The NFL season is winding down with only a few weeks left before the playoffs begin. As the playoff portion of the season is close to happening, there is still a plethora of news stories from around the league. This week has had suspensions, injuries, and game-changing scores that will impact the playoffs.

A week ago in the Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game, the Texans’ linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair, brutally hit Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars in the head. After the hit, the NFL suspended Al-Shaair for three games. Despite an appeal from the linebacker, the suspension was upheld, keeping the suspension in place. As for Lawrence, the Jaguars’ quarterback, he has been put on injury reserve. Lawrence still has to get surgery after the incident and it’s believed that he might be out for the rest of the season if he can’t clear concussion protocol.

Speaking of potential season-ending injuries, there have been some other players who are likely done for the rest of the season as it continues to wind down. It was announced that Dallas Cowboy guard, Zack Martin, would have to have surgery for an ankle injury sustained a few weeks ago. The injury and surgery takes him out for the rest of the season, but the franchise’s owner, Jerry Jones, has remained optimistic that Martin will only be out for this season and not forever.

As for Treylon Burks, a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, he just underwent surgery for his own injury. He suffered a torn ACL and the injury combined with surgery has ended his playing time for the season.

This week, the Detroit Lions made history. They set a franchise record for the most games won in a row with eleven, after their win over the Green Bay Packers. This record-setting win also officially guaranteed the Lions’ spot in the playoffs this season. The Lions have now gained a massive advantage for themselves as the playoffs near and the regular season comes to an end.

With only a few weeks left to play before the playoffs, the last games for every team become more crucial than they ever have been. The competition is only heating up and the news in the NFL regarding injuries and suspensions only adds to the intrigue of what could happen next.

JDI Entertainment/Sony

These are just a few ideas to get you and your pet to start being more active around your community. Our four legged friends mean a lot to us and it’s important to get them moving and active for their sake, and anytime with a beloved animal is time well spent.

1. Carve a pumpkin! 

Carving a pumpkin is one of the most classic – and cheapest – ways to celebrate Halloween. A decent-sized pumpkin only costs a couple of bucks at the grocery store, making it both easy to obtain and really affordable. All the tools you need are a carving knife, a sharpie, and a spoon – which can all be found in the comfort of your own home! Make sure to check for sales and compare prices between stores in order to get the most bang for your buck. 

2. DIY decorations!

In the same vein as carving pumpkins, creating your own decorations instead of buying them can help save money. Search for free tutorials online and get the supplies you need at the grocery store! Make sure to avoid craft stores, as they’re often much more expensive. You can also save these decorations for future years, saving you both time and money! 

3. Make your own costume!

This is where your creativity can really shine! Making your own costume means you get to show off your holiday spirit and save money. You can buy some cheap supplies at the dollar store to help you with your new creation, or you can make it entirely with stuff you already own! Whether it be created with clothes you already own or just an old bed sheet, it’s incredibly easy to make your own costume. 

4. Look out for free events in your area!

Many Halloween attractions cost ridiculous entrance fees, but there certainly isn’t a shortage of free events to take advantage of! Local organizations often put on their own celebrations for the community. Research online for free haunted houses and hikes, hayrides and pumpkin patches in your area and go with friends or family to really get into the holiday spirit. 

5. Get a head start on next year’s Halloween prep!

One Halloween constant is the inevitable clearance sale of leftover Halloween costumes and decorations, usually at least 50% off. When you see these sales, make sure to take advantage of them! You save both time and money by planning ahead for next year’s celebrations. 

As the spooky season draws near, it’s necessary to plan ahead and make the most out of your money. With these tips, your bank account balance will be the least frightening part of the holiday!  

Every day of our lives we have thoughts of planning for the future, for our families, savings, 401K, and life insurance. That way we can retire and live the remainder of our time comfortably with money, to do things with family and maybe travel. But do we really consider how we want those things to happen? Make sure to keep in mind of health and wellness, mental, and physical, and sexual health. What does quality of life mean to you? Is it the hope of good genes and things we don’t have control over? We all want to have control over our lives, body, and environment for as long as possible. The fact that the thought of having to give up anything in life because you cannot do it any longer is not even in your vocabulary.

