Why Drivers Should Always Open Their Car Door With Their Right Hand

A visit to Scandinavia will have you amazed at how effortlessly drivers coexist with everyone else on the road. Even though the cities are packed with cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians, it seems like looking out for one another is pretty much second nature. At least part of the reason for this harmony comes down to how you open your car door. It’s likely you’re thinking, “Wait, there’s a right way to open your car door?” There sure is, and it’s called the “Dutch Reach” method. It’s so simple that it can (and should) become a habit everywhere for drivers and their passengers. To execute, simply open your car door with your inside hand — instead of grabbing the door handle with the hand nearest the door, reach for it by crossing of your body with the hand farthest from the door. In the U.S., that’s the right hand for drivers and the left hand for passengers. This move causes anyone opening the door to have to swivel their upper body and head, meaning they’ll have a better view of any bikers coming up from behind. This helps to prevent a potentially deadly mistake known as “dooring,” in which cyclists are struck by a car door that’s flung open into their path. Can you still use the Dutch Reach if you’re a leftie? Yes. The Dutch Reach works for anyone seated in a car. Simply reach across your body with the hand opposite the door, then slowly open the door. Make sure to watch for cyclists that could be coming up behind and beside the car. It doesn’t matter if you’re parked on the road, in a parking lot, or even in your driveway — it’s still wise to use the Dutch Reach to make sure everyone remains safe.

Continue Reading...

Bird Snuggles into Photographer’s Chest For Warmth on a Snowy Day

Photographer Fay Wadsworth from Sheffield, England, was visiting a park in Doncaster when a friendly robin came over and nestled right atop her camera near the warmth of her jacket. The 31-year-old said she was standing by the Amur leopard enclosure waiting to photograph the new cubs when she heard flapping. The robin was presumably cold and looking for a way to warm up. Wadsworth said she initially thought the bird had flown into her by mistake and gotten caught up her hair, but when she freed the bird’s legs, expecting it to fly away, it stayed. Wadsworth said she discussed with rangers the best thing to do and followed their guidance to stay near the woodland area while the bird sat with her. Eventually, the little robin flew into a tree and began singing, and Wadsworth went on with her photo shoot. 

 

 

Continue Reading...

The Grape Cure?

After all those holiday indulges, many people feel the need to hit the reset button with a detox or cleanse for a fresh start on the new year. This practice dates back thousands of years. Who could forget Cleopatra’s sour donkey milk baths to preserve beauty and youthfulness? Then there’s Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s yogurt enemas to flush the bowls. One of the stranger cleanses is the “grape cure” to remove toxins and heal maladies. The restrictive regimen — inspired by the 1927 book “The Grape Cure” — involves consuming just water for 2-3 days, followed by a grapes-only diet for a week or two. Author Johanna Brandt was convinced that the plump purple fruit cured her stomach cancer, but medical professionals dismissed her notion as quackery. Though there are health benefits to the water, fiber and antioxidants in grapes, there’s no proof that eating them cures cancer. Plus, there’s a significant risk involved in subsisting on grapes — or shoving yogurt into your rectum for that matter. Medical experts warn that cleanses can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, reduced energy and eating disorders. The biggest misconception is the idea that it will reset your body and essentially eliminate the negative effects that poor dietary habits have caused on the body. Doctors say your liver is constantly detoxing your body — even when you sleep — so let it do its job and forget about wild and crazy cleanses.

Continue Reading...

Before You Go Camping in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has been a favorite camping spot for millions of Americans over the years. If you’re planning on camping there in the foreseeable future, you’d better make your reservations now, as they’re booked well in advance. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Of course, you’ll have to get a permit, and there are certain rules that apply. One of the areas most people don’t think about is how to handle going to the bathroom. There are specific rules put in place by the park service, and they’re quite shocking. First, all urine MUST make it into the river. That means you can’t sneak behind a bush and go. Just imagine 20,000+ people peeing in the river each year. Pooping is a while different story. When you arrive to pick up your permit, you’ll also receive a “toilet-to-go” system, which includes a personal waste bag, toilet paper and an antiseptic towelette. When you get ready to leave the park, your poop must go with you. Now that you know all the rules, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re checking online to see where hotels near the Grand Canyon are located.

Continue Reading...