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RiverBender Blog: I Moved, Then Returned to My Old Home

3 months 2 weeks ago
This past weekend, among all the stress of my move to a new place , I found myself on a road trip to Decatur, Illinois. I got the keys to my new apartment on Friday, so one could argue that I was busy enough without devoting all of Saturday to a trip up north. In fact, I argued that, several times, with myself, debating whether or not to go. But I bought concert tickets months ago, before the lease was signed, and the concert was on Saturday at the Decatur amphitheater. So I spent Friday at work, then did a flurry of cleaning and moving on Friday night, and then was up bright and early on Saturday for a two-hour drive. I lived in Decatur for a few years when I was going to college at Millikin University, so the drive itself wasn’t a problem. It felt nostalgic to navigate the backroads, a route I discovered eight years ago (!!) when I first visited campus. The main struggle was staying awake after my late Friday night. I blared music and drove blearily through the

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Cycling: A Powerful Tool for Health and Mobility

3 months 2 weeks ago
Did you know that cycling just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 50%? Beyond being a popular recreational activity, cycling serves as a potent form of exercise and an efficient mode of transportation, offering benefits that extend far beyond physical health. In cities around the world, more people are turning to bicycles not only to improve their fitness but also to navigate daily commutes in a sustainable and economical way. Enhancing Physical Health Through Cycling Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, making it an excellent choice for people of various fitness levels. Unlike high-impact activities such as running, cycling minimizes joint strain while promoting cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Benefits: Regular cycling elevates heart rate and improves lung capacity, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as stroke,

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This Day in History on May 27: St. Petersburg Founded in Russia

3 months 2 weeks ago
May 27th is a date that has witnessed a wide array of significant events throughout history, shaping the world we live in today. Going back in time, May 27 marks several notable events across different spheres. In 1703, the city of Saint Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. This strategic port city was intended to open a 'window to Europe' and became Russia’s cultural and political capital for over two centuries. Peter’s vision for modernization and Westernization found a tangible expression in Saint Petersburg’s architecture and institutions, many of which remain central to Russian identity today. On a different note, May 27, 1967, marked a significant political milestone in the United Kingdom with the first successful flight of the Concorde, the supersonic passenger airliner developed jointly by Britain and France. Capable of crossing the Atlantic in less than half the time of conventional jets, Concorde symbolized technological ambition

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How to Create a Fun and Safe Outdoor Play Area for Kids

3 months 2 weeks ago
Did you know that children who spend at least an hour a day playing outside are 50% more likely to develop stronger social skills and exhibit greater creativity? Outdoor play isn’t just about burning off energy; it’s a critical component of healthy childhood development. Yet, creating a space that is both fun and safe can be a challenging balancing act for parents and caregivers. How do you design an environment where kids are free to explore and imagine, while minimizing risks and hazards? This article delves into the essential considerations and practical strategies for crafting an outdoor play area that captivates children’s imaginations and keeps them secure. Prioritizing Safety Without Sacrificing Fun Safety is often the first concern when designing a play space, but it doesn’t need to come at the expense of enjoyment. In fact, thoughtful safety measures can enhance the play experience by allowing children to explore diverse activities confidently. Choosin

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