Travel Blog

The risks of not getting enough sleep are many and as this poor guy shown in the picture knows, it is very difficult to stop yawning. People do not get enough sleep for many reasons and lack of sleep can effect your health, your diet and of course your weight. We decided to include this topic of getting enough sleep on this blog. It plays such a strong role in our ability to lose weight and maintain our health.

We will cover some of the standard reasons people have a hard time getting the sleep they need. Then focus in on one particular reason which is sleep apnea.  We will also make a few suggestions to help people with being able to sleep better. However, we would like to warn readers that the should seek a doctor’s care if they have health-related issues which need to be treated. this includes sleep apnea.

What are the Reasons People do Not Get Enough Sleep

• Using stimulants such as coffee and caffeinated drinks that keep us awake
• Watching TV shows that are too exciting before we go to bed
• Exercise before we go to bed
• Not relaxing and maintaining a routine before bedtime
• Health-related issues such as sleep apnea and others

As we mentioned if you have dealt with all of the other things within your control, then you may want to see a doctor examine other reasons you may not be able to sleep.

What are The Risks of Not Getting Enough Sleep

There are degrees of sleep loss and if you do not deal with them, you can experience significant problems in your life. The average person who does not get enough sleep is just tired all of the time. While significant sleep loss can lead to much more serious issues. Consumers who do not get enough sleep can or may experience some of these risks of not getting enough sleep or all of  the following problems:

• Yawning a lot
• Falling asleep at your desk, office or in a meeting
• Sleeping at the wheel while driving
• Falling asleep at work in situations that could be dangerous
• Eating a lot to give yourself energy leads to weight gain
• Weight gain leads to other health issues such as:
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Strokes
  • etc

The one example that really made an impact on the writer was when a friend of mind told me that he regularly falls asleep at the wheel of his car when he stops at a red light. He does not drive alone. He always drives with his wife in the car to make sure that he stays awake. Otherwise, he would be a menace on the road. Can you imagine being in his car when he cannot stay awake! Every year we hear of hundreds of accidents were people fall asleep and are killed in an auto accident. This is probably one of the most serious of risks of not sleeping properly.

Why Do People Not Get enough Sleep

We listed a number of possible causes above, however, we want to focus on one big reason for many people. It is sleep apnea. Basically someone with Sleep apnea never gets a good night’s rest and will stop breathing in some situations for short periods, only to wake up gasping, frightening him or herself and their partners.

When this occurs often enough, people suffering from sleep apnea never get enough sleep and are perpetually tired. This was what was wrong with my friend who falls asleep at the wheel at stoplights. The answer to this particular problem was to have a sleep test conducted and an analysis of why he was not sleeping.

Once sleep apnea was diagnosed, and he started with a CPAP machine he slept much better and drives much more safely.  We are not suggesting that everyone who is tired all of the time has sleep apnea. What we are suggesting is that sometimes you need to be assessed by a doctor to find out if there is any medical reason for being exhausted all of the time. It could be any number of reasons and it is important to rule them out and also obtain a solution.

Your quality of life will be much improved once you solve the issue of why you are not sleeping and getting a good nights rest. In fact you will wonder why you waited so long to do something about it. For more information about the risks of not getting enough sleep, click here.

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Visiting Puerto Vallarta grocery stores for the most part is just like visiting grocery stores in many other cities in Canada and the USA. The larger supermarkets have pretty much all of the same things that we have come to expect. There is lots of choice and quality foods available. They have good service and they still pack your bags which a lot of places in Canada do not do any longer.  Everything is in Spanish of course, but it is easy to tell what the price is and of course you can see what the item actually is with no problems.

Vallarta Grocery Stores quality

Just like Canada and the USA there are stores that do not measure up in terms of quality, quantity or even cleanliness. If you are living there in PV for any length of time, you will quickly get to know which stores which have the best foods and quality. We also found that depending on the day of the week some of the fruits and vegetables will be better than other days.

They even have a Costco in Puerto Vallarta with everything that you find in other parts of the world including the quality of the meet. The Costco store is a long way from downtown, although you can get there and back by bus. For Americans the prices are about the same, however they are probably very expensive for Mexican nationals. The store is clean and carries all of the brands, plus some Mexican brands that you may be familiar with .

Corner Store Grocery Stores

There are also small Vallarta grocery stores on street corners especially downtown. These are corner stores that stock the basics of what everyone will need for food for everyday living and you do not have to go far to find them. These stores carry more of the authentic Mexican products and are used by the locals as well as tourists alike. If you are staying in a condo or apartment nearby, these are the perfect places to pick up a few items for your meals and snacks.

One of our favorite meals are the roasted chickens they do on a spit, with small potatoes, onions and peppers. These chickens are delicious, always well done with the skin crispy and tasty. They can usually be purchased near a grocery store and always ask for a side dish of potatoes, onions and hot peppers.

They usually go on special once a week as well. There will be a line up of customers on these days. We always made sure that we picked up a couple and them made meals which we froze for another day to use when we did not feel like going out.

For more information about this beautiful vacation destination, click here.

Melissa Rycroft and professional partner Tony Dovolani, dancing with the stars winners, danced their way to victory during the latest Dancing with the stars competition which pitted former winners and runner ups against each other to really elevate the level of skill, entertainment and quality of the show. Rycroft, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader got a perfect score on Monday night to put her in the top position in terms of points from the judges. But it is always a cliff hanger when you build in the audience vote the following that many of the stars have.

Dancing With the Stars Winners – A Good Following Helps

Melissa Rycroft and partner Tony Dovolani really did not have a strong following in terms of supporting fans from previous shows and activities. Many of the others were TV stars, football players and race car drivers along with Olympic athletes. They all have a fan base which Melissa really did not have. However both Melissa and Tony had something else that really none of the other contestants had.

They had desire to win and the work ethic was so strong for these two. They worked to make everything absolutely perfect in their routines and were rewarded with perfect scores. There was another factor as well which really contributed to their wining the trophy.

No Drama During the Competition

Throughout the competition there was never any false sense of drama. None of this phone sexual thing that another contestant  tried to show and garner more votes. Throughout the competition they always had huge smiles, a great attitude. Also an endearing personality that we thing endeared them to the audience and built a fan base among the Dancing with Stars viewers.

This is really what gave them the edge over the other two runner up contestants. We do not want to take anything away from either of the other two. They were excellent and provided a fantastic show and skill level with all of their dances. They just did not endear themselves to the audience as much as Melissa Rycroft and professional partner Tony Dovolani did during their dances. Also any interviews and conversations they had in front of the media.

We really love to watch this show. It is such a positive motivation and uplifting show, we either watch it life or we record it and watch it as soon as possible after words.  Tom Bergeron does a fantastic job of keeping everything on schedule and filling in sound bytes to bridge the gaps in conversation. Don’t’ change the format guys, just give us more of the same and keep the level of competition very high.

For more posts about reality shows, click here.

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The Showboat Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City is located at the far north end of the boardwalk next to the Taj Mahal on one side and the new Revel Hotel on the other. The Revel Hotel is the last and is next to the boardwalk’s end, seven miles long. The location is fine; however, if you are interested in visiting some of the other casinos, such as Caesars, Bally’s, Tropicana, Resorts, etc., you are in for a long walk. On a sunny warm day, walking along the boardwalk to these hotels is very pleasant, but not so much on a cold winter day. Recently the Showboat filed for bankruptcy in 2014. It reopened in 2016 as a noncasino nonsmoking hotel and has been doing well. Rooms start at $129, with higher-priced rooms having balconies.

We have stayed at the Showboat Hotel several times, and it is quite satisfactory to stay at. There are two towers, and if you wish to pay for the upgrade, guests should consider the tower next to the boardwalk for better rooms and being closer to the boardwalk. The Showboat was part of Harrahs, so your Total Rewards card could have been used to book hotel rooms and pay for meals if you had earned sufficient comps. Not any longer.

They also face the beach; however, some construction is taking place along the beach. You would probably want to visit the beach a little to the south, with fewer peers and much more sand. There is also a large peer close by with rides and arcade games to try out; however, we understand this is open all the time during July and August but only on the weekends during the warmer months of June and September.

Showboat Casino – Slot Machines

There were over 2000 slot machines of all varieties. There was a large casino floor with various machines, including many poker machines.

Table Games

Same thing with table games. Lots to choose from, and all types of table games are available for patrons to consider.

Restaurants

This is a pet-friendly hotel that also has three restaurants: Atlantic City Eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Canal Street Coffee offers made-to-order espresso beverages as well as prepared salads and sandwiches; and Worship Surf Bar caters to the bar crowd with lunch, dinner and live music on the weekends.

What We Liked

• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking
• Easy access from all highways
• A safe environment in the hotel and parking areas
• The coffee shop offers free refills as long as you have your receipt

What We Did Not Like

We do not like the $5 / day parking charges and the $13 per day state taxes that all of the hotels are forced to charge their customers. We also decided that since we like to stroll the boardwalk, visit the beach and go to the outlet malls, we will not be staying at this particular location again. Ballys or Caesars is a better choice for us based on these criteria. It is also a long walk from the car park to the check-in counter and the elevators. But then, all of the hotels seem to be laid out this way.

Parking

There is ample parking at the  Showboat Hotel in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is no surface parking that we observed. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels. The parking garage is also patrolled regularly, protecting your car from the weather.

Directions:

Getting to the hotel is pretty easy once you come off of the Atlantic City Expressway. There are many signs to direct you to either valet parking or self-parking, whichever you prefer. For more information about Atlantic City, click here.

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The writer of this post has just been diagnosed with sleep apnea and has submitted his claim for CPAP supplies to his  insurance company. We are waiting for a response to see how much they will pay. My plan is supposed to pay 80% of the cost after the government kicks in its share. It is important to have CPAP supplies insurance as part of your medical insurance since these units are quite expensive. In Canada, they can cost as much as $1200 to $1800 a unit by the time you purchase all of the accessories and the unit itself.

Here is how it works for us here in Ontario Canada. Depending on were you live, you may want to investigate what programs are available to help with the cost of these machines, since they are very expensive. For us here in Ontario a basic machine with all of the accessories is going to cost somewhere around $1200, depending on what CPAP supply store you go to. The Ontario Government, which is where we live will pick up 75% of the cost with the remainder  left to the individual to pay. In my case this amount came to $480. This is still a lot of money and hopefully my CPAP supplies insurance will cover the rest up to 80%.

