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5 Bands Who Overdid It With The Fog Machine

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Going to a concert isn’t just about the music, it’s about the entire physical experience. One thing that really adds to the ambience of the concert is the fog machine, especially when paired with some great lighting. You can probably picture it in your head right now with a cloud of smoke rolling through an arena, but which bands and acts used fog machines the most? Here’s a few that have had noteworthy experiences with the underrated piece of concert equipment.

5. Black Sabbath

Headlined by the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath has been no stranger to fog machines at their concerts, but it even extends to album covers. For their smash hit self-titled album, Black Sabbath used a fog machine to capture the right look. At first, they tried dry ice in the early hours of the morning, but eventually felt that the fog machine would do the trick.

4. Luke Bryan

While it might seem strange to include a country musician on the list, Luke Bryan has had a lot of problems in his career with fog machines. This includes an incident in 2015 when a fog machine went off while he was standing nearly directly on top of it, causing him to stop singing for a moment while he laughed off the incident. Then, in 2021, Bryan thought his fog machine was doing too much at a Phoenix show and got accidentally kicked in the head while trying to move the machine. “So smoke machines dry my s*** out,” Bryan said.

3. Pink Floyd

Perhaps the best psychedelic rock band of all time, Pink Floyd has had several members come and go throughout the years. Currently, the lineup consists of just two members (David Gilmour and Nick Mason), but the love for the fog machine has never died. Gilmour in particular is known for his love of the fog machine to set the ambience for performances, including arriving on stage while surrounded by fog. Of course, there’s a fog that sits over the audience, too, but it doesn’t come from a machine.

2. Led Zeppelin

When you’re describing the sound of Led Zeppelin, “hazy” is a word that doesn’t typically apply to sound, but you know it when you hear it. If you’ve ever been to a Zeppelin concert in their long history, you’ve probably been hazed out yourself both metaphorically and literally. Zeppelin concerts are known for use of dry ice and fog machines that make the lower halves of the musicians almost impossible to see. It does make for quite an experience, though.

1. Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull has been rocking since back in 1967, and has been led by frontman Ian Anderson throughout their duration. However, the use of fog machines for more than half of a century has caused Anderson to experience lung problems in his own words. During an interview in 2020, Anderson stated that he had developed COPD because of the foc machines. “I’ve spent 50 years of my life onstage among those wretched things that I call smoke machines,” Anderson said. “Today, they’re politely referred to as hazers, as if they’re somehow innocent and not damaging to your lungs. I really do believe that’s a very significant part of the problem I have.”

The 5 Weirdest (And Most Wonderful) Coffee Shops In The World

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For most people, we have our comfort spots. The places that we know are going to be consistent and become part of our routine. For a lot of people, coffee shops are among those places where we find ourselves on a near daily basis. Typically, you’ll find people flocking to Starbucks or a more regional chain. There’s more to life than just the big name brands, though. If you want to traverse the world and find the most out-there coffee shops in the world, here are some that you must see at least once.

5. East Beach Cafe

Our first coffee stop is located in Littlehampton, England where you’ll see one of the most unique looking exteriors for a coffee shop. The back end of the shop doesn’t have any windows, but when inside you’ll at least be treated to a nice view of the sea while you’re sipping on your morning joe. This award winning building definitely stands out and the coffee inside isn’t so bad, either.

4. Cafe Du Soleil

There are many coffee shops around the world that are named Cafe Du Soleil, but only one sits at the very peak of a mountain. In Vietnam, Cafe Du Soleil sits atop Mount Fansipan and offers some of the most extraordinary views that you can possibly hope for, coffee shop or not. On particular days, you’ll be sitting above the clouds and gazing at the natural wonders of the world while enjoying comfortable seating and some of the best coffee in the country. If you’re afraid of heights, though, you might want to have your coffee delivered to the base of the mountain.

