Matador Network's Blog, page 576
September 21, 2021
The famed cardboard beds for Olympic athletes will now be used for Japan’s COVID-19 patients
Alongside the fantastic feats we saw from athletes during the 2020 Japan Olympic Games (held in 2021), Japan had it’s own memorable ways of welcoming athletes to the Olympic Village. One of the standouts was the cardboard beds, which upon first glance appeared rather budget but in actualitywere surprisingly comfy and could hold 200 kilograms (441 lbs).
The village housed 18,000 people at its peak, and Japan opted for cardboard as a means for sustainability. Now that the games are over, Governor Hirofumi Yoshima announced on September 18 that 800 of those beds will likely now be used at a temporary medical facility in Osaka for COVID-19 patients displaying little to no symptoms.
“Those beds were for Olympians and they are high quality,” Yoshimura told reporters.
Airweave Inc., the company that designed the beds, told the prefecture it is willing to donate the beds to the facility, which is to be built at an exhibition center. The average number of reported cases of COVID-19 is 4,996 per day.
“Once we knew the Olympics would be postponed by a year, we reckoned we could put the beds to use for more pressing purposes,” Motokuni Takaoka, CEO of Airweave Inc. told Vice. “But the pandemic never got bad enough [in Japan] where prefectures were scrambling for beds. So we’re happy to put them to good use now.” 
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Unplug from the world on the Greek island of Gavdos, Europe’s southernmost point
Crete, Greece’s largest island, has been a popular mass tourism destination for decades. It’s home to big all-inclusive holiday resorts with sunbeds and umbrellas lining beautiful beaches, as well as long coach queues beside world-known archaeological sites like Knossos. Beyond this touristic surface, though, Crete hides a secret series of small islands and islets. Gavdos is the most unique of them all, located below Crete in the Libyan Sea — looking due south to Africa. It is not only the southernmost Greek island and the southernmost tip of Greece but is also widely accepted as Europe’s southernmost point, despite southern points in Cyprus and Madeira also claiming this title.
Known as Ogygia in ancient Greek mythology, the island on which the nymph Calypso held Ulysses hostage, Gavdos’ reputation remains mythical for those searching to get away from civilization, forget time, and connect with unspoiled nature. If you are dreaming of swimming naked in crystal clear waters and sleeping under the star-dusted sky on some of the best beaches in the world, Gavdos is your destination. Here’s how to plan a trip to Gavdos.
How to get to and move around Gavdos
Photo: Georgios Tsichlis /Shutterstock
May to September is the best time to visit the island. Although Gavdos is still off the beaten track, do not expect to find only its 150 registered residents there during the high peak summer season. It gets especially busy between mid-July to late August, with over 3,000 campers visiting the island over the course of the summer. To get there you can catch a ferry from the ports of Sfakia or Palaiochora in the Chania region and arrive at Gavdos’ port, Karave, in two or four hours, respectively. The trip costs about $15 per person. You can also hop on the ferry at the smaller ports of Agia Roumeli, Sougia, or Loutro. If you want to get there in just an hour but with limited space for luggage and no ability to carry any vehicles, choose the speedboat from Sfakia. The speedboat is weather dependent so be prepared for a bumpy ride if it’s windy. Even better, call the company before traveling to make sure that the boat is sailing that day.
You could take a car or other vehicle with you as there are a couple of paved roads connecting the main locations of the island, but you don’t really need it. Two public buses run a few times a day and apart from taking you around the island, they are the best way to meet other like-minded travelers as well as the island’s two iconic bus drivers.
The island hosts free camping and a nudist paradise
Photo: Georgios Tsichlis /Shutterstock
Despite being prohibited by Greek law, Gavdos hosts many free camping areas. From the port of Karave, you can head to the Sarakiniko or Ai Giannis beaches, the two most popular free camping locations. Sarakiniko is a long sandy beach and it is a good location to stay as you can find the majority of the island’s amenities by the beachfront, including cafes, tavernas, a bakery, and a mini-market, as well as toilets and outdoor showers. Many tavernas host free live music throughout the week and you can also enjoy concerts and open-air cinema for free in Sarakiniko’s small open-air theatre. If Sarakiniko’s culinary options do not cater to your taste, try the tavernas and bakeries with local products in Kastri, the island’s capital situated almost at the center of the island.