What do you Do if You do Not Have CPAP Supplies Insurance

Unfortunately, $480 is still a lot of money. For people who are on welfare, who may be unemployed and do not have insurance, it may be out of reach. It is so important to deal with sleep apnea due to the consequences of not getting enough sleep. We happen to think that people who have been diagnosed with this disease need to be able to find a cheaper machine.

We are going to do some more research on this subject, however we want to make sure that people understand the consequences of not using a CPAP machine first. When you stop breathing due to sleep apnea,  your heart rate goes way up and your blood pressure goes way up. Both of these conditions put a lot of pressure on your bodies systems which can cause strokes and heart attacks on people who are far too young to have them. Both can be deadly and debilitating. Pay attention to this issue and try to do something about it.

CPAP Machines are Expensive

The machine itself is the most expensive. You may be able to purchase used machines on Ebay, or one of the other auction sites. I would look for used machines that are being sold by people who have no more use for them. The accessories should be purchased new. I am not sure about you, but I really do not want to use a mask worn by someone else, or use tubing for that matter that has been used.

There are sales from time to time and these may also be helpful. When you purchase a used machine, you will also need someone to adjust it and set it up properly to match your needs. The most significant thing is to set the pressure at the proper level.  There is no need to set it higher than necessary and make it uncomfortable.

CPAP Supplies Insurance Process

The process that we are forced to use here in Ontario is as follows:

• Participate in a sleep test
• Get results and prescription for a CPAP machine
• Visit a home care center and respiratory technician to be fitted
• Trial period to get used to the machine and make final adjustments
• Submit claim to Ontario Government(technician will do this)
• Pay for the balance
• Submit claim to your Health Insurance  company

This is pretty straight forward, however not everyone can afford to pay the final payment.  Negotiate a lower price if you can, ask for spare parts, confirm amounts for future CPAP supplies. Note that in Ontario, visits to the specialists and the sleep lab are covered by our provincial health insurance. You may have to wait a long time to get your appointment, but at least it is paid for.

Take Care of Your Machine

You can also make sure that your CPAP supplies will last longer by taking proper care of the mask, the straps and the hoses. Keep them clean and protected to avoid them cracking and wearing down over time. The plastic may become brittle and you will need to replace these supplies once they become brittle and begin to crack.

Hopefully this short article will help readers who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. As a user of one of these machines myself, I cannot say enough positive things about the machine. Also the amount of excellent quality sleep that I am now getting. I am not tired anymore during the day and I actually can sleep in the mornings. This is one of the best things that I have done for myself in many years. If you have sleep apnea, don’t wait until it is too late. Get tested and get a CPAP machine if you are diagnosed that you need one. For more information about CPAP topics, click here.

Consumers planning on going white water rafting should always check with the company they will be rafting with to book trips and to confirm that there is actually sufficient raft water available to raft on. The flows in the spring are usually pretty high and can be counted on to provide exhilarating trips. Winter snows are melting and causing streams and rivers to run high and fast providing excellent white water rafting. The water will be cold. Participants will need to wear wet suits to insulate them should they fall into the river during  the traverse over the rapids. The water is very cold and hypothermia can occur very quickly once you are in the water. Never take any chances when you are in this kind of situation.

Raft Water – Seasons

However as the season moves into late spring and into early summer raft water flows will decline. Some river flows will decline so much that a raft cannot be supported on the river at all. They may only support kayaks or canoes. Still there are many rivers that rafting can be considered. Which provide a combination of tranquil rafting as well as exciting rides through rapids that offer fast water around many rocks and boulders. These types of rapids will be more suitable to beginners and first timers. The water may be warmer and the need to wear a wet suit will be decreased. In fact you may even be able to go swimming in tranquil raft water areas between rapids.

Sufficient Water Flow

If you are really focused on white water rafting always confirm ahead of time that there is enough raft water to provide a great ride down the river. There is no sense in driving a long distance, only to be disappointed. On some rivers the flow of water is dependent on water releases from dams up stream. The guides are well versed regarding when the water will flow and schedule their river trips around these releases. You may not want to be caught in a scheduled release of water. So if the sign indicates safety concerns about water releases, pay attention and follow the directions they provide

Storms will also drive river flows up. If you are aware of rain storms in the mountains or it has been a wet season, river flows may also provide spring like conditions on the rivers. The water will be flowing fast and cold and the rafting will be spectacular. Only by checking with your river rafting tour company can you determine if there is fast water and if there openings available to go white water rafting down the river. They will also advise you regarding what clothing etc to bring with you for your excursion.

These pictures included with this post of Laughlin, Nevada were actually taken from across the Colorado River in Bullhead Arizona.  We were staying in a condominium and took the pictures from our balcony overlooking the river and the casinos on the Nevada side. There is also a one hour time difference between the two states with Pacific time on the Laughlin , Nevada side and Mountain Time on the Arizona side of the river.

We also like to visit the Aquarius casino in Laughlin, Nevada to play the slots and stay there as well.  This is one of the better casinos and hotel in the area with a non smoking section and also a large casino floor with a very good buffet overlooking the Colorado River.  If you would like more information about the Aquarius Hotel, click here.

We love playing the slots at any of the hotels and if you would like more information about slot cards, click here. We have also taken advantage of a free rooms offer from the hotel while we stay in Laughlin, Nevada. Their slot card is quite good with free rooms, free slot play and many comp’s towards meals as well. We have had breakfast as well on the comps which was also actually a brunch. We had one of the best omelets we have had on our trip. For more information about slot cards and why you should always carry and use them when you are.

Again the picture on the left is of the Laughlin , Nevada side at night and it does present quite a site with all of the lights.

Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin is really set up in two sections. There is the area along the river were all of the casinos are along Casino Drive. There are no residential homes in this area, with everything geared to the casino business. Residential areas are at a slightly higher elevation to the west. There are shopping centers, schools etc for local residents to live in and also rent out to snow birds.

We have talked to many of the people working in the casinos and many of them seem to prefer living on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. Not sure exactly why, other than we think that taxes are lower in Arizona.

Gasoline prices are definitely lower on the Arizona side of the state line. In some cases the price per gallon can be as much as twenty or thirty cents cheaper per gallon than they are in Nevada. We have not check prices on housing or rent, but it is something you should look at if you are planning to spend any time in the Laughlin area.

We always go over to Bullhead to fill up on gas, get oil changes for the car, do laundry or to purchase groceries.  There are also more restaurants on the Bullhead side as well. There are many very good restaurants in the various casinos, however sometimes you just want a break from all of the casino noise and the glitz.

Close to Vegas

Laughlin Nevada is only 90 miles from Las Vegas and approximately 50 miles from Searchlight, Nevada. Searchlight is a small village with two small casinos and a couple of gas stations. Nothing much more than that. Vegas on the other hand is a great place to visit with many hotels and casinos that are literally over the top. Check out our web site on Vegas with reviews of many of the casinos and the hotels in the area. they are based on personal visits to many of these places.

If you are looking for a relative inexpensive vacation for a few days or longer, Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit in the winter or also in the summer when many people spend their time on the river boating, fishing, and roaring up and down on Seadoo’s.

For more posts about Laughlin Nevada, click here.

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Traveling with a CPAP machine is actually quite straight forward. Sure there is an extra bag to carry and you need to bring another bottle of distilled water along, however for the writer it is really worth it to get a good night’s sleep.  The bag that I have is a handy carrying case with a shoulder strap and it is smaller than a carry on suitcase. When we go into a hotel, it sits on top of my roller suitcase and really does not take any more effort.

Flying presents another problem these days. You cannot take a large bottle of liquid on the plane with you. If you check it in your suitcase there is always the danger of it leaking all over your clothes. Sure it is water, but who needs the mess and the cleanup after words. We always make sure that we know of a place where we are going that sells distilled water which we can pick up easily to use in the CPAP machine when we travel.

There are different bags for different machines. They all have room for the mask, the hoses and of course the CPAP machine when you travel. Some are like a small over night travel bag, while others are similar to a small computer lap top bag. Either way they are easy to carry and the entire unit weighs less than the standard laptop bag with all of your computer gear in it.

Why Travel With Your CPAP Travel Machine

Frankly I want to enjoy my vacation of be alert for my business trip. I would rather get a good night’s sleep than be without it so that I can enjoy my vacation etc. Who wants to be exhausted all of the time on vacation when you suffer from sleep apnea?  Even after one night sometimes of not using the machine can leave you tired and exhausted from not getting a good night’s rest. Personally when I was tested at a sleep clinic, I had a sleep interruption on average 39 times per hour. Who can sleep like that? This is why I travel with my CPAP and why you should as well if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

I know it sounds unbelievable and I was shocked when I was told this by the sleep technician, however after the doctor told me the results and showed me the report, I had to believe him. I did not come totally awake all of the time, however it was enough for them to detect that I was partially awake each time. Amazing, 39 time per hour and I still managed to function during the day. With the CPAP machine, I now feel much more rested and have a lot more energy.

Some Suggestions When You Travel with a CPAP Machine

Take an extra extension chord of about 10 feet long. Hotels are notorious for not having electrical plugs close to the bed were you can plug things in. I have had to use the extension chord several times. It is easily stored in the bottom of your bag and it saves a lot of frustration as well. I have had to use it about half the time. The plugs that are accessible are usually used by the light and radio / alarm clock which you obviously need. So take the extension chord with you. Use your CPAP machine without having to unplug things.

Another suggestion if you are only going for a couple of days is to take a small bottle of distilled water. It will be good for at least the first night or the second night. It must be small enough to satisfy the airlines in terms of security. This will get you through the first night. It will give you time the next day to go and purchase a bottle of distilled water. They are available at most drug stores.

International Travel

If you plan to travel to international destinations, it is a good idea to also pack an electrical adapter. It should match the outlets  that are used in the foreign country. There are many types. Some adapters have multiple plugs built in to adapt to almost any situation.