3. Lhong Tou Cafe

Our next visit takes us to Thailand where you’ll find Bangkok’s Lhong Tou Cafe. This has become a popular tourist destination throughout the years thanks to a very unique interior that makes you feel like you’re in the neighborhood’s most exclusive treehouse. A lot of the seating within the cafe requires some climbing, so make sure you’re up to the challenge to get to the second level without spilling one of the many delicious drinks that Lhong Tou has to offer.

2. Airship Coffee

We couldn’t talk about coffee shops without including at least one from the United States. Perhaps the most unique that the country has to offer is in the same hometown as retail giant Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas. Airship Coffee, from its exterior, looks like it’s about to host a Shakespeare in the Park evening, but is actually a tourist destination for coffee lovers. Brewing their own coffee, Airship is an open-air concept that will make you feel right at home in Arkansas.

1. Chillout Ice Lounge

Here in the United States we have Las Vegas, but the United Arab Emirates has their own Vegas in the form of Dubai. There, you’ll see some of the most unique concepts, which includes a coffee shop where the interior is made of ice. While sitting in subzero temperatures, you can treat yourself to a cup of coffee, as well as other drinks like hot chocolate and cocktails (sans alcohol).

5 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Coffee

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For many, coffee is a way of life. You see little placards on office desks and signs that hang in kitchens, with people showing their love and need for coffee. While some might consider coffee to be unhealthy, even likened to energy drinks, there are actually several health benefits you get from your daily cup of joe. Of course, this comes without all of the creamer or sugar, but here are some of the ways that coffee boosts your health.

1. Reduces Chances of Heart Failure

When people think about caffeine, the mind tends to wander on how that can be negative for heart health. However, a study from the American Heart Association said that those who drink one cup of coffee per day are lowering their chances of heart failure by up to 12 percent. Those that drank two daily cups of java saw even lower chances, dropping all the way to 30 percent.

2. Good For the Liver

The liver tends to work overtime for our bodies, especially if we’re consuming one too many adult beverages. One beverage that actually helps your liver, though, is coffee. Multiple studies have seen a link between those that drink coffee on a regular basis and a lower amount of liver cancer diagnoses. On top of that, coffee drinkers have a much lower rate of liver cirrhosis, with four cups per day lowering these rates by up to 65 percent.

3. Coffee Can Help You Lose Weight

With a liver that’s fully operational, your body is more prone to staying at a healthy weight. We touched on how coffee can help your liver, but there are even more weight loss benefits. As a stimulant, coffee does a great job of boosting your metabolism. Those that drank coffee either with their meals or before their meals were likely to eat fewer calories. As an added bonus, coffee drinkers burn off more body fat throughout the day.

4. Reduces Risk of Depression

Coffee acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, which sounds more like it leads to less joint pain, but is also beneficial to your mental health. The properties of coffee also help to block the chemical adenosine that causes feelings of depression. One study showed that coffee drinkers are reducing their risk of depression by about one-third. Dr. Alan Leviton of Harvard University noted that the reduction of chronic illnesses is a big factor in this link.

5. Increases Skin Health

Let’s say that you don’t like the taste of coffee. That’s fine, not everybody does. You can still see massive benefits for your skin health simply with the touch of coffee grounds. When used in an exfoliating scrub, coffee (along with its antioxidant properties) helps to exfoliate skin and reduce the signs of aging. There’s also good news for those that want to drink coffee, as a major study in Japan showed that daily coffee intake reduces signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. So not only does coffee make you feel young when your day is dragging along, but it can also help you look younger, too!

5 Countries Which Excel at Coffee

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Almost everybody wants to travel the globe and take in the sights and sounds, as well as try some of the best cuisine. When you’re traveling, though, there are some things that tend to stay the same in your daily routine. You wake up the same, put on your clothes the same, and brush your teeth the same. No matter where you are, there’s probably another part of your morning that’s also incredibly valuable, and that’s reaching for a cup of coffee. But what are some of the countries around the world where you can find the best coffee? Here are some that truly stand out above the rest.

