All posts by Stacie

Top 5 Worst Polluting Cars

Top 5 Worst Polluting Cars

By Stacie on

There’s a large push for environmentally friendly automobiles in and outside of the industry these days. Well, not from everyone, but enough that it’s created an impact. That doesn’t stop some companies from pumping out environmentally unfriendly monsters, though. These are the top 5 worst polluting cars on the market. 

5. Subaru WRX STI

Sports cars and clean emissions rarely go hand in hand. As a rally car and performance model, with fantastic performance metrics, the same is true of the WRX STI. It boasts 300 horsepower, 290 lb-ft torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine. 

That performance comes at the price of emitting 1.01 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile driven. Not to mention the 17 mpg EPA rating. While it will remain a popular racecar, it’s certainly not an environmentalist’s first pick. 

4. Dodge Viper ACR

Another performance model, the Dodge Viper ACR looks car-centric movie worthy. It is technically a racecar, but one that’s legal to drive on the road. You might want these Orange County car accident attorneys on speed dial if you choose to buy one. 

It boasts 645 horsepower with a V10 engine, yet somehow gets 4 more mpg than the WRX STI. Regardless, it pumps out 1.30 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile driven, making it a lean, mean, polluting machine. 

3. Aston Martin Vanquish

Stunningly gorgeous, a superb performer, and as high-end as high-end comes, the Vanquish from Aston Martin is certainly on top of many car enthusiast’s dream lists. It features V12 engine and a seemingly endless list of bells and whistles that make for a luxe ride.

It also eats up a gallon of gas every 21 miles on the highway, where it performs at its best, and dumps 1.28 pounds of carbon dioxide along the way. That’s poor performance for the EPA and the environmentally conscious consumer. 

2. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Who doesn’t love the way a Camaro looks? Even Corvette lovers have to admit their arch-nemesis looks fantastic. The ZL1 boasts 640 horsepower as well as lb-ft of torque while offering a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. 

At the same time, all of that power comes at the price of emissions. You’ll only get 18 mpg on a good day, or 12 in the city, and you’ll be spewing out 1.37 pounds of carbon dioxide with each of those miles. While it is a powerful car, it’s also filthy for local air quality. 

1. Lamborghini Aventador SV

It should come as no surprise that a Lambo tops this list. Raw power simply equals massive polluter, that’s all there is to it. The SV is a gorgeous looker packed with a V12 engine that pumps out a whopping 740 horsepower. Add that to the all-wheel drive, which comes standard, too. 

Now onto the downsides. You’ll be lucky to hit 18 mpg with this model as well, but city ratings drop to a lousy 11 mpg. Each mile driven spews 1.46 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air. making it the top polluting car on the market today. So, the question becomes: sweet and powerful ride or caring about the air everyone breathes? 

Signs It’s Time To Quit Your Job

Signs It’s Time To Quit Your Job

By Stacie on

They say it’s best to love your work, and while we all expect to have a bad day or two at the office or in the field, few expect to completely loathe their workplace. In spite of that, there are times where you might be contemplating whether or not the moment is right to call it quits. If you’re searching for answers, look for these surefire signs that indicate your job has run its course.

You Don’t Like Going To Work

About as clear a sign as there could be is if you loathe waking up and have to drag yourself to the office to start your day. While there are always going to be days where you’re a bit nervous about a project or feeling a bit off, consistent dread about going to work means the work isn’t for you.

Alternatively, if you’re managing to make it into the office but find your work so unengaging that you have to force yourself to do it, you might be nearing the end of your wits in regard to your current position. A bit of procrastination is normal, but constant procrastination is a bad sign.

You’re Experiencing Harassment

It should go without saying, but harassment in the workplace is not normal, say experts like harassment attorney Jeremy Pasternak. If you are experiencing constant harassment while you’re on the job, that means your workplace is toxic and it’s time for you to pack it up and find a better place of employment.

Depending on the individual circumstances, that negative workplace environment might be interpreted as your job forcing you to leave through discrimination and harassment. In these cases, there may be grounds for legal action, according to The Law Office of Omid Nosrati, wrongful termination attorneys in LA.

