We’ve all been sucked into tourist traps at some point during our travels. It usually happens by accident, of course, and with the best intentions. Maybe your uncle recommended it as a “must-visit” attraction. Or you’d seen countless photos of a famous destination and felt like you had to see it in person. All too often, though, these spots end up not being the highlight of our trips: The tourist-heavy restaurant doesn’t have very good food, or a popular destination has long lines, endless visitors and inflated prices.

Of course, the key to avoiding tourist traps is knowing what they are in the first place, and two new studies can help with that. Vacation-rental and property-management company Casago and USA Today Blueprint each identified some of the most overhyped and overrated destinations so you can enjoy every part of your next vacation.

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How did these studies identify the biggest tourist traps?

Two different studies, two different methodologies. And before we get to the details, we should note that they looked at tourist traps around the world, but we’re focusing on the United States for this story.

The first study, from Casago, relied on tourist feedback from TripAdvisor. Its analysts searched for the number of times the words tourist trap were mentioned in a TripAdvisor review of a particular sight. They also made sure that each destination had at least five of these mentions and that the phrase “not a tourist trap” didn’t count toward this number. It’s also worth noting that four of the biggest tourist traps in the world are located in the United States, according to Casago’s analysis.

The July 2023 USA Today Blueprint study, on the other hand, was based on 23.2 million Google reviews for the world’s 500 most popular tourist attractions, which spanned 65 countries. This analysis took into account the frequency of words including tourist trap, overrated and expensive, and measured the relative frequency of those mentions compared with the total number of reviews for a particular attraction.

What are the worst tourist traps in the United States?

The two studies by Casago and USA Today Blueprint each produced different results, though one hot spot does appear on both lists. (More on that later, but how’s that for a dubious distinction?) And the “winners” are…

Fisherman’s Wharf

Casago’s study identified Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco as the biggest tourist trap in the United States—and the world. Its analysis found 1,049 Trip Advisor reviews with the words tourist trap for the California city’s iconic waterfront business district that sees around 12 million visitors annually.

To be fair, there are some cool things to see here, such as sea lions sunbathing near the shores of the San Francisco Bay and two cable car lines to ride. But you can get that California-coastline experience elsewhere in San Fran, and the “world-class dining, shopping, hotels and endless entertainment opportunities” touted by the city’s tourism board aren’t quite what they’re cracked up to be, according to TripAdvisor reviewers. The issue? If you’re looking for an authentic San Francisco experience—and one without overpriced tourist trinkets—you probably won’t find it here, according to Steve from North Carolina. Another reviewer, Bert, called it a “mini Vegas” for its many mediocre restaurants and T-shirt shops.

Still feel like you need to visit Fisherman’s Wharf? By all means, stop by, says San Francisco–based travel agent Andrey Zakharenko… but then quickly move on to another site. “If you want to go to Alcatraz, it does depart from Pier 39, so you’re close to the Fisherman’s Wharf area,” he points out. “And just a little to the left of it, you’ve got Ghirardelli Square in Fort Mason, where there are more local vendors and more interesting places to visit.”

Four Corners Monument

The Four Corners Monument—located right at the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico—topped USA Today‘s list. Situated in Navajo Tribal Park, it certainly has some intrigue, since it’s the only place in the United States where four states meet. If you’re on a quest to visit every state in the country, you can stand right on the spot and check off four!

But it’s hours from other big vacation destinations, so between that and its $8 USD-per-person entry fee, many tourists didn’t feel it was worth the effort or expense. “It’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid,” Loana Grado acknowledged in a Google Review, adding she was glad she visited but that it “wasn’t a big whoop.” She adds: “I’d do it once in your lifetime, and that’s enough.”

Reviewer Joel Kermis likewise called it “a fun spot to visit if you’re already in the area… but it has little additional value beyond the novelty of being in four states at the same time.” Translation: It’s a great quick stop on a road trip or a possible must-see if you’re a geography nut, but it probably shouldn’t be your sole destination.