Finally if you are planning to go on a long trip such as a winter vacation and spend 2 to 3 months in warmer climates, you may want to take extra hoses and masks along with you depending on how old yours are. I am told they tend to last an average of six months. So you can determine what is best for you in this regard. You can also check to see if there is a place near were you will be to purchase supplies close to you.

Good luck with your CPAP travel planning. For more information about CPAP travel topics, click here.

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There are a variety of CPAP Mask types available on the market that will meet just about every ones needs as well as comfort.

Personally I chose the nasal pillow mask which is the mask portrayed in the picture on the bottom right. There were several reasons for this choice. First I really did not think that I would adapt well to sleeping with a full mask and the corresponding straps that go with a full mask. Secondly I cough a lot due to asthma and allergies and I wanted my mouth to be free so that I could cough without removing the mask or cough into the mask which did not sound very attractive to me.

CPAP Mask types

Lucky for me that I am not a mouth breather. These are people who for one reason or another cannot breathe through their noses and breathe through their mouth instead. They have to either wear a full mask that covers the nose and mouth as well or they can wear a special strap that keeps their mouth closed. Not too exciting, but then you do what you got to do. The alternative is to continue with sleep apnea with the corresponding lack of sleep and risk of a stroke or heart attack!

Discuss Your Needs with Your Respiratory Therapist

Your choice of mask will depend on personal likes and dislikes as we mentioned and also your sleep Apnea. Some masks will work better depending on the degree of sleep apnea that you have. Higher pressures require more complete masks and more straps to ensure that they stay in  place at night. If you move around a lot at night you may need more security in terms of keeping the mask in place.

Personally I sleep in my back and my sides and will move around a lot at night. I have found that the nasal pillow mask is fine for me with a strap around my head as well as one over the top of my head. It stays in place for the most part. Occasionally I need to adjust it slightly to make sure that it is in place.

Your therapist has a lot of experience with CPAP mask types and will recommend the correct one for you as well as adjust the tightness to make sure that it is secure on your head.

Getting Used to Your CPAP Mask

It will take a few days to get used to your mask. For me , even on the first night I had a better sleep than I have had in months.  Now I do not snore at all. The machine makes less noise than a small fan than what you might have in your bedroom at night.

Friends with CPAP machines have told me that it took them as long as a month to get used to their mask. I find that to be a very long time. He really resisted the machine or even talking to someone about it for a long time and I think that his mind set was not really prepared to be receptive to the CPAP mask.

If you are tired and exhausted all of the time, then this is really going to change your life with all of the sleep that you are going to get now. All I can say is learned to get comfortable with the mask and embrace it. It will make your transition from no sleep to a great sleep that much quicker. Your therapist may also allow you to try different types of masks if you are having a problem adjusting. There may be a small charge for this service, but then you will have a much more restful sleep in the end.

Sleep Apnea Problems

If you think you have sleep apnea, don’t wait to see your doctor. Sleep apnea is a major cause of strokes and heart attacks. Your heart beats really fast and your blood pressure goes way up during a sleep apnea episode. If you are prone to strokes etc, you are a leading candidate for a sleep apnea related problem.

Arrange for a sleep test to be scheduled and then it is straight forward from there. Either you have sleep apnea and can deal with it. Or there is some other problem that is giving you these symptoms. Your partner will be very happy in that you will totally stop snoring. Imagine!

Your insurance will pay for the cost in most cases, although some companies have restrictions. In some states and provinces the government will even step in and pay a large percentage of the cost. Your therapist can assist you there as well. Good luck with dealing with sleep apnea and obtaining the correct CPAP mask for you. It is definitely worth it. For more information about CPAP Mask types, click here.

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Whether it is the payroll take hikes, the fiscal cliff or the sex scandals with the American generals, president Obama sure does not have an easy time during his presidency. Even in the first term he had the mother of all economic problems to deal with. Fortunately for all of us it was not as bad as everybody thought it might be. I know that many folks have lost jobs, lost their homes and lost their savings. My heart really goes out to these people. I wish it had never happened. However as bad as it was and still is for many, it still was not as bad as the depression in the 30’s. At least that is what the historians have said.

Payroll Tax Hike – Pay our Bills

This is also why we are approaching the so called fiscal cliff when the Bush tax cuts will be stopped. Tax hikes will kick in for many people and for many businesses. Is it really a fiscal cliff or is it a dose of reality. At some point we need to pay our bills and that includes the US government.

The only ones that can pay for this debt is the consumer and the business people and of course the rich. Obama wants to tax the rich who make more than $250,000 a year. That is a lot of money and the majority of people in the US do not come anywhere close to that number! You would think that it would be a no brainer for to vote for this measure to tax the rich more than they already are.

Reasons Why the Tax Hike for the Rich will Not be Approved

There are at least two things wrong with this approach, although I want to say at the outset that I am agreement that the rich need to pay more in taxes and distribute the wealth more to help put the country. The first problem is that even if you only raise taxes on the rich, it will not be enough. There simply are not enough people to pay the debt or have any kind of impact on the debt.

They should pay more, but the average consumer needs to pay more as well, to pay for the debt and to pay for more debt for health care and the wars that this country always seems to get involved in. So unfortunately I think that we all are going to pay more taxes.

Another Major Problem

The other major problem is that all of these senators and house members make more than $250,000 a year or very close to it. Now why would they vote themselves more taxes to pay. Why would the alienate all of their donors that pay big money to their campaigns  by voting in a tax hike for the rich and not touch the average consumer? This is probably the biggest reason alone why this tax hike is not going to happen and the US will approach the fiscal cliff.

There are probably lots of other reasons as well that will come into play. Lots of noise will be made by everyone about raising taxes. But no one will talk about the fact that no senator or house member really wants to vote himself a tax increase.

There will be a lot more discussion over the next month and half about making a decision. There will be lots of talk after words as well regarding whether the right decision was made. In the end the consumers will have to live with this. They will have to bear the discontent as well as the budget cuts that will come with a no decision.

The Markets Will React

The markets meanwhile are going to be very volatile until something is decided. If you cannot stand the turmoil , it is probably already too late to get out of the market. Since there was a large downturn just after the election. This downturn apparently was driven by the fiscal cliff uncertainty and the payroll tax hikes that will be coming.

Hold on to your hats for the ride. It will be exciting. For more discussion regarding tax issues concerning the masses, click here.

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The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino opened another section of the new wing of the casino on Nov 9^{th, 2012}. The Cascades bar has opened. It is modern, it is high class, and it has the same machines as the bar that was in the tent. For the information of readers, the old bar in the tent was being dismantled when we arrived on the 9^th of Nov. The new section has about 50% of the floor occupied with slot machines, the high roller area, and the Cascades bar. I am sure the rest of the floor will be filled in the next few weeks, and we will write about this over the next month or so.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Cascades Bar

The new hotel is progressing and is still expected to open in March 2013. As far as we know, it is still on schedule. The front desk personnel at the Comfort Inn next door tell us that the rates for rooms will be higher than theirs; however, we feel that it will depend on supply and demand. If the casino is not busy, they will be sending people invites with free rooms attached. We have discussed this in several of our posts, where customers can expect free rooms and meals from casinos as long as they use their slot cards in the slot machines when they are playing.

Drink Prices on the Rise at the Casino

The casino has also started raising prices for drinks. Formally we paid one dollar for a draft beer on the floor as well as at the bar. Now the price is $1.50, a fifty-cent rise in price. The price is still not high, and we cannot really complain, but just the same no one wants to see a fifty percent rise in price. They also no longer serve popcorn at the bar. I guess they think that it is not as cultured to serve popcorn. They did tell us they plan to serve something soon but are not sure what that will be.

Patrons Coming from Canada and the Surrounding Area

Lately, we have done well at this casino; however, that may all change as they strive to generate more revenue to pay for all of the expansion. The last time we were at the casino was on a Friday, and it was quite busy with many people coming from the area as well as from Cornwall, Ottawa, and Montreal. One patron I spoke to had been at the casino three times that week. Said she did not like the casino in Montreal and preferred to come to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino instead.

Restaurants are Getting Better Too

The restaurant Sticks has also improved a bit with a nicer entrance to the main lobby of the casino entrance. Rapids, a fast food place, serves up pizza, burgers, and salads. The buffet, which we also wrote about in a previous post, is great, with excellent food quality and decor.

We have been going to this casino once or twice a month for a while. Pretty soon, we will make our annual trip to the southwestern area of the US and write more about the casinos in this area.

As we write this post, most white water river agencies who offer white water trips have closed for the season due to the cold weather that is upon us in the northern parts of North America and in Canada. Some locations in the southern US may still be operating if river flows are sufficient to sustain rafting river trips. Then of course you can head to South America. Ot anywhere that avoids winter or to the southern hemisphere to go white water rafting. Many people will book a vacation based on where they can go rafting all year round.

Rafting companies in the winter time  are busy repairing gear, taking stock of their supplies and equipment. They are also ordering new equipment to be ready for the river trips in the new year. Especially in the early spring when the spring runoff from the mountains begins. They may also be updating their training to make sure that everyone is in top shape from a training and first aid perspective. Some guides will have gone to other white water rivers in other countries that can offer river trips all year long. They will be back for the new season next year.

Plan for Your River Trip next Year

This is also the time when tourists are beginning to think about next year’s excursions and river trips. They know that many of these river trips are sold out a year in advance. They must book very early if they want the dates and specific river trips they are looking for. The river trip down the Grand Canyon is rumored to be sold out a year and half in advance. Camping at the grand canyon is controlled very closely and is also booked well in advance.

Book your river trips early to avoid disappointment. Booking early will also enable vacation scheduling to be done while you still have the time. You can book ahead of just about everybody else at the company to be sure you get the dates you want. These trips will run regardless of the weather. Unless conditions are so bad that they cannot be safely on the rivers.

Trips like these do take planning, so don’t forget to book flights, rental cars if needed and hotel rooms as well in the area. These facilities can be booked up early and you will want to make sure you do not need to drive too far to get to the river trip starting point.

Many river trip organizers will also have lodgings of some kind nearby that they can refer their customers to. These can include everything from camp sites, log cabins to motels and hotels in the area. Ask for special rates or deals when you are referred by one of these river trip companies.