Your Job Is A Dead End

Imagine being stuck in a job that offers no opportunities for growth and basically cripples your career development. If you don’t have a chance to get ahead at your current job, you might want to look for a new one before you hamstring your prospects for any career advancement.

At the same time, if you’ve got other companies out there courting you regularly and they seem to be a match, you might also want to consider moving on from your current position. After all, if you’ve got ample opportunities elsewhere that will respect your talents and let you grow, you owe it to yourself to take them.

Tips for Cycling After Injury or Illness

Tips for Cycling After Injury or Illness

By Stacie on

Whether you’re the occasional bike rider or an avid cyclist, one thing you’ll probably go through is the occasional injury or illness that keeps you from riding. Depending on the severity, you might be off your riding game for a few days or even several years. 

While hiring an attorney for bicycle accidents is an ideal solution for seeking compensation, helping with any medical bills or money lost from time off work, there are also a few helpful tips for cycling after an injury or illness that you’ll want to know.

Tip 1: Accept the Situation

Even though you don’t want to admit that you need to take a break from your favorite activity, if you’re hurt or injured the worst thing you can do is aggravate the situation. No amount of stubbornness, anger, or refusal to accept what’s happening is going to make it go away. Pushing yourself will only prolong the injury. Take a step back and give yourself proper time to heal.

Tip 2: Be Smart and Listen to the Experts

Although you’re tempted to get back on your bike, an important step to a quicker recovery is to listen to your doctor. If your doctor recommends that you stay off your bike for a certain period of time, follow their directions. If your doctor says take it slow, then take it slow.In contrast, listen to your body and be sure you’re feeling 100% before you give it a go.

Tip 3: Take Proper Care of Yourself

Just because you’re not feeling well, don’t use the time off to completely destroy your diet. It might be tempting to eat a bunch of junk food or skip your vitamins, but that’s one of the worst things you can do. While you’re healing, be sure to maintain your diet by eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, get plenty of lean protein, and stay hydrated for a faster recovery.

Tip 4: Take It Nice and Easy

As you’ve already learned, your doctor knows best. Don’t jump back into training until you get the green light to go, and even then take it slow. Your body has been using up its energy to heal your injury and it’s not working at its best after you start back from an injury. Typically, you’ll want to start back withless than a 20 minute ride, and even if you feel like it-Don’t push it.

Tip 5: Follow Your Rehab and Physical Therapy Schedule

After an injury, your body will naturally “favor” the muscles that weren’t affected. This can cause further damage due to muscle imbalances, or issues with strength and flexibility being off-kilter. Once your doctor clears you for physical therapy, you can get started on the path to a full recovery. Just remember, only do what your body allows and what your doctor prescribes.

Tip 6: Get Ready to Ride

Eventually, your doctor will clear you of all restrictions and you’ll be able to ride again. Whenever the time comes, remember to take it slow. Your body will need an adjustment period when your muscles and cardiovascular system regain their strength. As you get stronger, you can slowly increase your riding times and intensity. 

The Hardest Part

At first, it might seem like the worst part about getting injured was the pain you felt when you got hurt. As time passes, you’ll realize that even worse than that pain is the fact that you can’t ride everyday. Remember, when you’re injured you have a new goal-to fully recover and come back even stronger than when you started. 

Cars Prone To Transmission Problems

Cars Prone To Transmission Problems

By Stacie on

Reliability is often a major factor for car buyers, and rightfully so. It’s no secret that cars, just like people, begin to experience more problems as they age. It’s an inevitable part of owning a vehicle, but keep in mind that not all models age alike. 

While modern cars can reach a 200,000-mile lifespan, there are several older and newer cars that will never hit this milestone. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and are looking for longevity, then avoid these cars prone to transmission problems. 

Why Just Transmission? 

When it comes to long-term issues, there are three primary components most likely to cause problems. Those are the engine, the head gaskets, and the transmission. Every model will eventually experience failure in all three of these parts. 

Transmission, however, can lead to an overwhelming amount of issues. Slipping gears, getting stuck in one gear, and overheating are the most common. Left unchecked, your transmission can cause total failure and leave your car undriveable. 