Other top tourist traps

So, what else is overrated? Here are the other spots that rounded out Casago’s top 10 for the U.S. portion of its list:

• Dole Plantation (a historic pineapple plantation in Wahiawa, Hawaii)
• Times Square in New York City
• Café Du Monde in New Orleans
• Navy Pier in Chicago
• Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
• Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, South Carolina
• San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas
• Cannery Row, a waterfront district in Monterey, California
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame in California

Meanwhile, USA Today‘s analysis called out these popular destinations:

• The Salem Witch Museum in Salem, Massachusetts
• Calico Ghost Town in San Bernardino, California
• Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer County, South Dakota
• International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico
• Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, Oregon
• Pike Place Market in Seattle
• Navy Pier in Chicago
• Preservation Hall in New Orleans

Should you visit anyway?

Maybe. After all, you might really want to get a photo at Chicago’s Navy Pier—which was, by the way, the only attraction that appeared in both Casago and USA Today‘s top 10. You also might want a beignet and a cup of coffee from Café Du Monde in New Orleans. (Those beignets really are delicious!) It’s just that you should adjust your expectations and plan your visit strategically.

Zakharenko frequently works with clients who want to experience local culture when visiting a new place but might also want to throw in a popular tourist spot or two along the way. “If they want to see the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and stuff like that, then I say, ‘Let’s see if there’s a better date to do it when it may be less crowded,'” he says.

After all, planning a trip with a mix of photo-worthy spots and cool hidden gems can often make for the best trip. It all boils down to what you’re looking for. “It’s always good to ask why you’re doing it,” Zakharenko says. “Is it because someone told you or because you’re actually interested in the destination?”

Got California on your bucket list? Don’t miss our grown-ups’ guide to Universal Studios Hollywood.

We’re used to reaching for paper towels to mop up spills and wipe down surfaces, but they’re more versatile than a person might think! Whether it’s patting chicken dry to get super crispy skin, or seasoning a cast-iron skillet, paper towels come to the rescue in different ways. It turns out you can use paper towels in the fridge to help keep your vegetables fresh. Here’s how.

What Do I Have to Do?

It’s pretty simple—all you have to do is line your crisper drawer with paper towels before you tuck your produce in there. Then, replace the paper towel every time you put in a new batch of produce. This makes sure your vegetables stay fresher longer. It keeps the crisper drawer clean, too.

How Does This Work?

Lots of fruits and vegetables, including kale and zucchini, release water after they’re stored. This moisture has nowhere to go and stays in the crisper drawer, and you end up with sad, brown produce. The paper towels absorb the moisture, making sure you never have to deal with limp kale leaves again. Now, you’ll have plenty of fresh veg on hand for longer, which means fewer trips to the grocery store.

It’s important to remember to change out the paper towels frequently, otherwise they’ll go limp from the absorbed moisture and fall apart.

Next, discover 13 cooking hacks that’ll save you time, money and effort in the kitchen.

When he first arrived at our clapboard home in the arms of Alvin Whitmore—a family friend and distant cousin—on that steamy August morning in 1954, I just knew this small black ball of fur and I would be great partners for many summers to come. The colour of his paws triggered a few names that most 11-year-old boys would find perfect.

“We should call him Four-Socks or maybe Boots,” I said as my father paid the agreed-upon $5 for our new family member. “Good names, son, but I think this little fellow would like your second suggestion best. That’s a great name for a puppy with four brown paws,” said Dad with a smile. “Boots, welcome to our family,” he confirmed.

After Boots grew to knee-high and I turned 12, we both felt ready for after-school outdoor adventures. Not far from our back door lay hundreds of acres of open fields, a river, trails and forests. Once school was out for summer in late June, Boots and I would head out early to the green forests and riverbanks along the main branch of the town’s rolling river, the Saugeen. With my binoculars, a cut-down fishing pole and a canvas knapsack, we would ramble our secret trails, explore freshwater springs, eat wax-paper-wrapped sandwiches on a rock pile or riverbank, and fish all day for elusive brown and speckled trout. Usually I reeled in only suckers and silver chub, both of which never made it into my wicker fishing basket. But those hot summer days, rolling waters, and soft green banks undercut by decades of spring floods are forever embedded in my adult mind.

Mists of Time

Closing my eyes on this midsummer day some 50 years later brings back memories of sunburned arms and cool, shady days that marked every trek along that waterway, from one deep fishing hole to the next. Since I’m quite certain there’s a dog heaven, no doubt Boots is up there enjoying getting soaking wet on the shorelines before rolling in tall grass under the big willows.

