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Forever and ever Did you ever describe someone as droning on and on (and on!) forever and ever? Or have you ever promised to love someone forever and ever? Either way, no need to add “and ever” to descriptions of forever. Daily Writing Tips recommends you avoid using the phrase, because forever is, by definition, endless. No need to extend it. Here are 16 more words you should stop using ASAP . The post 13 Redundant Phrases You’re Probably Using All the Time appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2SWqpD8

Worth the trip National parks decorate the North American landscape, providing park-goers with extraordinarily diverse ecosystems and breathtaking natural beauty. Extremely remote locations and susceptibility to severe weather mean that some of these parks receive far fewer visitors than their stunning scenery deserves. Some hard-to-reach parks can only be visited by small boat or plane and receive fewer than 200 visitors per year. Don’t miss these 10 national parks in the U.S. that are off-the-beaten-path . The post The Most Difficult National Parks to Visit in North America appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Vz8ano

  Phones and cars just don’t seem to mix well. Whether it’s texting and driving, chatting while trying to park, or reading emails at the pump, there’s a risk that something could go very, very wrong. One thing you’ll definitely want to avoid doing is taking on your phone while fueling up, but it might not be for the reason most people think. Many people think that using your phone while pumping gas can start a fire. According to the Petroleum Equipment Institute , that simply isn’t true. No one has ever documented a single incident where a cell phone has given off a static electrical charge and caused a fire. Here are 10 more tech myths you need to stop believing . So, you’re probably wondering why you see “No cell phone” signs all over every pump at the gas station. The National Fire Protection Association requires that they’re put up as a precaution. Phones do cause static electricity and just because it hasn’t happened yet, that doesn’t mean it never could. Their rules also stat

Bye-bye, winter! Just when you’re wondering if winter might last forever, the frost begins to thaw. Spring, full of green shoots and colorful flowers, is on its way! In the Northern Hemisphere, we celebrate the first day of spring on the vernal equinox. This year, it falls on March 20th. Cultures around the globe have different traditions for welcoming the new season, from festivals to parades. Read on for some very unique spring traditions, then dig into these interesting facts you never knew about the spring equinox . The post 12 Spring Celebrations Around the World appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2I73ZHC

Randy Lazer started running back in 1990 as a way to step into a healthier lifestyle. As an asthma sufferer who didn’t work out much, he took it one step at a time, going out for a half-mile jog his first time on the road. It took about four tries for him to make it a full mile, but that only motivated him to go farther. In 1995, Lazer went the ultimate distance, clocking 26.2 miles in his first marathon. He completed three more by the time he was in his early 40s. Then, his stride came to a sudden stop. The day that changed everything One Sunday morning, in the midst of his typical training cycle, Lazer began to feel so terrible that he drove himself to the hospital. There, he suffered a heart attack, and he flatlined for two minutes. Thanks to the hospital staff and a strong will to live, Lazer pulled through double bypass surgery. “A heart attack was the last thing I thought would possibly occur,” Lazer says. “At the time, I thought I was entitled to great health until I turned

If you live in the southeast United States, you’re in luck. A supermarket chain in your region has been ranked tops in customer service among grocery stores.  Newsweek and Statista crunched the numbers and came up with a list of  rankings for several industries, from brick and mortar retailers that encompass clothing, food, health, and beauty, to service-oriented industries like restaurants, insurance, real estate, and transportation. Make sure you know the grocery store with the worst reputation , too. The survey polled a 20,000-strong sample of U.S. consumers who had made a purchase, used a service, or gotten information about a product in the last three years. Each person gave an evaluation of several brands, with the criteria comprised of the following: quality of communication, technical competence, range of services, customer focus, and accessibility. Fifty percent of the evaluation was also based on a brand’s “net promoter score” which granted a score based on this question:

Are these puppies for real? No, you’re not seeing things. These are living, breathing, ridiculously adorable puppies that look a heckuva lot like the teddy bears we cherished and toted around when we were kids. We can still tell these cuties our secrets, snuggle close to them during a storm, and tuck them in under our blankets at night—but now we’ll get a nuzzle and a lick in return! Like teddy bears, these pups are all different. Some have a scruffy face, while others are super fluffy. Some are big, and others are small. But they all have incredibly expressive eyes and cute button noses, and we just can’t resist. And because there’s no such thing as too many puppy pictures, when you’re done, check out these 50 cute dog breeds as puppies . The post 14 Puppies That Look Like Teddy Bears appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3ckMJwb

Keep your identity safe It’s important in this day and age to keep your identity safe, both online and in real life. That means having strong passwords for your online accounts and knowing what to put in your wallet–and what to keep at home. Read on to learn what you should never keep in your wallet. Here’s how stealing a wallet changed this teenager’s life for the better . The post 13 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Wallet appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2xicEDb

What not  to pack for your next Disney trip Disney parks are known for a lot of things—their amazing rides, immersive park experiences, and delicious, quirky foods. But they’re also notorious for their rules. The sometimes strict rules all Disney employees have to follow are the stuff of legend, but there are plenty of regulations for would-be guests as well. For instance, there are numerous objects that you can’t bring into the parks, period. Some of these objects definitely make sense (wrapped packages, airhorns, and— seriously —human ashes), while others might seem more perplexing (what’s wrong with ice?!), or just downright random (pogo sticks, musical instruments). The post 18 Things You Didn’t Know Were Banned from Disney Parks appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3co0quH