Working in a country like Chile is an entirely enjoyable experience. When you work in a country, you have the evenings and weekends to visit many places. You would never see most of these places  if you were only there for a two week vacation. It is a great way to  also get to know the culture and really get to know the people. We spent 8 months working in Chile. We went on many trips around the country including one that took us over the mountains to Argentina via the Andes mountains. This post is about driving over the Andes Mountains to Mendoza Argentina. Our last post was about visiting the Hyatt hotel in Mendoza, Argentina. This post is about how we got there.

Andes Mountains to Mendoza Argentina

I should say at the outset that I like to take driving trips. This particular trip was one of the most interesting that I have taken in a long time. Imagine a two lane paved road with no guard rails along the road in a desert setting. You can see for miles and miles. You can look up the mountain and follow the road as it twists and turns up the side of the mountain. It rises  to its 11,000 foot pass that takes you from Chile to Argentina. Later we learn that there are 49 switchbacks and a tunnel to go through at the top of the mountain pass. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

Fantastic Views

The scenery is breath taking with the mountains and the valleys and the fact that as you get higher, you can see the glaciers at the top of the mountains and the Pacific ocean in the distance. Chile is only 100 miles wide in some parts so when you get high enough on a clear day, there is no problem viewing these vistas.  Cars, vans and tractor trailers all use this 2 lane road.

It is a well maintained paved road. But it is only 2 lanes wide and that means a lot of risky passing on the uphill stretches.  Tractor trailers are literally crawling along as they climb the mountain and as a result faster vehicles are forced to pass on the straight stretches between the quarter mile switchbacks. It is a bit scary at times, but it is either that or you spend many hours just getting to the border at the top of the mountain.

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We have only stayed at the Route 66 casino hotel in New Mexico once and I wanted to take more pictures, however the security guards warned me not to take pictures of the actual casino. They were continuously watching me whenever I had my camera in my hand. All I could do is take a picture of the restaurant area. The highway decoration in the foreground of the picture is supposed to be route 66 with a restaurant in the background.

We stayed over night. However were only there for a few hours. We arrived very late at night. We had to leave early the next morning to make our previous reservations at another location.

Route 66 Casino

The restaurant was great and we enjoyed the meal very much. The quality for breakfast was great. The size of the meals allowed us to split the meal between my wife and I. We have found that it is better for us to split meals since we often cannot finish a meal on our own. It saves us money as well.  The meal portions are just so large. It does not make sense to waste all of the food. We do have to compromise sometimes on what we eat. But it is definitely worth it to split and not gain weight.

Just West of Albuquerque, New Mexico

The route 66 casino and hotel is about 15 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a good place to stop if your are looking for a place to stop for the night. There are several restaurants to choose from and there is discount gas as well for cars and trucks. It is easy to reach off of I40 and there is a large surface parking lot.

We have stayed in the city, however, you have to deal with rush hour and traffic the next morning, so we prefer to stop at the route 66 hotel to avoid traffic congestion in Albuquerque next morning if we are heading west.

There is not much else around this particular area, so it really is a stop over place and a place to try your hand at some of the slots or table games that are in the casino.

Route 66 Nostalgia

Basically I think this Route 66 thing is a bit over rated. yes this was the route of the wagon trains to the west and yes there is a great deal of history associated with Route 66. However we have driven various sections of route 66 in Arizona and New Mexico and found it long and not that interesting. There are a few interesting tourist stops along the way, which either serve meals or sell various route 66 trinkets, but that seems to be about it.

I would recommend that you drive part of it, stop in some desolate location and take a moment or two to think about how harsh the surroundings are and how difficult it must have been to travel that route by horse or wagon train many years ago. It was a pretty tough environment and you can only really appreciate how hard it was for them by getting out of your air conditioned car and think about what it was like

Oatmen Arizona

Another Route 66 location is Oatmen Arizona. This is a little town that used to be a mining town on the Route 66 road. It is still operating, now as a tourist location. The big attraction of Oatmen is the donkeys that roam wild throughout the streets looking for food from the tourists. These donkeys are descendents of the original donkeys that were abandoned when the minors left after the mines ran out. Somehow these donkeys survived in the desert and continue to exist in the desert around Oatmen.

The other main attraction about Oatmen on Route 66 is the local bar. When the minors got paid they would pin their money to the wall with the bar tender removing money as the minor ate or drank his way through his paycheck. Today there is roughly $80,000 in one dollar bills that are pinned to the walls. They cover every square inch of the walls and even on the ceiling. The ceilings by the way are 15 feet at least and this is a really large room, so it is quite a site to see all of this money pinned to the wall. All of it in $1 bills.

Well that is enough about the Route 66 Casino Hotel and Oatmen, two route 66 locations we have visited in two different states. Hope you enjoyed reading them.

For more posts about casinos around the country, click here.

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CPAP Accessories vary a great deal depending on the store were you made your original purchase. For most stores, accessories include the masks, the straps and the hoses. These accessories will wear out from time to time and require replacement. We are told that they will need replacement within three months to nine months. Depending how well you take care of these elements.

We have shown a variety of masks in the picture above. Each one will need straps to hold it in place. They all need hoses to connect them to the CPAP machine. These are the elements that will break down from time. Hoses will crack, masks will become brittle and not make a good seal against your face and straps may even break as they become brittle with age. Most stores will stock all of these types of accessories and you will have to first pay for them and then claim the expense with your insurance company if you have health insurance that covers this sort of thing.

Other CPAP Accessories

No one has tried to sell me any of these things yet and I have been warned to not make these purchases no matter how good it sounds. Gels to help the mask make a better seal and to keep the mask supple, special pillows that will elevate your head to the right level, heated hoses to keep the air warm during the winter as you breath in through the mask and on and on.

You can use your own pillows instead of these special pillows at a much reduced price. You might even purchase several pillows for the price of a special pillow purchased at a health store.

Regarding the creams or gels, I personally have not seen a need for this at all and one of my good friends who has had a CPAP machine for five years,  does not see the need for any gels at all.

As far as the heated hose is concerned, it would be nice to breathe warm air instead of cold air, however I do not know about you, but I have been breathing cool winter air for many years while I have been sleeping and not had any problems. we keep our home quite cool in the winter time so we will just keep doing the same thing.

CPAP Accessories While You Travel

If you are going away for a week or so, there is probably not much to be concerned about. If something breaks such as a strap you can probably make do until you return to your home.

On the other hand if you are a snow bird who goes south for the winter, you might need to make sure that you take an extra mask, straps and hoses just in case one of them breaks while you are away. On the other hand, locating a store near were you are staying might be also worth your time so that you can purchase replacements any time you need them.

The CPAP machine and all of its accessories has become a part of your life and if you are getting much better sleep, not snoring and overall better well being, then you will take the time and make the effort to take everything you need with you.

Distilled Water for Your CPAP Machine

It is strongly recommended that you use distilled water for your machines humidifier if you have one. Most people have a humidifier with their machine to keep their nasal passages from getting too dry during the night.  Bring a bottle of distilled water with you when you travel and if you are planning to stay for more than a week locate a store were you purchase additional distilled water.

Although some people will use tap water in their humidifier, there are lots of potential problems with this approach. For one there are contaminants in the water that really should not get into your lungs. Secondly there is often calcium as well which will build up on the heater for your CPAP Humidifier.  For me, I would not take the chance> I would always use distilled water wherever I go.

Hope this helps regarding practical advice regarding CPAP Accessories. Personally, other than the basics, they are highly over rated. For more information about CPAP accessories, click here.

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Did Bristol Palin lose weight or was the perceived weight loss from some work by a surgeon? We are not sure but something sure looks different this season. She looks great and she looks more mature than she did last season. However although her looks are better her dancing did not improve at the same rate. She was being kept on the show just because of her mothers voting friends. She does not have the work ethic to get ahead on this show. These other people on the show are very competitive and hard working. Bristol is out of her depth and it shows.

Bristol Palin Weight Loss – DWTS

You may be thinking that we are picking on Bristol, however we are categorically not picking on her. She has improved from last time, she looks better, but she just does not measure up to the rest of the competitors. She has now gone home and we will no longer poke fun at Bristol Palin for her dancing or whether she lost weight or not.

DWTS is an absolutely fantastic show. all of the stars improve and all of the stars lose weight throughout the show. they are really working hard and when you basically exercise for 8 hours a day or more, then you are bound to get in better shape and lose weight as well. Wish we could be in such shape!

Well this is the last post about Bristol and DWTS unless something monumental comes along. We really like the show and in fact think it is the best show on TV these days. It takes hard work, talent and skill to win the trophy, contrary to many of the other reality shows that are on TV these days. We strongly support what this show is doing and look forward to many more weeks of great entertainment.

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Everyone wants to get a good nights sleep/ Many millions of dollars are spent every year by people on various drugs and gimmicks that sometimes work. Everyone wants to know how to get more sleep? There are those that are just gimmicks and really do not help us at all. There are lots of things we can do to help us sleep. We will list these in no particular order. However if they do not work and you are still having problems, it might be a good idea to arrange for a sleep study to really find out what is happening when you are sleeping at night.

For something we spend half our life doing, a lot of us are pretty awful at sleeping. Even if we think we are sleeping, we may have interruptions that prevent us from getting a good nights sleep.  Here are  10 tips for falling asleep faster, staying asleep, getting quality rest, and waking up feeling rested in the morning.

How to Get More Sleep

Prepare a Comfortable Bed

The idea is to do everything you can to make sure that you have a fighting chance at having a good night and the first place to start is ensuring that  you are comfortable.

Here is a quick list to check on for how to get more sleep:

• Get the right pillow based on your body type,
• Buy a new mattress that is comfortable even if it costs a bit more
• Find one that is firm enough, yet soft enough to make you feel comfortable
• Make sure there is sufficient room for you and your spouse

 Eat Properly

This is great for your diet too, but really important for having a good night. Here is a list of things to consider re-eating properly:

• Eat breakfast first thing in the morning.
• Eat a large breakfast
• Consume foods that are good for you
• Eat relatively small meals at night and do not snack at night
• Avoid eating spicy or junk foods at night,
• Choose something that will help you drift off.
• No booze, booze relaxes you and causes you to snore all night and can make problems with sleep apnea even worse

Wake Up Pleasantly to Music, Not Roughly to an Alarm

A nice even wake up that gradually brings you into waking mode is much better than be jerked awake by an alarm sound. Avoid coffee if you can or at least large amounts of it, especially late in the day as well.