A constant highlight of those “school’s out for summer” days was Mom’s lunch bag of thick jam, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, glass jars of chocolate milk and a mason jar of soft food for Boots. Now in her 89th year, she still recalls those adventures long ago shared by the two fast friends, both young and full of energy. I think she loved Boots almost as much as me.

On our daylong rambles, Boots had a knack for reading my weakness quite well by successfully begging for sandwich crusts or the corners of a cookie. Only peanut butter was forbidden: we learned that lesson months earlier in the kitchen. It’s no fun seeing a dog trying to dislodge peanut butter from the roof of his mouth with his tongue.

It was also well-known in the neighbourhood that my black-and-tan buddy would protect me against any perils, real or imagined, without fail. Not that danger played a serious role in our small-town environment, although there were bullies in schoolyards then, just like today. My own four-legged safety net existed on our two-acre property. I believe a couple of grown-ups now in their senior years may still bear a few long-healed marks on their bottom cheeks from my dog’s reaction to the innocent one-on-one boxing matches we held every summer in our backyard. Gentle nips were delivered to opponents’ butts, but only when I was clearly losing a match. Whenever it appeared I was winning those outdoor fisticuffs, there was no such reaction. That system seemed fair to me, though others would surely disagree. I know of two grown men who freely admit today to throwing those summer matches, just to keep Boots happy—and distant!

While today’s parents are often accused of being overprotective, mine encouraged being close to nature, all day long if possible. Part of that learning experience happened on those full-day summer adventures, with my dog as my sole companion. And yes, I imagined he spoke back to me as we explored the fields, forests and cool waters that welcomed a small-town boy. Walking our familiar trails together often led to secret two-way conversations that helped me reach answers to teenage questions.

A Unique Watchdog

Two years later, after my last year in high school, there were bigger midsummer decisions to consider before September. Everyone knew that meant college far away from our small community. Admittedly an exciting adventure for me, but sorry, no dogs allowed. That fall was my time to begin on a new direction in the biggest city in Canada. But during that first year, it was also a time when everyone in our family witnessed an unusual canine talent that amazed every member. It still does, to this very day.

In the mid-’60s, living 150 miles south of home in a university dorm was also an experience that strained my parents’ budget. To ensure the transition would be affordable, my father severed-off three building lots from our two-acre property. The money received from the sale soon mysteriously found its way into my bank account.

Weekends often meant hitchhiking home. It seems impossible today, but when I attended college, there was little concern about throwing on a knapsack and using your thumb to obtain a ride. Hitchhiking was common and considered safe. I used that exact method during my first two years away, often starting out on a Friday afternoon. On most occasions, I would reach home in four hours. Looking back on those weekend journeys, Fridays also proved that Boots was not an ordinary pet. He was a magical mutt!

Our house sat on a rise about 300 yards from where the highway bisected the town. The sightline from the edge of that rise to the highway is unobstructed. The moment I exited my last ride, at the juncture of our street and the highway, Boots would spot his master and bound rocketlike down the rise to greet me with a series of joyous leaps and licks. At first, I thought his timing was simple luck, and not an unexplainable instinct. But after many consecutive Friday journeys with the same happy greeting, I asked my parents a basic question: “Does Boots hang out on that same hill every afternoon until nightfall?”

“It’s the craziest thing,” answered my mom and dad in unison. “He certainly has a time clock of some kind inside that brain. We’ve watched his actions closely ever since you moved. Believe it or not, Boots only sits on that rise every Friday afternoon and he stays unmoving until he spots you at the corner. The other six afternoons, he acts normal. On those weekends when you stay in Toronto, he sits on that rise until very late at night, once it was nearly midnight!”

This proven talent of counting down days seems difficult to understand; no one we know could ever explain how he knew it was Friday afternoon. Boots was loyal and accurate for all three years of my time in college—always on watch on the correct day, regardless of the weather.

He was unique, at least in my mind.

After Boots left us for canine heaven, we decided not to get another furry friend from Cousin Alvin. Most likely my special pal would have disapproved of any substitute watchdog.

But our “Time Dog” is still on that small rise to this day, his name marked on a flat river stone I found along the shoreline.

Next, read the heartwarming story of how one woman adopted her first dog at the age of 65—and gained a new lease on life.

