1. India

For the most part, backpackers are looking to keep expenditures at a minimum while soaking in a new culture and experiencing the world. India is the perfect country to explore for those on a tight budget, but it is also steeped in history and culture. From the intricate Hindu temples to the majestic Taj Mahal, there is so much to see while backpacking through India. The country also has an extensive rail system, making it easy to get from one city to another.

2. Brazil

Like India, Brazil offers a complete cultural shift for eager young travelers looking for new experiences. The natural wonders to be discovered along the Amazon, bustling nightlife of Rio, and the splendid sandy beaches make Brazil an optimal destination for backpackers. Plus, this South American country is still relatively inexpensive making it an absolute dream for students traveling on a strict budget.

3. Western Europe

Perhaps the most classic destination for backpacking is Europe. From Big Ben to Pompeii, there are hundreds of experiences to be had on the European continent. The extensive rail system makes travel between countries easy and the prevalence of hostels throughout Europe is unmatched anywhere else in the world. There is a reason why so many young people flock to Europe to fulfill their backpacking dreams.

4. New Zealand

For student travelers looking for some adventure, New Zealand is perfect. Not only does the island nation boast incredible scenery, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore all the natural wonders. From deep sea diving to hiking up active volcanoes, there is a plethora of activities that will thrill even the most courageous backpackers.

5. Southeast Asia

If you desire a complete departure form the norm, consider exploring the beauty of Southeast Asia. This area boasts pristine beaches, exciting cities, and incredible examples of historic architecture unlike anything else on Earth. Plus, this region is very inexpensive, making it easy for backpackers to spend more time trekking through the countries.

Many young people plan to backpack through a country or region, but it can be difficult to decide where to go. Make sure to consider the type of trip that suits your tastes and make a list of places you definitely want to see. This can help guide you through the decision-making process, but be sure to look into the locations listed above as they all have so much to offer any traveler.

Heather Johnson is a writer for the leading online honeymoon planning resource. Learn all about the best honeymoon destinations today!

Related articles

• Very Best Spelunking Websites (verybestsites.com)
• 7 Audio Books for Your Solo Road Trip (7books.net)
• Top 10 VIP Holiday Destinations for 2011 and 2012 (totallytop10.com)

1. Trees provide oxygen.  In one season a mature tree produces the same amount of oxygen that 10 people inhale in a year.

2. Trees increase property value. As a tree matures the value of the property increases. On average trees can increase the value of a property by 15 percent.

3. Trees act as barriers. Trees can reduce the noise of nearby roads, railways, or airports. They can also act as a barrier between you and that not-so-perfect neighbor. Trees can provide a wall to keep them out, or to block your view from their messy unkempt yard.

4. Trees remove pollutants in the air therefore improving air quality. They absorb CO2 and therefore reduce the “greenhouse effect” by allowing the heat to be released into space instead of being trapped by these gases. If every American planted one tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion pounds annually. Trees also remove other pollutants like Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Oxides, and Particulates.

5. Trees provide shade & ultimately lower energy costs. Strategically placed trees produce enough shade to reduce air conditioning costs by 50 percent. Trees also block winds and trap heat in the winter and therefore insulate your home from the cold. You should plant trees on the east and west sides of your house. Place them so that they are shading windows and doorways in order to have the largest impact on your air conditioning and heating bill.

6. Trees reduce stress by not only providing a comfortable temperature, but also providing aesthetic value. Studies show that trees can reduce stress in the workplace and also speed hospital patients’ recovery.

7. Trees provide a home for birds and other small animals. Certain animals prefer certain types of trees to make their home in. Therefore, each tree planted is potentially providing food and shelter for a certain species and in turn saving their lives. If you want to provide even more, place a bird feeder or squirrel feeder in your trees as well.

8. Trees reduce water pollution by absorbing chemicals and other pollutants in rain and water runoff. One medium-sized tree can filter over 2000 gallons of water each year and then return the clean water to the water cycle.

