How Modern Technology Makes Outdoor Activities So Much More Exciting

Anyone who regularly spends time in the great outdoors knows how much of a wonderful time it is. Technology is reshaping how people approach these adventures, though. Instead of making things more complicated, innovative tech is making things more convenient and exciting. There are tools available that enhance awareness and reduce tediousness. This modern shift helps people to become more capable and engaged while spending time in nature. There are a few ways modern technology is making outdoor activities significantly more exciting:

Real-Time Technology For Awareness 

If you can use gadgets that amplify what you can see and track, the entire experience will feel more thrilling. Smart optics and sensor tools can help you capture moments while staying immersed in the terrain. Live data can also be useful in terms of helping you with decision-making. They can provide you with information about altitudes, weather shifts, and the roots you plan on heading down. You learn to adapt quickly and explore with more confidence. Simple outings become dynamic experiences with these tools constantly watching over you. Your attention stays sharp, and you feel more energetic from start to finish. You are given the opportunity to experiment with different ideas without adding too much complexity or finding yourself distracted.

Communication Gear That Keeps Up Momentum 

Technology lifts excitement by making communication a lot clearer and easier. With seamless coordination, groups can share experiences and move a lot faster. Momentum doesn’t have to be broken up every now and again. Some advanced gear, like helmet-mounted audio systems and headset adapters, will now integrate communication directly into headgear. Equipment, such as the IHPS headset rail adapter, allows you to attach compatible headsets to helmet rails, maintaining steadiness and freedom. Communication should always feel effortless; it shouldn’t be a struggle to get your message across. When this is the case, outdoor activities become much faster and more dynamic. Instructions and warnings will flow naturally, and everyone will be more engaged. Every single person can stay immersed in movement, as they will not have to pause to coordinate. Frustration is reduced significantly, and the entire experience becomes a lot more enjoyable.

Performance Tech 

The outdoor technology we have today can also reduce limits on endurance and recovery. The more we are able to do, the more excitement there is. Smart wearables and adaptive gear can help us to push further. This is all while staying responsive to environmental demands around us. With real-time metrics, we can remove guesswork and gut instinct and turn to actual feedback. Heart rate monitors and recovery tips can be extremely useful. Movement efficiency data can also be available to make progress visible. With these kinds of tools, people can improve their technique and experiment with the way they are moving outdoors. Technology injects more excitement into outings by improving awareness and comfort levels. Fatigue stops being scary and becomes more manageable. Goals feel more attainable. Motivation is easier to come by, and sustained outdoor effort stops feeling like an impossible task.

ROYAL OAK HOSTING WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW HORROR FLICK

Emagine Entertainment will be hosting the North American Red Carpet Movie Premiere of Dark Planet Releasing’s highly anticipated horror movie Thorns, at their Royal Oak, MI theatre on Saturday, February 17, 2024. The premiere will feature red carpet arrivals by key cast and crew including horror film legend Doug Bradley, and Michigan natives, Writer and Director, Doug Schulze and Editor and Co-Producer Julie Schulze. There will also be a live Q&A prior to the film hosted by Anthony LaVerde, CEO of Emagine Entertainment. Emagine Royal Oak is located at 200 N. Main Street in Royal Oak, Michigan. Tickets are on sale now and available at www.Emagine-Entertainment.com.

In Thorns, Archbishop Jenkins (played by Doug Bradley) mentors an ex-priest working for NASA who is sent to investigate a remote observatory that went silent after receiving a mysterious radio signal from deep space. Upon arrival, he discovers the signal opened a portal unleashing a thorned monster. The former priest must now summon his lost faith to stop the signal from spreading hell on earth.

Thorns will have a limited engagement beginning February 23 at select Emagine theaters before a wider release later in 2024. The film will be shown at Emagine Royal Oak, Emagine Canton, Emagine Novi, and Emagine Rochester Hills during its first run. Thorns, which was shot entirely in Michigan at the Motion Pictures Institute in Troy and in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was created by Michigan based independent filmmakers Doug and Julie Schulze.

The Red-Carpet event begins at 6:30 on Saturday, February 17. At 7:00pm Doug Bradley and Doug Schulze will answer questions from the audience during a live Q&A. The film will begin immediately after the Q&A at approximately 7:45pm. Tickets for the Red-Carpet Premiere and Q&A are $13.25 and available now at www.emagine-entertainment.com.

Thorns has played to rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences at film festivals worldwide, including Sitges Brigadoon Festival, Fright Fest in London, Monsters of Film and was the closing night film at the New York City Horror Film Festival. Thorns features horror icon Doug Bradley, who is well-known for his role as the lead Cenobite “Pinhead” in the Hellraiser franchise films and winner of the 2023 New York City Horror Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

TEXAS SIZED METAL AND MONSTERS

A new episode of the Gibson TV YouTube series METAL AND MONSTERS has just been released ... and it is a TEXAS SIZED show! Metal and Monsters host Count D interviews longtime friends Rex Brown (Pantera) and Dug Pinnick (Kings X) as they reunite for an evening of stories surrounding friendship, music, and their Texas roots. Filmmaker, director, producer, and actor Roger Corman is also featured in special segment with an intimate interview reflecting on his early career. 