Exercise in the Morning

Exercising in the morning or afternoon is best, since your body has time to recover and learn to relax again. Exercise at  night will keep you awake for longer periods until you can relax enough to go to sleep.

Find Your Best Sleeping Position

We tend to sleep in various positions throughout the night, however some are better for us than others in terms of getting the best sleep. If a person snores a lot, they may find that they will get a better sleep when laying on their sides instead of on their backs, and they may snore less as well.

Find a way to Cool Yourself Off at Night

No one sleeps well at night when they are too hot. Even a room air conditioner will make a difference or a fan. If your partner is radiating heat, it may be time to get a larger bed or move to another room to ensure that you both get a good nights sleep.

Get the Right Amount of Sleep for Your Body

You can never catch up on all of your sleep. it is far better to get that 7.5 hours on average every night. Some people need much more even up to 9 hours of sleep at night. Experiment until you know how much you need and then try to get to bed in time so that you can sleep as much as you need before you need to get up for work.

Twenty Minute Power Naps can be Golden

Napping during the day is really great. I know, I have done it many times and it feels great. But if you sleep too long or too close to bedtime, then it can really ruin your sleep and keep you up at night. Try to control your naps and keep them short, maybe 15 to 20 minutes at the most early in the afternoon. Avoid sleeping after supper if you want to have a good nights sleep.

Your evening Routine is Important

Avoid a lot of excitement during the evening, exciting shows, late night sports etc. Reading a boring book and relaxing in a bath help a lot of people get there sleep.

Technology Can Help and So Can the Medical Community

There are apps that will track your sleep so you can monitor how much you actually are sleeping. Having a sleep assessment at your local hospital will either rule out things like sleep apnea or if you are diagnosed, it might save your life. Not only will you stop snoring, but you will reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes with proper diagnoses and treatment.

For more information on how to get more sleep, click here.

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The Akwesasane Casino is in the middle of a major construction boom. They have already updated the buffet restaurant, transforming it into a modern restaurant with great decor. Prices are very reasonable for buffets and the cost is excellent considering the choices that are available.

The sports bar has not changed, however it is already a nice spot to grab something to eat and relax while watching the sports on one of the 15 or so TV’s scattered around the room.

The picture above shows the hotel and the main entrance of what the new casino and hotel will look like once it is finished in March of 2013. This fall they plan to enlarge the main casino in the direction of the hotel and convert the tent area into a bingo hall. We think this is scheduled for the Oct or Nov time frame.

Akwesasane Casino

Once all of the construction is completed, this facility will be a first class hotel and casino attracting customers from hundreds of miles around. In fact even now people are coming from Montreal, Ottawa, Cornwall, Kingston, Syracuse, Rochester and many other points in the northern parts of new York state.  As writers and visitors to casinos across the US and Canada, this particular casino is already one of our favorite places to go. It might not measure up to the glamor and glitz of Las Vegas, but it provides a very nice amiable place to have dinner and gamble on many of the latest machines as well as play at many of the tables.

Staying Over Night at the Akwesasane Casino

At the present time the only hotel within walking distance is the Comfort Inn. Once the casino hotel is open there will be another 100+ rooms available and more competition for customers. We are hoping that prices will come down a bit. Current prices at the Comfort Inn have been ranging as much as $137 US during the week.

They can afford to charge this rate since they are filling up on a regular basis. In some cases they are turning away customers because they are full. We suggest that you make a reservation if you want to stay at the hotel. There are hotels several miles away which are much cheaper to stay at, however we are unsure about the prices and the quality of the rooms etc.

In March 2013, the casino hotel is scheduled to open which should provide some relief to customers and stabilize the rates.  In addition the casino will be able to comp rooms for players that warrant comps. Free rooms, free food and free play will be available to those customers that play sufficiently.

We are looking forward to this hotel opening and will write about it once we stay at the Akwesasane Casino hotel when it opens.

Crossing the Border for Canadians

Canadians have to cross the border in order to get to the Akwesasane Casino. There are number of locations. However for folks coming from the Ottawa area, crossing at Cornwall is the most direct route. Unfortunately it is also a busy crossing point. We would strongly suggest that you not plan to go over or return on a long weekend. The line ups will be very long, sometimes as long as an hour wait just to get through customs.

Early morning seems to be better and late at night. However if you try to cross anytime during the day on a busy weekend, you may have to wait quite some time.

For Americans of course there is no problem. You do not need to go through customs at all. For more posts about casinos around the country, click here

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Caesars Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City is also part of the Harrahs chain of hotels and casinos. As a result, you can use your Total Rewards slot card at this casino and possibly receive room and food comp’s as well when you visit the casino and hotel. It is centrally located on the Boardwalk, beside Bally’s casino and facing the boardwalk and the ocean. We have not stayed at this particular hotel, however by judging the look and feel of the casino, attention to detail, etc., we feel that the hotel will likely measure up to most people’s standards. Next time we go to Atlantic City, we will try to stay at this particular hotel and give you a first-hand review of the hotel as well as the casino.

Caesars is located near Michigan Ave, which leads directly to the Tangier outlet mall, which has over 250 stores to shop in. Atlantic city has cleaned up its image in the past ten years with many upscale outlet stores to shop in. The outlet mall is only three blocks away just past the hospital on Michigan ave, so it is within easy walking distance.

We mentioned that Caesars is centrally located on the boardwalk. There are roughly eight casinos along the boardwalk, with Caesars and Bally’s in the middle. The other hotels are a quarter mile or half a mile away from Caesars in either direction along the boardwalk. Location can be everything in real estate and also in business ventures. Caesars casino is in the right location compared to many that are in the process of filing for bankruptcy protection.

We also added a picture below of the Caesars hotel taken from the water’s edge at low tide, which shows the sandy beach and just how large this beach really is. On a beautiful sunny day, warm water, low ind, what more could you ask for? We enjoyed the beach, the boardwalk, the restaurants, and the casinos during our stay in Atlantic City.

Caesars Casino – Slot Machines

There are over 2000 slot machines in this hotel, and they have all of the current models and types of games. Harrah’s hotels are not known for having many keno machines, preferring to have poker machines of all types instead as well as the new variety of penny machines. There are lots to chose from.

Table Games

There are many table games as well, with all of the standard variety of table games.

Restaurants

We have not eaten at any of the restaurants at Caesars. They do have a buffet, and all customers interested in a buffet at Bally’s are being referred to Caesars.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Free drinks while gambling
• Buffet
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Great beach front area as shown below in the picture

What We Did Not Like

We do not like the $5 / day parking charges and the $13 per day state taxes that all of the hotels are forced to charge their customers.  Caesars is no different in that regards, although apparently diamond total rewards members apparently get to park for free. You can also use your comp dollars to pay for your parking, but you must get a comp ticket before you leave the parking garage.

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Harrahs slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at many Las Vegas hotels,  as well as sister hotels in Tunica, Biloxi, Laughlin and Reno.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at Harrahs Caesars hotel & casino in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is no surface parking that we observed. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels. The parking garage is also patrolled on a regular basis and it also protects your car from the weather.

Directions:

Getting to the hotel is pretty easy once you come off of the Atlantic City Expressway. There are lots of signs to direct you to either valet parking or self parking whichever you prefer.

Traveling with your CPAP machine is not all that bad and frankly I would rather travel with it than not use it at all while I am traveling.  There are many reasons for this which we will discuss shortly. However first we wanted to describe the CPAP machine and the carrying case. The particular model shown comes with an easy carrying case that has room for all of the elements of the CPAP machine.

This includes the machine, the power cable, the tubes and the particular style of mask that you have chosen. There is ample room for everything and I really only have one complaint. It would be ideal if there was an additional compartment to hold the distilled water that you are supposed to use. Other than that there is lots of room for everything.

Traveling With Your CPAP Machine

Having traveled a lot prior to being diagnosed with sleep apnea, I am pretty familiar with hotel rooms. Often there are not enough electrical plugs close to your bed that you can get access to. Some are being the bed or the dresser or are across the floor on a wall somewhere.

As a result I have decided that I will also pack a small extension chord in my travel bag for those situations were there is no electrical plug close by. This is just a practical thing, for those special situations were an extension chord will just make things a lot easier. The unit comes with a fairly long chord, but I know that there will be some situations that it is just not long enough.

Why Would You Travel With Your CPAP Machine

A friend of mine who has severe sleep apnea always travels with his CPAP machine. If he does not use it every night, not only does he not get a good nights sleep, after a few nights he is so tired during the day that he cannot stay awake driving the car. He is an actual menace on the road. He will fall asleep at a traffic light that he has stopped at.

When I am on vacation, I really want to enjoy myself and I do not want to be tired all of the time. Traveling with an extra bag can be more cumbersome, however in the writer’s opinion, it is a small price to pay for having a good nights sleep.

When you sleep using a CPAP machine, you do not snore. It is very amazing, however you do not snore at all and your partner also gets a good nights rest. They appreciate it very much and now you have two well rested people going on vacation and enjoying themselves. What more could you ask for?

Using a CPAP machine also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Using it on your vacation or during business travel just means you have a better chance of not having to deal with this sort of catastrophic health issue.

Traveling with a CPAP and Working

We have been discussing travel for vacation. Many people with sleep apnea are still working. They have a tremendously  difficult time doing their job because they are so tired all of the time. Drinking too much coffee to stay awake, sleeping on the job or fighting sleep attacks creates dangerous situations. It also decreases the productivity from what it would normally be.  It is a competitive world out there. We all need all of the sleep we can get to be well rested and ready to go on the job.

If you fly you will need to be sure that you can show how it works. Also probably will have to open the bag from time to time to show the customs people. One concern is of course the amount of distilled water that you bring on the plane with you. The airlines allow limited quantities to be carried on the plane. If you check the water in your bag’s you need to be sure that it is in a water tight bottle. That it is not going to leak during the flight. The alternative of course is to purchase distilled water at the location you are traveling to once you arrive.