9. Trees reduce soil erosion by providing shelter from wind and rain. They use their roots to hold soil in place, and their branches reduce the impact of wind and rain on the soil. They also act as a reservoir for flooding as well as a barrier for debris.

10. Trees save water. The shade provided by trees slows evaporation of water from lawns and other plants and also increase atmospheric moisture. This reduces the amount of water needed to water your lawn and other plants.

11. Trees provide firewood for natural wood burning fireplaces, which are better for the environment than gas burning fireplaces. Gas-burning fireplaces use up natural gas or propane, which are not renewable resources. As long as a tree is planted for each tree removed for wood burning fireplaces, wood will continue to be a renewable resource. Also gas-burning fireplaces produce carbon monoxide, which, in high quantities, is toxic to both humans and animals.

12. Trees protect roads. They provide them with shade, reduce the impact of rain, sleet, and snow, and also act as a fence holding off certain amounts of snow and debris. This protects roads from needing as much maintenance work because of damage due to overheating or water pollution, and also makes the road safer in general.

13. It lasts a lifetime. This project is something you can do with your kids and, if the tree is well maintained, it will last for their entire lifetime. They can grow with it, cherish it, and someday share it with their own children.

Janae is a writer for Charlotte Premiere Tree Services, a company that provides its customers with a free estimate from the best tree care professional in their area.

Related articles

• New Study Suggests Possible Link to Risk of Heart Attack and Air Pollution (theairquality.com)
• Gardening Store Blooms with New Labels (easyordershippinglabels.com)
• No Flower Picking (lawsome.net)

Magicopolis by Gentleman of Sophistication and Refinement

These days, the idea of a magic show has turned into less illusion and more of a spectacle. I guess you could call it delusion. What happens behind the pyrotechnics is hidden from your eyes, but what about the magic that happens right in front of you? If you’ve ever wondered what ever happened to the good old magic show, here are some fun options for you.

Magicopolis

Arguably the most famous magic show in the Los Angeles Area, Magicopolis turns the table on the typical rabbit-in-the-hat trick. It’s funny and a little kooky, but it will definitely leave you wondering, “How did they do that?” Popular with tourists, locals, and celebrities, the Magicopolis illusionists make people dissolve into midair and read your mind. The show and the theater are designed for adults and children alike, so the entire family can enjoy the entertainment.

Le Grand David and His Spectacular Magic Company

Holding a Guinness World Record for the longest running stage magic show in the world, this show is in Beverly, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. The show is engaging and has a vintage feel—it evokes the days of the cabaret. Their website might still look like it’s from the dark ages, but the stars, Marco the Magi and Le Grand David, have been managing the show since the late ‘70s, and they still blend history with modernity and amusement.

Kozak the Magician

If you want to sit quietly in your seat while the performers on the stage entertain you, this might not be the show for you. This family-friendly show in Atlantic City brings the audience into the illusion. Kozak will make you laugh while he mysteriously diverts your attention from his sleight of hand … or did he really make that person disappear?

Ace Card Trick by Steven Depolo

Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic

Known as “The Millionaires’ Magician,” Steve Cohen plays mind tricks and subtle illusions in an intimate suite in New York’s Waldorf-Astoria hotel. An entertainer for the rich and famous, Cohen has made a name for himself entertaining the likes of the Queen of Morocco and Martha Stewart. In this cozy and personal setting, Cohen will truly make you second-guess what you see. An adults-only magic show, it’s a unique way to entertain business guests or hold a sophisticated party.

Harry Houdini Tour & Magic Show
Held in a 150-year-old house on one of the oldest streets in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this show has been named one of the top magic shows in the world by the Travel Channel. Harry Houdini himself did many of his mind-boggling stunts in this antique refurbished home. Children will love the live animals that are part of the magic show—doves and poodles are into magic too, you know— and adults will appreciate the history behind the performance. The show includes a tour of the home, and the earlier you arrive, the more magic you will encounter.