This is the third episode in the series which is dedicated to heavy metal and monster culture. Metal and Monsters can be viewed for FREE on the YouTube Gibson TV channel or at Gibson.com. I'm always GEEKED when a new episode of Metal and Monsters is released! 

In addition to his off the cuff conversations with the Metal rockers from Pantera and Kings X, Count D also includes a music focused segment "Tunes from The Crypt" that details the history of the landmark album “Leprosy” from Florida death metal legends Death. Viewers also have the chance to win several different Death prizes including CDs, vinyl, t-shirts, Halloween masks and two exclusive Death skateboards courtesy of Check Your Head Skateboards.

Known as “The King of Cult” and “The Pope of Pop Cinema,” famed director and producer Roger Corman is featured in a segment titled “Exhumed From The Tomb.” Not only is Roger responsible for films including The Raven, Little Shop of Horrors, The Fast & The Furious and Death Race 2000, but he is also credited for launching the careers of film legends Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard, Sylvester Stallone, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola.

In the segment “Terror Trek,” the show heads to Las Vegas to visit KISS WORLD at the Rio Hotel to explore Gene Simmons iconic personal collection of KISS memorabilia. Viewers are also treated to guest appearances from Brent Fitz (drums), and Todd “Dammit” Kerns (bass) from Slash and KISS drummer Eric Singer.

Catch up on the past episodes of Gibson TV’s “Metal and Monsters,” including Episode 1 which features interviews with Freddy Krueger, aka Robert Englund of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Don Dokken. Episode 2 of “Metal and Monsters” offers an in depth interview with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett regarding all things monsters, metal, and horror. Watch as Kirk talks about the films that helped shaped his love of horror including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist, and Nosferatu, as well as making music in Metallica, his solo album "Portals", and his top 10 horror bands of all time by checking out the Gibson TV channel on YouTube.

SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO EVERY DAY TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY LIVING

Everyone knows that they should be living a healthy lifestyle, but it can be tough to make the time for it. Between work, family, and social obligations, there never seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. But did you know there are simple things you can do daily to encourage healthy living? Here are a few ideas:

Aim For A Good Night Of Sleep 

Did you know that getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health? Not only does it help to restore and rejuvenate your body, but it can also help to improve your mood, increase your productivity, and boost your immune system. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of getting a good night's sleep: 

•  Sleep helps to regulate your hormones, which in turn helps to control your appetite and weight.
•  Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 
• Too little sleep can also lead to decreased cognitive function and memory loss. 
• Getting enough sleep is essential for overall mental health and well-being.

If you're not getting enough sleep, you can do a few things to encourage healthy sleeping habits. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sleep:

• Make sure your bedroom is dark and cool. 
• Avoid using electronic devices in bed. 
• Establish a regular sleep schedule. 
• Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. 
• Practice relaxation methods before bedtime.

Eat A Healthy Diet 

Eating a healthy diet is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to encourage healthy living. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps keep your body working properly, prevents disease, and ensures that you get the most out of the food you eat. 

There are many different ways to eat a healthy diet, but one of the simplest is to focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. In addition, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. 

In addition to eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, another key part of a healthy diet is to limit your intake of unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. Unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Limiting your intake of these unhealthy substances can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. Eating a healthy diet is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. 

Eating healthy foods and limiting your intake of unhealthy substances can help you enjoy a long and healthy life.

Exercise Regularly 

Regular exercise is another essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps to keep your heart healthy, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your mental health and boost your immune system. Regular exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and improve your overall well-being. 

There are many different ways to get regular exercise, but one of the easiest is to make sure that you are active for at least 30 minutes each day. This could involve going for a brisk walk, playing with your kids at the park, or taking an exercise class at the gym. Whatever form of exercise you choose, making it a part of your daily routine is the key to reaping the many benefits of regular exercise. So, get up and get moving today! Your body will thank you for it.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake 

Drinking alcohol is a common part of many people's lives, but it is important to drink in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems. It can also increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. 

If you drink alcohol, it is essential to limit your intake. For healthy adults, moderate drinking is defined as up to two drinks per day for men and up to one drink per day for women. If you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions, you should avoid alcohol altogether. Making an effort to drink in moderation can help you enjoy the many benefits of alcohol without putting your health at risk. 

If you find that you have a drinking problem and you are struggling to quit, there are some things that you can do to get help. Many resources are available to help you overcome your addiction and live a healthy life. You can also try alcohol rehab to get the help you need to quit.

Avoid Tobacco 

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death in the world and is a significant contributor to many chronic diseases. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Chewing tobacco is bad for your overall oral health and also increases your risk of developing oral cancer. 