If you plan to camp, here’s a list of everything you will need.
On the western side of Sarakiniko, Ai Giannis beach is the choice of most free campers. Ai Giannis’ unique landscape of sand dunes and cedar trees have earned it multiple honors among the world’s most beautiful beaches. The whole island of Gavdos has been declared a “protected area of natural importance” under the European Commission’s network Natura 2000. If you are not keen on the idea of free camping, several rooms to rent are available around the island, just make sure to book early as they tend to fill up.
Embracing the island’s spirit, you can spend most of your stay in Gavdos naked by the beach or in the turquoise clear sea. Nudism is the norm rather than the exception on all of the island’s beaches. Even if nudism is not your thing, remember that this is primarily an island where freedom and acceptance are of paramount importance — and beachwear is of course welcome, too.
Trekking on Gavdos and visiting the southernmost point of Europe
Photo: Alexandros Michailidis /Shutterstock
Some of the island’s other famous beaches and wild beauty can only be reached on foot. From the sleepy settlement of Ampelos, a well-signposted albeit challenging trekking path ends at a series of steep steps that will lead you to the beach Potamos, taking around an hour and a half. If you want to avoid the hot sun, start early in the morning and bring food and water supplies with you as once on the beach there is nothing but the sea and a few hardcore free campers that give the place a bit of a “Castaway” vibe. You will feel like you’ve just reached the end of the world. Time your return to Ampelos to catch the bus that stops at the Lighthouse, a Gavdos landmark from 1880, just on time to explore its interior and climb all the way to the top to be rewarded with a view of the endless sea before you enjoy a magical sunset at the wooden chairs by the rocky outside area.
Another beautiful trekking path through abandoned stone houses starts from Vatsiana village, Europe’s southernmost settlement, and leads to the beach of Trypiti after about an hour. This is an easy and pleasant path but again be prepared for the hot sun and the lack of amenities on the way or once you are at the beach. At the right edge of Trypiti Beach is a rocky natural formation with three arches on top of which stands the most famous and unexpected landmark of Gavdos: a huge chair several times bigger than the average human that designates that you have arrived at Europe’s southernmost point.
The chair was placed there by a group of Russian physicists that arrived on the island in 1997. Since their arrival, the group has become notorious for their philosophical search for human immortality as expressed via their organization the Pythagorean Institute of Philosophical Studies for the Immortality of Man. You cannot leave Gavdos without taking a photo on top of the iconic chair, taking a moment to rest your eyes on the unobstructed view of the Libyan Sea. However, take extra care climbing the uneven rocks to get there — particularly if you suffer from vertigo. On your return from Trypiti, you can explore a different one-hour path towards Korfos through a beautiful pine forest which is a pleasant surprise on a primarily dry island. Reward yourself for the day’s trekking with some fresh fish at one of the tavernas in Korfos. For the best sea view, go for the taverna ‘Panorama’ at the highest point of the settlement.
Preparation for relaxation on Gavdos at Europe’s southernmost point
Photo: Georgios Tsichlis /Shutterstock
Gavdos is an island where time slows down and civilization stays behind. As such, you should do the same. This is an island of relaxation. Stay for more than a week if you can and come prepared to avoid disappointment. Most places will nowadays accept credit cards but there is only one ATM on the island and it often has no money in it to withdraw. Bring enough cash for the duration of your trip.
Remember to include in your backpack some basic medicine and first aid. And although you can charge your mobile in the cafes and tavernas it is very likely that it will run out of battery at some point if you opt to camp, so a power bank might be essential along with the rest of the gear in Matador’s guide to all the gear you need to backpack through Europe. Crete is not that far and there is a heliport for emergencies, but like most isolated Greek islands there can be issues with food supplies, electricity, and water depending on the weather. But fear not. Gavdos is not just an island, it is a way of life, and experiencing Europe’s southernmost point will reward you in ways the rest of Greece can’t (and not just because of the nude camping).