Magician Blackstone Magic Trick from dockedship

Rick Wilcox Magic & Comedy Show

These family magicians flawlessly execute an enthralling show in Wisconsin. They’ll give you levitation, cutting a lady in half, and everything in between. A fun place to bring the kids, the humor is friendly and the magic is clean. The act changes seasonally, so returning guests won’t have to see the same performance twice.

Vegas isn’t the only place with drama and fanfare. Even without strobe lights, firework displays, or trampolines, magic shows have been entertaining the public for decades. Audiences are still awestruck, and gravity is still defied, even without the use of special equipment and technology. Sometimes a dramatic “abracadabra” and a wave of the magic wand are all it takes to entertain the family.

Casey Tucker is a content contributor for Magic Whiz, an online magic shop featuring a multitude of books, DVD’s, and kits full of magic tricks.

Related articles

• Top 10: Over-Hyped Toys We Hate to Love (totallytop10.com)
• Perfuming Your Poo – A Weird Product, or A Genius Product (bizarrebytes.com)
• Fake Illusionists! (mysteryworlds.wordpress.com)

1) Use Feng Shui To Create a Happy Home

Feng Shui is all about flow and energy and has a long history of effectiveness. It can offer very simple and subtle changes to enhance the health and harmony of the home. For example, placing a Bagua Mirror (an octagonal framed mirror) over the outside of the entrance to the house is believed to keep negative influences from entering, while placing a mirror behind the stove so that it reflects the burners is said to help bring in more money which something we could all benefit from.
Using Feng Shui can also help encourage the energy of your house to flow in a more peaceful manner. The center of your house or room is associated with the Earth Element and health. You want to make sure that the center of the room is unobstructed or at least uncluttered. This allows the energy to disperse to the other areas of the house which govern such things as wealth, family, travel, career, relationships, children, reputation, and wisdom.

2) Clean Your Air with Air Purifiers

Air quality is often overlooked. Problems can stem from the lack of air circulation and also too much air circulation. If the air in a room is stagnant an easy way to get it circulating is to open a window. Conversely, a room which is too drafty could be a problematic, so finding the balance is key.

Air purifiers are also a great way to enhance the air quality of your home. Modern HEPA air purifiers are very effective for filtering out unwanted and harmful particles in the air. Whether living with a pet, cooking frequently or simply leading and active life, dust, dander particles and odor tend to build up. Air purifiers help rid your home of pollution that you may not even be aware is affecting you. People with allergies tend to benefit the most from having air purifiers in the home.
Many air filters are also able to emit negative ions. These negative ions help the filter work more effectively. Negative ions are also found in many places in nature that are tranquil and healing such as forests and near waterfalls.

3) Utilize Tap Water Filters

There are over 300 pollutants found in tap water Americans drink according to the Environmental Working Group. It’s worth testing your water to see if yours has many pollutants. If not, then it’s quite alright to continue drinking the water you get from your faucet but many agree that unfiltered water does not have the best taste. Chlorine is one of the main things used in tap water and especially if you live in the city, you have probably noticed the smell or taste of it. In the event that your water is highly polluted, it’s worth investing in a water filter to help ensure that the water you drink is only water and if you simply don’t link the taste of tap water, this is a great option too. This way you will be drinking water in its purist form, not water plus other additives that are bad for your health.

4) Go Green

Although I’ll be the first to admit that all the talk of ‘Going Green’ is a bit extraneous these days, I’ll also admit that it can have substantial benefits as it relates to a healthy home. It’s analogous to your mother telling you to eat your vegetables when you were a kid: It’s one of those things that your parents make you do and you know that you should do, but you hated doing it. Going green can be as simple as using green, non-toxic, cleaners. Most cleaners contain toxins that are unhealthy, which is why they warn you to head to the hospital in the event that large quantities are consumed.
Kim Murray is a contributing writer for AirPurifierGuide.org.

