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COVID-19

Fun and COVID-19 Safe Road Trip Ideas for this Summer

by avenuepop August 11, 2020

As sunny weather implements itself in our lives, we can’t help but daydream about getting on a plane and travel to a remote paradise far from our daily routines. We all wish we could do so, but unfortunately, some obstacles stand in the way, like money, time, or Covid-19.

However, that doesn’t mean we have to lose hope about going somewhere cool this summer. As long as we have a car and friends to help us pay gas, we are all set to spend a wonderful holiday road tripping towards the following destinations:

–Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo, between Potter and Randall counties, is the biggest city in Northern Texas. However, everything you have to see in Amarillo is not within its urbanistic limits, but outside of it.

The Cadillac ranch is probably the most popular location in Amarillo: an open-air installation full of half-buried abandoned Cadillacs. As simple as it can sound, it is actually a location full of possibilities: from taking pictures for Instagram, to spray-painting them with your name or whatever you want to leave your mark. Admission and parking is free, so there’s nothing to lose on taking a view to this particular place.

Wonderland Park is also one of the most visited spots in Amarillo, an amusement park with those cool-vintage vibes on it. The park is ready to fit everyone’s tastes, since it contains both high coasters and thrills rides and all low key, classic family and kids rides. Admission varies from $18 to 27$ depending on the day of the week you are going, which is nothing compared to the tickets for Southern California’s parks. However, keep in mind that until the COVID-19 nightmare is over, Wonderland is only opening from 7pm on.

Cañón de Palo Duro is next in our top-activities to do in Amarillo, Texas. This canyon is the second biggest in the whole country, after the Grand Canyon, and as such, is full of breathtaking spots worth visiting. You can explore the canyon by foot, bike, horse or helicopter. During summer you can also enjoy a performance of TEXAS Outdoor musical at the Pioneer Amphitheater of the park. Isn’t it the perfect plan for a road tripping summer night?

-Lake Tahoe

Between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe stands as one of the most beautiful lakes in the West part of the country. Crystal clear water, expansive mountains in the background, and the peaceful pine forest that surrounds it are what makes this lake unique.

Secret Cove, which we guess is not so secret after all, is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the lake. Its turquoise waters are breathtaking and make the short hike required to get there completely worth it. Keep in mind that originally Secret Cove was a nudist beach, so you might encounter people practicism nudism when you get there, although most of the visitors are usually wearing beach apparel.

Emerald Bay is also an essential stop on a Lake Tahoe trip. It is only accessible via a 1 mile hike from Highway 89, which delights everyone who passes through with great views of the only island in the lake, Fannette Island. Once you get to the beach, you will find one of the most peaceful environments of the lake: the shadows of the hundreds of trees around the lake, the sound of the waterfalls above the bay, and the boats floating over the crystalline waters tied at the short wooden pier. We could say that sunbathing here is an even ethereal experience.

And after all the swimming and sunbathing around Tahoe’s multiple beaches, the perfect plan to end the day is to walk around Tahoe village and grab something to eat.

Most of the stores and some restaurants might be closed now due to Covid-19, but still, Tahoe’s village has a lot to offer. There is not one single corner that is not incredibly charming among its streets, and it has that fresh spirit that only bay villages have. Plus, parking is not complicated or expensive.

-Yellowstone

If you are driving from California, Yellowstone might be further in distance than you would like, but with a good planning and a good playlist you will get there and understand why this park is such a landmark in the USA.

Of course, the Grand Prismatic Spring is a must see in Yellowstone. It is probably the first landscape we picture when we think of the park, and there is no doubt why: it has some uniquely bright colors and a depth of more than a 10 floors building, plus its diameter is bigger than that of a football stadium. Seeing such thing in person is just impressive, so keep in mind that you will not be the only one that wants to see it. This spring is one of the most crowded spots in the park, so choose a good time to visit it so you can make sure you can enjoy it with no one around in 6 feet from you!

The Old Faithful Geyser is another of the landscapes of the park. The reason why this Geyser is probably one the most famous in the world is because its eruptions are incredibly frequent, every1 to 5 minutes, and because the water it erupts can reach up to 180 feet high. If that information did not impress you already, then know that every eruption expels from 4 to 8 thousand gallons of water, and that is a lot of water!!