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This popular Caribbean island required you to make at least $70,000 to visit this summer
The island of Montserrat underwent a unique tourism experiment this summer that only allowed certain visitors to set foot on the beautiful island. The idea was to keep the tourism economy going, but without the risk of people constantly coming in and out. Visitors must commit to a two-month stay, and the primary income generator in the family must make at last $70,000 per year.
In theory, the concept isn’t too distant from the “digital nomad visas” many countries now offer in hopes of luring remote workers. But workers had to commit to the longer stay and show proof of income, in addition to facing a mandatory two-week quarantine. 21 travelers from seven families participated in this program.
In March 2020, when Montserrat detected its first COIVD-19 cases, it immediately closed its borders to tourists. In April 2021, the island opened up its borders, but with high caution, and in order to keep virus levels down, the island reopened with a remote worker program. To enter this remote program, travelers must make the required income of $70,000 per year and agree to a minimum two-month stay. Vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors are to quarantine for two weeks before taking a COVID-19 test to explore the island.
These strict measures will soon change, however. Starting October 1, all tourists who are vaccinated will be welcome on the island. The remote worker program will continue but without the vaccination or length-of-stay requirements.
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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt glass box observatory will offer floor to ceiling New York views
Get ready to experience the New York skyline like you never have before. After years of anticipation, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observatory is finally set to open October 21, 2021.
The four-story, 65,000 square-foot building’s new observatory is essentially a giant glass box, enabling 360-degree views over the city.
Photo: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Visitors can take advantage of several interactive experiences. Transcendence is part of the “euphoric multisensory experience” art installation Air by Kenzo Digital. The artist plays with the glass buildings to create optical illusions inspired by the element.
“On the surface, Air is a simple idea, carried out in maximalist form; and you soon realize that its effect is deep and wide, upending sensorial norms and reconnecting you to your primal mind. Air defamiliarizes the world around you such that your relationship to it is undone. The process of finding a new equilibrium opens up a sense of elemental curiosity, and you are rewarded for your exploration,” said Kenzo Digital in a statement.
Photo: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Another thrilling experience is Levitation. This walk-through art experience is comprised of boxes structured on the outside of the building with floor-to-ceiling glass 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue. The observatory also includes elevators with transparent glass floors that reach another 1,200 feet at the highest viewpoint in Midtown Manhattan. At the top, you’ll find Après, a sky-high nordic-themed lounge and café with views up to 80 miles.
Photo: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
“The excitement surrounding SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has been overwhelming. Now that we are finally able to offer a glimpse into the awe-inspiring, multi-level and multi-room immersive art experience that is air, people will begin to understand how different this destination is from any other in the world,” said Chairman and CEO of SL Green Marc Holliday in a press release. “We can’t wait to welcome New Yorkers and visitors to New York to experience this truly unique destination right in the heart of Manhattan connected to Grand Central Terminal. People are going to want to come back to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt again and again.”
The SUMMIT One is also donating one percent of sales to the SUMMIT Foundation, which supports various New York charities, and is involved with The Food1st Foundation which in the past year has donated over 600,000 meals to hungry people in New York. It also boasts sustainability efforts, with a system that generates electricity onsite to supply 50 percent of electrical use to avoid a negative impact on the New York City electric grid.
Tickets are already on sale.
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11 free things to do in Kansas City
When you’re thinking about a trip to Kansas City, there are three little words that should become your mantra: “Free in KC.” It’s not just a statement, it’s a promise, letting you know that this Midwestern barbecue, jazz, and arts capital also happens to be crazy affordable.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up 11 totally free things that don’t scrimp on the city’s wow factor. Here’s what’s possible in The New Midwest, The City of Fountains, or — simply — KC.
1. Ride the KC Streetcar — to many of the other experiences on this list!
Photo: KC Streetcar Authority/Margaret Norcross Photography
The KC Streetcar opened in 2016 to much fanfare, and it’s a total success story for the region — and a role model for the country at large — topping ridership goals almost immediately. This free mode of transit serves as a great (and sustainable!) connector of stellar attractions and neighborhoods, like historic Union Station, the can’t-miss Crossroads Arts District, and KC’s vibrant downtown core. Next up: the Plaza district, once the current extension project is completed.