Related articles

• Do You Need An Air Purifier? Take Our Self Quiz (allaboutallergy.com)
• Add Indoor Houseplants to Purify the Air (theairquality.com)
• Ladder Safety Begins With You (frommyexperience.com)

Amsterdam

Despite being one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, Amsterdam should not be underestimated. As the capital of the Netherlands, it is bursting with history and entertainment.

With its liberal attitude to life, it is well known for its special coffee shops and red light district, however there is plenty more to give credit for and to be experienced in this beautiful city. Boasting cobbled streets, winding canals, cafés, art galleries (including the famous Van Gogh Museum), bars and clubs, it’s no wonder Amsterdam is so popular for stag weekends.

Float along the canal with a beer in hand, hire some bikes and cycle around until you end up in one of the many late night clubs to party the night away. For those looking for a city with everything to offer, Amsterdam will certainly not disappoint.

Prague

When you think of Prague, images of a dramatic political and economic past are conjured up. However, as well as its incredible history, there is an abundance of galleries, parks, restaurants, beer gardens and clubs which make Prague one of the most exciting stag destinations in Eastern Europe.

The capital of the Czech Republic, there are a number of architectural must sees when visiting from the famous Prague castle on the hilltop, to St Nicholas Cathedral and Charles Bridge which crosses the Vltava river.

For a break after sightseeing, head down to the Old Town where you’ll find narrow cobbled streets full of restaurants and bars where you can relax and enjoy the very cheap Czech beer and hospitality.

Las Vegas

When you think of the true, full on, ultimate stag destination, there can be no other contender than Las Vegas. To say that Vegas is an invasion of the senses is a major understatement.

Bright lights, grand replicas of famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, all night casinos, spectacular shows and entertainment, it’s every man’s dream and not difficult to understand why Las Vegas is so popular with groups on a stag party. Named the Entertainment Capital of the World, Vegas is the most populated city in the state of Nevada. It is a Mecca of entertainment enclosed in a desert valley.

“The Strip” is where you’ll find famous hotels such as the Bellagio and Planet Hollywood, and they’ll both be striving for the competitive edge with spectacular shows to entice people to stay there but also for the purpose of pure entertainment; exactly what Vegas is all about. Vegas will definitely provide an unforgettable weekend. In Vegas, anything is possible!

Munich

Munich is the capital city of the German state of Bavaria and is located on the River Isar. The home of the annual and world famous Oktoberfest, a two week long festival of beer drinking and music, it’s hugely popular with groups of men who want to drink and be merry.

There’s more to Munich than this renowned festival though. For music lovers, most bars play live music all year round, and beer gardens and clubs stay open well into the night. For those looking for a bit of light hearted tradition, a visit to Hofbräuhaus, one of the oldest breweries in Munich, is an essential when visiting with a group of friends. Not only is it educational, you’ll also get to sample more of the fine German beer which is served in steins typically holding one litre!

With the cities motto being “Munchen mag Dich” which translates as “Munich likes you” it’s impossible not to have a good time here.

Barcelona

Immersed in culture, Barcelona is an essential destination for those looking for a more sophisticated weekend abroad. Standing as the second largest city in Spain, capital of Catalonia and on the shores of the Mediterranean, it is a city whose popularity is justly deserved.

Not only do you have awesome architecture everywhere you lay your eyes, tantalising tapas, all night bars and clubs, you’ve also got the beach right on your doorstep. Las Ramblas, one of the most famous boulevards in the world, is where all the action is with its numerous street entertainers, bars, restaurants and clubs.

And of course, let’s not forget for stags there are few better destinations to visit for watching some world class football than Barcelona, home to FC Barcelona and the Nou Camp Stadium.

If you’re looking for a destination abroad that’s a bit different and has plenty of stag activities then look no further.

Related articles

• Planning Your Own Wedding? R-R-R-R-R-R-really? (weddingsetups.com)
• How to Video – Stay Healthy on Vacation in the Caribbean (ihowtovideos.com)
• Bachorlette Party Ideas by Spencer’s (myweddingideas.net)

The American Lung Association has issued their 2009 State of the Air report, listing the cities with the most polluted air. Here are the 10 lowest ranked cities, where citizens and visitors are likely to find air quality a challenge

1. Bakersfield, CA

This pretty California city has a challenge with smog and pollution. Bakersfield is dependent on petroleum extraction and refinement, and this may be part of their challenge with air quality.