At that point, you can’t simply replace the transmission. Instead, you would need to rebuild it. That’s an expensive task that requires plenty of know-how under the hood and a lot of time. Even catching a problem before failure can be expensive to fix, especially with a high frequency of issues. So, the longevity of your car’s transmission is one of the most vital factors to consider in reliability. 

2013 Nissan Sentra

Kicking off this list is the 2013 Nissan Sentra. This model was also produced in 2014, so don’t let an extra year fool you. Most owners found issues in their transmissions between 67,500 and 102,000 miles. The 2012 to 2015 Toyota Corolla, a very similar model, does not share this same problem. 

2014 Nissan Versa

You’re going to see Nissan pop up in this list often. Why? Their transmissions simply seem to run into more problems than others. The 2014 Versa Note is one such model, seeing issues occur between 55,500 and 64,500 miles. If you’re looking for a better alternative, try the 2015 Kia Soul. 

2008 GMC Acadia

Any Acadia model produced from 2008 to 2010 will experience issues down the road. Most owners saw transmission problems somewhere between 97,000 and 146,000 miles, which wouldn’t be so bad if this wasn’t an SUV. The Lexus RX, 2006 to 2010, is an excellent alternative. 

2014 Nissan Pathfinder

In comes Nissan again with the Pathfinder, produced from 2013 to 2015. You can expect problems to arise between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. A more reliable alternative would be the 2014 to 2015 Honda Pilot. 

2014 Ford Focus

Experiencing transmission issues as soon as 30,000 miles, this purchase turned out to be a lemon. Plenty of Californians turned to San Francisco law firm, Conn Law, for lemon law cases pertaining to the Ford Focus and other models. On the bright side, Toyota’s 2012-2015 Corolla is a similar and better alternative if you’re looking for a nice four-door sedan. So is the Kia Rio, 2011-2016 and later.  

Top 4 Best Truck Stops In The United States

Top 4 Best Truck Stops In The United States

By Stacie on

If there’s one thing the country has plenty of, it’s truck stops. There are more than 500 Love’s Travel Stops in the USA — and that’s just one brand out of many, not even counting other franchises like Petro and The Flying J, or independent stops that are littered across the landscapes. The point being, truck stops are numerous, but only a few can hold the title of being among the very best. Now, there might be some debate over which are the cream of the crop (even trucking accident lawyers in Sacramento have their own opinions on the matter), but for our money, here are five worthy of your consideration.

Jubitz Travel Center

Located in Portland, the Jubitz Travel Center and Truck Stop has been in the game since 1952, offering up an essential spot for not only truck service and repair, but also a haven for truckers to rest up for the night and grab a hearty bite to eat. Their famous Jake Brake Deli is the place to go for delicious meats and quick bites you can take on the go. What’s more, they’ve got a long listing of amenities, which even includes a dog wash and access to Oregon’s thrilling lottery games.

Dysart’s Truck Stop

Bangor, Maine, isn’t just the setting for an abundance of popular Country & Western tunes. It’s also the home of Dysart’s Truck Stop, a virtual Mecca for truckers in the Northeastern US.What makes it such the attraction? The truck stop has all the essentials, including a service center, but the restaurant really is the icing on the proverbial cake, providing a wide variety of comfort food favorites in a setting that’s about as wholesome as they come.

Whiskey Pete’s

What might you expect from a truck stop just miles south of Las Vegas? If a quaint casino and relaxing hotel alongside a Flying J are about what you imagined, then you might be thinking of Whiskey Pete’s in Jean, Nevada. This stop pulls out all the stops when it comes to providing for truckers, so you won’t be disappointed.

Iowa 80

Hailed as the world’s largest truck stop, Iowa 80 in Walcott, Iowa, has everything a trucker could ask for, and a more than a few things they didn’t even know they wanted out of a truck stop. This is hailed as “Trucker’s Disneyland” for good reason — you’ll come here, and might feel tempted to never leave!