At a summertime concert, in the office or classroom, from the laughter of grandchildren or a Jimmy Buffett song, hearing helps to connect you with the world around you. With much of the Baby Boomer generation now having reached the distinguished senior threshold, recent research has also shown that hearing provides essential stimulation that can fight off depression—and increasing evidence is suggesting that’s also true for dementia.

A July 2023 study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet found that keeping a pulse on your hearing health may be one powerful way to keep dementia at bay.

The results of the ACHIEVE study

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person is considered to have hearing loss if their ability to hear falls below the standard of normal hearing thresholds: 20 decibels or better in both ears. This impairment can vary in severity, from mild to profound, and might affect one or both ears.

The reasons for hearing loss include birth factors, early childhood issues, persistent ear infections or other illnesses, loud noise exposure, aging, and certain harmful drugs, among others. Per data from the WHO, this is a concern shared worldwide: a staggering 1.5 billion people, or about one-fifth of the global population, live with some form of hearing loss.

Under the guidance of Frank Lin, MD, PhD, Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins, the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation (ACHIEVE) study set out to explore the link between hearing and cognitive health.

Dr. Lin and his team of researchers enrolled 977 participants between the ages of 70 and 84, all exhibiting untreated hearing loss but having no significant cognitive impairments. Participants were divided into two categories: One group that received a hearing aid, a toolkit for self-management, and ongoing audiologist counseling; while the other group was given health education sessions on chronic disease prevention.

A fascinating discovery emerged: After undergoing the hearing intervention, participants in this group exhibited an average 48% decrease in the rate of cognitive decline over three years.

In a press release, Dr. Lin reflected on the study: “The hearing intervention had a significant effect on reducing cognitive change within three years in the population of older adults in the study who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.” He added that the hearing intervention also notably improved “communication abilities, social functioning, and loneliness.”

Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer, says she finds the results heartening and emphasizes the need for global dementia prevention strategies: “The positive results with the hearing intervention … are encouraging and warrant further investigation.”

Find out how magnesium may lower your dementia risk.

Possible reasons hearing loss impacts dementia risk

Dr. Lin discusses three predominant theories in an interview with the university:

• First, hearing loss can lead to reduced social interactions, resulting in feelings of isolation or withdrawal. Cognitive stimulation via regular interactions is crucial for brain health.
• Second, the cognitive load hypothesis suggests that the brain compensates for hearing loss by redirecting resources. Another way to understand this might be that the energy it takes just trying to figure out what’s being said around you can compromise other cognitive functions and make a person more susceptible to dementia.
• Third, chronic reduced auditory stimulation might cause faster atrophy in specific brain regions. Consequently, addressing hearing loss, potentially with hearing aids, could reduce these detrimental pathways and decrease cognitive decline risks.

The bottom line

Should everyone rush to get a hearing aid? While the study showcases the potential of hearing interventions in stalling cognitive decline, particularly in high-risk groups, Dr. Lin offers his perspective, “Until we know more, we recommend for general health and well-being that older adults have their hearing checked regularly and any hearing issues properly addressed.” Roger that.

Next, find out how the MIND Diet meal plan can reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s.

Admit it: you absolutely love the smell of your new car as you’re driving off the lot. Scientists haven’t figured out why everyone loves the smell of a new car so much—maybe it’s because people associate the smell with the luxury of having purchased a new set of wheels. But the smell that comes along with your new ride is actually really toxic and can be harmful to your health.

Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and founder of RTK Environmental Group, says that the new car scent you’re smelling is actually made up of something called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The new car smell occurs when the various materials that make up your car off-gas and release VOCs.

The materials used in the interior of a new car include polyurethane or polyester and various paints, plastics and sealants. The VOC molecules released from these materials do eventually evaporate, but in the beginning, they are very harmful to humans, especially in a confined space. (VOCs can also be found in the home. Consult our healthy home checklist to find out how to eliminate these potential toxins.)

“There are many VOCs that cause cancer (carcinogens) and most will produce symptoms in many individuals including respiratory, headaches and joint and muscle pain. We are all built differently and the VOCs have different effects on all of us,” says Weitz.

As the new car smell fades over time, so do the VOCs—but on warm days, the materials can start to off-gas again. One way to combat the issue is to keep your windows open when you can and don’t inhale as deeply every time you get into your new car.