1. Los Angeles, CA

The “city of angels” may be buzzing with activity but cleaner air is lacking in this large city. They have a high ozone level and are one of the most polluted cities.

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…

1. Fresno, CA

This city may be nicknamed “California’s Year-Round Playground” but their air quality is in desperate need of a clean up. Known for lots of sunny days, Fresno would be the perfect place for many outdoor activities – but for those who are affected by poor air quality this is a great challenge.

1. Visalia-Porterville, CA

This city somewhere between L.A. and San Francisco is known for their agriculture and many would think this makes them “green.” But agricultural burning has created dirty air and poor air quality for all.

1. Birmingham, AL

This city once was one of the country’s biggest producers of steel and iron. Today they are known for other industries such as banking – but their air quality remains poor in quality.

photo credit: ahisgett

1. Hanford-Corcoran, CA

Hanford-Corcoran is high on having a heavy ozone level, a bad long-term particle pollution level and also a high short-term particle pollution level. It’s easy to see this city is having a great challenge with air quality and air pollution.

1. St.Louis, MO

A popular college town, St.Louis has high particle pollution giving them trouble with air pollution. This town is long considered a favorite place to live and work – but air quality certainly could be improved.

1. New York, NY

“the Big Apple” has a sour spot when it comes to air pollution. Poor air quality has become a challenge in recent years. With New York a popular tourist destination and many working and living there, there are many reasons for this city to go green!

1. Pittsburgh, PA

“the Steel City” received their name by being a leader in the steel industry. Now Pittsburgh is known for other industries. Their pollution and air quality is still a challenge, with their particle pollution the highest in the U.S.A..

1. Sacramento, CA

This city is known at the sixth spot for highest ozone levels and the seventh for short-term particle pollution. A pretty city, Sacramento would be so much lovelier with better air quality!

Source

You might want to think about a quiet clean air purifier for your home, especially if you live in one of these cities.

Related articles by Zemanta

• How do we monitor the air quality in different cities? (greenanswers.com)
• Something’s Buzzing at the Dusseldorf International Airport with Great Air Quality! (theairquality.com)
• U.S. scientists create smartphone app to monitor air quality (theprovince.com)
• Air Cleaners Purifiers (rabbitair.com)
• Balloon helps Parisians breathe easy (cnn.com)

1) Beg mommy and daddy

Yes, this is rather childish, but hey they may have stuff that’s just taking up space they don’t really want any longer. It may not be the prettiest stuff ever, but unless you just won the lottery guess what – not much of your furniture is going to match! But with modern art deco these days, you don’t have to worry! It’s commonplace for even expensive furnishings not to match!

2) Thrift / Consignment Stores

These are very iffy. Sometimes you can find a really good deal at the local Goodwill (especially if you are in a large city), however not always. I remember once I went to pick up a couch at a Salvation Army for the break room where I worked; as soon as we picked it up we realized the back was broken. It was back to back with another couch in the showroom, so you couldn’t tell when you sat on it. However when we got it into the break room, if you leaned back – it fell back! So along with looking for those mysterious stains… look at the structural quality of the couch.

However there are other concerns with used furniture. Whenever you buy anything with cloth or padding, you run the risk of bringing pests, such as bed bugs, into your home. Bed bugs are small parasites, which infest your home and feed on your blood. They are less than 1 millimeter at maturity, and it’s very difficult to learn how get rid of bed bugs. So be very careful and inspect everything closely before bringing it into your home.

3) Friends

When I first moved out and got my own place, I was a very active kiteboarder. I knew the owner of my local shop very well, and his mother recently had to be placed in an assisted living facility, so he had all her stuff to get rid of. This is very rare I will admit, but mention that you’re moving to all your friends – who knows, you may luck out like I did! I got a couch, a very nice coffee table, and some original oil paintings, amongst other furnishings.