You absolutely could plan an entire trip around the city without your own transportation, thanks to the streetcar. Just remember the operating hours are different according to day:
Monday-Thursday: 6am-10pmFriday: 6am-midnightSaturday: 7am-midnightSunday: 7am-10pm2. Scope out the City Market farmers market.
Photo: Jenny Wheat/Visit KC
City Market is a major draw for visitors and locals alike and is accessible via the aforementioned streetcar. It’s also the setting for one of the largest farmers markets in the entire region, colorfully showcasing the agricultural and creative bounty of greater KC.
Come early on the weekends to wander among 140+ stands of merchants, artists, producers, and creators (plus a vintage sale!). Live music and performances by vetted buskers are free to enjoy while perusing produce, while many food samples are also available for zero charge. You could easily while away a whole morning at this no-cost attraction (though, admittedly, it will be hard to resist busting out the pocketbook for your own KC goodies).
3. Take in the Made in KC Marketplace.
Photo: Visit KC
Another excellent way to celebrate the area’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit is with a visit to the Made in KC Marketplace. It’s located on the Country Club Plaza — known simply as “the Plaza” by residents — a 15-block shopping district with plenty of Spanish-style architectural charm and free parking to boot.
But most importantly, Made in KC provides access to more than 300 local artisans, designers, and makers. It’s free to peruse products from talented Midwestern creators, such as prints from Beautifelt, candles from Untamed Supply (3% of proceeds support our national parks), and glassware from Mid Coast Modern. Be sure to check out The Black Pantry too, a collaboration between owner Brian Roberts and Made in KC that highlights Black-owned businesses and their standout wares. You’ll find it at the Midtown location of Made in KC.
4. Follow the fountains.
Photo: TommyBrison/Shutterstock
Legend holds that Kansas City boasts almost as many fountains as Rome, with 200+ watery beauties spouting out around the city. Of that number, 48 are publicly held, making them easily accessible for visitors to admire, photograph, and occasionally splash in. And while there are plenty of paid tours out there, going on a self-guided fountain hunt cuts costs and gets you learning how the city feels on foot.
Start in the Country Club Plaza area, where you’ll find Mill Creek Park and its centerpiece fountain, KC’s most-photographed, commanding attention with its four figures on horseback and four “dolphins.” Next, follow 47th Street west about a quarter-mile to Neptune Fountain — this particular Roman god of the sea was cast by the same artisans who constructed the gates of Buckingham Palace. Then, head southeast to Brush Creek, where three geysers adorn the waters, providing serious beauty (and flood control) along the parkway.
For downtown fountains, catch Union Station’s Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain and its regularly scheduled water dance, coordinated by the designers of the famed Bellagio version in Las Vegas. Next, hop on the aforementioned streetcar for a 10-minute ride to the Muse of the Missouri Fountain and its 200+ spouts of water. And finally, get back on the streetcar for another quick trip to City Market. Nearby, at E 5th St and Grand, you’ll spot the Vision Fountain, depicting a boy sharing his vision for the future with his trusty sidekick.
5. Experience First Fridays.
Photo: Kevin VanEmburgh/Visit KC
The city’s most popular monthly event, First Fridays is a Crossroads Arts District staple. Take the streetcar to this art-festival-cum-street-party and wander the businesses and galleries — and food trucks — for a dose of local art and culture while listening to community musicians perform.
For those who prefer exclusively outdoor exploration, don’t miss the new art alleys, which provide a platform for more up-and-coming artists. These can be found between Baltimore and Wyandotte from 18th St to Southwest Blvd. And armed with the SpraySeeMO annual mural festival’s map of murals, your KC art tour will come pretty close to painting the town red.
6. Stroll through the Kemper Museum…
Photo: Visit KC
The first and largest museum of its kind in Missouri, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is completely free, even down to the parking. Notable works by artists you’re sure to have heard of — like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe — add authority to their permanent collection, while rotating exhibits and loans from other entities keep it fresh.
Special family-friendly offerings (still free!) include a monthly scavenger hunt, weekly interactive art lab, and special Tuesday programming for the 3- to 5-year-old set.