For my partner and I, we will always travel with my CPAP machine. I really enjoy my sleep now that I have one. For more information about CPAP travel reviews, click here.

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There is a great deal of evidence against Lance Armstrong concerning doping in the Tour de France and other races. We have no idea whether he did or did not. However there are just too many people who have either testified or gone public with the information. It is really difficult not to believe that he did not master mind the entire thing.

Every year since more and more Tour riders have been found to have used some sort of doping methods. They have had their titles removed. This sport along with almost every other sport seems to be trying the doping drugs. They get away with it for a little while and then the authorities say enough is enough and crack down on them. If someone is doing too well in a sport, chances are that they are going to be accused and are going to be tested. Folks if you are reading this, it is inevitable that you will be caught some time. Can it all be worth it?

He Should be Ashamed

Sure Lance Armstrong is now rich and he did start the Live Strong charity for cancer which is a very noble thing, but the way most measure things and remember people is for their success in life without resorting to what is frankly cheating. He will be forever labeled as the cheater who got caught and brought everyone down with him.  Were I come from your integrity and measure as a man or women is that you:

• Do not cheat
• You do not use enhancing drugs
• Do not lie
• You do not run around on your wife.

Lance Armstrong has done all of these things and a lot more based on what we have read in the media and although he is rich, he has lost all respect and of his colleagues and his fans for the most part. This is not something that I would be proud of if it were me, regardless of whether I had many millions in dollars or not.

Tour de France and Lance Armstrong

I love to watch the Tour de France and will record it every year and watch all 21 days of racing, much to my wife’s disgust. I am not sure that I can watch it any longer knowing that the winners are likely doping and have not been caught yet. What a sad thing for sport, particularly bike racing in the professional sphere.

If you have comments either way about this phenomenal or Lance Armstrong in general, feel free to leave your comments. You might not even agree with me. That’s ok; it is freedom of speech in operation. Rude and derogatory comments will not be approved for publication.

There many types of CPAP masks to meet just about everyone’s needs. We all have different size faces, mouth, nose etc. We also all have individual preferences . This leads to several different types of masks in a variety of sizes so that they will fit multiple user’s. The picture on the left shows the main types of masks, which include:

• A full face mask
• A nose mask
• A nasal pillow mask

All have straps attached to them which will fit around your head and hold the mask, whichever kind, tightly to your face. Remember the CPAP machine will supply air pressure. Your CPAP mask must provide a good seal around the mask so that no air escapes.

Types of CPAP Masks

In some cases CPAP patients will need to try several masks before they find one that they are comfortable with. I use the nasal pillow mask which  I like very much. It fits under my nose and has two outlets which fit into my nostrils and provide an air tight seal. A friend of mine who also uses a CPAP machine, prefers a mask that covers his nose instead. Another acquaintance uses the full face mask which covers the nose and mouth. He is a mouth breather and has to use this type of mask. Your respiratory therapist will help you evaluate which mask is best for you based on your sleep study results and your own personal preferences.

Replacing Your Mask

Regardless of which mask you select, they usually need to be replaced every 6 months or so.  They tend to wear out and the plastic becomes less flexible due to body oils etc on the mask. the mask should be washed every day in mild soapy water and the hoses and straps should be washed once per week to keep them clean and to prolong their life.

If you have health insurance most insurance companies will help to pay for these devices and masks as well as the replacement tubing and face masks. Most pay in the range of 80% of the cost, however this can vary quite a bit. Check with your health insurance for details on what is covered.

The First Time Wear a CPAP Mask

You have been prescribed a CPAP and may have some concerns about wearing this mask on your face all night.  One spouse even called her husband Darth Vader when he has his mask on. However the quality and the amount of sleep you get from wearing this mask and using the CPAP machine will be well worth it.

Allow yourself up to a month to get used to wearing it and to get into the routine of preparing the mask , the distilled water for the humidifier and cleaning it in the morning. It may feel weird and uncomfortable in the beginning, however once you have that first good nights sleep you will actually wonder why you waited so long.

Adjust the tightness of the straps so that the mask makes a good seal around your face or into your nostrils in the case of a nasal pillow mask. Too tight and something is going to hurt in the morning. You will also have these marks on your face were the straps touch your face.

Too loose and air is going to escape out the sides of the mask. Not only is this air escaping irritating, there is less pressure on your airways and you may not receive the full benefit that is intended. It should be just tight enough to prevent air escaping, and loose enough so that it does not hurt.

Dry Mouth

I had a really dry mouth the first couple of times I used the CPAP machine. I have a humidifier on my machine and now have turned up the humidity to the maximum and also learned to keep my mouth shut as well. In addition there is a flap in your throat which directs air into your lungs and not into your stomach. Sometimes this flap does not work perfectly and air goes to your mouth which can dry out your mouth a lot. It can be as if there was sand paper in your mouth.

Try to remember to keep your mouth closed all of the time and if you cannot, then you may have to wear a chin strap to hold your mouth closed. If you are a mouth breather then a full face mask will likely be needed.

If the problem persists, then speak with your therapist or doctor to sort out what you should do to avoid a dry mouth.

Bottom line is that using the CPAP machine has vastly improved my quality of life, I am getting a good nights sleep now, I am not falling asleep while driving,  and I am even dreaming at night which I have not done for a really long time. Try it under a doctors direction and I am sure that this CPAP machine will help you too. For more information about CPAP masks, click here.

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Ballys Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City is located in a central area on the boardwalk. Just beside Michigan ave, you have the boardwalk to enjoy and the beach of course, and also the outlet stores. Just walk up Michigan ave away from the ocean 3 blocks, past the hospital and you will be in the middle of the outlet mall run by Tangiers. There are over 250 stores to shop in with all of the usual outlet stores selling their products. There is also  a Starbucks, McDonald’s and Subway if you are hungry or are just looking for less expensive food compared to the restaurants on the boardwalk or in the casinos.

We really liked the look of Bally’s, the casino and the hotel area. We decided to stay one night to check it out and discovered that it is part of the Harrah’s chain of Casinos. When we used our slot card, we were given a free room for the night. We still had to pay the $13 room tax and the $5 parking fee.

Avoid the Old Claridge Hotel Tower

Ballys has a tower and they also own the old Claridge hotel. This was not known to us when we checked in and although the room was free, they gave us a room in the Claridge tower which is really the Claridge Hotel.  It is very dated and decorated in a 60’s style, with a very small bathroom. We did have a corner view of the ocean and the boardwalk with a flat screen TV and a Coffee machine. It was not all bad, however we would not stay at Bally’s again if we had to stay in the Claridge tower in Atlantic city.

Bally’s has closed their buffet and refer patrons to Caesars Hotel, next door, which is also a Harrahs hotel. We ate instead at a restaurant called 6IX on the 6th floor which advertised all you could eat steak and crab legs for $29.99. Lot’s of food, more than we could handle since they also served a large salad and seafood pasta with it. It was great, but we would not go back, preferring to try another place next time.

It is also located on the boardwalk and has a fantastic beach area in front of the hotel. Refer to the picture. this was taken at low tide around noon as we strolled along the beach. A great day with lots of sunshine, little wind and great sand, what more could you ask for.

Ballys Casino and Hotel Atlantic City-Slot Machines

The casino is very modern and has all of the machines that everyone looks for these days, with the exception of keno machines. They have lots of poker machines with some keno as one of the games that you can play on the slot machine. There are probably in excess of 2000 slot machines at this casino.

Table Games

There are table games as well with all of the usual suspects.

Restaurants

There is no buffet at this hotel. They have closed it and now refer customers to Caesars buffet next door. There are a number of restaurants including a restaurant called 6ix which we enjoyed, had more than enough to eat and it was decent quality.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Free drinks while gambling
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking
• Easy access from all highways
• Safe environment in the casino, hotel and parking areas
• Close to the outlet mall, 3 blocks away
• Check in and check out was quick

What We Did Not Like

We do not like the $5 / day parking charges and the $13 per day state taxes that all of the hotels are forced to charge their customers. We also did not like staying in the Claridge tower hotel. It really needs to be updated and it is a long way from the front desk.

Slot Player Card

They are part of the Harrahs slot players card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at many Las Vegas hotels,  as well as sister hotels in Tunica, Biloxi, Laughlin and Reno.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are a number of benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the  Bally’s hotel & casino in a large parking garage beside the hotel. There is no surface parking that we observed. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels. The parking garage is also patrolled on a regular basis and it also protects your car from the weather.

Directions:

Getting to the hotel is pretty easy once you come off of the Atlantic City Expressway. There are lots of signs to direct you to either valet parking or self parking whichever you prefer.

We recently visited Atlantic city and did not find any really great Atlantic city restaurant deals, however there are ways to save money on restaurant meals and still have a great meal. We will review some of the restaurants that we visited and let you decide on the value based on our experience. If you know of some really great restaurant deals, then let us know by leaving a comment. Next time we visit Atlantic city we will definitely try them out.

Atlantic City Restaurant Deals

Breadsticks at the Resorts International Hotel and Casino

Located in the casino, but facing onto the boardwalk this is a great place to grab a quick bite. It is a sit down restaurant, but the service is quick and the food is very good. We dined at this restaurant in September in the evening and frankly we were just looking for something to eat and not too large. It was late in the evening and we did not want a large meal.

The waiter quickly understood and suggested that we split a bowl of soup and a salad and then think about what other courses we would like. We asked for the corn chowder soup and he brought it to us in two small bowls, which was exactly the size we were looking for. The soup was fantastic and I will definitely order this soup again. We also ordered a Caesar salad, which he also split for us and again it was large enough to satisfy both of us. At this point we should have stopped simply because we realized that we were completely satisfied, however we ordered the seafood linguine and split that. It was excellent, however there was so much that we could not finish it and this was supposed to be a meal for one person.

While these were not specials, we did save a lot of money and enjoyed the food so I guess this would qualify as an Atlantic City restaurant deal.

Six Restaurant at Bally’s Hotel and Casino

We really wanted to try a buffet at Bally’s. However they have closed their buffet and refer customers to the buffet at Caesars casino. We ended up going to this restaurant on the 6^th floor, because they advertised crab legs and steak. All you can eat with a salad and pasta to go with it for $29.99. We certainly had more food than we could handle and it was very tasty as well.