[Source: howstuffworks.com]

Next, find out why car windows have those little black dots.

Like oil and filter changes and other routine mechanical maintenance tasks, regular cleaning does wonders to prolong the life of your car’s interior.

“With all car seats, prevention is better than cure, so I advise that spending a little time each week keeping your car clean and hygienic will pay off in the long run,” says John Peterson, editor of Safe Drive Gear and an auto retailer senior sales manager.

To clean car seats like a professional, keep these nine tips in mind:

Start with Vacuuming

Thoroughly vacuuming car seats as the first cleaning step makes the rest of the job easier. “This will not only remove dust, debris and pet hair but also prevent you from simply pushing it deeper into the seat padding,” says Peterson.

Michael Stoops, senior global product and training specialist at Meguiar’s, recommends vacuuming with a soft brush head to get inside all the creases on the seat. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to reach between the seat and the console, as well as other hard-to-reach spots.

Don’t Skip Stain Treatments

Ground-in dirt, melted chocolate, grease stains from drive-thru fare… they all have a way of leaving a lasting mark on car seats. Work an upholstery or leather cleaner gently into the stain with a soft scrubbing brush. Stoops cautions not to scrub too aggressively on leather to avoid scratching the surface.

Always test a new cleaner (store-bought or homemade) in a hidden spot to ensure it won’t discolour or damage your car upholstery. (You probably have all the ingredients you need to make these DIY carpet stain removers.)

Try Homemade Solutions

Head to your kitchen and mix up a homemade car seat cleaning solution with a few common household products.

Mix two cups water, one cup vinegar and approximately a tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on any stains or especially dirty spots, scrub gently and rinse lightly with clean water. Finish by dabbing the spot with a microfibre cloth to absorb excess moisture.

More Isn’t Better

Use water and cleaner sparingly. These liquids can be absorbed deeply into the seat where they won’t dry readily.

A dry foam cleaner works well for cloth seats because it cleans without a lot of water. “Avoid using anything that could saturate cloth seats, thereby getting the foam wet, as this could lead to mold growth,” says Stoops. Plus, many dry foam cleaners come with built-in brushes, making scrubbing even easier.

For leather seats, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Peterson suggests paying attention to any creases in the seats and spots where skin or hair contacts the leather.

Clean from Top to Bottom

With vacuuming and stain treatment complete, move on to a thorough washing. “Go over every part of the seat starting at the top so that any dirty solution drips down,” says Peterson. When your brush gets dirty, Peterson says to be sure to rinse it in clean water and shake to remove excess moisture.

Hit Every Part

Besides the headrest, the back and the seat, spend some time cleaning the other seat components, such as the seat belt and buckle. Don’t forget the front of the seat where the backs of your legs hit, and beneath the seat.

Dry Thoroughly

Plan on letting your newly cleaned car seats dry for several hours or overnight. Peterson says you can speed up the process by removing excess moisture with an absorbent microfibre cloth. (Here are 13 car washing tips the pros don’t want you to know.)

Give Special Considerations for Leather

Keep in mind that leather interiors need specialty products formulated for leather. Following up cleaning with conditioning certainly adds an extra step, but the effort is worth it. “A good leather conditioner will keep the leather moist which prevents cracking, while also providing UV protection to maintain the colour,” says Peterson.

Consider Seat Protectors

Thorough and regular cleaning will keep car seats looking like new, but seat protectors also help.

“If you’re into a very active lifestyle and spend a lot of time at the beach, or you’re into running or cycling and get back to your car a bit sweaty and dirty, there are a variety of temporary seat covers on the market that you can install in a snap before your outing,” Stoops says. “When you get back home, these covers come off as easily and quickly as they go on and most are machine washable.”

Select covers that are tailored specifically for your make and model. Ensure they are compatible with airbags and seat belts. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations on after-market accessories such as seat covers.

Next, check out these car interior cleaning tips to refresh your ride.

There are many possible sources of a shaking steering wheel. The key to diagnosing the problem is determining when the shaking takes place: during low, medium or high speed driving; when braking, turning or accelerating; or a combination of these actions. If the same vibration occurs under the same circumstances, or worsens, it’s time to get your vehicle to the pros.

Unbalanced tires, warped brake rotors and damaged or worn suspension system parts are the most likely causes for a shaking steering wheel.

