Month: July 2018

With so many people looking to find a truly unique and delightful place to call their own, homebuying has become a kind of adventure in and of itself. Whether you're looking for an open floor plan or are interested pops of color and design, there are a seemingly endless array of homes on the market to match your style and personality. What if, say, you want a home that is so reminiscent of a fairytale that you suspect the sneaky sprites themselves live in the very walls? Look no further than this opulent spectacle of design and decor located just two hours outside of Manhattan. A Wonderland of Art Visiting the 32,000 sq. foot estate has one considering when a little white rabbit is going to pop out and tell you he's running late. The property (owned by artist, philanthropist, and sociali...

Adolescents experiencing symptoms of ADHD may be more likely to use social media more often than their peers. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, children experiencing ADHD symptoms were up to 53% more likely to be "addicted" to social media websites than those without symptoms. Researchers monitored 2,587 high school students in Los Angeles County between the ages of 15 and 16 over a two-year period. The students weren't diagnosed with ADHD and showed no ADHD symptoms as of September 2014. The teens in the study were asked to record how often they used digital media throughout the year for two years. Participants used technology frequently and more than 50% reported they checked social media sites and texts. This may not be su...

It's no secret that distracted driving is a serious problem in today's society. In fact, 16% of all fatal car crashes are caused by distraction. Well, a new Australian study aims to shed some light on distracted driving habits. The study was based on a questionnaire that asked participants about under which circumstances they believed using a phone while driving was okay. The questionnaire was filled out by 447 drivers. The respondents were asked about six different scenarios, based on real traffic and road conditions. After reading the scenario, the respondents were asked to rate the likely crash risk, along with their comfort level driving in the scenario and how likely they were to use their phone to call or text during that time. The study clearly found that people still require ...

When it comes to being an adult, being able to effectively handle and understand all the various aspects involved in finance is an essential responsibility. Even though financial literacy is imperative for every American adult, they don't always pick up these skills early on in life. In the past, since adults never learned too much about finance in school, they had to educate themselves on certain financial aspects. That still holds true today, but to even more extremes. In fact, according to a study from the National Endowment for Financial Education, only 24% of millennials have the ability to demonstrate basic financial literacy. Luckily, teachers and educational programs across the country are hoping to change this and inform young students about the importance of financial l...

A new bill has been introduced in Pennsylvania to take steps towards inflicting stricter penalties on repeat DUI offenders. Backed by Republican state senators John Rafferty and Scott Martin, the bill was lobbied for by Pennsylvania Parents Against Impaired Driving (PAPAID). The group started with four or five families, founded by Elaine and Paul Miller, who lost their son after he was killed by a three-time DUI offender. The group has since grown to consist of 25 families, all grieving losses due to drunk driving. Back in April, the bill passed the Senate 45-4. Despite the fact that people drive under the influence over 330,000 times each day in the U.S., Pennsylvania remains one of four states that doesn't see repeat DUI offenses as a felony. Along with Pennsylvania, Maine, Marylan...

Now that June 21 has come and gone, we can finally say it's summer. Unfortunately, those rising temps could also mean rising energy bills. If you've noticed your energy bill slowly start to climb, you're not alone: simple tasks we perform every day might be draining our bank accounts. Not to fear: there are ways to save some money without sacrificing your comfort. 1. Close your windows Did you know you can lose nearly 40% of heat through inefficient windows and doors? The same principle can be applied to your air conditioning. While keeping your windows closed during the summer seems like a cardinal sin, it's the best way to keep your home cool for your pets and family. Enjoy the summer breeze on cooler days instead. Promote your home's efficiency by installing new, double pane glass windo...

By 2030, six out of 10 Baby Boomers will be managing a chronic condition. This makes it more important than ever to stay healthy as you age. Summer is the perfect time to start a fresh diet or exercise routine, and understanding the right choices for your health is the best way to prevent some of the most common illnesses. Here are just a few health-boosting foods that all seniors should add to their diet this summer. Honey Americans consume about 1.3 pounds of honey per person per year, but it's much more than a sweet and delicious treat -- it can actually enhance memory retention for seniors. Honey can be enjoyed in virtually countless ways, but one of the simplest ways to enjoy it is simply to add it to some hot tea. Memory loss is one of the most common signs of aging in humans, but ad...