7. …and then explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Photo: Visit KC
If Kemper leaves you wanting more, step next door to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, whose iconic front lawn is graced with a foursome of super-sized shuttlecock sculptures by renowned modern artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
After snapping a pic of the famous birdies, explore more of the 22-acre outdoor sculpture garden before heading into the free museum. With a collection that spans centuries as well as corners of the globe, a notable modern art collection in the newer east wing, and an especially impressive selection of Asian artwork, the Nelson-Atkins keeps us coming back again and again. For a perfectly tailored experience, skip the docent and explore at your own pace using the Smartify app, which is also — you guessed it — free. Alternatively, visitors can venture through the museum from home, with virtual tours available.
8. Thrift your way through First Weekends in the West Bottoms.
Photo: Visit KC
Just west of downtown KC, the artsy West Bottoms neighborhood will delight anytime you visit, but it truly comes alive once a month for First Weekends, the largest collection of antique and vintage markets in the country. With prime browsing potential (and plenty of food trucks), First Weekends is the perfect way to spend a free morning in the industrial chic neighborhood, wandering hip warehouses and storefronts that once supported KC’s agricultural roots.
Note: Many parking spots can cost $10 or less, but there are free ones available in the area as well.
9. Admire Union Station.
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Another iconic Kansas City attraction — also accessible via the free streetcar and with some favorite fountains nearby — is KC’s immaculate Union Station. There’s no cost to get into the architecturally stunning structure, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful train stations in the country. Design buffs should check out the Art Deco ceiling and massive chandeliers for a blast from the past.
Beyond the station itself, the Model Train Gallery contains over 8,000 square feet of nostalgia and is always free to enjoy. And though $8 can’t get you most places, it will open the door to the world-class Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, also located onsite.
10. Smell the roses in Loose Park.
Photo: Mike Day/Visit KC
Who doesn’t need to stop and smell the roses these days? Loose Park is one of the larger green spaces in Kansas City, with a verdant and glorious 75 acres ripe for exploration.
This outdoor oasis in the city has it all: notable military history, a 1.5-acre rose garden, a large playground, multiple fountains, and plenty of space to walk, picnic, and play. And Loose Park, like all city parks and Missouri state parks, is free to access, for everyone.
11. Visit the American Jazz Museum.
Photo: Jenny Wheat/Visit KC
Kansas City’s vaunted music scene has deep roots, especially when it comes to jazz, and the best place to explore them is the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. A century ago, you might’ve stumbled on a show by legends like Count Basie and Charlie Parker here. Get a history lesson at the Horace M. Peterson III Visitor Center and the Changing Gallery at the American Jazz Museum, both free of charge. (Please note that the museum itself does charge a small fee, so stick to the free areas listed above if you left your wallet at the hotel.)
Additionally, the Blue Room, an interactive, working jazz club that’s part of the museum, offers regular free performances — check their calendar to see what’s available during your KC visit. You’ll likely sit down to musicians riffing endlessly, essentially playing for themselves. It’s an honor to witness, and a reminder that the city’s history is alive and well.
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Road tripper Gabrielle Petito’s death is ruled a homicide while fiancé is nowhere to be found
On September 11 Gabby Petito’s family reported that their daughter was missing. Several new developments have been made in the case.
On September 19, human remains resembling Gabby Petito were found at Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest at an undeveloped camping site on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park, according to NBC New York. Today, a coroner in Wyoming confirmed that the body found is that of Gabby Petito and has ruled her death a homicide. The cause of death will be determined in the final autopsy results.
A statement was released hours earlier on behalf of Petito’s family.
“I want to personally thank the press and news media for giving the Petito and Schmidt family time to grieve,” lawyer Richard Stafford said, referring to Petito’s mom, dad, stepfather and stepmother. “We will be making a statement when Gabby is home. I will contact you to arrange a time and location.”
According to NBC News, Petito and her fiance Brian Laundrie set out on July 2 and documented their travels on Instagram, TikTok, and their YouTube channel, but on September 1, Brian returned to their Florida home in their van without Gabby. He remains nowhere to be found.
A woman has said she and her boyfriend gave Laundrie a ride on August 29 in Wyoming. She said that Laundrie claimed he’d been camping by himself while Petitio worked on social media posts in the van. Miranda Baker, who has already spoken with authorities, posted on TikTok that she and her boyfriend picked up Laundrie that evening while he was hitchhiking in Colter Bay, Wyoming, not too far from where Petito’s body was found on Sunday, reported CNN.