Tires and Wheels: Medium- to High-Speed Driving

Tires and wheels must be balanced to prevent vibration. Wheel balancing is the process of equalizing the combined weight of a tire and wheel assembly, allowing it to spin smoothly at high speed.

Tire imbalance results from one section of a tire being heavier than another. That causes the tire and wheel to vibrate up and down or side to side at specific speeds. That vibration typically telescopes up through the steering wheel, causing it to shake. Abnormal tire wear, wheel damage from an impact (hitting a pothole, curb or being involved in an accident), unevenly worn tires or even a patched tire can also cause an imbalance.

Balancing your tires and wheels usually fixes this problem. That involves spinning a tire and wheel assembly using a specialty piece of equipment called a wheel balancer (it’s a job for pros, not do-it-yourselfers). Using sophisticated software and sensors, wheel balancers identify a tire’s heavy spots. Wheel weights are added opposite of the heavy area to counteract the imbalance, which eliminates the vibration.

Even new tires usually have some imbalance. Have you ever notice a yellow or red paint dot on new tires? These indicate the lightest point (yellow) or maximum out-of-round (red) on the tire.

Brakes: Any Speed

A warped or damaged disc brake rotor or out-of-round brake drum can cause a steering wheel to shake. A warped disc means the thickness (run-out) across the face of the rotor differs. As the brake pads move over a thinner area of the rotor when stopping, the brake pedal will move up and down. As the thickness variations on the rotor increase with wear, or as the rotors heat up, the pulsations intensify and travel through the suspension system to the steering wheel. Rotors and brake drums can be resurfaced, but if they are worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications they need replacing. It is best to replace both sides at the same time.

Whether you do the brake repairs yourself or leave it to a mechanic, be sure the brake calipers are not binding. Binding calipers cause overheated, scored and cracked rotors. These defects cause vibrations. Always replace all the brake hardware when replacing brake pads.

Suspension Systems: Low- to Medium-Speed Driving

An out-of-alignment suspension system usually will not cause the steering wheel to vibrate. It will cause tires to wear abnormally, however, causing the tires to vibrate. Loose suspension parts (bushings, tie-rod ends, mounting hardware), a worn wheel hub bearing or drive axle CV joint can cause steering wheel vibration, usually at low speed, and likely will be more pronounced when turning into a driveway or when parking.

Other Causes: Any Speed

Snow jammed into the back side of a wheel, road tar or a plastic bag wrapped around a drive axle or drive shaft can cause steering wheel vibration. Wheel weights can also fall off. And stay away from tire sealants. If the sealant doesn’t fully adhere to the inside of the tire, the tire will vibrate. Tire sealants can be extremely difficult to clean out and can ruin a repairable tire or tire pressure monitoring system sensor.

It’s wise to have your repair shop check your tires, wheels, brakes and suspension during recommended maintenance intervals to help avoid future problems.

A shaking steering wheel is most likely caused by a problem that’s only going to get worse. Whether you check your car yourself or take it to a shop, deal with the shaking issue before it causes additional problems with your car. Next, find out what these strange car sounds could mean.

You probably haven’t given much thought to the pattern of little black dots on the edges of car and bus windows. Sure, they look cool, but do they do anything?

Thanks to Jalopnik.com, we learned that those black dots on windshields and windows, and the black rims that surround them, do have a reason for being there (other than decoration). It has to do with how car windows are made—from the 1950s and ’60s onward, car manufacturers started to use an adhesive to hold car windows in place, rather than metal trim. This adhesive got the job done, but it wasn’t very aesthetically pleasing. Enter the black rims that you see around car windows, called “frits.” The frits (and the dots that border them) are made from ceramic paint. The frits are there to hide the rather icky-looking, but very important, adhesive from view. Also, since these painted rims are baked—yes, baked—into the window, they are all but indestructible. They hold the glue in place, which in turn holds the windows in place. (Here’s why you should immediately repair a chipped car windshield.)

As for the dots, they are there to make an aesthetically pleasing transition from the thick black lines to the transparency of the window. The dots aren’t randomly placed; they are positioned in what’s known as a “halftone pattern,” getting smaller and farther apart as the black recedes. This pattern is less jarring to the eye than opaque black paint juxtaposed with transparent glass. However, even the dots aren’t just there for decoration. Their other purpose, besides the visual effect, is to provide temperature control. To get the glass of windows and windshields to be bent the way it is, the glass is heated up. The black-painted glass heats up faster than the rest of the window. The dots are there to distribute the heat a little more evenly, which prevents the windshield from warping in the heat.