Tips On Finding A Reliable Used Car

Tips On Finding A Reliable Used Car

By Stacie on

Buying a used car is trickier than you might think. Sure, you want to get a used car to save some money, but you’ll need to balance trying to find a low price against safety and reliability. Just jumping at the first deal you see may put you at risk of purchasing an unreliable vehicle that’s prone to accidents, say auto attorneys McLachlan Law, so how do you find a used car that’s solid while still saving plenty of money? The following tips should help you on your search.

Know What Kind Of Car You Want, But Stay Flexible

It helps to go in with a plan, and if you’re looking to save some money, you’ll benefit yourself by concentrating your search on cars that were already economically priced when they were new — between $10,000 and $20,000 if possible.

Seeing as most cars lose between 20 and 30 percent of their value by the end of the first year (and 15 to 18 percent per year beyond that), targeting cars that started off relatively affordable when they were new will net you a great value if you can find them used.

Be sure to stay flexible and add more than one model to your wish list, though. This will grant you a bit of latitude in your search, and prevent you from feeling “boxed in” on a choice if you can’t find the first model you’re looking for (or at the price you’re after).

Do Your Research

There are certain indicators you can use to gauge the reliability of a used car, and you’ll find some of these by going through the vehicle’s detailed history. If you know the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car you’re eyeing, you can use the NHTSA’s Vin Lookup Tool to search for safety recall information on the vehicle in question.

There are also companies like AutoCheck and Carfax that can help you get a vehicle history report, which will give you more information to chew on beyond the mileage and age of the car. You can use a vehicle history report to learn about whether the car has suffered any damage, what repairs and maintenance it has undergone, and other factors that will help you determine its safety and reliability.

Perform An Independent Inspection

As a final step, you might want to cover all your bases by hiring a mechanic to perform an independent inspection on the used car you’re looking at. This will help you identify any hidden issues that may not have been present on the auto history report. With that complete, be sure to take it for a test drive to see if you really like the car, and, if everything checks out, ride off into the sunset with your “new” vehicle.

5 Ways a DUI can harm your career

5 Ways a DUI can harm your career

By Stacie on

A DUI can cause you to lose your license, pay astronomical fees, and cause your insurance premium to skyrocket. That’s aside from the effects it will have on your immigration status or public standing, which could impact your ability to get a job. That’s not all that could hurt your chances, though. Here are five ways a DUI can harm your career. 

1. Required Driving

Companies that require driving as part of the job view those with a DUI as an insurance liability risk. If they can’t trust you to make the right decisions in your own vehicle, how can they trust you to do so in theirs or when you represent their company? This will keep you from getting a new job in a similar field, as well. 

2. Background Checks

Nearly every company conducts a background check on potential employees as part of the interview process. In most cases, that’s going to include any criminal history along with your driving record. While companies might view DUIs differently, most will change their perception of you once it shows up on your record. 

3. Irresponsible Candidate

When it comes to perception, the top way employers see a candidate with a DUI is irresponsible. While that might not be fair or true, they assume that you cannot hold your daily life and routine together. They might think you fail to take life seriously, they may think you’re an alcoholic, or that they simply cannot trust you. 

If you manage to retain your current position, a DUI will cause you to lose trust among your coworkers and bosses. They may also see you as irresponsible, which could cause you to miss out on opportunities and promotions. 

4. Financial Strains

Jobs that require driving often offer excellent pay. Without a license, this could cap your earnings at a certain amount and reduce your income. Even when a job doesn’t require driving, they do require you to have a way to get to work. You’ll find yourself paying for rides when you can as you become unreliable to get to work on time. 

5. Emotional Toll

A DUI can impact your self-esteem, create surmounting stress from its consequences, and put you in a negative state of mind for some time. All of these emotional tolls can impact your work performance as well as relations in the workplace. If the impact is severe enough, it could cost you your job. 

For many, it also leads to depression and drinking. Both of these can also impact your work performance and lead to your firing. It’s essential that those with a DUI seek counseling if the emotional toll begins to impact their daily life. 

Moving Forward

If a DUI does cost you your job, all is not lost. You can continue to seek employment with positions that do not require travel. After enough time has passed, it’s also possible to have the DUI expunged from your record, giving you the opportunity to start fresh and land an even better job than the one you had before. 