4) Packages.

Oh so you think you’re too good for Goodwill or bumming off your parents, huh? Or maybe you just happen to be one of the lucky few who has landed his or her dream job right out of college and have a fat paycheck. Or maybe you won the lottery. If you are in the latter of the two categories, I am very happy for you. Needless to say, you probably have some extra free cash and want the best deal. But you’re like me, and your taste in décor is… well let’s be honest… not good. Thankfully there are people out there to help you! And I’m not talking rental places… you end up paying WAY too much in the long run for your package. But there are some good furniture places out there which will offer well coordinated packages at rather good deals.

5) Craigslist

Craigslist is very inexpensive, if you’re smart about it. I like to leave Craigslist for the last for a few reasons – the first is it’s the most obvious; the second is there is a lot to say about being safe with your Craigslist purchases. Craigslist is a very powerful tool; you can find a new apartment, sofa, dining room table, bed, car, job, and girlfriend all on one site – and all for free. But be careful about what may be crawling around on any of these things you find! There is also a wonderful “free” section on Craigslist, where you can literally get anything you can think of. Upon moving last month, my new apartment didn’t have a ceiling fan – found one for free, and two bar stools for $15!

Other than the bed bug problem, make sure you do you research on everything before you buy it; maybe have a friend who specializes in that product inspect it for you. When I bought my motorcycle, I had a friend who was a mechanic go with me to inspect the bike before I made my offer. Craigslist is a wonderful tool, just as long as you can make sure you are not ripped off. Also pay attention to the bed bugs I mentioned up in the section about thrift stores.

Congratulations on moving out of your parent’s basement, no matter if you’re 18, 23, or 32. There’s a lot to starting out on your own, and finding furnishings for your apartment shouldn’t be one of them. I have had neighbors who are ten years older than I am, and who have been in the professional world years longer than I, who say I have more furnishings than they do. Well, I got most of it through one of these methods, however most is off Craigslist. Good luck!

Related articles

• How to Feng Shui Your Apartment Video (ihowtovideos.com)
• You Live Where? – A 330-Square Foot, 24-Room Apartment Called The Domestic Transformer (youlivewhere.com)
• Backyard Entertainment (empirepatiocovers-blog.com)
• Brighten Your Bedroom With Beautiful Fabrics (frommyexperience.com)

5.  Lack of Tree/Undecorated Mantel

What, no ornaments?  What about the stockings?  Why are they not hung by the chimney with care?  Where are the little figurines of me on the mantel?  What kind of holiday spirit are you people working with here?  None, obviously.  Try again.  Unless a home is clearly excited about the holidays, I’m not excited to be there, which means I’ll be leaving with my bag still pretty heavy.  Hey, fair warning.

4.  Reindeer Farts

For such magical creatures, my flying reindeer have some horrible gas.  Mainly because you nice people leave carrots for them, which make them super, super, duper gassy.  The reindeer are fine on the WAY to your house, but after they leave?  Fart city.  I’m not kidding.  Reindeer have four chambers to their stomach, which means that they have to chew cud in order to facilitate their digestion.  Carrots?  They just mess up the works and make them gassy.  Real gassy.  So, if you’re going to leave snacks for the reindeer (and it’s awfully nice of you to think of them), leave them some moss, or lichen.  They love that stuff.

3.  Asphalt Roofing

Look, Folks.  I’ve been around for a loooong time.  4th Century, maybe earlier.  I absolutely hate asphalt roof tiles.  If I fall, the rough material rips my special Santa suit, and if I’m in a warm location, the heat from the shingles melts into my boots.  That’s not OK.  Give me a slate tile roof any day.  It’s nice and firm, my Santa boots have great tread, so I don’t slip, and they just LOOK so much nicer.  So go ahead and spend the extra bucks, mmkay?

