If you’re in the market for a new vehicle to take tailgating, start looking early and look for:
• A power sliding rear roof for easy access and open-air tailgating,
• An all-weather cargo area with a quick drain system for ice and beverage storage.
• Hybrids that feature 120-volt AC power outlets that let you power heaters, refrigerators and several big screen TVs on a built in generating station.
• Other vehicles that accommodate:
o Antennas to downlink satellite TV so you can catch the pre-game show.
o HDTV TVs and Xbox Video Game Systems that pack easily and plug into your vehicles' power source.
And, here are some ‘high tech’ tailgating accessories to consider:
The Hotspot Notebook Portable Grill is a portable charcoal grill that folds down like a notebook computer, about one inch thick and extremely portable. It has 192 square inches of cooking space on a stainless steel grate.
The Koolatron Compact Cooler http://koolatrononline.stores.yahoo.net/koolatron-p20-compact-12v-coolers.html gives you a place to put those cold ones -- a veritable refrigerator for your car. It was designed to fit in a tight place like between seats or behind one of them. It plugs into your cigarette lighter and keeps food 40 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
The compact Freedom Tray http://www.freedomtray.com/ that grips a variety of objects and collapses into a one inch thick for easy storage.
Want more? Here’s a link to 15 far out accessories:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/www.switched.com/media/2009/09/tailgate_intro3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.switched.com/tag/tailgate/&usg=__Mt3XuJnnHcYSs-KdvaJ6wblE9vU=&h=300&w=525&sz=68&hl=en&start=6&itbs=1&tbnid=HWVYbD3UtkvPlM:&tbnh=75&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3DHDTV%2Bscreens%2Bon%2Bcars%2Btailgating%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1
Some experts estimate that as many as 50 million Americans participate in tailgating annually. In case you’re curious, here are some statistics on your fellow tailgaters:
An informal survey of 5,000 tailgaters by www.tailgating.com found the following:
• 60% of tailgaters surveyed are between the ages of 25 and 44.
• 79% are men.
• 58% have a college degree and 14% have completed a graduate program.
• 46% tailgate 6-10 times each season, with 21% tailgating as many as 11-15 times.
• 44% said that husbands and wives shop for tailgating food and supplies together.
• 41% spend more than $500 a season on tailgating food and supplies.
• 49% travel less than an hour to the stadium, and 8% more than four hours.
• 51% start setting-up at the stadium 3-4 hours before the game, while 39% start 5 or more
hours before kickoff.
• 95% cook their food at the stadium, with only 5% preferring to bring fast or prepared food.
• 59% use a combination of grills, stoves and smokers to cook their food, while 39% prefer
grilling alone.
Looking for cities with the best tailgating stadiums? Baltimore tops the list, followed by Denver, Houston, San Diego, and Cincinnati. For the complete list, visit:
http://www.hightechtailgating.com/NewsFactsFigures/NationalTailgatingIndex/tabid/143/Default.aspx
And finally, here’s an ultimate tailgaters’ check list for things to bring tailgating:
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/tailgatingacc/l/bltailchecklist.htm
You can print it and laminate it and have it handy for each tailgating party.
As tailgating season approaches, we’ll have more tips, stay tuned!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Do You Eat While You Drive? Forget Cholesterol! Another reason why burgers may be killing you!
Raise your hands now and tell the truth! Who doesn’t eat while driving!
You are in for a surprise. According to a recent study, 80% of all car accidents are caused by drivers who are eating, or drinking coffee.
But, don’t take my word for it. Here’s a sampling of news stories on this subject:
1. Eating while driving causes 80% of all car accidents, study shows
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/07/19/2009-07-19_eatdrive_sure_recipe_for_a_crash.html
2. Ten Worst Foods to Eat While Driving
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/10-worst-foods-to-eat-while-driving.aspx
3. Meals on Wheels Takes on a Whole New Meaning
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/10/14/dining_while_driving_theres_many_a_slip_twixt_cup_and_lip_but_that_doesnt_stop_us/
4. Dining and Driving? Consult a Dietitian!
http://www.dietitian.com/danger.html
5. Celebrity Football Player Arrested for Eating Pizza, while driving….
http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/12/30/saints-mccray-arrested-for-driving-while-eating-pizza/
What I really want to know: How dangerous is it to be texting a food order to your favorite sub shop while you’re driving?
Share your thoughts with us on this all consuming topic! And seriously, don’t eat and drive!
You are in for a surprise. According to a recent study, 80% of all car accidents are caused by drivers who are eating, or drinking coffee.
