Perilous Peaks: China’s ‘Most Inconvenient Convenience Store’

Nov 6, 2023 | Show, Whacky | 0 comments

Photo CNN

In southern China, there’s a peculiar sight that’s been dubbed the “most inconvenient convenience store” in the country. This little wooden shed, measuring just two square meters, is perched 394 feet above the ground on a steep cliff in the Shiniuzhai Scenic Area, Hunan province.

Shiniuzhai is famous for its hilly terrain, offering breathtaking views and exciting mountain-based activities, including China’s first glass-bottomed bridge, known as “Brave Men’s Bridge.”

The store itself is situated along an 800-meter via ferrata route, a mountain path secured with metal anchors and structures for climbers. It opened in 2018 and recently grabbed the spotlight again in Chinese media.

Climbers making the 90-minute journey to the top can get a free bottle of water at the store, courtesy of the staff who carry supplies up the hill daily. They sell these beverages for less than a dollar.

During the Mid-Autumn festival, the staff even gave out free mooncakes to climbers. Hunan province has its share of remarkable landscapes, including the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which was said to have inspired the alien world in James Cameron’s movie “Avatar.”

Dentist Claims it’s Better to Eat Your Trick-or-Treat Candy at One Sitting

Nov 1, 2023 | Holidays, Show | 0 comments

Photo by Sebbi Strauch /unsplash.com

It’s that time of year when candy stashes are about to invade our homes. But if you’re concerned about your dental health, there are some steps you can take to avoid those dreaded visits to the dentist.

According to Dr. Olivia Mason from Almost Heaven Dentistry, the key to protecting your teeth from the sugary onslaught is managing the exposure time to sweet treats. Her advice may come as a surprise – she suggests eating your entire bag of Halloween candy in one sitting. While this might not be easy on your stomach, it’s apparently better for your teeth than nibbling on candy over the next few months.

Dr. Mason also points out that sticky, tacky, chewy, and gummy candies are the worst culprits when it comes to dental health. Although chocolate isn’t ideal, it’s easier to clean off your teeth.

But it’s not just your teeth that could suffer from excess candy. Jefferson County Health Commissioner Andrew Henry warns that consuming sweets before bedtime can disrupt your sleep, especially for children. He advises parents to limit their kids’ candy intake and make sure they put it away after indulging in their Halloween haul.

So, as Halloween approaches, keep these dental health tips in mind. Enjoy the treats, but do so in moderation to protect your teeth and your sleep.

NYC Number One for Vampires

Oct 30, 2023 | Holidays, Show | 0 comments

If you ask us, it seems vampires have their eyes set on the city that never sleeps, New York City. With its bustling late-night bar scene and a population of nearly 9 million potential victims, the Big Apple is the ideal metropolis for Dracula and his caped comrades to call home. And you won’t believe the criteria that put NYC at the top of the list.

Lawn Love, a lawn care company, conducted a survey of the top 500 cities across the country, taking into account factors crucial to the vampiric lifestyle. They considered essentials like blood centers and basement dwellings, as well as deterrents such as garlic festivals. The result? New York City emerged as the ultimate haven for bloodsuckers.

Apart from offering a smorgasbord of human prey, NYC boasts an impressive number of vampire-friendly clubs and groups. The city is also home to a substantial number of casket makers and blood centers, making it a vampire’s paradise.

Chicago came in second place, thanks to its abundance of homes with basements (85%), while Columbus, Ohio, secured the third spot due to its limited annual sunshine (only 46% of the year) and a high number of blood drives.

Father Sebastiaan, the founder of the Endless Night Vampire Ball, even chimed in, hailing NYC as the best city for vampires in North America. He praised the towering buildings that shield vampires from the sun and the intricate network of subway tunnels and sewers where they can take refuge. Who knows, maybe they’re even mingling with the legendary “mole people.”

But don’t forget the vibrant gala circuit. According to John Edgar Browning, an expert in vampire lore and mythology, New York City’s social scene is a big draw for the fanged community. Vampires aren’t just about hunting; they love to enjoy society-type balls and parties.