2.  Stale or Moldy Cookies

Why bother?  I don’t NEED cookies.  I mean, I LIKE cookies, but lots and lots of people leave me cookies, so if you’re going to leave stale or moldy ones, just skip it.  I mean, the people next door probably left out some nice Mallomars, or something similar, so don’t sweat it.  They’ll just draw ants, after all.  I’m not eating them.

1.  Sour Milk

Ew!  It only stands to reason, when you leave milk next to a fire ALL NIGHT LONG, that it’s going to get kind of funky.  If you start off with fresh milk, it has a chance of making it.  If you start off with kinda funky milk, it ends up looking like the picture above.  I also enjoy a nice bottle of water, or sometimes a Coca Cola.  The high temperatures of the fire make the bacteria thrive, resulting in some nasty milk.  So, remember that, OK?

Now that I’ve aired my grievances, I think we all feel a lot better about the holiday season that approaches.  Feel free to send you letters via the North Pole, and be good – because I’ll be watching!
Love and Christmas – Santa Claus  

Related articles by Zemanta

• Christmas Wine Gift Baskets Make Great Gifts (frommyexperience.com)
• Unique Christmas Cards This Holiday Season | TROMPYX (trompyx.com)
• Santa Claus Horrifying Children Fills Our Hearts With Cheer [We Hate Your Kids] (gawker.com)

I, of course, am not alone. Peanut butter is an inherently tasty treat, but it is also quite interesting.

5: A Peanut is Not a Peanut

It’s what goes into making this delicious spread but, if you’ve seen one peanut, you’ve seen them all–a peanut, is a peanut, is a peanut, right? Not so. There are four main types of peanuts grown in the U.S.–Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia–with different characteristics that make them useful in different applications. Runner and Spanish peanuts are those most frequently used for peanut butter, especially the Spanish which have a high oil content.

4: A Horse is a Horse, of Course, of Course

It is widely believed that Bamboo Harvester, the famous horse who played Mr. Ed on the classic 60′s sitcom of the same name, was prompted to move his lips for the “talking scenes” by the crew applying peanut butter to his gums. This in itself may be news to you, but get ready for a double whammy–it was revealed in a 2004 interview that this is a story cooked up by the show’s other star (this one human), Alan Young. Myth busted. The producers actually made his mouth move by doing something far more inhumane, say many sitcom  investigators.

3: Spiders Are Nothing

Little Miss Muffet doesn’t like spiders, and there are many out there who share her distaste. Arachnophobia is man and woman’s most common fear, but here’s another one for you: arachibutyrophobia, the fear of peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of one’s mouth. Perhaps I’m an outlier, but I follow the school of thought that the stickier it is, the more fulfilling.

2: I Think We Need a Bigger Plate

While I love peanut butter as much as the next guy, I submit that 350 lbs. is a bit much for a single sandwich. In 2002, however, Oklahoma City failed to agree when the Oklahoma Peanut Commission and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission joined forces to create a 900 lb. peanut butter and jelly sandwich. With 501 lbs. of bread, 144 lbs. of jelly and yes, 350 lbs. of peanut butter, this sandwich would be just enough to satiate a city full of the most ardent peanut butter lovers.

1: A Fruity Spread

If someone were to ask you what food group peanuts fell into, what would you say? This may be a statement of the obvious to some of you, but it will come as an earth-shattering revelation to others; peanuts are, in fact, a fruit. Peanuts are legumes, which are fruits themselves because they produce fruit encased in a pod. So yes, when you put your peanut butter on a banana or mix it with some jelly, you are indeed being deliciously redundant.

Ethan Gibble is a content specialist and blogger for restaurant supply company, the WEBstaurant Store. He researches and writes about issues facing the restaurant industry on a local, national, and global scale.