1. Colombia

You can’t mention coffee without first mentioning the nation of Colombia. In the western hemisphere, no country is more famous for their coffee. Producing the third most bags of coffee in the world, Colombia produces arabica beans that give coffee a sweeter taste. If you’re looking to avoid the crashes and jitters that come with a lot of coffee, Colombia has your back. With a lower caffeine level, you’re free to enjoy the drink itself.

2. Brazil

If you want to see where about one-third of the world’s coffee originates, then come to Brazil. Interestingly enough, coffee’s stronghold in Brazil dates back only to the 18th century, but that hasn’t stopped the country from becoming a coffee powerhouse. Coffee from Brazil tends to have a lower acidity compared to other regions, and is naturally much sweeter than your average coffee. Just be prepared to pay a little extra, though, as Brazil coffee is among the most expensive globally.

3. Mexico

Assuming that you’re in the United States, you don’t have to go far for some of the world’s best coffee. Ranking among the top 10 in terms of volume of production, Mexico has been increasing their output for decades now, with almost all of their output coming from the southern part of the nation. Not only are the beans themselves great, but Mexico tends to brew their coffee with both sugar and cinnamon to make it sweeter and tastier.

4. Kenya

While there are several countries that grow coffee in Africa, Kenya stands out above the rest. Very popular amongst Europeans (and trending in North America), Kenyan coffee has a stronger flavor than most coffees due to its high acidity. The volcanic soil in Kenya is a perfect breeding ground for coffee beans, and you might not look back after your first cup.

5. Italy

You might be thinking to yourself right now, “Wait, does Italy actually grow its own coffee?” The answer is no, as Italy’s climate and topography don’t allow for it to happen. However, that doesn’t mean that Italians don’t know coffee. It’s all about the preparation, and Italy has been at the forefront in creating innovative new ways to consume coffee. This includes the advent of espresso, as well as cappuccinos, macchiatos and many more. Simply put, if you’re perusing through Italy on a vacation, you won’t have to look far for a tremendous cup of coffee you may have never seen before.

5 Ways To Travel In Style For Less

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There’s something to be said for making a first impression. When you’re visiting a new city for the first time, then you’ll be making that first impression on everyone there. Because of this, you’ll likely want to travel in style and be the talk of the town. That’s not always cheap, however. Just because you can’t travel like a Kardashian doesn’t mean you can’t look lavish on the road, though. Here are some ways that you can travel in style without breaking the bank.

1. Travel During the Slow Season

One of the more lavish ways to travel is by doing so in the air. The best way to get yourself into first class on a budget is to wait during a time when the prices are at their lowest. It might not be the dream vacation to visit a colder city like New York or Chicago during the middle of the winter, but the best seats on the airplane will be much more affordable. This type of thinking will also help you potentially land a suite in a place like Las Vegas.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Coupons

There seems to be some stigma when it comes to using coupons, but online deals have helped people save a ton of money while going all out on vacation. Look on websites such as Groupon to see what local deals are in town, as they can include some lavish meals. You may also be able to find discounted tickets to sporting events and shows by using promotional codes. If you think of the word “discount” instead of “coupon,” it may help you mentally.

3. Splurge on the Luggage

When it comes to luggage, a lot of people like to go the cheap route because it’s more convenient. Instead of getting the absolute cheapest luggage that you can find, try to shop around online through sites like Amazon to find a good blend of value and style. There are certain things where it’s fine to spend more than the bare minimum. Beds are at the top of the list, but good luggage is also there.

4. Buy Local Clothes

Upon arriving at your vacation destination, you don’t have to have a suitcase full of fancy clothing. Instead, bring one nice outfit that you want to wear on the first day and then shop locally. Not only is it an experience, but you’re likely to save money by shopping at the stores in your vacation city. There will be some instances where it’s harder to find cheaper deals (think luxurious places like Los Angeles or New York).

