Just as exercising is good for physical health, flexing your mental muscles is vital - especially as you age. Reading daily is a wonderful way to give your brain a workout. It stimulates your imagination, engages your concentration and memory, and allows you to learn something new. Whether you prefer holding a book, using a tablet, or listening to audiobooks, diving into stories you enjoy is relaxing and fun. If you need some suggestions, here are five different genres you might like to try – along with some ...

Retro Review Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe When does a civilization begin to rot from its core?  What are the key issues that cause that civilization to die? These are the overarching questions that “the Father of African Literature,” Chinua Achebe, explores in his 1959 classic, Things Fall Apart. Set in a Nigerian village, we learn that Okonkwo was a leading citizen of his Ibo community. His impressive reputation was based on several factors; his impressive wrestling record, his success as a farmer, and his ...

I woke the other morning in predawn light to a startling, ratatatat outside my bedroom window. It was a woodpecker wantonly jackhammering holes into the side of my house. The house that we had just finished painting. The stoic house that after too many years of neglect, we had finally got around to repairing. As with many families, the pandemic afforded us the opportunity and energy to focus long needed attention on the very place we were spending all of our time. Our home. Over the years weather had taken its toll on just about every ...

Outdoor sprinkler system on the fritz with summer around the corner? Here are seven tips and tricks for fixing it yourself and when to call the pros. Assess and Adjust Sprinkler Heads The first clue to any sprinkler system problem is usually a sprinkler head that’s not performing optimally. Maybe it won’t raise or lower, it’s spraying unevenly, or it’s not spraying the correct area of your lawn. Follow a few quick steps to assess and adjust these faulty sprinkler heads.  ●    First things first, ...

RANDOLPH – Maybe the people here are getting too much media coverage. After the school board concocted the silly plan to erase all holidays from the school calendar – following a decision to scrub away Columbus Day – reporters have been all over. The story should have run its cycle, yet townsfolk are now demanding the heads of the superintendent and the school board. Really? Yes, they are calling for everyone somehow connected to be fired. As the janitors now hide in the mop closet, and teachers deem it a lovely time for a ...

Hi everyone. Are you or someone you care about a traveler? Then you'll definitely want to hear what syndicated travel columnist, author, and travel-consumer advocate, Christopher Elliott has to say in this episode of Looking Forward! Chris provides expert insights on the big changes over time in the travel/hospitality industry, where things are now, and where they may be going. You'll find his perspectives, tips, and resources invaluable if you have plans to travel-- if not now, ...

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - The main goal of any advertising campaign is to engage with customers as effectively and often as possible. You want them to see your business and remember the name while creating a positive relationship with them.  Creating an engagement marketing strategy is how your business can stay at the forefront of your audience’s mind and generate business from them long-term.  Engagement marketing is the process of acquiring new customers over a long period of time by focusing on creating meaningful ...

As summer swings into high gear outside, bring some of the color and brightness indoors with your home décor. Perfect for setting the mood every day and during special events, summer décor that includes florals, citrus, and coral tones is a great way to transition from the more muted spring hues to the bold colors of the brightest season. Here are five ways to incorporate these décor elements into your home this season. New Dishes These citrus plates and bowls are a great addition to your entertainment décor ...

Although nothing can replace the love and support of friends or family, sometimes you need to grieve on your own. Here, we take a look at five grief apps that may help you understand death and the emotions you’re experiencing when adapting to life after the loss of a loved one. We have even featured a few apps that can help children handle their grief. My Grief Angels My Grief Angels is an app with the objective of creating a global community, for people to be there for one another during their difficult times. The ...

Fresh air and fitness – a great combination for any wellness routine! As the weather warms up, consider adding some outdoor workouts to your regular exercise regimen. New surroundings can often make the same moves feel more challenging and exciting, so heading out to your backyard is an easy way to refresh any routine that’s starting to feel repetitive. Here are four great outdoor workouts that you can complete in your yard or neighborhood with minimal preparation and equipment, so choose your favorite and get sweating! Park ...