So, now you know why car windshields and windows have those little black dots. For more fascinating auto facts, find out what these strange car noises could indicate.

[Source: Jalopnik.com]

If your hands are always cold, even in the peak of summer, you’re not alone. Many people get chilly fingers during all of the seasons, due to a number of causes, from genetics—the tendency runs in families—to chronic illnesses.

Common benign reasons you might experience this discomfort include being elderly (more likely to have a slower metabolism) and being thin (less muscle and fat for insulation). For some people, lifestyle changes can help: avoiding nicotine and caffeine, which constrict your blood vessels, and getting regular exercise to improve circulation. For an instant fix, try jumping in place, shaking your hands or simply bundling up in warmer clothing.

If your hands are always cold or numb, however, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out more serious causes. Cold hands are one of the symptoms of anemia and hypothyroidism. Diabetes, which reduces blood circulation, can also trigger it. And if your heart is weak from heart disease, your body may prioritize sending blood to your core over your limbs.

For many others, cold hands are a sign they have a largely harmless condition called Raynaud’s disease. When any of us goes out in the cold, our bodies activate the muscles in our smallest blood vessels to make them even smaller—a survival mechanism to keep blood, and thus warmer temperatures, in our core. For people with Raynaud’s, this reaction is too strong, and instead of just a bit less blood going to their fingers, far too little gets there.

Named after Maurice Raynaud, the French doctor who first discovered the condition in the mid-1800s, Raynaud’s disease is surprisingly common. Dr. John Osborne, director of State of the Heart Cardiology in Dallas, Texas, says it affects between four and 20 percent of people around the world.

One notable characteristic of the disease is fingers changing colour. “They call it the French flag,” says Osborne. “The fingers turn white because there’s no blood flow, then blue due to lack of oxygen and then red as the blood comes back into the fingers.” The onset of symptoms can be due to cold winter air, overly air-conditioned spaces in the summer or even just grabbing a bag of frozen peas at the grocery store.

Raynaud’s is more common in women, and it most often develops before the age of 30. In fact, if you develop Raynaud’s when you’re older—usually after 40—it can be a sign of another underlying issue. That could be a smaller problem—a previous incident of frostbite, the onset of carpal tunnel syndrome or a side effect from drugs like beta blockers or some migraine medications—or a sign of a more ser­ious autoimmune condition, like lupus.

A rare, more severe form of Raynaud’s affects less than one in 1,000 people. In these cases, blood can become completely blocked, causing sores on the hands. If they go untreated, it can lead to gangrene and, very rarely, amputation. Thankfully, there are effective medications for these cases that help increase blood flow—including losartan, usually used for high blood pressure, and sildenafil, often prescribed for erectile dysfunction. Topical options, like nitroglycerin cream, which improves blood flow, may also help.

For the majority of people living with Raynaud’s, however, medication won’t be necessary. “For them, it’ll be more annoying than anything else,” says Osborne.

Now that you know the possible reasons why your hands are always cold, find out 20 symptoms you should never ignore.

The fall of 2019 came with a huge surprise from my dad. My mom had always wanted to travel to the Maritime provinces, but her dementia was getting worse and Dad’s walking ability was deteriorating, so Dad decided to send his “girls” the following year. The COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, which postponed the trip. Finally, in the spring of 2021, provinces began to lift their restrictions and Dad planned the whole trip for us, from plane tickets to Airbnb accommodations to our meals. My sisters Leona and Anita and I, along with our mom, prepared for the trip; our older sister, Leah, was the only one who didn’t join us, as she lives on a farm and couldn’t get away. Sadly, our dad passed away just three weeks before our flight, but he was with us in spirit the whole way.

Touring the Maritime Provinces

On day one, we flew to Fredericton. Anita’s son, Taylor, is stationed at Gagetown and welcomed us into his home in Fredericton. New Brunswick reminded us of the Whiteshell area of Manitoba, full of lush forests and rushing rivers. No wonder our nephew calls it his home now.

