Traditional Versus Alternative Halloween

It appears non traditional and alternative methods for celebrating Halloween have at least supplemented traditional trick or treating. This has been going on for about two decades now, slowly as I grew out of trick or treating.

There are many reasons why events such as parties and trunk or treating have become more common and normal.

1. It's safer

Going up to people's houses and homes simply isn't the same as it was in my era. My mom didn't take us to many houses even then for this reason. However she believed in quality over quantity and would take us to a few houses where we received plenty of treats. These other Halloween avenues are doing just that, but in a safer fashion.

2. One or two stops is more convenient.

Just think if you take children to two parties and a trunk or treat event, where they circle around different cars at a church and get candy from people opening their trunks. Kids actually receive more candy than the average trick or treater would in seemingly less time. Again quality over quantity.

3. It is simply different and more fun

Many houses and neighborhoods try to put a limit on how old a child should be to receive candy, and which snacks should be distributed. At these alternate venues, none of that seems to matter most. The main purpose is a fun, sugar rush induced Halloween.

4. More activities can be accomplished, especially on a school night.

Halloween is on a Friday this year, and the local children actually have a teacher workday. Therefore they have an entire day to enjoy Halloween festivities. However, by going to alternate Halloween venues and parties before and after or in lieu of trick or treating, children still receive plenty of treats, plus still have time to go to haunted houses and trails if they choose. It always seemed like we were rushing around during childhood to do everything in one night. Now things are more efficient.

The thrill of trick or treating may never fully go away, especially in the more elite communities. However, these various alternatives make it safer and more tempting for parents not to drive their children all over the neighborhood.

Do you still take your children trick or treating? If not, do you partake in the various alternative activities?

Seven Cell Phone Games Of Note

One of the things that have made smartphones and tablets popular have been high quality games with awesome graphics. They can easily pass the time at a restaurant, social gathering, waiting room, or simply at home after a long day.

Here are seven such games available in the Google Play store that provide this excitement.

1. Candy Crush Saga

This is without question the most popular and addictive cell phone game of the year. Thousands download and play it everyday. It's advantageous to have friends to send you lives, unlock episodes and such. I am not currently playing it because I feel it's based a lot on luck and chance, plus the developers try to trick you into buying the tools that help you to complete each level easily.

2. Family Feud and Friends

I have always been a fan of Family Feud and of course of trivia and surveys. This game is my current addiction. It mirrors the real game in that friends can help each other complete Fast Money Rounds and gain levels.

3. Poker

Card games seem to never go out of style. There are several variations and versions of Texas Hold Em Poker that many still love to play. There are some that play for money, but many do it for the fun.

4. Angry Birds

Even with four different versions of the game, the original Angry Birds continues to be very popular. It's based on skill and a little luck. You want to beat every level on the game, not unlike many other games. Angry Birds has become a cultural phenomemon, which is where Candy Crush may be headed next.

5. Words With Friends

This game also continues to be popular, whether or not you use cheat codes. It's very similar to Scrabble, and people love testing their prowess on words and puzzles.

6. Temple Run

This game is really exciting as you move through levels in a 3rd person view. You jump, dodge, slide and glide your way to victory.

7. 4 Pics Games

You have these various games where given 4 Pics, you must choose 1 word, song, or other such item. These games are addicting and challenging. I haven't seen many master these games yet.

So what is your favorite cell phone game? Could it be Fruit Ninja? Bejeweled Blitz? Subway Surfers?

Text Neck Is Serious

Usage of cellphones has increased hundred fold over the past few decades. The introduction and expansion of smartphones into mini computing and texting devices that are often touchscreen or tailored to heavy eye and finger usage have been popular.

There are always side effects obviously. Outside of contract committments, data capping, and the overall expenses, you cannot forget the wear and tear physically. And no this is beyond carpal tunnel. There is a condition called text neck.
Trust me, text neck is very real. Often many of us do it out of habit. This goes along with proper poise and posture. Several people drop their necks while playing with their cell phones. This causes tension on the back neck tissue and muscles and can even cause nerve damage in the upper back.

However, awareness and prevention is key. An ounce of preventiom is worth a pound of cure. What you want to do is try to hold your neck and back in an upright position. Then hold your phone in front of your face to avoid even slumping your eyes. Also, use both hands if possible to increase comfort.

I have practiced these techniques personally and the differences in comfort is astounding. Lying down and holding your phone over you is also effective.

Many of love our iPhones, Galaxys, Notes, and other mobile devices. Therefore, we deserve to use them without fear of suffering permanent damage to your upper body torso. 

Balance is key in achieving goals and living a healthy life. Apply this balance to your cell phone usage and you can avoid those annoying neck pains and cricks.