On August 12, before Gabby went missing, police responded to a domestic violence call. Below is the body cam footage.
@mirandabaker_##gabbypetito ##findgabby ##brianlaundrie♬ original sound – Miranda Baker
Gabby was last seen alive checking out of a hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 24, and she last spoke with her family on August 25. Gabby’s mother told police that Gabby texted her on August 30, writing, “No service in Yellowstone.”
On September 20, the police declared Launderie’s parent’s home a crime scene and spent hours combing the home and taking several items for evidence, especially looking for a digital footprint. His parents say they haven’t heard from their son since September 14, when he told them he was going to the Carlton Reserve, a 25,000-acre nature reserve near Venice, Florida, but Petito’s parents believe they know where he is. They penned this letter in response.
This is the letter Gabby Petito’s parents wrote to Brian Laundrie’s parents today begging them for help. “I ask you to put yourselves in our shoes. We haven’t been able to sleep or eat and our lives are falling apart.” “Tell us if we are even looking in the right place.” pic.twitter.com/KMTGPnSyUd
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) September 16, 2021
The North Port police referred to the case as an FBI-led investigation for the first time today.
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Brilliantly simple travel accessories you can only find in Japan
The bad thing about watching Shark Tank is that you come away from each episode feeling like an idiot.
Oh, you thought your invention idea was cool? Well, these guys invented a sustainable water bottle that regenerates water out of thin air, sold 100,000 units to NGOs helping Sudanese children, and they still didn’t get a deal because Mark Cuban found a tiny hole in their business plan. Shows like Shark Tank makes people believe that to be successful inventors, they have to be accomplished businessmen, salesmen, and creative geniuses — you don’t. In fact, it probably helps to be an amateur.
The Japanese have mastered the art of Chindōgu — simple inventions made from everyday gadgets, and which look almost too simple to function. That’s right, there’s a whole word dedicated to useful inventions that would be handily rejected on Shark Tank. Created by magazine editor Kenji Kawakami, Chindōgu refers to Japanese inventions that solve everyday problems, but which appear completely useless. We’ll let you be the judge. Whether it’s a special plastic “butter stick” to help you spread butter or a suitcase that folds into a desk, these are the brilliantly simplistic Japanese inventions you should put on your wish list.
Konica Minolta Kunkun Body Odor Checker
Photo: Konica Minolta
Travel is a sweaty business. Sit on a plane for four hours, and you’ll find yourself drenched in sweat for no apparent reason. Since embarrassing yourself in front of the complete stranger next to you would be social suicide, you’d better check if you’re emitting a foul stench. You can’t sniff yourself, obviously, or everyone would assume the worst. The only rational way to figure out if your sweat is producing a smell is by purchasing this Body Odor Checker. It links to an iOS and Android app that helps you measure your odor levels, to make sure you’re not being a silent nuisance to those around you. Or you could just, you know, apply deodorant in the morning.
Netsmen Wearable Mosquito Suit
Photo: Bibi Lab
This one’s perfect for anyone who lives in a muggy climate, is traveling to a mosquito-plagued region, or wants to get ahead of next year’s Met Gala fashion trends. Rather than taking 30 seconds to apply bug spray, now you can don a full-fledged, foolproof suit to keep the mosquitoes away. The full body polyester mesh suit might not be the most comfortable to sleep in, but at least you won’t have to worry about mosquito netting anymore. And you’d better hope a bee doesn’t somehow sneak its way inside, or you’re pretty much screwed.
Suitcase Desk
Photo: Bibi Lab
Some things make so much sense, it’s hard to believe they don’t already exist. The Suitcase Desk is one of those things. A prime example of the simple genius of Chindōgu, the Suitcase Desk is exactly what it sounds like — a suitcase with a foldable piece that forms a desk. Is it the most nimble piece of luggage? Probably not. Is it heavier than the typical business traveler would like? Almost definitely.