By 11 a.m. on day two, the four of us were on the road in our rented car, headed to Windsor, Nova Scotia, with a stop first in Sackville, New Brunswick, for lunch at the Black Duck Café. We tried homemade items on the menu—with all the ingredients coming from the café’s garden. We then crossed into Nova Scotia, heading to Burntcoat Head Park, home to the highest tides in the world. You can walk down to the beach and watch the tide slowly come in, which we did. When the rocks were engulfed by the water, it was time to head to our first B & B for the night.

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We woke up to rain on day three but decided to head to Wolfville, Nova Scotia, anyway. Our first stop was the Annapolis Cider Company, where we sampled three types of delicious apple cider and got to see how they make it—there were huge drums of it down in the basement area. Next, we drove to Just Us!, a coffee and chocolate establishment focusing on fair trade. Our final stop on this rain-soaked day was Tangled Garden, a little cottage shop nestled among vines, trees and paths. We walked those paths with umbrellas in hand and peace in our hearts—the exact feeling the labyrinths were intended to invoke.

Finally in Windsor on day four, our first stop was lunch at Bent Ridge Winery, where rows upon rows of vines were weighed down with enormous grapes. When we closed our eyes, it felt as though we were in Italy. We sampled the house wines along with a cheeseboard featuring brie with wine-infused jellies.

Then it was off to Mahone Bay to drop off our luggage at the B & B before heading to nearby Lunenburg. The tall houses are painted in every colour of the rainbow. The streets are steep, so wearing good, sturdy footwear is a must. The shops were crowded on these streets but worth the wait for souvenirs and amazing ice cream. The Bluenose II was not docked that day, but so many other ships were—we watched as crew members cleaned their boat decks. We also stopped at the Fishermen’s Memorial to read the names of those lost at sea.

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On day five, we spent the morning shopping in Mahone Bay in the many charming shops that dot the main street. In the Amos Pewter studio, artists can be found making their wares for later sale and answering any questions you might have. Day five was also when I would finally try lobster for my dad. In fact, a lot of seafood was consumed on this day! The restaurant, Oh My Cod!, in Mahone Bay has very friendly staff and amazing food.

We then headed off to Peggy’s Cove, where the scenery was very different. The power of the sea was fierce and the salty air filled our nostrils. There was construction under way, but a safe walkway still allowed access to the famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. I was true to my word and tried the lobster, but I’m a bona fide Manitoba girl and, after three bites, had to give the rest to Anita. But I tried it, Dad!

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Arriving in PEI

It rained again for our drive to Prince Edward Island on our sixth day of this trip. We dipped into New Brunswick to cross Confederation Bridge and arrived in Can­ada’s smallest and most beautiful province. Rolling roads pass rich fields of potatoes and other crops; the rich soil is so red that I had to take a bit of it home with me. Our first stop was Avonlea Village, which features replicas of houses and shops from the time of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Our last stop on this day was Cavendish Beach, just a few miles away from the village. The water was warm and the sand, red. We looked for brilliant ­white clamshells, of which there were many, and thanked Dad for such a wonderful day.

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Green Gables Heritage Place called to us on day seven. The large building houses an exhibit of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s life and how it mirrored her most famous char­acter, Anne. Then you are able to walk out into the world Lucy knew and shared with us in Anne of Green Gables: rolling mead­ows, babbling brooks and even the fam­ous Haunted Wood. For lunch we drove to North Rustico Harbour, a small fishing vil­lage that is home to Maritime music and the Blue Mussel Café. Again, wonderful food and staff greeted us.

Glasgow Glen Farm was on our way home so we just had to stop. Thousands of wheels of delicious Gouda—including the famed original recipe from the “Cheese Lady”—lay in the back cooler. There were so many varieties with amazingly rich flavours, they made a nice snack for a relaxing evening.

On day eight we left Prince Edward Is­land, but not before doing some more shop­ping in Summerside and Borden­-Carleton.

Back in Fredericton, we spent our final day of this memorable trip taking a walk­ing tour of the historic city. We strolled the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge over the Saint John River and later stopped at some of the charming shops dotting the city streets. It was a much­-needed walk in the sunshine—and a much-­needed trip in general.

We had the most amazing adventure thanks to Dad, who until the very end thought about his girls and what could pos­sibly heal our hearts.

Thank you, Dad, for everything!

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