By Ethan Gibble

Related articles

• Chocolate (eatinginrichmond.com)
• How to Understand Natural Food Labels (ihowtovideos.com)
• Concession Trailers (customconcessions.com)
• Top 10 Chocolate Destinations (toptenz.net)
• Mobile Kitchen Trailer (customconcessions.com)
• Peanuts Nutrition – Nuts about Good Health! (lifescript.com)

Tires are one of the most common items in landfills today – more than 27 million are thrown away in landfills each year in the United States, but this is only the tip of the iceberg with a staggering 290 million tires disposed of each year in the country.  Tires are vital for our lives as the world would literally grind to a halt without them and it is not simply cars and trucks which would stop, but how many commercial airliners would be able to land without rubber tires beneath them on the runway! Just don’t ask me how to change a flat tire.

Here are 7 facts about tires:

Invention and Application

Vulcanized rubber was invented by Charles Goodyear way back in 1844 and this was used to make tires later on.  John Dunlop invented air filled, or pneumatic tires in 1888 for bicycles, though his patent was later overturned in favor of another inventor, Robert Thompson.  However it was Andre Michelin in 1895 who first tried to use them on cars (without success).

The first successful car tire was invented by Philip Strauss in 1911 and sold through his company, the Hardman Tire & Rubber Company.

All Tires are Made from Rubber – Wrong!

Tires have been around for a lot longer than cars and bicycles, in fact the earliest efforts to use rubber tires grew from the perceived need to improve the original tires which were made from bands of iron and in later years, made from steel.  John Dunlop experimented with rubber tires for his son’s bicycle because riding on the metal tires caused him to have headaches, and remember this was in the time before any ideas about spring suspension had occurred.

Tire or Tyre?

I couldn't find a picture for this fact about tires, so this sexy tire girl will have to do.

The word originally came from the concept of the outer metal ring being used to “tie” the wheel together, and from this emerged the word, “tire”.  For some time the British used a variation on the spelling to differentiate a “tyre” from the verb, to tire but the US spelling has always been “tire” and today, our British cousins are finally starting to follow suit.

Tyre is also the name of an ancient city in what is present-day Lebanon and it still exists today but it has nothing to do with rubber wheels.

Tires Are a Major Pollutant

The answer is “yes and no”, because while tires use a lot of water and energy in their production, they also utilize a lot of oil byproducts in their manufacture.  We’ve also noted that a lot of tires end up in landfills, but the vast majority of tires are actually recycled – more than 75% in fact.  The ecological mantra is to Reduce – Reuse – Recycle, and tires are perfectly capable of being reused and recycled again and again, so in relative terms they are not as polluting as you might think.

Tires Change Shape When in Use

Square Bike Tire

While your vehicle is stationery, you may not think much about your tires but in fact they are probably the most important aspect of the whole machine.  Without tires being able to withstand the extremes of heat and pressure when in use, modern cars and trucks simply could not perform and handle as well as they do.

Tires actually change their shape when they are in use because of the effect of centrifugal force.  As the tire spins, the outer part of the tire is constantly being “thrown away” from the axle center which causes the tire to become narrower and the diameter to increase.   This effect can be so great that the tire will actually rub against the vehicle body and this leads to excessive wear and tear as well as the more catastrophic blowout.

World’s Largest Tire?

worlds largest tire

The world’s largest tire is an automobile tire built as a Uniroyal promotional icon and was used as a Ferris wheel for some time too.  It is 80 feet tall and weighs in at 12 tons and was built for the 1964/65 New York World Fair though it’s current home is in Detroit – Motor Town.

Not All Tires are Filled With Air

Superman pumps up a flat tire

While inflating your vehicle tires at the local garage means you will use pumped air, there are tire applications where air cannot be used due to the performance issues.  Aircraft requires specialist tires to allow for short duration but excessively high-impact use, particularly when a plane comes in to land and the weight of the aircraft impacts the runway.

During flight, the external pressure and temperature changes would cause tires to burst if they were filled with air, and the answer is to use nitrogen or helium to minimize the pressure differential between the high altitude and the compressed gas inside the tire.

Written on behalf of TireTeam.com, order your tires online – inexpensive and cheap tires.