So, if you’re ever strolling through the streets of the Big Apple at night, keep an eye out for more than just Broadway stars and skyscrapers. You might just spot a vampire or two enjoying the city’s dark delights.

Airbnb Is Using AI to Block ‘High Risk’ Halloween Party Bookings

Oct 27, 2023 | Holidays, Home, Show | 0 comments

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger/Unsplash.com

You know how Airbnb always tries to keep the party poopers at bay, but sometimes, those open-invite shindigs just sneak through the cracks? Well, they’ve got a new trick up their sleeve – artificial intelligence!

Airbnb is bringing in the big guns to keep those disruptive and unauthorized parties from haunting the neighborhood during Halloween. They’ve unveiled an AI-driven anti-party system across the U.S. and Canada, and it’s out to stop those wild bookings before they even happen.

So, how does this high-tech guardian of the night work its magic? It’s all about AI and machine learning. This system scans through a bunch of signals like the length of the stay, how far the listing is from your crypt of choice, and if you’re booking at the last minute. It then waves a digital red flag if things seem fishy.

Naba Banerjee, Airbnb’s safety chief, chimed in, saying they want to make sure those disruptive parties are as rare as a black cat crossing your path. Last year, their AI anti-party system managed to keep thousands of potential revelers from booking a whole house, and it might just be the secret sauce behind fewer party poopers this Halloween.

So, while you’re out there getting your costumes ready, know that AI is watching over the Airbnb realm, making sure things stay spooktacularly peaceful. Have a boo-tiful Halloween, everyone! 🎃👻

Housing Market Update: The Surprising Trend of Moving Back In with Parents to Save for a Home

Oct 25, 2023 | Home, Show | 0 comments

Photo by Binyamin Mellish: pexels.com

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you’re likely aware that it’s been a rollercoaster ride. Mortgage rates are on the rise, and for prospective homebuyers, it’s presenting a unique set of challenges. 

Lets explore what’s happening in the housing market and why more adults are considering moving back in with their parents.

As fall’s buying season kicks into high gear, mortgage rates are nearing 8%, making affordability a major concern. Some aspiring homeowners are finding themselves in a tricky spot, prompting a surprising solution – moving back in with mom and dad. The aim? To save up for that dream home.

Clare Trapasso, Realtor.com’s executive news editor, notes that while family assistance for homebuying is nothing new, it’s taking on a new twist. In a recent survey from Realtor.com and Censuswide, it’s revealed that of those planning to buy a home within the next year, 51% are potentially looking to their parents for financial help, while 29% have already made the move back home to save money.

So, what’s driving this trend? Climbing rents and inflation have significantly impacted the savings potential of prospective homebuyers. As a result, creative solutions are being sought to achieve homeownership, and turning to family members is an attractive option for many.

Savings vary depending on location and arrangements, but living rent-free at home for a year could save buyers over $20,000. While this might not cover a full down payment, it’s a significant boost to their savings.

But how long are these adults planning to stay with their parents? The data doesn’t provide an exact answer, but since respondents are planning to buy within the next year, it’s safe to assume that the living arrangement will last around 12 months or less.

The difficulty of paying high rent costs while trying to save for a home is a major issue. Even though rent prices have cooled off somewhat in recent months, they’re still approximately 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This, coupled with soaring home prices, makes saving for a down payment even more challenging.

Mortgage interest rates are adding to the complexity of the situation. In October, rates hit multi-decade highs, and when combined with elevated home prices, the monthly cost of financing a home is more than double what it was just four years ago. While moving back in with family can help save for a down payment, the monthly cost of homeownership remains a significant barrier for many potential buyers.

In this ever-evolving housing market, creative solutions like moving back in with parents are becoming increasingly common. While it may not be the dream scenario for everyone, it’s a practical strategy for some to overcome the hurdles of high rent, soaring home prices, and increasing mortgage rates. So, whether you’re considering this path or exploring other options, it’s important to stay informed about the ever-changing landscape of the housing market.