Avoiding tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you currently smoke cigarettes, quitting is the most critical thing you can do for your health. Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, including counseling, medication, and support groups. Making the decision to quit smoking is a vital step toward living a healthier life. It is a decision that will change your life, and you will not regret it. 

There are many things that you can do to live a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting your alcohol intake are all necessary steps toward achieving better health. Living a healthier life can improve your overall sense of well-being and help you enjoy a long and healthy life.

TRAVELING DAD 2017 RETROSPECTIVE

As 2018 begins, I wanted to take a look back at my first year contributing feature articles for the Traveling Dad website.  Branching out from ageekdaddy.com, I started collaborating with other dads sharing parent focused travel tips and family vacation experiences on travelingdad.com last year.  Looking at 2017 in retrospective, a lot of my posts for #TDAD revolve around family-friendly destinations in Michigan but also covered spots like the War World I Museum in Kansas City, the High Line in New York City, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Universal Orlando Resort and Santa Claus' house in Alaska.  I also wrote some posts on informational topics like having fun bird watching with kids and tips for participating in cosplay events.

Here are some of my favorite Traveling Dad contributions from 2017:

DETROIT HOLIDAY STAYCATION

Read about my family's experience staying at the historic Double Tree Suites Fort Shelby Hotel and going to see the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade as a holiday staycation.

EXPLORE MICHIGAN'S WILD SIDE AT THE EDDY DISCOVERY CENTER

Visit the nature center at one of my family's favorite Michigan state parks in this Traveling Dad post.

A HIKE ALONG THE TEMBO TRAIL

Join my family for a trek at the Toledo Zoo as we encounter close up views of elephants, hippos and rhinos.

MICHIGAN SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

Did you know that sharks live in Michigan?  You'll find them at the Michigan Sea Life Aquarium.

Read these and other travel related pieces by myself and others at travelingdad.com regarding categories such as Disney theme park & cruise info, domestic destinations, international trips, credit card points and rewards plus dad travel 101 tips.  Additionally, I'll be posting more travel themed posts on ageekdaddy.com as well tagging mentions to them on social media using the #TDAD hashtag to go along with my Traveling Dad contributions.  Now a year is under my belt, I have a better feel for writing content for travelingdad.com and am excited about getting into a Traveling Dad groove for 2018.  Stay tuned for what hopefully will be a year filled with a lot of amazing family travel experiences that this Traveling Dad is looking forward to sharing with you.

GrindReliefN

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review **

I have a bad tendency to grind and clinch my teeth while sleeping.  This was beginning to chip and wear down my teeth so my dentist recommended a mouth guard to wear at night.  It was a really arduous and expensive process to get a customized one created for me; but I figured that would save me from more costly and painful dental problems down the road.  Ugh! The product I received was bulky, uncomfortable and caused me to gag whenever I tried to go to sleep wearing it.  The dentist tried to modify it but that didn't help and I eventually just threw it away without getting any benefit from it.

Of course my problem didn't go away.  So I was excited to learn about and have a chance to try out a mouth guard crafted by a Metro Detroit dentist that had been featured in a healthy living segment on a local television station's news broadcast.  You can purchase a GrindReliefN mouth guard from retailers including Amazon, CVS, Kmart, Target and Walmart and easily custom fit it to your mouth in the comfort of your own kitchen for a price tag that is now under $50.



I've been using GrindReliefN for a few weeks now and it is working great!  Fitting it to my mouth was super easy.  I simply filled up a coffee mug with water and heated it for 90 seconds in my kitchen microwave.  Then placed the hard white material within the hot water for another 90 seconds.

I scooped the mouth guard out of the cup with a spoon and it was now transparent in color.

Next let it cool down for a few seconds so as not to burn my mouth.  Went into the bathroom and while looking in the mirror I used my fingers to gently mold the mouth guard around my lower front teeth for ninety seconds while slightly biting down upon it.  Simple as that!

Because GrindReliefN is one-third the size of typical mouthguards it has felt really comfortable in my mouth and hasn't caused me to have any gagging sensations when I lie down for bed with it on.  It doesn't need to cover the majority of your teeth like my previous one had done because of its central power bar format which reprograms your jaw muscles to stop your teeth from grinding and clenching.  Plus this feature refocuses your bite to so the force against your teeth is reduced.  I've noticed my jaw isn't feeling sore when I wake up in the morning anymore.

While GrindReliefN has an affordable price it also has a dependable guarantee.  Two things that often don't go together.  GrindReliefN provides a 3-year wear guarantee that you won't bite through this mouth guard within that span.  It is nice to know the manufacturer is backing this product's durability with such a great guarantee.

The GrindReliefN mouth guard also comes with a handy storage case to keep it clean and safe when you aren't wearing it.  If you grind your teeth at night you should check out this mouth guard.  GrindReliefN  gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval for being an affordable, convenient, comfortable and dependable option for protecting your pearly whites.  For more information, please visit  www.grindreliefn.com