The 5 Biggest Celebrity Divorces and Their Outcomes

The 5 Biggest Celebrity Divorces and Their Outcomes

By Stacie on

It’s natural to want to follow the ups and downs of celebrity couples. When they’re on the upswing, it makes for some truly romantic tales, and when they’re on the downswing, the lows can make for some rather interesting drama. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the latter, and covering some legendary celebrity splits that would give pause to even the most seasoned divorce attorney.

Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise

Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes began dating Tom Cruise back in 2005, and eventually married the legendary actor in 2006. While they were together, from 2006 to 2012, they had one daughter, Suri, and when Holmes filed for divorce in June of that final year, things got quite tumultuous in the press.

In the fallout, Holmes received primary custody of her daughter, with Cruise only being granted visitation rights. One odd detail of the divorce, though — the agreement stipulated that Holmes not date anyone else publicly for 5 years following the split.

Jeff Bezos & Mackenzie Bezos

Do you think Mackenzie Bezos had to contact a lawyer about when to consider spousal support following her split with Jeff Bezos in 2019? We’re thinking not, as she walked away from the marriage of 25 years with $36 billion, give or take.

You see, Mr. Bezos was the world’s richest man at the time, and she was entitled to half since Washington, the state where they lived, is a community property state. Guess that makes Mackenzie one of the world’s richest women now, huh?

Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore

For a time, these two successful actors were quite the pair, and while the 15-year age gap may have seemed strange to some, the fact that their relationship lasted for six years led most to believe everything was fine and dandy between the two.

Alas, not all was as it seemed, as Kutcher reportedly cheated on Moore on the weekend of their sixth anniversary. The pair announced the split the following month, and it was finalized in 2013 with Kutcher having to pay up. He has since gone on to marry 70s Show co-star Mila Kunis.

Russell Brand & Katy Perry

Comedian Russell Brand and musician Katy Perry met in 2009, and wed in 2010. The relationship was short lived, however, with Brand filing for divorce in 2011, only two years after their engagement. Though he was entitled to half of the $44 million Perry had earned over their marriage, Brand did not accept the money, and the two went their separate ways.

Michael Jordan & Juanita Jordan

Perhaps the greatest professional basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan was married to wife Juanita for 17 years. Though it wasn’t the first time they had considered divorce (Juanita had filed once before in 2002), the 2006 split was finalized, with MJ paying Juanita $168 million.

Most Dangerous Roads in the US

Most Dangerous Roads in the US

By Stacie on

Did you know there are roughly 2.7 million miles of paved roads in the United States? That’s enough to stretch around the globe 110 times. While those roads can be fun to drive, there are also a series of incredibly dangerous highways that claim over 30,000 drivers each year. 

If you have a road trip planned in the near future, then it may be in your best interest to avoid these roads at all costs. These are the most dangerous roads in the United States.

Highway 99, California

Spanning a total of 424 miles, Highway 99 travels through California’s Central Velley. Changing from four lanes to two as enters rural territory, this stretch of road retains an average of 0.62 fatal crashes each mile. That doesn’t include non-fatal car accidents. 

U.S. Route 1

Notably the longest vertical highway in the United States, Route 1 stretches all the way from Maine to Florida. Its 2,369 miles allow it to be the most dangerous highway in Florida, Maine, and Maryland. In just one decade, America’s first route claimed over 1,000 lives. 

U.S. Route 550

Nicknamed the “Million Dollar Highway,” Route 550 passes through San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Willed with sharp turns and winding mountain roads, both of which lack guardrails, plenty of drivers have accidentally taken the plunge over its many edges. 

Oregon Coast Highway

While this highway starts in Los Angeles and ends in Washington, the dangerous portion lies on Oregon’s coast. With an average of 34 fatal accidents per year, these 363 miles are ones you may want to avoid. The scenery is beautiful, but the winding roads are treacherous when wet. 

