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May 2025
Adventures on the Open Road
Why Every Road Trip Needs a Deck of Cards and a Sense of Humor
Some road trips are about the destination, but the best ones are all about the journey. About 10 years ago, my family embarked on what would become one of our most unforgettable adventures — a six-day trek through some of the most breathtaking landscapes the West has to offer. It all started in Reno, where we packed up and hit the road on Highway 50, famously known as the Loneliest Road in America. From there, we’d make our way to Great Basin National Park, then venture through Utah’s stunning canyons before my middle daughter and I hiked the Grand Canyon together. The Loneliest Road lived up to its name, with miles of open road stretched endlessly before us. Somewhere between Austin and Eureka, a severe snowstorm rolled in. By the time we reached Eureka, we decided to hunker down for the night. Fortunately, we found a charming old hotel, the kind of place straight out of a Hallmark movie, and took refuge in the Governor’s Suite. With nowhere to go, we spent the evening playing cards, and my daughter had the thrill of “shooting the moon” for the very first time — her grin giving away her victory before the game was even over. The next morning, the snow had not let up, and our one-night stay turned into two. We took the extra time to explore the historic courthouse, chat with friendly locals, and, of course, play more cards. Once the storm finally cleared, we continued eastward to Great Basin National Park. A friend had suggested we stay in Ely, but instead, we opted for a low-budget rental in Baker — a decision we quickly regretted. The moment we woke up, we realized we had been sharing our room with an army of bugs. It
was, by far, the fastest we have ever packed and checked out of a place!
overnight, and then climb back out the next morning, she gave us a look and said, “That is ambitious.” She was not wrong. At one point, I took a much-needed 40-minute break on a bench near a creek while my daughter, an experienced cross- country runner, practically vibrated with impatience. The campsite at the bottom was lush and beautiful, not at all like the rocky, arid landscape most people picture. And the water — bottled straight from a local spring — was about the best I have ever tasted. The following day, we made the grueling climb back up. Reaching the rim was an incredible feeling — a mix of exhaustion and triumph. The drive home took us through Winslow, Arizona, and then up through Las Vegas before finally arriving in Reno. As I look back, the road trip was not just about seeing incredible places; it was about embracing the unexpected, learning to be flexible, and appreciating the kindness of strangers. Something about being on the road reminds me of the simple joys in life — fresh air, breathtaking views, a good deck of cards, and the surprising generosity of people you meet along the way. Road trips have a way of slowing life down, making me appreciate nature, and reminding me that sometimes, the best stories come from unplanned moments. This trip taught me that even when the road gets snowy, bugs take over, or the hike feels impossible, the adventure is always worth it.
After shaking off the horror of our bug- infested night, we were among the first to arrive at Great Basin National Park that morning. There, we stood among some of the oldest trees on Earth — ancient bristlecone pines, some over 4,000 years old. I hugged a few of them, thinking about all the history they had silently witnessed. We filled our water bottles with the freshest spring water, a simple pleasure that reminded me of how underrated fresh water truly is.
My wife and youngest daughter flew home from Cedar City, Utah, leaving my middle daughter and me to take on the Grand Canyon. We spent a day soaking in the views from the rim before gearing up for our descent. When we spoke to a park ranger about our plan to hike down, camp
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Woman Arrested After K9 Sniffs Out Her ‘Innocent’ Tote Bag Criminal Mastermind? Not Quite
There are bad decisions, and then there are “ Florida-level ” bad decisions. And right at the top of that list is walking around with a bag that literally announces your crime in bold letters. That’s exactly what 31-year-old Teryn Acri did when she was caught with a tote bag that read, “ Definitely Not a Bag Full of Drugs ” — which, naturally, was full of drugs. You can’t make this stuff up. Acri’s latest brush with the law happened when the car she was riding in got pulled over by deputies in Brevard County. The driver, clearly possessing a stellar decision-making record, assured the
officer that “nothing illegal should be inside.” Unfortunately for her, Aurora, the department’s drug-sniffing K9, had other ideas.
When the deputy searched the vehicle, Acri’s ironically labeled tote bag was sitting there like a neon sign screaming, “ CHECK ME IMMEDIATELY. ” Inside? Allegedly, police found meth, needles, Narcan, digital scales, small baggies, cut straws — pretty much everything except what you would usually find in someone’s bag. What makes this situation even more ridiculous is that this isn’t even Acri’s first run-in with the law this year. She was arrested on Jan. 6 for — you guessed it — drug trafficking. But after making her $15,500 bond just two days later, she was out and about, making more exceptionally bad life choices. Now, she’s back behind bars, and something tells us she won’t be meeting bail this time. If irony were a crime, Acri would be serving a life sentence. Carrying drugs is bad enough, but labeling them like a cartoon villain? That’s next-level absurdity. The universe has a sense of humor, but so does law enforcement, and they love an easy arrest. If nothing else, let this be a PSA: If your bag screams, “ I’m guilty, ” expect to be treated accordingly.
Outrageous Etiquette Rules From the Past WHEN LAUGHING WAS SCANDALOUS
Etiquette has always been an ever-changing game, but some rules from the past are so bizarre that it’s hard to believe anyone actually followed them. From mandatory gloves to rain-soaked gentlemen, let’s take a trip back in time and appreciate just how far we’ve come in the world of social graces. Imagine being a Victorian woman at a fancy gathering. You spot someone across the room and want to strike up a conversation — but wait! If you weren’t spoken to first, you had to stay silent. Initiating conversation could ruin your social standing because heaven forbid a woman has an independent thought. And if you did manage to chat with someone, you had better keep your laughter under control. Women were expected to cover their mouths when laughing because too much joy was unacceptable. Speaking of controlling appearances, let’s talk about the ultimate fashion injustice — men and umbrellas. In 18th- century England, a man carrying an umbrella was seen as weak. A true gentleman had to brave the rain with a stiff upper lip and a soggy coat. Meanwhile, women had their own list of fashion do’s and don’ts. Gloves?