But, don’t take my word for it. Here’s a sampling of news stories on this subject:
1. Eating while driving causes 80% of all car accidents, study shows
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/07/19/2009-07-19_eatdrive_sure_recipe_for_a_crash.html
2. Ten Worst Foods to Eat While Driving
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/10-worst-foods-to-eat-while-driving.aspx
3. Meals on Wheels Takes on a Whole New Meaning
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/10/14/dining_while_driving_theres_many_a_slip_twixt_cup_and_lip_but_that_doesnt_stop_us/
4. Dining and Driving? Consult a Dietitian!
http://www.dietitian.com/danger.html
5. Celebrity Football Player Arrested for Eating Pizza, while driving….
http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/12/30/saints-mccray-arrested-for-driving-while-eating-pizza/
What I really want to know: How dangerous is it to be texting a food order to your favorite sub shop while you’re driving?
Share your thoughts with us on this all consuming topic! And seriously, don’t eat and drive!
Friday, March 12, 2010
AAA Tips for Driving in 2010’s Winter Weather Rampage.
This winter’s snow and ice storms are walloping drivers coast to coast.
Of course, the first thing your local TV weathercaster will tell you when a big snow or ice storm is bearing down on your neighborhood is: Stay home and don’t drive unless you have to.
But, if it’s not a blizzard, and the streets look fairly passable, and you really need to drive someplace, AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
Tips for driving in the snow:
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
Tips for long-distance winter trips:
• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA's telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
For informational downloads from AAA visit:
http://www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=55
For a quick check of the weather in your region, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
Of course, the first thing your local TV weathercaster will tell you when a big snow or ice storm is bearing down on your neighborhood is: Stay home and don’t drive unless you have to.
But, if it’s not a blizzard, and the streets look fairly passable, and you really need to drive someplace, AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:
• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
Tips for driving in the snow:
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
Tips for long-distance winter trips:
• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA's telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
For informational downloads from AAA visit:
http://www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=55
For a quick check of the weather in your region, visit: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
Let NASCAR help you motivate your children!
Sometimes you just have to take the road, or the blog, less travelled.
If you and your children enjoy watching NASCAR Racing on TV together, and you are also searching for better ways to discipline and motivate them, here’s an entirely new and fun route to go.
Create a NASCAR Racing Behavioral Chart. Hang it where your children can reach it and watch them compete to see who can do all their chores and win the race and the reward you set.
The game and the chart are do-it-yourself and totally customizable to your own household. Every child can be a winner every day or every week.
You can see a sample chart on The Houseparent Network at: http://www.houseparent.net/RacingBehavioralChart.htm The Houseparent Network is a one stop resource for houseparents and other residential childcare workers.
Here is how the game chart works: Each day every child starts on the Lead Lap. If a child commits an offense (i.e. didn’t clean their room, didn’t do their chore properly, was out of bounds, failed to follow an instruction, etc.) they would move their car to Lap Down. The 2nd offense of the day they moved it again to “On Pit Road”, 3rd to “In The Garage”, and finally to DNF which stands for “Did Not Finish”
If a child stays on the lead lap for 5 consecutive days, he or she receives a special reward – a trip to the ice cream store, extra allowance, more time on Gameboy? Whatever you decide.
For complete directions on how to make a chart and create this game for your children, visit: http://www.houseparent.net/RacingBehavioralChart.htm
Try it in your home. See if it puts you in the driver’s seat – teaching your children everyday responsibilities while making them feel like winners at the same time!
If you and your children enjoy watching NASCAR Racing on TV together, and you are also searching for better ways to discipline and motivate them, here’s an entirely new and fun route to go.
Create a NASCAR Racing Behavioral Chart. Hang it where your children can reach it and watch them compete to see who can do all their chores and win the race and the reward you set.
The game and the chart are do-it-yourself and totally customizable to your own household. Every child can be a winner every day or every week.
You can see a sample chart on The Houseparent Network at: http://www.houseparent.net/RacingBehavioralChart.htm The Houseparent Network is a one stop resource for houseparents and other residential childcare workers.
Here is how the game chart works: Each day every child starts on the Lead Lap. If a child commits an offense (i.e. didn’t clean their room, didn’t do their chore properly, was out of bounds, failed to follow an instruction, etc.) they would move their car to Lap Down. The 2nd offense of the day they moved it again to “On Pit Road”, 3rd to “In The Garage”, and finally to DNF which stands for “Did Not Finish”
If a child stays on the lead lap for 5 consecutive days, he or she receives a special reward – a trip to the ice cream store, extra allowance, more time on Gameboy? Whatever you decide.
For complete directions on how to make a chart and create this game for your children, visit: http://www.houseparent.net/RacingBehavioralChart.htm
Try it in your home. See if it puts you in the driver’s seat – teaching your children everyday responsibilities while making them feel like winners at the same time!
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