Bettli Shrimp Meat U Shaped Neck Pillow
Photo: Bettli/Amazon
You might say that a neck pillow shaped like a piece of shrimp is the last thing you want to see at 30,000 feet. Seafood isn’t exactly known as the most appetizing inflight meal. But once you learn the neck pillow was made in Japan — which is known for its seafood — it ceases to be a gag-inducing novelty and suddenly becomes a cultural accessory. There’s not too much else to say here, except a shrimp neck pillow works just as well as a regular neck pillow. You’ll just draw a few more stares.
Air conditioned jacket
Photo: TJM Design
There’s nothing worse than checking into a hotel in the middle of summer only to realize it doesn’t have air conditioning. To hedge your bets, you might as well bring some AC with you. No, that doesn’t mean lugging a portable air conditioner through the lobby — it means wearing this handy and not-at-all cumbersome air conditioned jacket. This jacket has built-in air conditioning fans, chargeable with AA batteries or a USB charger. The portable AC unit clips onto your belt and slips under your shirt or jacket to circulate cool air around your body.The best part? It won’t even drive up your electric bill.
Chin Rest Arm
Photo: Thanko
There’s lazy, and then there’s not even having the energy to hold your own head up. Whether you’re at work or in an airport waiting for your flight, we’ve all occasionally found ourselves with our head in our hands. Now you can assume this popular position without sacrificing one of your own hands. The Chin Rest Arm attaches to a desk or table, and has a hand made of soft urethane that holds your cheek. It’s no replacement for a pillow, but it can at least keep you from slouching at work.
Butter Stick
Photo: Kokubo Global
The Butter Stick really represents the nearly-but-not-quite-useless character of Japanese inventions. A compact square tube, the butter stick holds a stick of butter and makes it easy to apply it to whatever you wish. It resembles those Elmer’s glue sticks you probably used in 3rd grade. The stick can be placed either vertically or horizontally in the refrigerator, and can be easily cleaned between uses.
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September 20, 2021
A quick guide to finding the best edibles in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s coffeeshops have been a minefield of confusion for tourists in the past. The menu can be overwhelming, especially when you’re inexperienced and nervous. It can be tempting to pick any pre-rolled off the menu and hope for a good time. However, this isn’t the only way to become acquainted. Edibles are the perfect option for those who want to have their cake and eat it too.
Originally, the only cannabis edibles available were dry space cakes wrapped in depressing cellophane. It was old school, and the dosage was questionable. In recent years, however cannabis entrepreneurs have innovated and elevated cannabis consumption in Amsterdam through artisanal desserts and pastries.
Where to buy cannabis edibles in AmsterdamWhile cannabis bans have recently been proposed in Amsterdam in an effort to combat overtourism, among other things, sales are still up and running. Finding the right edible starts with finding the right brand and coffeeshop.
First things first: You get what you pay for in regard to edibles. One of the most notable brands is called Spacetry, which is produced by Amsterdam Genetics.
The coffeeshop Tweede Kamer in the Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde neighborhood and Boerejongens, which has locations just outside of the city center, have Spacetry products on the menu. These premium products get you high, but are also decadent desserts. Keep an eye out for the red velvet cake, which strikes the right balance between sweet and savory with monchou cream cheese frosting for a perfect, decadent combination.
If you’re a chocolate lover, the cherry chocolate cake bomb is for you. It’s an explosion of rich chocolate mousse hidden inside a chocolate cake. Accompanied by a sweet cherry marmalade, it leaves your taste buds and your mind tingling.
Those looking for something more simple can opt for the Spacetry traveler cake, which is made with Madagascar vanilla and crunchy cocoa. It’s finished off with a 24-karat gold leaf on top. It’s a delicacy for both the eyes and palate.
Why get a dessert that delivers on both cannabis and flavor? Well, you shouldn’t have to tolerate a poorly made dessert sticking to the roof of your mouth while waiting for your high.
How long does it take for the edibles to kick in?If you’re familiar with smoking cannabis, you’ll find a big difference when taking edibles. There are a few basic things to know before eating edibles for the first time.
Edibles are about the journey, and you have to take it slow because it takes your body longer to absorb the THC when it’s eaten. You might be ready for a good time but resist the temptation to inhale the entire dessert. It’s common for the instructions to say to only eat half, but you might want to consider starting with a quarter. The time from ingestion to the high can take between thirty minutes to two hours.