Mandatory. Hair up at all times? Absolutely. When crossing the street, a lady could only lift her dress with one hand because lifting with two hands was just too scandalous and might show off too much ankle. Photographs were another place where emotions were strictly off-limits. Smiling in photos was considered undignified, and people had to remain as serious as possible. So, if you’ve ever wondered why your great-great-grandparents looked like they just lost a bet in every old photograph, now you know! Fast forward to the 1960s, and while some rules relaxed, others remained oddly specific. Holding your drink in your right hand at a party? Absolutely not! Your right “social” hand had to stay free to shake hands and light cigarettes. And if you were a dinner guest, you had better prepare a toast — because nothing says party etiquette like being put on the spot for an impromptu speech.
So, the next time you see someone laughing freely or using an umbrella without shame, take a moment to appreciate just how much times have changed!
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BRAIN GAMES
For families, “sick season” can seem never-ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system. Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and some of them, our faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery. Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits Tips for Fighting Germs Year-Round
SOLUTION
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Directions 1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion.
2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into
juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Jerry’s Epic Road Trip With Twists and Turns (Not Just on the Road)
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Florida Woman Takes the Title for World’s Worst Criminal
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Etiquette or Absurdity? The Most Ridiculous Social Rules From History
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy
Too Heavy? Detroit Rapper Takes Legal Action Against Lyft
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RIDESHARE REFUSAL Detroit Woman Sues Lyft Over Driver’s Discriminatory Behavior
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become popular ways for Americans to get from point A to point B. Most drivers are courteous, kind, and conversational as long as you return the favor and respect their vehicle. However, not every ride will be perfect. Every once in a while, you encounter a rude, unaccommodating, or disrespectful driver. A Detroit woman
recently found herself in a disagreement with a Lyft driver who was unwilling to provide service, resulting in a lawsuit. This past January, Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, known on stage as Dank Demoss, requested a Lyft to drive her to her cousin’s house so she could attend a Detroit Lions watch party. The driver arrived at her home 10–15 minutes later in his Mercedes- Benz sedan but locked the doors upon seeing Blanding approach his vehicle. The driver, identified as John Doe, refused to let Blanding in his car. Realizing something wasn’t right, Blanding pulled out her phone and started recording. The driver claimed that Blanding was too big to fit in the back seat and that his vehicle’s tires could not support her weight. Blanding assured the driver she could fit, but he responded, “Believe me, you can’t.”
He encouraged her to order a Lyft XL before apologizing, canceling and refunding her ride, and driving away. Blanding, who says she weighs about 490 pounds, has since obtained legal counsel who stated the Lyft driver’s actions were against the law. Michigan is the only state where weight is a protected characteristic. Her attorney claims that denying someone a ride based on their weight is the same as denying them due to their race or religion under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Lyft released a statement afterward, stating that it “unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination.” Blanding is currently suing Lyft and the driver for damages, including stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, fear, and mortification, as well as emotional, economic, and noneconomic damages.
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In the realm of personal finance, one powerful strategy for maximizing tax savings is often overlooked by many individuals — owning your own corporation. As an employee working for someone else, there are limitations to the extent one can go to optimize tax benefits. However, stepping into the role of a business owner opens up a whole new world of possibilities, potentially saving thousands of dollars in strict compliance with the IRS code. In this article, we’ll delve into three key tax advantages that come with owning a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). One significant advantage of having a corporation or LLC, as opposed to a sole proprietorship, lies in the potential savings on payroll taxes. When you operate a corporation, you can draw a reasonable salary for the work you contribute to the business. This salary incurs payroll taxes. Additionally, you can also receive profit distributions, which are subject to income tax but not payroll tax. In contrast, a sole proprietorship treats all money drawn from the business as wages, resulting in payroll tax on every penny. By choosing a corporate structure, you can strategically manage your income and potentially save a substantial amount in payroll taxes. Unlocking Tax Advantages: The Benefits of Owning Your Own Corporation
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Another advantage is the ability to have the business cover expenses that also benefit you personally. This opens the door to various deductions, such as business-related travel that may have an incidental personal component. Additionally, the business can provide or reimburse transportation costs, provided they adhere to specific rules. This flexibility allows you to make use of legitimate business expenses as a means of optimizing both your business and personal financial interests. Owning a corporation or LLC provides an array of options for offering fringe benefits. These benefits go beyond the traditional paycheck and can include tailored retirement plans, health plans, and other employee benefits. The flexibility to design these benefits according to your preferences and needs is a distinct advantage. As a business owner, you have the autonomy to structure fringe benefits in a way that provides a solid and personalized advantage to you and your business. While it’s essential to note that tax matters can be intricate, and it’s advisable to consult with a tax specialist, the potential tax advantages of owning a corporation are undeniable. If you’re eager to explore ways to save money on taxes by becoming a business owner, consider reaching out to a professional who can guide you through the intricacies of tax planning. Your journey to financial optimization might just begin with the decision to own and operate your own corporation or LLC.
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