Interstate 285

Atlanta’s I-285 also makes this list. Known as The Perimeter, this 63-mile loop links every interstate in the city. Given its location, that means an intense amount of traffic. With its sharp turns and interchanges, there are accidents here on a daily basis. 

James Dalton Highway

Opening to the public in 1974, this Alaskan highway was featured in the television series Ice Road Truckers. Ice is a common hazard, but what makes this road so dangerous is that it is almost entirely remote. There are only three towns along the way and the road is patrolled by helicopters to keep an eye out for accidents. 

Interstate 4

This 132-mile stretch leads from Tampa to Daytona Beach. It averages almost 1.5 fatalities each mile, earning it the ranking of one of the most dangerous interstates in the country. Personal injury attorneys are quick to point out that the dangers on this road come from Florida’s laid-back texting and driving laws. 

Interstate 17

Located entirely in the state of Arizona, this interstate offers stunning views from Flagstaff to Phoenix. That beauty, however, is coupled with extreme heat and an average of 0.84 deaths per mile. Take into account its 176-mile stretch, and that’s a lot of fatal accidents. 

US-83

Finally, there’s US-83. This road stretches across the Canadian border before heading through Middle-America to Mexico. Its length contributes to its dangerous rating, but the Texas portion of the road holds the highest number of vehicular deaths with 26 fatal crashes a year. The Texas part of US-83 has held these high numbers for over a decade.  

Best-selling cocktails in the world

Best-selling cocktails in the world

By Stacie on

The world of cocktails is ever evolving. Mixologists and bartenders are forever pushing the boundaries of this realm of drinks as they craft new and exciting concoctions. The question remains, however, do people prefer the classics or these new creations? What are the best-selling cocktails in the world? 

As it turns out, people do love the classics. While bars continue to sell variations on these old standbys, people crave the familiarity of a perfectly crafted cocktail. Here are the top sellers from around the globe. 

Old Fashioned

The number one drink on any continent remains America’s Old Fashioned. This bourbon or rye cocktail is mixed with Angostura bitters, a few dashes of water, and is muddled with a sugar cube. If you’re looking for the real deal, it should also be finished off with a citrus rind. 

Negroni

The Negroni has earned its spot in second place for five years in a row now, with almost 20% of bars worldwide saying it’s their most-served drink. This cocktail calls for one parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari. An orange peel acts as garnish. 

Experts and car accident attorneys alike warn drinkers to be careful with this one. It’s so easy to knock back that you almost forget you’re drinking at all. So, take it easy and gauge yourself if you’re planning to drink Negroni all night. 

Whiskey Sour

Coming in third is the whiskey sour, which is popular thanks to its ability to be sweet and sour all at the same time. This simple yet delicious drink calls for whiskey, sugar, and lemon juice. You can also add in a dash of egg white if you prefer your drink to be creamier. 

Daiquiri 

Another simple mix, the Daiquiri combines simple syrup and lime juice with white rum. However, bars around the world serve up their own variations with several types of juices sweeteners. In most cases, you’ll find this cocktail finished with a lime rind. 

Manhattan

Straight from New York, this cocktail is sold at 40% of bard worldwide. It uses a sweet red vermouth mixed with rye whiskey and Angostura bitters. To make it traditional, a maraschino cherry is used for garnish. 

Dry Martini

Ever popular, the dry martini almost always finds itself in the top ten. There are dozens of ways to make a martini, but the dry variant calls of one-part dry vermouth and six parts gin. It is also garnished with three green olives. 

Due to the high alcohol mix in the dry martini, it’s advised to sip on this cocktail. More than two in an hour sitting is often enough to have you fail a sobriety test. As always, drink responsibly before you find yourself in need of a DUI defense attorney. 

Espresso Martini

If you want a less alcoholic option, try the seventh most popular cocktail in the world. An espresso martini combines vodka with espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. It’s sweeter and more decadent than it’s dry cousin. 

Margarita

Finishing off this article’s list at number eight in worldwide popularity is the margarita. It remains the most popular tequila cocktail, but you might have had this drink without one key ingredient. A traditional margarita combines tequila with the lime juice, simple syrup, and salt rim you love, but also includes orange liqueur.