Remember, if you’re unsure about something, ask the budtender. They’re more than happy, and qualified, to help you make the right choice and walk you through the types of high.
The risks of mixing alcohol and ediblesAt the risk of sounding like a buzzkill, it’s not recommended to wash your edible down with your favorite alcoholic beverage. Getting high and drunk at the same time, sometimes called getting crossfaded, can lead to disastrous consequences. While the impact of mixing the two isn’t studied as much as what happens in your body when you take each individually, alcohol and weed together can make you nauseous or give the spins.
Instead, stay hydrated (and combat cotton mouth) with water. If you prefer something sweeter, soda or a milkshake can be a flavor explosion when high. Just make sure to follow it up with something more hydrating.
What if I eat too much?Don’t panic. Even the most experienced weed connoisseur has been caught off-guard by an edible. If you find yourself experiencing an extreme high, start by talking yourself down. Remind yourself that you can’t overdose on cannabis along and, eventually, you will feel normal again.
Then, find a safe space where you can wait it out, even if it means returning to where you’re staying. Switch on your favorite TV series or take a nap. Eventually, you’ll ride it out and you’ll start to come round again.
Overall, edibles are a great option for those who want an extended experience. Just remember to start small and take it slow to ensure your trip to Amsterdam reaches an all-time high.
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The world’s longest cave system just got longer
Mammoth Cave is known to be the world’s largest cave system . Now, it’s even longer than we previously thought. Eight miles longer, to be exact, according to the discovery first released by the nonprofit Cave Research Foundation. These previously unknown dark passages bring the believed distance of the caves to 420 miles long.
The World’s Longest Cave Is Now Even Longer!!
Explorations by the Cave Research Foundation has revealed 8 new miles to Mammoth Cave making the total count 420 known miles of passages! When it comes to discoveries in Mammoth Cave, there truly is no end in sight! pic.twitter.com/JMKBhFTLip
— Mammoth Cave NP (@MammothCaveNP) September 12, 2021
Mammoth Cave is located at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and each year volunteers from the Cave Research Foundation come to the cave to try to discover more unknown passages.
These volunteers went through a complicated process that will lead them trekking in complete darkness in an “abstract subterranean landscape,” only using compasses, measuring tapes, and range finders to reveal these new passages.
“So they most likely will not be included on any new trail routes in the near future anyway. Part of that goes along with preserving a protecting the resource. You know we want to minimize our impact to areas of the cave. We would like to study them and see what the ecosystem is like in those new areas,” said Jennifer Cooper, public information officer, in a statement.
Though these newly discovered passages will not be open to the public, many other passages are open in the five-level cave system for visitors to explore.
The park is open to the public and currently requires face masks to be worn by all visitors. For more information on visiting the cave and Mamaonth National Park you can visit their website.
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The US will soon lift travel ban for vaccinated travelers
The US announced that it would lift the travel ban on international travelers who are fully vaccinated. In an announcement made by the White House on Monday, those who enter the US must be fully vaccinated.
These new travel restrictions will apply to travelers from the UK, most European countries, Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India.
This new travel policy will take effect in November. Along with being fully vaccinated, travelers heading to the US must test negative and show proof within three days of their departure flight.
“This vaccination requirement deploys the best tool we have in our arsenal to keep people safe and prevent the spread of the virus,” said White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients in a statement.
The new policy will also welcome unvaccinated travelers, but with strict protocol. Unvaccinated travelers will be required to get tested both before arriving and leaving the US. According to The Guardian, the CDC will soon issue a contract order that will require airlines to get the traveler’s contact information like email, phone number, and other information to track that traveler.
This news was welcomed by many. British prime minister tweeted, “It’s a fantastic boost for business and trade, and great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again.”
Also, the American Society of Travel Advisors responded to the news with a statement, “We view this as a key milestone toward restarting the international travel system on which so many of our members depend.”
While this new travel policy is currently in process, there has not been any other information on when other travel restrictions would be lifted.
The post The US will soon lift travel ban for vaccinated travelers appeared first on Matador Network.
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