site and offer downloads of the Readiness Playbook for free. Check out the link, and be as ready as you can be.

https://vlesdesigns.com/

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Five Step Guide for Moving to a New Home

September 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Moving to a new home is never an easy task. There are a lot of little things that you need to take care of – like packing, cleaning and getting the new home ready – and it seems like there is never enough time to do them all. This process can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you have never gone through it before. To help you out, here are the five steps you’ll need to follow when moving to a new home. By following this guide you can hopefully make your transition a little easier and a little smoother.

Make a Checklist

The first thing you’ll want to do is create a checklist for yourself. You can do this by either grabbing a piece of paper or you can create it on your phone. On this list you’ll want to keep a running tally of all the things you need to do, and the things you have already done. As something new pops into your brain, jot it down before you forget. Then, once you complete something, make sure you cross it off. Organization is the key to an easier move, and the checklist is an integral part.

To get started, here is a checklist you can use that includes many of the things you’ll need to do for a move.

Decide What’s Going

Next, you need to think about which items are moving over to your new home. Over the years we all accumulate some junk and now is the perfect time to get rid of it. Go through your things and decide which items you want to keep. For the rest of your stuff, think about either selling it, donating it, or simply tossing it away. The less things you have to bring with you to your new home, the faster moving day will go, and you may even save some money on moving costs.

During this stage you may also realize that you don’t have enough space in your new home for everything. In this situation many people choose to rent out a storage locker. These places will keep your stuff safe until you can find something else to do with it. To make your life easier you can even use a service like this storage company in Portland, which will transport your stuff back and forth to the storage locker for you.

Find a Good Mover

After that you’ll want to find a good mover to help you out. Unless you’re only moving from one small apartment to another, you’re likely going to need some help moving. Friends and family are great, but a professional mover is recommended if you have a lot of stuff – especially larger furniture items.

When looking for a mover, you’ll want to look for a few specific things. First, make sure that they are insured. If they break something of yours, you’ll want it covered. Next, make sure the moving team has experience. You don’t want someone who has never done this before, as moving furniture and loading up a truck are not as easy as it looks. Finally, find a mover with a good rate. Talk to different movers and ask them to give you a quote. This will help you to determine the average cost, and then you can choose a mover based on their other qualifications.

Start Preparing Early

One of the worst things you can do is start preparing for your move at the last minute. These things take time, and the more time you give yourself, the less stressful your moving experience will be. Mark the date of your move on the calendar, then give yourself a few weeks prior to start preparing. During this time you’ll want to start gathering packing supplies, making sure the new home is ready, and cleaning out your home.

You’ll likely still need a lot of your stuff until you actually move, but the things you don’t need should be packed away. Packing takes a while, so try to do it in little chunks. For instance, if you’re moving in the Summer, you likely don’t need your holiday decorations or Winter clothing. These can be packed away early so that they’re ready to go.

Plan Out the Day Of

Finally, have a plan in place for the day of the move. What time are the movers coming? What time can you get into your new home? If you have kids, what are they going to do all day? The same goes for your pets. Leave some room for flexibility, as things likely won’t go exactly according to plan.

If you can do all of the above, you should find your moving day to be a little easier. You’ll likely still face some stress, and you’ll be exhausted when the day ends, but you can at least make it easier on yourself. We hope that this guide was some help to you, and that your moving day goes as smooth as possible.

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Northern Lights in Iceland: When to Go?

September 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Seeing the colorful light show put on by nature is something many globetrotters have on their bucket list. And recently more and more of them have chosen the remarkable out-of-this-world country of Iceland so as to combine Northern Lights seeking with exploring the destination’s incredible nature. In this piece, find out more about when to go to Iceland to see the aurora and some advice on how to make the most of your Iceland Northern Lights tours. For first-time Aurora Borealis hunters, this post by campervan rental company Cozy Campers is worth checking out. Aside from crucial information for chasing the northern lights in Iceland for the first time, it also compiles important tips from photographers, travel guides, and bloggers based on their firsthand experience.

Seeing the dancing colors of the Aurora Borealis is surely an experience of a lifetime. As a rule, the Northern Lights are seen in polar countries in the Northern Hemisphere, and Iceland is among the best places on the planet to see them. Here you can find answers to often asked questions and some useful tips for your Iceland trip.

What time of the year is best for Northern Lights in Iceland?