5. Rent Yourself a House

Let’s say that even during the slow season, all of the more lavish hotel rooms and suites are booked, you can still live the life of a high roller on a budget. Browse through sites like Airbnb and Vrbo to see if there’s anything affordable where you get all the space of a house for the price of a standard hotel room. More people are turning to house rentals these days, and at the price point, there’s a good reason for that.

5 Ways To Safeguard Your Health When Travelling

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Traveling is something that almost all of us love doing, but there is one drawback. People tend to feel ill after arriving home, and a lot of it has to do with exposure to people and places that they’ve never experienced before. You don’t have to be one of the countless many to have to spend your time returning home lying sick in bed, though. If you’re careful, you can be healthy before, during and after your next vacation. We’ve come up with some tips for every traveler to follow to stay healthy and happy while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Sanitize Everything

One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught a lot of people is the importance of sanitizing. For many years, most people simply thought of sanitizing their hands. Since 2020, though, we’ve learned to sanitize just about anything that we come into contact with. Whether it be your airplane seat, the counters in the hotel room or anything in between, it doesn’t hurt to have some sanitizing wipes on hand and plenty of hand sanitizer. 

2. Stay Hydrated

It’s something that we all know but not many of us do, and that’s making sure you get enough water on a daily basis. It’s even more important to stay hydrated when you’re on the road. If you’re sitting in your living room and feeling a little dehydrated, that can be a quick fix. When you’re wandering through the streets of a city that’s far away from home, though, that’s a completely different story.

3. Mind the Elevation and Temperature

Another big reason why you’ll want to stay well hydrated when traveling is because you might not be used to the climate of your destination. Let’s say you’re from Nevada where you’re used to 100 degree temperatures and you see 90 degrees in Florida and don’t think it’s too bad. That is, until you experience humidity for the first time. It will take some time to adjust, and it’s the same case for elevation changes. You might be feeling a bit out of breath when visiting a place like Denver for the first time.

4. Take Your Vitamins

Nothing is more important for your health while traveling than your immune system. Of course, the best way to boost your immune system is to make sure that you’re getting enough vitamins on a daily basis. Whether it be a multivitamin or something like Emergen-C, anything that you’re adding to your diet helps. Even while you’re already on the road, get plenty of fruits and vegetables to increase your vitamin intake.

5. Don’t Trust All Food

Not all fruits and vegetables will be safe, though. When eating at a place that you’ve never been, always be hyper aware of what food you’re putting into your body. Always do your research and look at reviews on Yelp and Google to see if anyone has had an experience with health hazards. All restaurants should also contain a grade from a local health inspector.

5 Ways To Create Lasting Memories When You Travel

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Each year, more than one-third of Americans will go on a vacation, and this includes more than 40 percent of those traveling with their children. When you go on a vacation, you want to make sure it’s an experience that you or your family will never forget. However, when you get back into the grind of everyday life, it can be easy to forget some of the details of the memories you made on your trip. If you want to make sure those great moments aren’t lost to time, here are some ways that you can keep those memories sacred on your next vacation. 

1. Stay Away from the Phone (In Most Cases)

We all know that we’re living in an age where people are glued to their phones for a majority of the day. Not that it’s a bad thing as we want to stay connected, but when you’re on vacation, it’s best to keep the phone away for the most part. Don’t leave your phone in the hotel, though. Simply switch it to airplane mode to avoid any incoming calls or texts and use your phone as a camera to capture some of the best moments of your vacation.

2. Get Chatty With the Locals

As North Americans, we tend to be a bit extroverted by nature. While not every country will appreciate our outgoing personalities, there will be plenty that will welcome you with open arms. When you start talking with locals, you’ll be submerging yourself into the local culture. This will help you locate some of the best spots to visit and which places have the best food. You can also make some lifelong penpals, so don’t be afraid to talk in a place where nobody knows who you are.

3. The Pen is Mightier

The best way to remember details from your experiences is to write them down. This is why people keep journals or diaries, so don’t be afraid to do the same when it comes to your vacation. Take note of the people you met, the events that happened and the places that you saw. When you read the journal many years down the road, those memories that you had will come flowing right back and bring a warm feeling.

