"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

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(Photo by Daniel Chan) Is there anything more satisfying than curling up under a toasty blanket on a cushy sofa for a long winter's nap? Or dozing on the cool grass under the shade of a tree? Or slipping into a lazy snooze in the sand on a sun-soaked, salty afternoon? Heck, I'd even settle for a stolen siesta in my cubicle with only a mousepad pillow and my desk to shield me from the brutal fluorescent rays beating down from above. However you take yours, napping is definitely on the menu today. It's believed that Americans are at their most sleep-deprived on the first Monday after the start of Daylight Saving Time, so today has been sagely designated as "National Napping Day." Founders and napping authorities Camille and Bill "Napmaster General" Anthony conceived of the idea in 1999 to promote the health benefits of napping which, not surprisingly, are abundant. According to the National Sleep Foundation, "naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents." Furthermore, napping improves your mood, has no dangerous side effects, and is free -- at least most of the time. Of course, the biggest challenge facing today's devoted nappers is overcoming the stigma associated with this afternoon indulgence. Although napping is de rigueur in many parts of the world, Americans generally see it as an activity for the indolent and slothful, acceptable only for kids, the elderly, and the infirm. Adult napping is tantamount to stealing from your friends or showing up to work drunk -- an occupation of the lazy, the irresponsible, and the worthless. But a new movement is waking. Many are quietly challenging the negative perception of napping in the U.S. and I would like to be counted among their supporters. I vow to rise up, make my voice heard, and fight to death to protect our God-given right to take a nap free from shame and persecution. Just give me twenty minutes or so. Suggested Sites... National Sleep Foundation - non-profit organization supporting public education, sleep-related research, and advocacy related to sleep disorders such as insomnia, apnea, narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Yelo - New York City-based wellness center offering power naps, sleep services, and reflexology massage treatments. Livelyhood - Night Shift - PBS program documenting Americans who work the night shift and the unique problems they face. MetroNaps - provider of "fatigue management solutions" to public and private sector organizations. Wikipedia: Power Nap - wondering what distinguishes a "power nap" from your garden-variety siesta? Wikipedia can help.

Directory categories: Sleep Disorders, Insomnia, Sleep Medicine, Sleep Related Products and Services, Sleep Disorders Organizations

Archived under: Boredom, Celebrations, Cultures, Events, Grumpiness, Health, Hibernation, In Character, Mental Health, Sleep, Society and Culture

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(Photo by Stephen Webel) School's out and vacations may await you around the corner -- the long, lazy days of summer stretch on and on. It seems like everything, from cities in Oregon to Superman artists, are boring. Stop yawning! July is Anti-Boredom Month, so wake up and indulge yourself in some exciting activities! You can watch paint dry or tune into a PBS pledge break. Up and at 'em! Get out of the house! Go for an exciting drive or even travel abroad. Celebrate the life of Luca Pacioli, the father of accounting or study the rich history of lawn mowing! See the exciting sights of Kansas or England. Take up a hobby. What do you like collecting? Shoelaces? Barometers? Airsickness bags? Gloves? For pity's sake, there's plenty to do and to see, we swear! So get off of the couch and start doing it! Suggested Sites... Anti-Boredom Month Activities - KidzWorld gives the scoop on how to lose the summer boredom blues. Virtual Bubblewrap - in case you can't find anything else to do... BBC News: What's the Most Boring Place on Earth? - from "Deadmonton," Canada, to Basingstoke, U.K., the people speak! The Most Boring Baseball Card Ever Made - read all about it -- if you can summon up the energy.

Directory categories: Boredom, Procrastination, Hobbies, Sleep and Dreams

Archived under: Boredom, Hobbies, Kids, Summer, Travel, Vacations

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