I decided to ask a few of my clients and patients, what quality of life as they were aging meant? The answers were not shocking at all. As a matter of fact, the answers should be something that people of any age would find important to incorporate into their life. In no particular order, they mentioned overall health and wellness, sleep, having hobbies, visiting with family and friends, exercising that includes physical and mental, laughter and having fun, and last but not least, having a good intimate sex life. All of these had equal weight, except the family and friends component. That was the most important thing that was noted.

Overall health and wellness to them meant that they were eating nutritious foods, having doctor’s appointments, and taking medicines correctly. Getting good sleep was important to them for recovery from the day and to help mentally. Hobbies helped to continue to do things that they were passionate about, which they felt contributed to keeping them mentally sharp. Visiting with family and friends kept bonds and connections to loved ones to provide a support system, and discourage loneliness and depression. Exercises like walking, golf, yoga, dancing, and hiking were key, but water exercises seemed to be popular for less stress on the joints. Laughing and fun relieves stress and who doesn’t like to laugh! Having someone they could talk to about things in common and with a positive intimate sex life was just as important to them for quality of life and they felt that all the things listed above helped to enhance that part of their life.

This is the 3^rd of 4 articles in researching the stereotypes of aging and I have found that the things we want as we age are no different than younger years, except we definitely know what we want and we want to live just as determined, as we did earlier in our life. In the last installment, I will share my own keys for quality of life. Visit me on FB @wholebodyfitnessandwellness

The metaverse is a concept created and developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) and based on Virtual Reality (VR) technology. VR technology utilizes headsets that are worn by users that project a completely fabricated 3D environment around them. This 3D environment can be interacted with via the use of handheld controllers, which are projected into the world and act as ‘hands’. Essentially, imagine the Holodeck from Star Trek but with headsets and controllers instead of a giant room hologram.

Using VR headsets, Meta is attempting to create virtual spaces wherein people can work, shop, and entertain themselves. In the Metaverse, at least as Meta has marketed it, people will be able to create avatars of themselves and socialize, work, and perform leisure activities in a whole new way. A user in San Francisco could watch a movie with someone in London and have their friend right next to them in the virtual space. Or you could virtually shop in a grocery store without actually leaving your home. However, Meta’s primary focus seems to be on virtual workspaces.

Since 2020, there has been a heavy shift towards remote work in many sectors and professions. The Metaverse seems to be trying to straddle the middle-ground between in-person workspaces and completely remote work. Using the Metaverse, employees could theoretically work with one another ‘in-person’ without having to leave a home office. Meetings could be had from different continents, but everyone is sitting at the same table in a virtual meeting room.

Conceptually, the Metaverse is attempting to make the science fiction concept of a completely virtual world a reality. It is trying to blend real life experiences with technology while providing a service that movies and shows have teased us with for decades. However, it remains to be seen if a virtual universe is actually something anyone wants. So far, the response to the Metaverse outside of Meta itself has been decidedly lukewarm. Some may see it as a novelty but may quickly lose interest once it’s no longer new. Some may find the Metaverse to be another in a long line of tech ideas that try to fix things that aren’t broken. Whatever anyone’s view may be, it seems that Meta truly believes in its creation, so we’ll surely see more of it the next few years.

The annual Triangle Restaurant Week event is set to run the week of June 6-12, 2022. During the event, participating restaurants within Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, and surrounding areas will offer a unique 2 or 3-course prix fixe menu ($20, $25, $30, $40, $50) each day they are open. Please visit restaurant websites to view their hours and the days they plan to offer these special menus as many have changed due to the pandemic. 