4. What’s in the Box?

A lot of people collect souvenirs while they’re on their vacations, but they can tend to get lost in storage within a standard Amazon box. Instead, try to design a unique looking small box where you can keep some of your most cherished memories of your trip. This could include small trinkets, pictures, little notes or anything else that you can think of. You can even make an entire shelf devoted to your vacation boxes.

5. Pin to Win

One great way to remember a particular vacation or all of your vacations is to get yourself a world map. After visiting a destination, make sure to place a pin in the city you went to. Don’t be afraid to use different colors, either. For instance, use one color to mark a place that you definitely want to visit again because you enjoyed it so much. You can even mark places you don’t want to see anymore.

5 Rules You Need To Follow To Avoid Overpaying For Your Vacation

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There are those times that will inevitably pop up where you just want to get away from it all and enjoy a nice, relaxing vacation far away from where you’re at currently. That’s easier said than done, though. Assuming that you can get that time away from work (or other obligations you may have), there’s that little caveat of having to pay for your vacation.

Studies have shown that the average cost for a vacation is north of $1,500 for just one week. That’s just for one person, too, so if you’re bringing friends or family with you, be prepared to pay a lot more. So how do we avoid overpaying on a vacation while still getting everything that we want out of the trip? Here are a few rules that you should follow.

1. Know Your Airline

Perhaps the biggest expense that you’ll be paying for on vacation is the air travel. Many people will jump on the cheapest face value flight, but always look at the fine print. Airlines like Spirit or Allegiant may have cheaper ticket prices, but you can get nickeled and dimed very quickly compared to airlines such as Delta or Southwest that won’t be charging you extra for your carry-on. Also, check where your flight is headed to, as larger airports are typically much cheaper.

2. Grocery Stores Are King

Naturally, you’re going to want to sample the finest local cuisine no matter where you’re traveling. That doesn’t mean that you have to eat every meal at a restaurant, though. If you’re staying for an extended period of time, make sure to stock your hotel room with cheaper local groceries so that you can get by on breakfast and perhaps lunch. You don’t have to go to the dollar store, but it will save you quite a bit of money.

3. Enjoy the Sights

They say the best things in life are free, and when it comes to visuals, that’s certainly true. If you find yourself vacationing to a scenic spot, you won’t have to pay hand over fist to get a once in a lifetime experience. It doesn’t cost you to look at some of the world’s most majestic mountains, oceans or rivers, but can cost you a pretty penny to see a band or a museum. Natural beauty is the cheapest beauty.

4. Cash Out Early

The easiest way to pay for anything is with a card these days. This is especially true as companies like MasterCard or Visa are accepted just about anywhere, but international fees can pile up quickly (as well as pesky ATM fees). To save yourself some money, try to get cash out from your home country and have it converted upon arrival at your vacation destination.

5. Skip the Souvenirs

We all want to remember our vacation, and one way of doing that is souvenirs. However, these tend to be extremely overpriced and will likely end up collecting dust as soon as you get home. Instead of little mementos that will be boxed up and in storage within weeks, try to take more pictures and capture those memories. With the way smartphone cameras are these days, you’ll be getting a clear picture of your amazing trip.

5 Tips For Making The Most Of Your Business Trips

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Not all of us will take one, but for those that are in the corporate world, there may be a time where you have to go on a business trip. Most of the time, you’ll have to make the trip on your own, which can make things a bit lonely. If the boss has assigned you to travel away from home (and approved for your travel to be paid), things don’t have to be so bad. To make the most of your next business trip, here are some tips that you should follow.

1. Take Advantage of Air Amenities

In most cases, you’ll be traveling to your business destination via airlines. The more you use one airline, the more points you’ll be able to rack up, and we’ll get to the advantages of that in just a bit. When flying for work, it’s going to be best to upgrade some of the amenities that are offered, including wireless internet access. When you’re awaiting your flight or en route to your destination, you can use your computer to get some work done to give you more free time after landing.