Although actually Aurora Borealis is something that happens almost all the time, the lights are visible only when the weather is suitable. The conditions including the clarity of the sky, lack of a huge layer of clouds, as well as the state of the geomagnetic field all influence aurora activity. This means that it’s not guaranteed that you’ll for sure get to see the lights even if you come in the month when they are usually visible. Luckily though, there are pretty precise forecasts which daily predict the possibility of the lights’ appearance.

What’s for the best months to go on such an Iceland trip, generally, they are mid-autumn and mid-spring, from the second half of October to the first half of March. The winter months are also a great time when the probability of seeing the lights is quite high. Plus, the colder months of the year have shorter hours of daylight; and the darker it is outside, the better the lights are seen.

Won’t I freeze in Iceland if I go not in the summertime?

As a matter of fact, Iceland might not be as cold as you might think it is. Because the country is set located close to the Gulf Stream, the average temperature in Reykjavik in December is approximately 28 F.

Undoubtedly, the farther north you plan to travel to Iceland, the colder it’ll be. Plus, no one canceled wind. So even those who aren’t intimidated by the cold should in any case put in their luggage clothes and shoes to keep themselves warm. And if you plan to book activities such as a Northern Lights cruise, most likely special equipment and clothing will be handed out to you for the time of the trip.

What are the best ways to catch Northern Lights in Iceland?

Basically, it all goes down to several options, including the most popular ones among tourists: pre-arranged land tours or cruises. Usually, both are done in the evening time, sometimes even closer to night time. Land tours have buses or cars which pick you up in Reykjavik and take you to the best spots for observing the aurora. You make stops and spend some time enjoying this natural artwork, then, after several hours, you are driven back to the city.

As for the cruises, this is also a great way to see the Northern Lights. A boat takes you away from the city and you observe the lights right onboard. In most cases, such boats are equipped for seeing the lights both from the open-air decks and the inner ones.

Where is it better to stay in Iceland?

The majority of the fair-priced accommodation options are located in Reykjavik or in proximity to it. There are many quality hotels for any budget or even apartments for rent in Iceland’s capital. So even if you aim to spend most of your vacation time on day trips, it makes sense to book your stay in Reykjavik.

Of course, if you’re planning longer trips, there’s nothing to worry about as Iceland is not a desolate country and you can surely find something suitable in the region you plan to go to on your adventurous Icelandic tours to Europe.

Is there anything else I can add to my Iceland agenda?

Yes, you surely can and should! Thousands of people come to Iceland each year for its stunning nature and therefore not setting out beyond the limits of the capital city, Reykjavik, would be sort of a crime.

For starters, put Vatnajokull National Park to your travel plans as this is among the best places to immerse yourself in Iceland’s natural wonders no matter which time of the year you come. The Glacier Lagoon is another option to make your trip a highlight, and there you can enjoy the beauty of ice and the nearby waterfalls.

Another must-do is unwinding in the Blue Lagoon. This sky-blue thermal spring located under the sky is not only gorgeous but is also good for your health.

To conclude, if you want to witness unusual nature that might give you a feeling like you’re on another planet, Iceland is the destination for you. With both the Northern Lights and numerous other options for exploration, this will surely be one vacation not to forget!

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Top 10 Toronto Attractions Your Kids Will Absolutely Love

September 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are traveling to Toronto for business or pleasure, there is every reason to bring the entire family along. Flights to Toronto can be both affordable and enjoyable, so why not give the kids something to remember always by booking a flight on one of the only airlines on earth still operating with the amenities now long a thing of the past? Make this a part of the fun when you try booking on flyporter.com because even the stewards will be wearing retro costumes as in days gone by. This may be where the fun begins but read on to find a bit of information on those Toronto attractions your kids will absolutely love.

1. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

World-famous Lego building blocks have been the delight of children for decades. In fact, mom and dad as well as grandma, grandpa and the great-grandparents probably grew up building forts, castles, homes, trains and so much more with LEGOs. Not only is the park themed after iconic LEGOs but there is a MiniLand Toronto and 4-D Cinema for those kids to enjoy. If you think LEGOLAND is only for kids, guess again. Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia?

2. Casa Loma at Christmas

One thing about Toronto which has long been ‘secret’ is the fact that there really is a castle in the city. While you may recognize the castle from many movies and television shows you’ve seen, as it is a popular film shooting location, you may be amazed at its history and how it came to be. In the 1900s, one of Canada’s leading financiers had the castle built because of his long-time dream of living in a castle. Unfortunately, the man soon lost his fortune and the castle stood abandoned. Visitors love to tour this real-life castle, but never more so than at Christmas time when it is decked out in splendor only appreciated in places like this.

3. Ontario Science Centre

Perhaps the most common piece of praise you’ll hear from parents who have taken their children to the Ontario Science Centre is they are awed at just how much their kids enjoy learning there! In fact, they have so much fun with all the hands-on activities that they, themselves, don’t even realize that they are learning new facts and new skills! From exhibits on the Rainforest to the Science Arcade’s physics experiments, there is something for children of all ages to keep them busy – this includes mom and dad too!

4. Canada’s Wonderland

While this is a seasonal amusement park only open in summer months from May through October, this is a must-see for any families traveling to Toronto during the summer. Here is where you’ll find jaw-dropping thrilling rides like:

  • Riptide
  • Leviathan
  • Psyclone
  • Behemoth

And then, after all that excitement, it’s time to take a look at Dinosaurs Alive and then experience a fun-filled afternoon at the Splash Works Waterpark where there are 20 acres of water fun to enjoy.

5. Royal Ontario Museum

As one of the most prestigious museums of natural history anywhere on earth, this will be an adventure not soon forgotten by your children. With more than 30 galleries they can explore with exhibits there permanently and some temporary as they make their round of museums, there is always something of interest to adults and children alike. Over time, there have been temporary exhibits such as the Age of Mammals and the Age of Dinosaurs, but never fear, there will always be a wide assortment of interesting things for kids to see and learn about. Not only is this a fun activity, but educational as well!

6. Toronto Zoo

Imagine spending a day at a zoo that has over six miles of walking/hiking trails from which you can view animals in the ‘wild’ (well, sort of). Actually, the only animals you will see ‘in the wild’ are those that are native to the area, but for children, that is a delight in itself. Then, it’s on to the polar bear cub in his new Tundra Trek home.

All that walking and viewing animals getting a bit boring for the little children? Why not take them to the splash pad or play area where they can get a little more of that excess energy out before trekking your way through more exotic animals. Don’t forget to let them ride the camels and ponies to crown the day with royal pleasure!

7. Ferry to the Toronto Islands

Known for its amazing scenic ride, the ferry to the Toronto Islands is one thrill your kids will cherish. Not only are they going to get a ride on a real ferry boat, but they will have lots to do once on the Island. From bike rides to kayaking, there are plenty of outdoor activities for warmer months and it’s always lovely to top it all off with a picnic. One thing to take note of is that the Far Enough Farm and the Centreville Amusement Park on the island are only open in warmer months, but if you plan your trip to Toronto accordingly, these are attractions the little ones will truly enjoy.

8. CN Tower

If you or your children are afraid of heights, this probably wouldn’t be an attraction for you! However, for those who have no such fears, the CN Tower is an amazing opportunity to get a real birds’ eye, panoramic view of Toronto. Not only can you see much from the 1815 feet tower but taking the ride up in a real glass elevator leaves nothing to the imagination either! Again, if you are afraid of heights, this might not be a great experience for you.

9. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

At the base of the CN Tower mentioned above lies Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. As the largest of indoor aquariums in Canada, this is one that hosts both freshwater and marine species from around the world. Many say the most spectacular exhibit is the Dangerous Lagoon, an underwater tunnel through which visitors take a moving walkway to travel along for a close, very close, look at some of the world’s most notable predators who feed at lower depths. With a Discovery Centre on the grounds, which is located near the center of the Aquarium, kids can play in touch pools which is a true hands-on learning experience.

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

Although hockey has something of a following in the United States, it is huge throughout Canada. Kids will enjoy looking through room after room of hockey memorabilia and can even have their photo taken next to the Stanley Cup. With interactive games and multimedia exhibits, this is a great place for kids to learn something about the sport and the Canadian players who put their country on the map.

These are just 10 of the many things to do and see in Toronto when traveling with the kids, but as you can see, they will have a great time, even if you need to take time away for business. Why not take the kids for the trip of a lifetime to a city that has so much for them to experience? Business or pleasure, Toronto is a children’s paradise and one they won’t soon forget.

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