It’s safe to say that the worst part about cooking is the cleanup. The piles of dishes after making and eating a big meal is always the least-exciting piece of the process. But what if there were a way to limit even a small part of kitchen cleanup post-cooking? And it’s hiding in your saucepan—which is one of the 36 everyday items you’ve been using wrong this whole time . Apparently, the hole at the end of your saucepan handle is good for more than just hanging up your pan. And it’s not the only  kitchen utensil that has a hidden secret . It moonlights as a convenient place to put your spoon. Just place the end of the handle in the hole. If you can, position the spoon so it hovers over the pan. Alicia Rooker, a recipe editor and tester for Reader’s Digest ‘s sister site Taste of Home , says that you should tap off as much sauce or food off the spoon before placing it in the panhandle. That way, you also prevent food from leaking down the spoon. And make sure to use a wooden or heat

Secret locations Ready to take the trail less traveled? It may lead you to some magical destinations. Here’s the best-kept-secret place in every state. While you’re looking for secret locations, make sure you know these 13 secret chambers in hidden landmarks . The post The Coolest Secret Location in Each State appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2PwuIkL

There’s no grind like the Girl Scout grind Ever wonder why you can’t buy Girl Scout cookies out of season, or why you can’t buy them if you don’t know a Girl Scout? The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a coveted product, for sure, but it isn’t just about money, money, money; it’s about the girls mastering the art of entrepreneurship. And master it they do—the business acumen of these master-cookie sellers could put Wall Street to shame. The post 20 Business Secrets from the Savviest Girl Scout Cookie Sellers appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2T6DxnE

Eagles nest “I took this photo on my property in Oronoco, Minnesota. I noticed an eagle’s nest on my bluff, so I decided to grab my camera. The little ones seemed interested in what I was doing and posed for me.” —Brad Akerson.  Also, take a look at the coolest secret location in every state . The post 40 Spectacular Photos to Celebrate the Start of Spring appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2G0m87g

September 11, 2001, is a day I’ll never forget, like anyone else who lived through it. It was a devastating day on which so many innocent lives were lost, and it was also the day my life was hijacked by a national narrative I couldn’t control. I was the CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority at the time, and in the aftermath, I was personally blamed for the attacks—a burden that proved to be almost too much to bear. I lost my job, my colleagues, and the respect of my nation. I’ve decided to tell my story now because it’s one of redemption against all odds, and if redemption is possible for me, then it is really is possible for anyone. A day like any other On the morning of September 11th, I was a working mom with a two-year-old son, and I was five weeks pregnant with my daughter. I was 36 at the time and had been appointed the CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which also meant that I was the head of Logan International Airport for two years prior. The position was a politica

Europe is home to a myriad of foods, cultures, and nationalities. Taking the time to explore popular travel destinations in Western Europe as well as small European towns you haven’t thought to visit (but should), this continent has a ton of facts and surprises for locals and visitors alike. Read on for some of the most interesting facts of the world’s second-smallest continent. The post 14 Facts About Europe You Probably Haven’t Heard Yet appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2TnZo93

Just don’t do it Life is busy, and it’s difficult to get it all done at the perfect moment. And yes, chipped nail polish, a slipping bra strap, or the feeling that there might be a little something up your nose can be infernally aggravating. Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do. But these habits can be repulsive to those around you, making shared spaces uncomfortable for all those within it. These nine things should be done extremely discreetly, or not at all, when in public. In the end, it’s about paying attention and being mindful, just one of the good manners that everyone should have . The post 9 Gross Everyday Habits You Have to Stop Doing in Public appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2qqfH70

Public health officials have been urging people to prepare -- not panic -- for the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself right now. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2wbadn4 Public health officials have been urging people to prepare -- not panic -- for the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself right now.

Getting to carbon neutral Just this past January, the World Resources Institute (WRI) released a working paper that outlined the urgency in making the United States carbon neutral by 2050 —meaning, keeping as much carbon out of the atmosphere as we’re putting in. Disturbingly (but not surprisingly), the research behind the paper highlighted the need not only to cut down drastically on our greenhouse gas emissions but to also prioritize figuring out a way to start removing carbon from the atmosphere, too, if we’re going to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change. No, it’s not impossible. Here are some ways we can get there. You can make these 20 tiny everyday changes to start helping the environment today . The post Carbon Neutral by 2050? Here’s Exactly What It Would Take appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2PvFh7H

A beloved cooking tool, nonstick pans have a place in many a home cook’s heart for their even cooking and quick cleanup. However, nonstick pans are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be used for quick-cook proteins for the best—and tastiest—results. Not sure where to begin? Check out this guide to every type of frying pan . The post 6 Things to Cook in a Nonstick Frying Pan—And 4 Things Not To appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/32GjPCF