The geysers, hot Springs and trails you can find in Yellowstone are endless and we are sure they are all worth it, but if you want to keep exploring and see something different, then Grizzly and Wolf discovery center is your place. The facility offers the chance to observe grizzly bears and wolves in their natural habitat from a safe environment, plus a wildlife museum, raptors exhibits, and other activities that both children and adults would enjoy. Entering in this area of the park costs $15 or less for seniors and children, and enables admission for two days. If you admire wildlife, it is a spot that you can not miss.

August 11, 2020 0 comment

Celeb Music

Avril Lavigne re-records Warrior to raise funds for medical workers

by avenuepop April 23, 2020

written by avenuepop

Avril Lavigne re-records Warrior to raise funds for medical ...

Avril Lavigne has reworked her 2017 album track Warrior to raise funds for coronavirus relief efforts.

The star will release the new song, We Are Warriors, on Friday, and announcing the project on Instagram she said she wanted to “get involved and contribute” as “everyday people put on their armour and go into battle.”

“Simple tasks like delivering mail has become a heroic effort. Overnight everyone was asked to battle. Overnight everyone became Warriors,” she said.

“So I got to work in the studio and I want to dedicate this to all of you. I re-recorded Warrior to reflect our current world and all the amazing heroic things you’re all doing,” the Girlfriend star continued. “To all the hospital workers, postal service people, grocery store workers, police and firemen, every single one of you who has had their world shaken. This is for you.”

Proceeds from the song will go to Project HOPE, benefitting medical staff on the front lines amid the pandemic. The star also asked fans to donate on the crowdfunding page, charitystars.com/Warriors.

“Thank you all for everything you’re doing. I want you to know I see you and I support you. We Are Warriors,” she concluded.

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April 23, 2020 0 comment

Celeb Music Trends

Taylor Swift’s summer stadium shows pushed to next year

by avenuepop April 17, 2020

written by avenuepop

Toronto Sun on Twitter: "Taylor Swift attacks ex-record label ...

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Taylor Swift’s “Lover Fest” will be something to love in 2021. The singer’s reps announced Friday that the remaining shows she had scheduled for this summer, including a handful of dates on the east and west coast in the United States, are being pushed back to next year.

“I’m so sad I won’t be able to see you guys in concert this year, but I know this is the right decision,” the singer wrote on her Twitter account. “Please, please stay healthy and safe. I’ll see you on stage as soon as I can but right now what’s important is committing to this quarantine, for the sake of all of us.”

The move comes as little surprise, considering the growing awareness that the world may face most or all of a summer free of sanctioned live performances, at least in front of audiences. The date Swift had been set to play in England at the Glastonbury Festival was already cancelled a month ago, and several other European stadium shows had already been taken off the books as well.

Much of the music industry has been in a quandary about whether to offer refunds for postponed shows, a tough hit to take all at once for an already reeling business, or ask fans to keep their tickets until new dates are announced and face the wrath of customers who just want their money back. In Swift’s case, refunds are being offered — although, with the singer only having announced a handful of concerts this year instead of a full-scale tour, it’s likely most fans will choose to hold onto the hard-fought tickets.

“Fighting COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge for our global community, and the safety and well-being of fans should always be the top priority,” read the statement from Swift’s camp. “Health organizations and governments around the world have strongly discouraged large public gatherings for an undetermined period of time. With many events throughout the world already canceled, and upon direction from health officials in an effort to keep fans safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, sadly the decision has been made to cancel all Taylor Swift live appearances and performances this year.”

The scheduled dates that were officially canceled Friday were July 25-26 in Inglewood, California (at the still under construction SoFi Stadium, a venue that might have had a hard time opening in time for those shows now anyhow), July 31-August 1 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and July 18-19 in Brazil.

“The U.S. and Brazil shows will be rescheduled to take place in 2021, with dates to be announced later this year,” the statement says. “Tickets held for each of those shows will transfer to a new show date without action on the part of ticket holders.”

The statement continued, “For those who desire refunds for tickets purchased for the U.S. Lover Fest shows, they will be available starting May 1st subject to Ticketmaster terms. Watch for an email from Ticketmaster with instructions on how to request one. For currently available information on all other performance dates, please click here. Thank you so much for understanding. We look forward to seeing you all, happy and healthy, in the future.”