The pasta was actually a seafood spaghetti in a huge bowl. The steaks were a bit over cooked, very lean and tasty. And the crab legs were excellent with lots of hot butter. We found that the crab legs were not split so it is a bit more work to remove the crab meat. However we enjoyed the food very much. We did not save any money at this restaurant, however there was lots of food and we used our comp dollars to pay for part of it.

We probably would not eat there again, preferring to try other restaurants in the area along the boardwalk.

Buffet at the Resorts Hotel and Casino

This was also $24.99 for all you can eat including crab legs. Typical of most buffets, they had a great assortment of foods on display and you certainly would not go hungry or be disappointed. The only negative thing we would like to mention is the line ups.

Go early before 5 pm, or plan to spend at least 45 minutes waiting in line. The seating area is relatively small for a buffet, so there are long line ups at meal time. The crab legs were not split here as well, but they still taste great. We think that this is the main attraction of this particular buffet.

Casino Restaurant Meals and Comp’s

One of the best ways to enjoy Atlantic City restaurant deals is to use your casino slot card at restaurants in the casino. If you play the slots at all, make sure you use a slot card and receive food and hotel room comp’s from the slot card. One meal came to a total of $48.00. It ended up costing us a $1.04 after we used our comp’s. Now that is a deal as far as we are concerned. We were going to gamble anyway. This is a great way to receive something back from the casino for your efforts.

Watch a video of the boardwalk on YouTube, click here

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As you can see from the picture on the left, there are quite a few CPAP mask accessories to choose from. Sometimes patients have to try several models before they really become comfortable with one of them. CPAP Mask Accessories are not free and they are expensive. Give some thought about which one you will choose.

As a recent user of a CPAP machine, I have initially gone with the nasal mask pillow type of mask. In fact it is really not a mask at all. I find it is the least invasive of all of the masks and it works well for me. Basically it has two small outlets which fit on the front of your nose and held in place by straps that go around your head. So far I have found it pretty good since it allows freedom to speak easily and since I cough a bit, I am coughing normally instead of into a mask.

CPAP Mask Accessories

If you are uncomfortable with a nasal pillow mask, there are other units that actually cover the full nose and only touch your face around the nose. You have the same freedom to use your mouth as before, but there is nothing touching your nostrils. I have not tried this one, but I think I might purchase this one as a backup in case I have a cold or something and cannot breathe through my nose.

The other major mask type is one that covers both the nose and the mouth. It is ideal for people who alternately breathe through their nose and their mouth. Also some people may require this type of mask to give them more perceived freedom around the mouth and nose. Personally this one would not work for me, due to the fact that I cough quite a bit from asthma and allergies.

They all come with straps that will hold the mask to your head and keep it on while you move around at night. It is important to have these straps on tight enough to keep the mask in place as you move around, however you also do not want it so tight that it is uncomfortable. The first night I used my nasal pillow mask, I had it on too tight and my nose hurt in the morning. Since then I have loosened the straps and everything seems to work well now.

Adapting to Wearing a Mask

One friend of mine told me that it took him over a month to get used to wearing the mask and sleeping with it. Another told me it took him a couple of weeks. For me, the first night I wore the mask, I had a really great sleep. In fact it was the best sleep that I had in a long time. This was with the straps too tight and it has only got better since then. My adaptation is taking a much shorter time than my friends, but it really is a personal thing and which mask you end up using.

Personally wearing a mask that covers the entire face would take a longer time to adjust to for me than the nasal pillow mask. The nasal pillow mask is soft and conforms to the shape of my nose very easily. Try several until you find the one that works the best for you to provide you with a good nights sleep.

Resisting a CPAP device

Both of my friends as well as myself resisted even going for the sleep test. In fact it was only at the urging of our wives that we actually went for a test. In my case I also have asthma and the doctor told me that it was critical that I take the sleep test.  My oxygen level was low anyway with asthma and it only gets worse with sleep apnea. I was a strong candidate for both a heart attack as well as a stroke.

Talk to your friends or read some of the posts on this blog about CPAP machines. If you have any of the following you may want to talk to your doctor about having a sleep test:

• Snoring
• Gasping
• Stop breathing
• Tossing and turning
• Extreme Fatigue
• Always tired and never rested when you get up in the morning.

Tired All of the Time

Basically with sleep apnea, your sleep is interrupted all night long. I had a sleep disturbance on an average of 39 times and hour which is pretty high and I did not even realize it. I was tired all of the time and would fall asleep almost anywhere.

My friend would fall asleep at the wheel of his car. If you have any of these symptoms, it won’t hurt to have the sleep test and then you will know if you have sleep apnea. It is simple to do. Basically you sleep over at a sleep lab and they monitor you all night long with many probes to assess your quality of sleep and your oxygen level. These results will quickly tell you if you have sleep apnea or not. For more information about Sleep Apnea and CPAP issues, click here.

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CPAP Insurance Coverage varies a great deal based on were you live and also the insurance coverage that you may have. For example in Ontario, Canada if you are a resident with an OHIP card, the government will pay the first 75% of the cost of a CPAP device.

You are responsible for the remainder. However if you have health insurance through work or personally, you will be covered by the that plan. Usually up to 80% of the remaining cost. In other locations, some governments will cover some of the cost. But many provide no coverage at all. These devices in Canada cost around $1200 just to get started. Then every 6 months you are supposed to replace hoses and masks because they become dirty and they deteriorate. this happens even if you wash them every day which is what you are supposed to do.

CPAP Insurance Coverage – Basic Machines

It is difficult to know what is considered a basic machine. Were I live it includes the CPAP, the humidifier, the hoses and one mask for each person. In some localities they might not include the humidifier as part of the basic machine for the CPAP device. Before you make your purchase following doctors orders, it is a good idea to find out what is covered and what is not covered to make sure that you can afford all of the device components. Also do not let them sell you a bunch of stuff that you may or may not need until you have tried the machine for a while, otherwise you could end up spending more money than needed.

Humidifiers

Most people have told me that this is a must have. Otherwise your nasal passages and mouth are going to get really dry with so much air passing through.  You should use distilled water for the humidifier to avoid any contaminants getting into your lungs. Anyone with allergies or asthma will appreciate the importance of this suggestion.

You add water every day and you clean out the humidifier every day and allow it to dry in the open air. Other wise mold could develop and cause you some problems if breathed into your lungs. The humidifier is a must have and should be considered part of the basic plan.

Data Recording

Some of the better machines have a memory card in them which can be removed and read by your therapist. They use this information to determine of your treatment is sufficient and to monitor how you are using the machine. For me the more information that your therapist has the better.

Apparently it can also be read and sent by email to you or to your doctor as well for assessment. This can save time and avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office.

Mask, hoses etc

the mask and hoses need to be replaced at regular intervals. They will deteriorate over time and also become contaminated with the oils from your skin. The instructions I received were that they should be replaced every six months or whenever something cracks.

A crack will allow air to exit from the system and decrease the therapy that you are receiving, so it is important to replace the hose or mask immediately to ensure that you continue to receive the required therapy.

The mask should be washed in mild soapy water everyday while the remaining components such as the hose and the straps should be washed once a week in warm soapy water. This process helps to not only keep them clean, it also prolongs the life of these parts and saves you money. This can make a big difference to your budget, if you have to pay for this device on your own.

Should You Proceed or Not

You might be thinking that the cost is high and it is not worth it. As a CPAP user. I cannot emphasize enough that getting a good nights sleep will be such a benefit to you that it is worth all of the money. Besides it might also prevent you from having a heart attack or a stroke which are common problems with people who have sleep apnea.

I have talked to many people about CPAP machines and as users of these devices, they all say without fail that it has changed their lives. They no longer snore, they get a good nights rest and they feel much better during the day. They can perform better at work and also during their leisure time.

If you have been prescribed one of these machines by your doctor, go and try it for a month. It might take that long to adapt to it. But you will likely not want to give it up after getting a great nights sleep. For more information about CPAP machines etc., click here.

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Well Bristol Palin made it through another night and two former winners went home last night that danced much better than she did. How does this happen? Why should talent not count for more? Clearly Bristol has not got what it takes to train and perform at a level that other contestants have. She is young and immature and has not had to really compete for anything in her life compared to the other contestants. There are very successful people competing with her that know how to work hard , to prepare and to go out and give it everything they have. Bristol simply is not in this category. So why is she still there and not even in the bottom two or three?

Voting Structure – and Bristol Palin

The answer is pretty simple really and it reflects on the way the voting system is set up. The judges are responsible for 50% of the vote and the voting public is responsible for the other 50%. Last night, Bristol Palin improved from the previous week, the judges indicated this and as a fan of DWTS, I would have to agree. They kept her at the lowest score, but they also rewarded her with a score that really was not too bad at all, 7.5 across the board for a total of 22.5! Although having the lowest score she did not even make it into the bottom two!

In order to get a lot of votes from the audience you must have a following and franking some of the folks that went home before her are not in the mainstream any longer and do not have a strong enough following to enable them to get the votes. They also scored better than Bristol, but not significantly better, being only a couple of points ahead of her and well behind the leaders who had 27.

Bristol Palin – You Need a Strong Following

Bristol Palin has a following, or rather her mother does. Her mother is a big fan obviously and she has stated several times that she is rallying her followers to get out there and vote for her daughter. And they do vote so much so that they keep her out of the bottom two every week so far. These people are not voting for excellence, they are not even voting for themselves. They appear to be mindlessly following what Bristol’s mother tells them to do. Sad but true and this is how you end up with what we have. The voting is working exactly the way it is supposed to.

Are the Judges Doing Their Job

The writer happens to think that the judges are not doing their job. Bristol’s performance was so far below that of the other performers that her score should have been much lower. With a greater separation, there might have been a better chance of her going home much earlier.

Will it Make a difference in Who Wins Dancing With the Stars

Will it make a difference in the long run? Probably not, Bristol will never measure up to the leaders and will go home eventually. The people who have gone home already would have also gone home before the leaders as well unless they significantly step up their game. So will it make a difference in who wins, probably not? But should she have gone home last night? We think so!

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Resorts Casino Atlantic City – This particular photo was taken from the beach in front of the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. The Resorts is the building on the left, and the Taj Mahal is on the right of this picture.