We have seen a significant drop in restaurant participation due to labor shortages and over 9% increase in food prices in the winter of 2022. These new obstacles the eateries are facing has also led to some restaurants picking a higher price point for their menu and only offering two courses instead of three.” said Damon Butler, Founder of Triangle Restaurant Week. “We are very excited to still be able to offer this event since many people look forward to it year after year.”

“Covid-19 has definitely reshaped the restaurant industry in the Triangle but restaurant week is still an event that many folks look forward to participating in. Though participation is low this summer, we believe that rebuilding this event is important for that Carolina Comeback we all crave,” said Kelly Stewart, Program Manager for Triangle Restaurant Week. 

Since the inaugural event, Triangle Restaurant Week has grown to reach over 1.2 million residents and featured more than 125 of the region’s eateries, generating over $500k in additional revenue to the area’s restaurants.

During the largest foodie event in the South East, patrons will have the option of special 2 or 3-course menus at  $25, $30, $40 & $50 varying by location.

Details about the event can be found on Triangle Restaurant Week’s website.

For more information on Triangle Restaurant Week and participating venues, visit www.trirestaurantweek.com.

About Triangle Blvd
Triangle Blvd is the award-winning creative agency in the South East – providing video, web and mobile solutions designed to be highly effective, engaging and entertaining. Triangle Blvd is composed of a talented group of forward-thinking artisans and a multidisciplinary team – which allows Blvd to produce consistent brand experiences across multiple platforms.

Contact
Kelly Stewart
Program Manager  ::   Triangle Blvd
W. TriangleBlvd.com   E. kelly@triangleblvd.com

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Celebrate African and African American History, Culture, Arts, and Traditions

DURHAM, N.C. –  The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) in partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the newly improved Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Drive).

This family oriented, free event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions, and will feature live musical performances by Mario and Sunshine Anderson, hosted by K97.5’s Brian Dawson. Festival highlights include celebration of Hometown Heroes, book giveaways, local talent, live music, ethnic food, and a Family Fun Zone celebrating the spirit of African community and cultural traditions.

The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will kick-off with the Grand Re-opening Celebration of Rock Quarry Park on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate completion of park upgrades which will better support events, festivals, and daily use.  Join DPR for a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the Salute to Elders Parade and Dance Presentation by the African American Dance Ensemble.

New park amenities include a stage platform with electrical service upgrades, an accessible walking path, a planted stormwater basin, water service, and renovated year-round restrooms near the tennis courts. A new park entrance over Ellerbee Creek near the National Guard Armory features a 12’ wide pedestrian entrance bridge adorned with metal sculptures by Durham artist Vandorn Hinnant. The Ellerbee Creek Trail was also recently repaved from Stadium Drive to Club Blvd, greatly improving non-vehicular access to the park. 

Free parking will be available in the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive across from Rock Quarry Park. New this year – the parking lot will only be accessible via Wisteria Avenue and Stadium Drive will be closed to thru traffic. Please carpool and arrive early! Taking public transportation is encouraged, please visit DPRPlaymore.org for more information about taking Go Durham to the Festival. Handicap parking will be available in the Durham National Guard Armory Parking Lot, located at 801 Stadium Drive, as space permits. First come, first serve.

Weekday Events

There will be several weekday events leading up to the Festival from May 18 –20. Click here for a complete list of events.

Click here for more information about the Festival, event history, and trip planning assistance.  

About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.

Released: May 11, 2022

It may surprise you, however, to know that Jackson has not been a speed skater all her life. Only four months after stepping out onto the ice for the first time in 2018, she became the first black woman to qualify for Team U.S.A. Although the new terrain was unfamiliar, Jackson gave herself every opportunity to get out onto the ice. By going back to the rink day every day to get used to her new environment, she was setting herself up for historic success.

By choosing something she enjoyed, and staying committed to her process, she was putting herself in a position where she would have opportunities to prosper. Although the journey may not have always been comfortable, her trust, and patience with the process, ultimately paid off. 