It is my favorite episode of The Simpsons of all time. Homer is holding forth at his dinner table about the diverse deliciousness of bacon, ham, pork chops, and other porcine products. “Dad, those all come from the same animal,” his daughter says helpfully. “Yeah, right, Lisa,” Homer responds, amused by her naivete. “A wonderful, maaaagical animal!” As is usually the case, Homer was speaking a fundamental truth to which he happened to be hilariously oblivious: I am pretty magical. For starters, my fellow pigs are as smart as most any dog, capable of being taught how to play video games. I also make a great pet that can live for 20 years. But if eating me is the route you prefer, so be it. After all, I’m the sole farm-raised animal whose main purpose is to be food: I don’t graze pastures, pull plows, lay eggs, produce drinkable milk, or make wool. Nearly every part of me is useful and succulent, and my range of flavors and textures is unrivaled. No wonder I am the most-­consumed

Millennials have famously coined the term “bleisure,” a fun combination of business and leisure, which promotes the idea that business travel can include fun parts as well. Although it doesn’t always work for employees on a strict schedule, almost anyone can integrate a bit of bleisure into their business trips. Whether your next trip is strictly leisure, or in the bleisure category, make sure you never do these things in your hotel room . How do you go on a business trip? Business travel simply means your presence is needed in another location outside of your hometown for the work you are completing. Typically, it consists of meeting with clients or co-workers in a different office or attending an enrichment training or conference within your field. What is the purpose of a business trip? In the age of Skype, Microsoft Teams, conference calls, and other digital platforms, one might wonder what the purpose is of business travel at all. However, in some fields the face to face meeti

The fear of Friday the 13th If you’re at all superstitious, chances are that you get a little nervous when you spot Friday the 13th on a calendar. The date has been synonymous with bad luck for ages. In fact, according to History.com , a phobia surrounding it even has a few names: paraskavedekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia. While there’s absolutely no scientific evidence supporting the idea that Friday the 13th is actually unlucky, its origins as a not-so-great day go back pretty far. We’re talking way back to the last days of Jesus Christ. The BBC reports two theories about the unlucky day, including the idea that there were 13 people in attendance at the Last Supper and the fact that it takes 13 witches to create a coven. But even if you’re a true believer concerning the negativity of Friday the 13th , you’ll be pleased to hear that some good things have happened when that day of the week and that number of the month collide. Here are—of course—13 of them. The post 13 Lu

While I have always loved technology’s potential to connect people and ideas in new ways, back in the ’90s when I was founding the Webby Awards, I never imagined we would get to a point where everyone was staring down at their phones, distracted from the people and ideas happening right in front of them. Then, 10 years ago, my father died and my daughter was born within days of each other, and it felt like life was grabbing me by the shoulders and saying, “Focus on what’s important.”  I’d had enough of living in this distracted reality 24/7. I needed to create time and space for myself and my family, just to think and be in an uninterrupted way. So we started going completely screen-free one day a week for what we called our “Technology Shabbat.”  Ten years later, we’re still doing it. One day each week, we turn off all screens and fill our time with things we love. It’s not the punishment it sounds. In fact, it’s our favorite day of the week. There were some things I noticed right

Daylight saving time (DST) has become one of those things that everyone loves to hate. Many of us dread having to adjust our internal clocks to accommodate this shifting of time and it can take a while for our systems to recalibrate—especially when we lose an hour of sleep in the spring. We also grumble about how early it gets dark in the winter—when the return to standard time coupled with the shorter days of winter can make it seem like we barely have daylight at all. But it’s not just our bodies and our moods that take a beating, so too does the overall economy. This may leave you wondering why we have DST in the first place . DST and car accidents Arguably the highest toll of DST is human life. When a person is tired after the time change, they may make poor decisions or have delayed reflexes and response times; this can be particularly dangerous behind the wheel. In a 2016 study published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics , Austin Smith , an assistant professo

They were invented at Disneyland Legend has it, we have Mickey Mouse to thank for these crispy treats, according to Business Insider . Doritos’ parent company, Frito-Lay, operated a restaurant named Casa de Fritos inside the park in the 1960s. When a salesman saw Casa de Fritos throwing away stale tortillas, he suggested they fry them for chips instead. When marketing executive Arch West saw this, he loved the idea and convinced Frito-Lay to start selling the chips nationally in 1966. The post 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Doritos appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2IgLWPy

Caño Cristales, Colombia With “the river of five colors,” also known as “the melted rainbow,” waters that are a hallucinogenic concoction of pink, red, green, and blue colors (a result of the unique microorganisms living in it) and its jaw-dropping waterfalls, Caño Cristales is now overwhelmingly popular. And, it’s only become more so after a  2016 peace agreement was signed between the government of Colombia and the country’s largest rebel group. The uptick in foot traffic is cause for concern, as it could jeopardize the area’s extremely fragile ecosystem. In 2017, access was restricted to give the river a break. “We decided to implement the restriction because human presence can harm the plants’ reproduction processes,” Faber Ramos, coordinator of the ecotourism program, told the BBC . Check out 14 more of the most naturally colorful places in the world . The post 17 Places That Have Been Ruined by Tourism appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https: