There are many fine hotels in Las Vegas to choose from, but parents traveling with the children are looking for a different kind of experience than the seasoned gambler. Luckily, there are several fine hotels in Las Vegas that cater to the younger crowd, ensuring that the entire family has a great time.

Circus, Circus is a great choice for a family vacation in Las Vegas. The facility is comprised of three towers with a connecting sky shuttle, viewed by most children as the first attraction. The Adventuredome inside the complex is the world’s largest indoor theme park, and a perfect destination for some fun with the children. Circus themed shows and wandering performers abound, and everyone will enjoy the miniature golf, bungee jumping and choice of over 200 carnival games. Of course, parents will enjoy the 100,000 square foot casino and great restaurants.

Another family oriented property in Las Vegas is the Excalibur. Designed to replicate King Arthur’s Camelot home, Excalibur gives children and experience similar to walking into a fairy tale. Families walk across the moat to enter the property, and every detail is charming. The first floor of the hotel is designed especially for kids, full of carnival games and arcades and themed entertainment. The large pool areas feature a waterfall and several waterslides, and a popular dinner attraction is the Tournament of Kings, a show with dragons, jousting, wizards and great food. The large, themed casino is a treat for parents, as are the other great restaurants on property.

Another exciting family hotel is the Luxor, an Egyptian Pyramid set down in Las Vegas. This great hotel is actually larger than the pyramids in Egypt and is guarded by an authentically styled Sphinx. The kids will enjoy the two story video arcade and IMAX theater. All of the rooms have sloped walls, inviting a geometry lesson, and furniture decorated with Egyptian symbols. Kids love exploring a recreation of King Tut’s Tomb and the accompanying museum, said to be quite authentic. There are five pools on site and a motion simulator ride with an Egyptian theme. Of course, a spacious casino and several spas join world class restaurants for the parents to enjoy.

If you’re traveling with younger children and need a little “alone” time, consider the Orleans Hotel. They’ve created a parent’s dream with Kids Tyme, an onsite daycare facility with an impressively large jungle gym, arts and crafts activities and movies. The center is open 7 days a week and serves children from 2 ½ years to 12 years old. Also on site is a huge bowling center with 70 lanes, an 18 theater movie complex and Tyme Out video arcade. The property also has a pool, spa and fitness center and a great showroom. Of course, the adjoining casino offers plenty of opportunity for the adults to enjoy themselves as well.

Consider these fine hotels and make your next trip to Las Vegas a family affair. Everyone can have a great time in Vegas!

Source by Jay Moncliff

Make your next home improvement project a frustration-free success by keep the following tips in mind. You’ll be glad you did.

– Utilize standard readily-accessible materials. In a time crunch, steer clear of custom or personalized items that may require a greater period of time to produce before they can be shipped to you. Standard items are usually stored in a warehouse and can be shipped very close to the purchase date when no alterations are essential.

– Use a suspended tile ceiling in your basement. Though you may like the finished look of a solid drywall ceiling, there are many reasons that a suspended tile basement will be much more advantageous. For one thing, it is highly economical as a material by itself. However, it is also very helpful in case you need to access your wiring, plumbing, or ducts, as you can simply lift the tile right out of the ceiling. With drywall, you’d have to cut a hole, then reassemble, sand, and repaint every time you needed access.

– Incorporate a kid-friendly kitchen workstation. Children love to cook and to help in meal preparation. Moreover, the sooner they start learning, the better their dietary habits are likely to be as they mature. Install varying heights of countertop, making certain at least one segment is a good height for your child so that he or she can work comfortably. This will encourage greater involvement from your child, and is much safer than having him or her work at a countertop with a normal height, while standing on a stool.

– Make use of wall taps and power bars (strips) with off switches and surge protectors. Many of your appliances and electronics will continue to draw electricity even when they’re off. This is what’s called “ghost energy consumption”. It is especially high among appliances and electronics with clocks and other features that are always running. Wall taps and power bars that can be shut off will give your devices a longer life and can decrease your power usage.

– Employ a professional cleaner after the renovation. When your refurbishments are complete, hire a good cleaning team to give your house a complete cleaning with high quality supplies and methods. This will save you from a significant cleaning effort throughout the house and will get rid of a lot of the dust that would otherwise continue to flow through your home for the following year or more. The professionals won’t be able to get every fleck of sheetrock dust, but they will make a big and welcome difference.

Source by Gerald Tommey

I have been doing security at nightclubs and pubs for the past 3 years so I’ve got some self defense tips. I would like to share some advice and some tactics on how to handle and properly using self defense in any watering hole where a fight breaks out.

Bar fight self defense moves #1. – If you are going out to drink, be sure to bring a friend or even a couple with you. The more people you have with you is better because a lot of bar fights end up with 3 or more people fighting. Even if it is one originally one on one. Having backup is a good thing at all times.

Night club self defense tips #2. – Be friendly, polite and respectful to the bar staff and especially the bouncers. I would suggest you make small talk with the bouncers and introduce yourself making friendly conversation. Being friendly to the bouncers will give you an edge against other patrons. Follow these tips below.

Bar fight self defense moves #3. – If you are being threatened by a drunk let a bouncer know. Secondly avoid bar fighting at all costs in the club completely. If you do end up brawling in the bar, the bouncers won’t be nice to you. They get offended by people fighting in their territory.

Night club self defense tips #4. – If you do end up in a fight unload every combat method you know. The fight will be broken up by the club security in under 20 seconds depending on the bouncers.

Bar fight self defense moves #5. – If you are attacked by a drunk with a broken bottle or knife use bar seats or stools to keep distance from you and the attacker until help arrives. Let the doormen know what is going on immediately. Be friendly, polite and do not act hostile after the fight is broken up.

Night club self defense tips #6. – If you are being kicked out of the club, ask the bouncer that is kicking you out to let you out a different door then your attacker. (Preferably a back alley exit.) I hope you enjoyed these free tips.

Nightclubs and bars can be especially dangerous places because of alcohol, drugs and testosterone. Remember ladies, always watch your drinks and never accept an opened beverage from a stranger.

Source by Steve Gib

“Do you think you will able to dine out on this experience with your friends in Brisbane?” I asked Jane who was visiting from Australia. She sat next to me, but I couldn’t see her as the room was pitch black, of the “can’t see your hand in front of your face” variety.

“Absolutely,” she replied.

Dine in the Dark is an innovative restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that creates the experience of what it is like to eat a meal as a blind person. Phones, watches and any other things that might produce light have to be surrendered into a locked box in the lobby. The meal choices are western, Khmer and vegetarian. Grant, Jane and I ordered Khmer. Nick – who is Khmer – opted for western. Then Joe, our waiter/guide, introduced himself. We later learned he went blind three years ago from chicken pox.

The manager had me put my hand on Joe’s shoulder and the others lined up behind me. No problem slowly making our way up the stairs behind Joe. Then we went through a heavy curtain. As it draped closed behind us we were in total darkness. My initial reaction was a touch of claustrophobia, but a few steps into the room the feeling subsided.

Joe escorted us to our table. “Sit down here,” he instructed me. I grouped around and couldn’t figure it out. Was it a bar stool I was feeling? No, it was the back of the chair. Once seated I felt around the table. A napkin with a spoon and knife on the right. The fork was to the left. “There is a water glass and one for wine,” Joe commented as he filled them both.

“There are actually two small tables put together,” I announced, pleased I was becoming more comfortable with the environment. “That makes sense as that way they can arrange them for different sized groups.”

Grant suggested we clink glasses in the middle of the table for cheers. Jane was a touch apprehensive at first, but Nick and I managed to connect. There is something about a toast that gives you a sense of accomplishment.

The first of the three courses of the set $18 menu arrived. Another part of the experience is that you don’t know what you are eating until the end of the meal when they show the photos on a tablet. Great salad. I insisted it was mango, as it is popular in the Kingdom of Wonder, as Cambodia is known. Wrong. It was actually milk fruit. Surprisingly I managed it without dropping it all over myself, Khmer style with a spoon and fork.

Next up was the main course. “Chicken, it has to be chicken.” That guess only got a mark of 50 percent as it was actually a small serving of chicken on rice and another one of beef on rice.

“It is interesting,” commented Grant, a retired doctor, “that it is totally dark, but I still see little flecks of white floating around.” The rest of us murmured out agreement. No point in nodding as nobody could see anyway.

Dessert was a bowl of fruit. “There is also more food on the plate,” said Grant. As I felt around I managed to get my fingers covered in syrup. I licked them as I couldn’t think of anything else to do, although I suppose I could have stuck them in my water glass.

Meal over we lined up behind Joe and were escorted us back into the world of the sighted. The sojourn into the world of the blind was an interesting experience, but you wouldn’t want to live there.

Source by Jody Hanson

Foot rails are very common today in bars. They’re used in the home or in commercial bars. They are fixtures that make your feet comfortable and they can make any bar look classy.

Apart from its aesthetic sense, foot rails have a purpose. By its name alone, it’s meant to provide comfort to the feet whether a person is standing or seated on a chair. It can be quite tiring to just stand with both feet on the ground but with a foot rail in place, you can stand with the other feet elevated for added comfort.

Foot rails can also be added to trucks. To succeed in the installation process, you have to get the proper measurement and read the instructions well. Holes will also have to be drilled on the truck’s body or chassis to attach the rails using screws. The purpose of foot rails in trucks is to serve as resting place for the feet. It also makes for a unique look.

It’s amazing how the plain tubing has been made into a more functional fixture. Without this material, the bar could have remained simple and a drab. The fact is, foot rails are available today in different materials which means you can match it with the theme of your interior space.

Wood is a popular and classic choice but other materials have evolved to provide people with more choices. There’s the metal foot rail that has become a preferred option these days. It can be made from stainless steel, aluminum or brass. The brass rail evokes an elegant look because of its yellow finish that resembles the color of gold. Finishes vary as well such as the polished copper, bronze, brass, stainless steel, satin stainless steel, satin nickel and powder coated colors.

Foot rails need not be a straight line all the time. With so many companies manufacturing this fixture nowadays, customization is the current trend. There are those that can expertly bend and miter foot rail tubings to fit any bar measurement especially those that have corners. Foot rails can also be ordered in specific lengths for people who want to install the fixture on their own.

Other components are required to complete any foot rail project. These are the end caps, flush fittings, flanges and the post and floor brackets.

The end caps complete the look of your foot rails. They can be flat, round or decorative depending on your preference. This component is easy to install you just need to slip it on the end of the tubing. But you can use a strong glue to keep it secured.

Foot rail brackets come in different types as well. The combination type is one which can be mounted to the floor and to the bar itself. These are secured using the screws. For one foot rail, you will need several brackets which should be placed at a distance of six inches from the end of the tubing or at least three brackets for an eight-foot rail.

Preparation is key to installing a great foot rail. This ensures that the measurements and your materials are correct.

Source by Kalyan Kumar

If you are considering getting new furniture, perhaps you are thinking about ways you can save money. You might believe that you are getting a deal if you buy second-hand. However, there are some pieces you should only consider buying new from furniture stores.

A Dining Room Set Is the Heart of Your Home

Buying a brand new dining set ensures that you have a high-quality table and chairs. More than just for meal times, a dining room set is the heart of the home and family. As a place where you have everything from family talks to holiday meals, it provides an essential meeting place for your household. By purchasing a new set, you can ensure that it is in beautiful condition, and has enough space for everyone.

Mattress Sets Should Be Brought New for Safety and Cleanliness

This is perhaps an obvious choice, but purchasing a new mattress set from furniture stores is safer than buying used. This allows you to try out various mattresses based on firmness and size to fit your lifestyle. Buying brand new gives you peace of mind, since you will know that no one else has used the mattress, and you will know for sure it is clean and safe.

New Sectionals Offer the Best Comfort and Look for Your Home

Sectionals are becoming an attractive alternative to sofas. Since they can seat many individuals and form a circular shape, they are popular for watching TV or spending time as a group. Sectionals also offer features including reclining chairs and even foldout beds for overnight guests. When you opt to buy brand new, you will know that your living area is well equipped and functional. You will also be able to coordinate with the rest of your home and pick a color that matches your décor. If you choose leather, you will rest assured knowing that it won’t be scratched or torn up by overuse from a previous owner.

Buying A New Bedroom Makes Matching Easier

When you choose to purchase your bedroom set brand new, you have furniture that looks put together. It saves you the trouble of trying to mix and match your bed to your dresser. Furniture stores offer bedroom sets for both adults and children that can help you save time and money. If you can get everything you need from the same location, setting up your bedroom is quick and easy.

Having a Kitchen Set Allows You to Update Easily

While your appliances may be just right, you might want to update your breakfast bar or table with a low-key look. If you only need to get a couple of chairs or a few new barstools, buying new allows you to replace items that have had wear and tear without going over budget. You can even choose to buy one item and keep your others as you match to the correct color scheme.

While second-hand is a popular and money-saving option, certain items are better off brand new from furniture stores. Doing so promises a cleaner, more coordinated and stylish look for your home.

Source by Andrew Stratton

Name:

Binturong

Scientific Name:

Arctictis binturong

Status:

Least Concern

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Viverridae

Subfamily: Paradoxurinae

Genus: Arctictis

Species: A. binturong

General Information:

The binturong also goes by the names of the Asian bearcat, the Palawan bearcat, or, simply, the bearcat. It is a nocturnal creature of Southeast Asia, often dwelling high in the trees for both sleep and food. It is known to make a chuckling sound, and reportedly smells like a batch of freshly-made popcorn. Althought listed as an animal of “Least Concern”, the binturong has come under sustained pressure. Deforestation has claimed much of its natural habitat, and in some parts of its range it is listed as “vulnerable” or “endangered”. It is also hunted as a culinary delicacy and for medicinal purposes, in which it is commonly used as an aphrodisiac.

Physical Description:

In size, the binturong is close to that of a small dog. It averages a length of 2 – 3 ft, with an additional tail length of another 2 – 3 ft. It usually weighs 30 – 60 lbs. The binturong has thick, black fur, small rounded ears, and a long busy tail. Along with the kinkajou, the binturong is the only carnivore with a prehensile tail, which it uses as a kind of “fifth hand”. Females are generally about 20% larger than males.

Diet:

Binturong are known to eat a variety of foods, including fish, birds, eggs, leaves, plant shoots, small inverterbrates, and even carrion. Despite the diversity of its appetite, the binturong is frugivorous, and feeds primarily on fruits.

Habitat:

The binturong resides in the forests of Southeast Asia, roaming high in the trees. It sleeps on branches during the day and is active during the night. It can be found in areas of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (including Java, Sumatra, and Borneo), Burma, India, Thailand, and Palawan.

Reproduction:

The binturong is one of only about 100 mammals capable of delayed implantation. This allows the female to time birth with favorable environmental conditions. This means that mating can occur at anytime during the year. And although breeding is not seasonal, it has been observed that parturition (birth) happens more frequently between February and April, with additional periods in July and November. Gestation lasts for a period of about 91 days, after which time usually 2 – 3 cubs are born. Binturongs reach sexual maturity at around 840 days.

Source by Tony Mandarich

I had planned this cruise for seven months. A friend and I who had previously cruised with Carnival and Celebrity were eager to try Royal Caribbean after hearing so many positive things about the beauty of the ship, quality of food and service, etc. For the second time, I surprised my retired parents by taking them with us (the previous year I had surprised them with an Alaskan cruise which I will review later), and they were absolutely giddy with excitement when they found out that they would once again be traveling aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, which they claimed was their favorite ship of 13 other cruises they had taken. With the ship fresh out of dry dock for upgrades, were set to go to some brand-new destinations none of us had ever visited: Roatan Island, Honduras and Belize City. Expectations were high.

Then cruise time came. While I am not prepared to say that we had a BAD time on this cruise, I think it is fair to say that our expectations were a bit deflated, pretty much from the minute we arrived at the Port of Galveston. Allow me to take you through the high and low lights of life on the high seas aboard Navigator of the Seas.

The Highs

Our dining experience– Most definitely the best service we received on the ship was in the main Sapphire Dining Room, which is without a doubt the most gorgeous dining room I have seen on a cruise ship. Walking into the dining room is like entering a regal opera house complete with grand stair case and three levels of dining with windows on each side. Our two servers were extremely attentive, noting my step-mother’s preference of making her own ice tea with two glasses of ice, 2 tea bags and some hot water, which was waiting for her every night after night one. I could fault her for being a “tea snob,” but then I’d have to look at myself in the mirror with my Starbucks in hand turning my nose up at Folgers. All of us enjoyed the variety of meal choices and thought the food was of very high quality, with service running like clock work. It was truly a pleasure to dine each evening.

Here we are at dinner. I am the goof-ball in blue.

The Cabin– Inside cabin 7667 (Aft Port) was home sweet home for our week at sea. My parents were right next door in 7669. For an inside cabin, there was plenty of room to stow all of our stuff and have a completely clear space to move in. I would say the bed was a bit hard, but it’s all about your preference as my friend and traveling partner Jay (the guy in purple) said his was just right. Ample closet and drawer space allowed us to each have sufficient space to unpack. Our steward service was also top-notch, re-stocking and tidying up twice daily.

The ship– Navigator is definitely a beautiful ship. Of note is the Royal Promenade, a series of shops, restaurants and bars running aft to forward giving cruisers the feel of strolling down a cobblestone street while at sea. I recommend the Two Poets Pub for some nice ambiance and people-watching. The main atrium is gorgeous, and the various lounges and bars are designed with a very classy yet comfortable feel. The pool deck is also impressive, featuring two main pools flanked by several hot tubs, some of which are shaded. For the most part there are plenty of chairs both in and out of the shade, but if your cruise is full you had better get there early to snag one. We also thought the nightclub overlooking the pool deck with its floor-to-ceiling windows added a nice touch to the ship’s offerings. The ship’s casino is also pretty decent, but since smoking is allowed in there, you may come out smelling like an ash tray.

Overlooking the Royal Promenade

The Grand Atrium

Beverage Package–Three of us on this cruise had the premium package for $55 per day, but since my dad only drinks beer, we got him the basic package. At first glance, this package might seem a bit pricey (Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages are some of the most expensive at sea), but overall we got our money’s worth. What I especially liked was that basically nothing on the drink menu was off limits short of the super premium stuff. You could even opt for Grey Goose vodka at no extra charge. The flip side here is the bar service (see below).

Theatre Entertainment–If you ever find yourself on Navigator of the Seas, don’t miss the ice-skating show. It is fantastic and was much better than I thought it was going to be. We also enjoyed the Elton John impersonator, the bar flair show and the adult game show.

The Lows

Embarkation/Debarkation–The words fiasco, nightmare, eternity and disorganization come to mind for both. This was hands-down the WORST embarkation/debarkation process I have ever experienced, and my parents who had been on 13 previous cruises agreed. We should have expected this when Royal Caribbean sent us out an e-mail prior to the cruise instructing us to arrive at certain times based on the deck on which our cabin was located. As it happened, we had flown into Houston, and our transfer dropped us off right at the time we were supposed to be there, which was 12:30 p.m. We did not step foot on the ship until almost 2 p.m, as we were stuck two different lines, both of which were extremely slow-moving. This is definitely not the way you want to start your vacation, and very few smiles were to be found in the security and check-in lines. Mind you, I totally expect a bit of a wait checking in, but this was just ridiculous. I think the longest wait I have ever experienced prior to this was 30 minutes tops. I definitely expressed my dissatisfaction to the check-in lady.

Debarkation was practically just as bad. Since we had a driver waiting for us, we opted for the self check-out and were given a specific time and place to meet. We have done this on other cruises with minimal waiting, with customs officers boarding the ship to collect forms. In the past, we have basically just walked off the ship. Not this time. When we arrived at the appointed spot we then waited another good 45 minutes just to be allowed to disembark. Once off the ship, guess what? Another line, another 45 minutes to pass through customs. I ended up being a charged an additional wait fee by my driver, thanks to Royal Caribbean and the Port of Galveston.

Bottom line–I will never cruise from Galveston, Texas again as they clearly do not have the ability to handle the volume of people that cruise ships have. Basically, Royal Caribbean left a negative first impression and a negative last impression.

Service–Aside from our servers at dinner, service in the bars and lounges on this ship was average at best and certainly not what I am accustomed to on a cruise. While some bartenders were standouts, it generally took forever to get a drink and often you felt as if you were a bother to the bartender or server. The worst service was probably at the pool bar. Some might say that I am too demanding, but when I spend my hard-earned money on vacation I want decent service. Period. I didn’t really get it on this cruise. My parents also commented that “things just weren’t the same on this cruise” as their previous experience on Navigator of the Seas.

Kids, kids, kids– OK, I am probably going to get some eye-rolls for this, and maybe for some it wouldn’t be a negative, but there were just too many kids taking over the main pool area on this ship. As with anyplace else, parents are partially to blame here, allowing their little monsters to run amuck and splash others in the main pool, but I fault Royal Caribbean for not enforcing pool rules. On past cruises, kids weren’t even allowed in hot tubs, but they were in this one. Granted, there is an adults-only pool and hot tub, but the problem is that there isn’t any entertainment there (not that the entertainment at the main pool was anything to write home about).

We did not participate in any excursions on this cruise, so I can’t speak to their quality. We did hear various comments that the excursions were over-priced and not worth the money. One excursion was even over an hour late and had to be delivered to the ship by boat as it was departing Honduras.

The verdict–If I had to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, I would probably go with Carnival based on past experiences. I am not totally closed to giving Royal Caribbean another chance, but they would have to completely WOW me to keep me coming back.

Source by Rick Cohoon

Adding furniture pieces made from natural materials can create a cozy and elegant atmosphere in your home. Wicker furniture has been used for thousands of years. It even goes back to the age of the famous Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Many people think that wicker is not strong enough and not long-lasting. As a matter of fact, furniture made with this material can last quite a long time if you maintain it regularly. Below is a list of benefits of using wicker furniture in your home:

1. Wicker furniture can withstand any kinds of weather. However, you really have to pay attention to the furniture’s finish. Make sure you choose the one that has a high quality finish. A good quality finish can make the furniture last 10 years or more.

2. Unlike other types of furniture, wicker is lightweight. You can easily rearrange your furniture wherever you like to create a new atmosphere.

3. Wicker chairs are comfortable to sit on. You can easily spend hours sitting on one. Some people have rattan chairs and tables in their garden or gazebo, so that they can spend their leisure time there with family, friends or colleagues.

4. Cleaning sofas or couches made from synthetic leather require expensive cleaning products. Wicker products, on the other hand, do not need expensive treatments. It only needs regular cleaning and also a coat of varnish or paint to protect it from humidity and sunlight.

5. Wicker can create a romantic ambiance. You do not have to go to an expensive restaurant with your partner just to enjoy a romantic atmosphere. You and your partner can just sit on a rattan sofa in your backyard and enjoy the evening at home together.

6. This type of furniture comes in different shapes and sizes. Wicker is flexible enough to be shaped into various designs. You can find wicker chairs, tables, boxes, and cupboards easily at most furniture stores. They can be custom designed to suit your every desire. You can look for various design ideas on the internet. You can also buy pieces with interesting designs from online furniture stores.

7. The great thing about wicker is that it is affordable. The materials used to make this furniture with are widely available and they are quite cheap. The only factor that may affect the price is shipping fee. Wicker products are mainly imported from some Asian country such as Indonesia.

Source by Yohan Andree

Last Saturday was the Fourth of July. The town in which I live held a 5K run before the start of its Main Street parade, in support of cancer or something like that, and my wife and daughters left early so they could run for the cure. Standing out on our porch, I called goodbye, waved, and watched them leave, and then I turned and entered our home. As soon as I closed the French door behind me, I heard the lifeless silence that caused me to wonder what I should do with my two hours of freedom. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I felt the long gone feelings of childhood. I felt what I was: alone on a holiday.