It may be scant consolation to disappointed appearances, but Swift does have one appearance still scheduled — a brief one Saturday night on the “One World: Together at Home” prime-time special being produced by Global Citizen.

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April 17, 2020 0 comment

Celeb Entertainment Trends

Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande and more release face masks

by avenuepop April 12, 2020

written by avenuepop

Billie Eilish, The Weeknd and Ariana Grande are among the musicians who have released facemasks to help slow the spread of Covid-19.

The masks have been made by Universal Music’s merchandise company Bravado as part of their We’ve Got You Covered initiative.

The masks all cost £15, with proceeds going to MusiCares, a charity providing financial, medical and personal support to music industry workers during times of need.

Other artists to be given branded facemasks include Justin Bieber, The Rolling Stones, TuPac, Bob Marley, Queen and Frank Sinatra. All are available to purchase here.

The website stresses that the facemasks are for personal use and should not be considered medical devices nor PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). “For the avoidance of doubt, the use of cloth face masks does not protect you against Covid-19″, the site reads.

Meanwhile, a campaign called #SaveOurVenues has been launched to help grassroots music venues threatened by permanent closure due to Covid-19.

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April 12, 2020 0 comment

Lifestyle Trends

Ways to naturally manage stress and anxiety during lockdown

by avenuepop April 12, 2020

written by avenuepop

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, stress has become the new normal in many people’s lives. The virus is silent, but it’s presence has caused untold grief and anxiety around the globe, and in the everyday lives of its citizens.

Thankfully, for many, it’s a question of learning to live within the new parameters, which are all doable. That said, we’re all in a holding pattern. And it’s that holding pattern that has everyone so stressed.

“Right now, a lot of people are being challenged mentally and emotionally,” says Jenna Mangan, an Ontario-based holistic nutritionist and certified nutritional practitioner. “People are facing financial challenges, worrying about elderly and vulnerable family members, loss of routine, of work, brings on a sense of helplessness and fear.

“Anxiety is, no doubt, something many Canadians are dealing with currently – it’s a byproduct of living through chaotic times.”

Mangan of canprev.ca, says unchecked anxiety “can greatly impact a person’s day-to-day life, especially during this stressful time,” adding “giving our bodies the nutrients it needs to fire on all engines as much as possible can be helpful in alleviating anxiety and in managing how our bodies respond to stress.”

According to recent studies, food and nutrient intake impacts multiple biochemical processes that influence our behaviour.

In addition to supplying the body with nutrients, Mangan says these biochemical processes also influence brain processes, including higher-level cognition, such as social decision making.

Mangan offers the following tips to add to our health and wellness regimes that can help reduce anxiety and manage the body’s response to stress naturally.

1. Limit caffeine intake

Caffeine may cause nervousness and jitters, none of which is good if you are already feeling anxious. During this time, it might be a good idea to lower caffeine intake to help keep you calm throughout the day and also ensure you can fall into a good night’s sleep.

2. Get good sleep

Speaking of sleep. If you are feeling anxious you may also find it hard to fall asleep, and sleep is so important for the body especially during these high alert times. Avoid large meals and caffeine before bed so that you can fall asleep faster. It’s also a wise idea to shutdown your screens a good hour or so before bed and to try and keep a regular sleep/wake schedule.

3. Take magnesium

Think of minerals as tiny building blocks, that when stacked together, create the framework for building bones, blood cells and a healthy immune system. The mineral magnesium itself is responsible for over 800 functions in the body. Most notably it plays a role in helping us calm the nervous system and helps us find a better sleep. It’s also involved in the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps control sleep and wake cycles. Muscle tension due to lack of magnesium will also prevent good sleep. (visit magnesium.ca to learn more).

4. Eat healthy fats

Getting enough healthy fats does so many wonders for the body and mind. These are foods like avocados, walnuts, ground flax, organic eggs, and wild fish – foods that support satiety, mood regulation, blood sugar regulation, sleep and energy balance. These foods have positive effects on our hormonal system which in-turn helps keep our cognitive and emotional health in-check.

5. Daily movement
Regular exercise is great for our physical and mental health. Even though we can’t hit the gym or our favourite trails as often as we’d like these days, it is very important to work daily physical movement into our schedules. Try an online workout class to get you motivated, push-ups in the morning, whatever it is just remember to move.

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April 12, 2020 0 comment