This story is a good one to keep in mind when taking on your next venture. Do you want to try something new? Become a better cook? Learn a new instrument? Even pick up speed skating? Whatever your new hobby may be, let’s talk about part of the Olympic recipe for success. Trust and patience are important parts of the overall process that will lift you to success. 

Trust the process! You may have heard the common phrase “practice makes perfect,” but I challenge you to tell yourself this instead: “practice makes improvement.” Erin Jackson’s historic gold medal can make it hard to remember that it took her four years to get to that point. Take the pressure off of yourself to be perfect with your new hobby and simply focus on improvement and enjoyment. Without the confinements of unattainable expectations, you may find more success. 

Be patient with yourself! Setting expectations too high or putting too much pressure on the situation can stifle your enthusiasm. Without that enthusiastic spark that got you going in the first place, it’s probable your new undertaking won’t last much longer. It’s unlikely that your new meal, first song, or race are going to be perfect. Understanding that the ultimate goal is to enjoy yourself and improve with each session, you will alleviate the pressure of getting it right the first time. Mistakes are human, and part of what makes the end result more satisfying. It’s always a joy to cheer on Team U.S.A. at the Olympic games, but Jackson’s story of her first time lacing up the skates is what makes her victory so much sweeter. It reminds us that everyone starts somewhere, even Olympic champions. 

By Reilly Miller

Photo source for title and within article: 

Azzi, Alex. “Erin Jackson Makes Olympic History with Speed Skating Gold.” On Her Turf, 14 Feb. 2022 https://onherturf.nbcsports.com/2022/02/13/erin-jackson-gold-speed-skating-2022-winter-olympics/.

In recent years, Valentine’s Day has evolved from a traditional romantic holiday to a day to express affection for someone other than a romantic partner. Friends or family members are the most common choice for those who are single and wish to celebrate love on a national holiday. 

What happens if you’re single?

In the event that you don’t have a significant other, you have two options: either you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day or you find a unique way to commemorate it with the people you care about most. For some men, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for them to meet women and, more particularly, single women with whom to begin a discussion and who knows what else. It’s not difficult to locate Single Women these days, thanks to the proliferation of dating apps and websites devoted to helping people find their true love, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll come across one on Valentine’s Day. It’s just a matter of testing! 

Last but not least, there are others who opt to avoid Valentine’s Day celebrations altogether, yet many of them spend the day at home, glued to their PC, browsing photographs of Valentine’s Day. 

With a companion… 

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the most romantic people know exactly what to present their each other or what gifts for their partners will be most successful. 

The most typical method is to make a reservation at a romantic restaurant and request a menu tailored to the occasion. A gem, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or that special attention that your lover has been wanting so much for a long time, is the most conventional gift to go along with this. 

On Valentine’s Day, the most creative people aren’t content with a simple dinner date. If they really want to go all out, they’ll book a romantic getaway at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, complete with a candlelit dinner for two, a spa day to unwind together, or even a special massage just for the occasion. After dinner, there are a wide range of possibilities, but those who want something a little less traditional choose other ways that their romantic night concludes! 

Valentine’s Day excursions are likewise becoming increasingly popular. While juggling work and personal life can be challenging, nothing is impossible in this world. When Valentine’s Day happens on a weekday, it’s more common for people to book a trip for the weekend immediately following the holiday, rather than waiting until the weekend after Valentine’s Day. 

Among the great variety of Valentine’s Day getaways, hotels and places that incorporate romantic parks are the most popular choices for couples looking to spend time together. Ski slopes are also popular destinations for daring and sporty couples, as February is still a good time to enjoy this winter sport that can leave a couple in love with so many laughter and memories. 

To summarize, there are various methods to commemorate Valentine’s Day, and it currently doesn’t matter if you have a romantic relationship or not. You can spend Valentine’s Day with anyone and however you choose, but if you don’t want to celebrate it, all you have to do is enjoy the day as a normal day and forget about the hearts and commercialization typical of this day.