The decision to stay home had been mine, of course, so I could blame only myself for the isolation I felt from society. I stood on our living room rug and listened and looked. There was the sound of forced air from a floor vent, the tick of the grandfather clock, and nothing else. I should have gone with them.

A framed photograph hangs in our living room of a ski trip we made to Whistler, Canada, and it was this picture that got my attention. That trip had been the last time I stood up and skied, and so I had always smiled at the memory every time I looked at the picture. Seeing it from where I stood alone on Independence Day, with my family gone, experiencing life, and making memories without me, I frowned and looked away from the favorite photo. What was I doing? Staying home alone? On Independence Day? Really?

The right thing to do in situations often comes to me as a nudge, but what I felt there in my living room was the equivalent of a two-handed shove. I rushed through my morning routine, filled a commuter cup with coffee, grabbed our digital camera, and hurried outside like a boy trying to catch up with his friends.

My car is a beast, but it does have a hitch that allows me to take my Segway with me. Even though Segways are people movers, I use mine as a standup wheelchair. It is the same as all of the other Segways – two wheels, self balancing, a deck on which to stand, and two hand holds atop a tall vertical shaft – except I placed one of those blue handi-stickers on the front of mine so I could use it wherever I needed to go, without being mistaken for someone too lazy to walk. I’ve taken it on airplanes and elevators, in hotels, stores, and restaurants, and I took it that morning on the back of my car on my rush to get downtown. The independence the Segway gives me is impossible to compare against the dependence I felt back when I used the wheelchair that sits in our barn.

My mood lightened as I neared my family. Because traffic was already blocked from the parade route, I had to park and use my Segway to reach the starting line of the 5K run. What a mass of humanity! The streets were already lined with chairs, blankets, coolers, chalk drawings, and hundreds of people sitting in their front row seats and waiting for the start of the parade. No one saw me going full speed down the side streets. As soon as I reached Main Street, I slowed down to a pace just above a walk and took in the sights. There was a platform way down the street where the runners were getting ready for the start of their run. Most were wearing white event shirts, all were standing, and the group looked like they were out exercising in the morning sun, leaning, stretching, twisting, and talking. As I Seg’d down the center-line of Main Street, staying between the rails of watchers lining both sides of the street, rolling toward what looked like animated bowling pins at the end of a lane, I heard exclamations of both wonder and fascination.

“Look at thing,” “What is it?” “That is so cool,” “I want one,” and “Hey mister, can I try it?” These calls came from both sides of the empty street. I was alone in the middle. What could I do? Stop? Introduce my Segway as a standup wheelchair? I thought I knew how the rider of the first bicycle felt when he peddled his giant front tire down some dirt road in another century. The difference for me was that I could not get off and walk. But they couldn’t know that. I just kept going and looked ahead for my fatherless family.

In the next block I heard someone complain.

“What is he? Too good to walk?”

That was not the first time I’ve heard the question. It came once when I was visiting my daughter at USC, another time at the Junior Olympics in Omaha, Nebraska, and a time I was Seg’n around the finish line of the Portland-to-Coast race to the beach in Seaside, Oregon. Each of those other times ended with the callers feeling awful after seeing the handi-sticker, the cane, and my inability to walk “like the rest of us.” I have grown indifferent to such comments. I barely hear them anymore. If those calls were the price for getting out of my house to be with my family, then I was glad to pay it. I kept going without saying a word, but I did have a grin: That’s right! I thought. I’m rolling right down Main Street.

I found them just before the start of the run. Actually, they found me. They ran over to me laughing and pointing to where I should stand to watch the race, and then they were gone. What mattered most to me was that I was there with them. Life is not something to live alone. I took a thousand pictures that day. When they go through the pictures, I know they will not see a single picture of me. So What? Fathers are never in the pictures they take. Instead, they will see what I saw that day: our family together on Independence Day. How sweet is that?

Source by Steven Lundin