This is an ideal location with four hotels located close to each other. They are the Resorts International Casino, the Taj Mahal, the Showboat, and the Revel Hotel. They are located at the north end of the boardwalk. We have not stayed at the Resorts, however judging by the casino, this hotel has been greatly updated. It actually glistens! The casino and hotel also won the Casino of the Year award as well. Readers should note that this particular casino was the first casino built along the strip and I can tell that employees are very proud of this. Last time we checked it was still open, while at least 4 have declared bankruptcy.

Buffet at the Resorts

We also tried the buffet at the Resorts. They were offering all-you-could-eat crab legs. The price was $29.99 per person, and the crab legs were pretty good. We would have preferred them to be pre-cut to make getting the meat easier. We had to wait at least 45 minutes in line since it is very popular, and they have a relatively small dining room as far as buffets go.

Not sure if they are associated with the resorts; however, you can rent bicycles to ride on the boardwalk just outside the hotel from 6:30 am until 10:00 am. We also ate at the Breadsticks cafe, a nice little place on the boardwalk inside the Resorts casino building. We had Corn chowder soup which was excellent, and a Caesar salad along with a seafood diablo linguini which was also very good. We split everything since the quantities were just so large.

There are two towers, and after checking with the front desk, they seem to be reasonably priced; however, if you have a slot card and play a bit, you can probably receive offers from them for food and room comps.

Resorts Casino Atlantic City – Slot Machines

We could not find the exact information about the number of slot machines at this casino. However, this is a very large casino, and we would estimate that there are over 2000 machines for patrons to play on. These include the modern machines that have become popular recently, such as many penny-style machines. We did find that keno machines are not very popular in Atlantic City in general, and in this regard, the Resorts Casino is no different. There were also lots of poker machines of all types to play.

Resorts Casino Atlantic City – Table Games

The same thing applies to table games. We did not see any information outlining how many of each type they have. However, they do have lots of table games and all of the major varieties as well.

Resorts Casino Atlantic City – Restaurants

We ate at the buffet and also at Breadsticks coffee shop. The buffet is relatively small, so there are more lineups than there would be at other buffets that have a large seating capacity. We stood in line for approximately 45 minutes around the 5 pm time frame, the prime supper hour time slot.

Breadsticks restaurant is located on the main floor beside the boardwalk. You can ask for a table looking out onto the boardwalk. This is a standard cafe with great food and large portions. We ordered the corn chowder, which was great, along with a salad and a seafood pasta dish. All were very good and large.

What We Liked

• Variety of slot machines
• Free drinks while gambling
• The buffet was ok, long line ups though
• Hotel rates are very reasonable
• Covered garage parking
• Easy access from all highways
• A safe environment in the casino, hotel, and parking areas

What We Did Not Like

There are no real complaints about the  Resorts hotel & casino. Note that we have not stayed at this location. Comments are welcome from anyone that has.

Slot Player Card

They have their own slot players’ card system. Slot members can take advantage of benefits at this hotel only, as far as we are aware.

If you have not taken advantage of slot player cards, there are several benefits that many slot players should consider. Free or discounted rooms, email mailing list of promotions, free or discounted meals, access to entertainment, and a tax report outlining your losses and wins for tax claim purposes.

Parking

There is ample parking at the Resorts Hotel & Casino in an oversized parking garage beside the hotel. There is no surface parking that we observed. You can access the hotel from the garage via an elevator from all levels.

Directions: Just follow the directions as you come into the city along the Atlantic city expressway.  The Atlantic City expressway can be reached from all of the major highways from points north, such as New York City and Philly in the east. Bring cash to pay the numerous tolls on the way.

One of the restaurants that we enjoyed while in Atlantic city was the Bungalow Restaurant on the boardwalk. The picture on the left shows the restaurant as seen from the boardwalk. This particular restaurant is probably not one of the best Atlantic city restaurants in the area, however we spent one warm September morning having breakfast at this restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sitting under umbrellas on director chairs with white table clothes with excellent service is my idea of a nice breakfast outside with the beach in the distance and the boardwalk just outside the perimeter of the restaurant. The prices were quite reasonable. We paid $5.99 for breakfast which included two eggs, hash browns and bacon with toast. Coffee was a bit expensive at $3.00, however they did a good job of keeping our cups full of coffee.

Best Atlantic City Restaurants

The service was attentive, but not over powering. All in all, a definite place to have breakfast. We did not try any other meals there during the day, however we would expect similar service and quality. The Bungalow restaurant is located near the Tropicana Casino if you are looking for it. You cannot miss it, with the white tablecloths and umbrellas. They also have an inside area where you can also dine during inclement weather.

Other Atlantic City Restaurants

All of the casinos have a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to coffee shops. Prices will be a bit higher in these restaurants since this is one way the hotels make their money, however the portions are so large that the meals can be shared and you may still have food left over unless you are a really big eater.

For example we went to the SIX restaurant in Bally’s. For $29.99, you can have unlimited steak and crab legs, with pasta, salad and buns. We would have been satisfied with the crab legs, steak and salad; however the seafood pasta was over the top. They brought this bowl of pasta which really was enough for two people by itself. We focused on the steak and especially the crab legs since this was the reason we went there in the first place.

The crab legs were excellent, however they are not pre-cracked or split and this makes it more difficult to open them. We have been to other restaurants were the legs are already split and this totally enhances the removal of the crab meat. The steaks were ok, a bit overdone and thin, but tasty. Service was also quite acceptable. Although we enjoyed it very much, we probably would not go back due to the issue with the crab legs.

Additional Restaurants

Another restaurant we grabbed a quick dinner in was the Breadsticks restaurant in the Resort Casino. It is also located inside close to the boardwalk with windows looking out onto the boardwalk. We were not looking for a large meal and we ordered a corn chowder soup and salad. The waiter suggested that we split these items and he brought two small bowls of soup and two small plates of salad.

It was perfect for us and the soup was truly excellent. I recommend you try this soup anytime you visit the Resorts casino if it is on the menu. We ordered a seafood linguine to share as well and between the two of us could not finish it. This is a great way to save a bit of money and to keep from gaining weight as well while on vacation.

We also ate at the Resorts Hotel Buffet. The only bad thing about this was that we stood in line for 45 minutes before we were seated. The food was great, the crab legs were very good, but not split as we mentioned before. The restaurant was very crowded and noisy. We enjoyed it very much, but again probably would not go back, preferring to try some other location.

While these restaurants would not be considered some of the best Atlantic City restaurants, they did have great food and the prices were not too bad particularly if you can split the meals. Of course this cannot be done if you are dining in a buffet style of restaurant. Let us know if you have visited other restaurants in the area and what you thought of them. Watch a video of the boardwalk on YouTube, click here

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Sleep apnea treatment options vary, however the common one seems to be utilizing a CPAP machine to help keep the airways open. When the snoring gets so bad that your spouse says go to the other bedroom, or you wake up gasping for air, it just might be time to see your doctor about a sleep study.

I have just been prescribed one of these machines and I am learning a lot about sleep apnea and wanted to share it with other readers. Note that if you suspect that you have it, see your doctor.

What I have learned so far is that when you go to sleep, the muscles in your neck relax and sag to the back of your throat, blocking the airway to your lungs as shown in the picture. When this happens you stop breathing and carbon dioxide begins to build up in your blood stream until the brain realizes what is going on and causes a muscle spasm, waking you up and causing you to breathe. My respiratory therapist told me that I would not suffocate this way, because the brain goes into panic mode and will wake you up before you suffocate. That is the good news.

During this time when carbon dioxide is building up, your heart begins to race and your blood pressure can also become very high. This makes people with sleep apnea prone to heart attacks and also to strokes.  These issues can be very serious and actually make your life far worse than it already is due to lack of sleep. If you are experiencing these symptoms mentioned in preceding paragraphs, go see your doctor!

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

I have read some information about operations that can be done, however there is no guarantee and the operation could damage your voice box. An operation is very invasive and not a decision that should be taken lightly. Most people associate sleep apnea with people who are overweight. However apparently slim people can also have sleep apnea and 4% of men have it along with 2% of women. Having an operation is not something I even thought about, preferring to follow my doctors suggestion and follow another option.

The other option is a CPAP machine which is not invasive at all. Although it looks cumbersome and most people will have to learn to adjust to it. But once you do most people will be very happy with it.

Basically it is a machine that pressurizes your airways and keeps then from collapsing. People stop snoring completely and they stop all signs of sleep apnea after a few weeks, provided that they wear the mask and use the CPAP machine properly. I can attest to this since my spouse told me that I have not snored since I started using the device. I am still adjusting to wearing the mask, but then that is to be expected.

Types of CPAP Masks

All of the masks require that you wear straps around your head to hold the mask in place and if you happen to be a mouth breather, you will need a chin strap as well. There basically 3 kinds of masks as I have come to understand it. There is the nasal pillow mask, the full nose mask and the full face mask.

The nasal pillow mask basically fits to your nostrils with an opening to each one. It is held in place by two straps and is very soft and form fitting to the nose. The first night mine was too tight and my nose was sore in the morning. Since then I have loosened it slightly and everything has been fine since.

The full nose mask covers your nose and creates a tight seal to the skin around your nose. It is also held in place by straps. For me it is a bit more cumbersome looking. Since I sneeze a lot, I decided that it was not for me. Not sure how the nasal pillow one will work when I sneeze. But I guess I will cross that bridge when we get to it.

The full face mask covers the nose area and the mouth. There are straps holding in place and is ideal for people who are uncomfortable with something close to their nose. It provides the option of breathing through your nose or your mouth and is ideal for mouth breathers. I cough a lot as well and this one did not appeal to me for that reason preferring to cough into the air rather than into the mask.

Summary

This is what I know so far about the masks. So far after five weeks I am comfortable with the nasal pillow mask. As a result I plan to stick with it for the time being unless something changes. My government insurance plan pays 75% of the cost. My personal insurance pays 80% of the rest, so the cost will not be too bad on a personal level. Replacement masks and hoses will be covered in the same manner as far as I know. More to come about CPAP machines and sleep apnea. For more information about sleep issues and sleep apnea, click here.