2. Don’t Be Confined to the Hotel

See your business trip as a way to explore new areas that you may have never seen before. Many business travelers find themselves staying in their hotel for a majority of the trip, but don’t be afraid to explore. If you need to get some exercise, pack some comfortable clothes and shoes and get walking around the city. You’ll feel like you’re getting a full experience and, who knows, you could open yourself to more business opportunities.

3. End the Week Right

Of course you’ll be doing a lot of work on your business trip, but you can make a vacation out of it, too. If you plan a business trip toward the end of the week, you can give yourself the opportunity to experience the city you’re visiting by staying on Friday and Saturday before heading back on Sunday. You’ll find that it’s a lot less stressful when you can unwind for a couple of days in a new location.

4. Use Your Credit Card

Companies will typically pay for your expenses on a business trip, but it’s best to get paid afterward via reimbursement than upfront. When you use your own credit card for travel, it’s going to be easier to get any potential mess sorted out with your name, but there’s an even bigger advantage. You’ll get all of the rewards such as cash back and travel points when using your own credit card instead of your company reaping the benefits.

5. Room Service Not Needed

When you’re short on time, it will be tempting to order room service in your hotel when you’re feeling hungry or thirsty. If you want to feel like you actually had an experience instead of just shacking up in a hotel and working the entire time, skip out on the room service. Try one of the local restaurants, taking advantage of the hotel’s concierge to find out what suits your cravings the best.

The 5 Weirdest Art Mysteries

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The world of art is one of the most lucrative, but it can also be the most mysterious. Since almost all of the most well-known works of art predate the internet and even recorded history altogether, it’s hard to know the exact origins and full stories for these pieces of art. Because of this, there are plenty of unsolved mysteries in art history, and here are some of the biggest question marks that we’re still trying to figure out.

5. Who is Lady Liberty?

Very few pieces of art in the United States are as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty which overlooks the New York Harbor. A gift from France that was dedicated in 1886, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi created what has become an iconic piece of Americana. The statue is of Libertas, a Roman goddess, but who was the exact model that Bartholdi used? There are rumors that it was his own mother, but it was never confirmed. 

4. How Did Van Gogh Go?

When you think of artists that just about anybody can name despite their level of art knowledge, Vincent van Gogh is one of those artists. On July 28, 1890, van Gogh passed away after a fatal gunshot, which was presumed to be fired by himself. However, in the years that have passed, there has been speculation that someone else fired the gun into his abdomen. Due to forensics, some historians suspect it was an accidental gunshot that nobody wanted to confess.

3. Is Denver Cursed?

If you’ve been to the Denver International Airport, you may have noticed one of the most eye-catching sculptures. Officially titled Blue Mustang, people know this massive horse sculpture better as Blucifer. Standing at over 30 feet tall and around 9,000 pounds, Blucifer has been said to be cursed. That’s because the sculptor of the statue, Luis Jimenez, was killed in his studio by a piece of Blucifer falling on him, severing his artery. 

2. Big Heist in Beantown

Boston is one of the most historical cities in the United States, and art plays a significant part in the city’s lore. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of those places that has preserved history, but there’s a big chunk missing. In March of 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen from the museum with an estimated value of $500 million. With that much money missing, you’d think the case would be solved more than 30 years later. However, the FBI still hasn’t caught the thieves and the reward for finding the missing art has ballooned to $10 million.

1. Who was Robert C. Christian?

The state of Georgia made headlines in July 2022 when the Georgia Guidestones were destroyed. A big tourist attraction, there was a lot of controversy surrounding that monument that’s said to give instructions on what to do after a potential apocalyptic event. One thing that’s unclear is the history of the man that made the Guidestones. The man was known under the name Robert C. Christian (a pseudonym), but that’s about all we know. He simply wanted to know how much it would cost to make the monument, and only Wyatt Martin knows Christian’s real name.