California fires did what now?

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” - John Lennon

Holiday Travel: Holiday travel alert! Brace for the busiest season yet, with 115.2 million travelers predicted to venture 50 miles or more from home. It's the second-busiest since 2000, hinting at a travel resurgence seen throughout 2023. Airports expect 7.5 million flyers, a beat from 2019, and if you're jet-setting, rejoice – average ticket prices are slightly down.

For road warriors, join the 104 million hitting the highways, up 1.8% from 2022. Escape traffic chaos pre-lunch or post-7 p.m. And for the adventurous opting for alternative transportation, AAA predicts a surge, surpassing 2019 numbers.

Post-holiday, savvy cruisers, this is your moment! Cruise lines offer stellar deals, with AAA members snagging exclusive benefits. Whether in the skies, on the roads, or sailing the seas, 'tis the season to travel and create lasting memories! 🌟 🚗 🛳️

Education: Meet Alyson, the travel enthusiast from Wales with an Australian twist! From chance encounters in Egypt to a 12-month globetrotting extravaganza with her husband James, this dynamic duo embraced the nomadic lifestyle. Seeking to provide their kids with diverse experiences, they pulled their eldest out of school at 6, opting for a homeschooling adventure.

Their travels spanned continents, blending spontaneity with curiosity. Ancient Egypt and Greece became impromptu classrooms, with the kids turning into avid historians. Forget routine – their days were a mosaic of active travel, online learning, and, of course, lots of reading on buses.

Homeschooling worries? Alyson had them too. But fast forward to today, and her 19 and 17-year-olds are thriving. The biggest perk was her kids are more worldly-wise and knowledgeable, a testament to the richness of their unconventional education.

As for regrets, she has none. For Alyson, choosing this path was the best decision for her family, and the adventures continue. From Everest Base Camp to history exams enriched by real-life experiences, her kids are armed with a confidence that says, "I've been there, I can do anything." Travel on! ✈️ 🌍

Health: In the aftermath of recent wildfires in Northern California, scientists unearthed a surprising discovery: singed soil laden with hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing metal. This notorious transformation occurs due to the intense heat of wildfires, turning a benign form of the metal into a carcinogen. 

With climate change fueling more frequent and severe wildfires, the risk amplifies, as hotter and longer-burning fires convert harmless soil into toxic dust and ash. Hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, poses health risks, and exposure during wildfires may pump this toxic metal into the atmosphere. 

This finding adds a twist to ongoing research, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the health risks associated with wildfire smoke. The study raises concerns about the potential long-term presence of hexavalent chromium in the aftermath of fires and calls for further research to assess the risk. In the quest for a brighter future, understanding the impact of wildfires on public health becomes increasingly crucial.

Investments Worth Watching 

MetaParallel, a minority women-led tech gem founded by Stanford alumni, pioneers innovative and sustainable solutions. 

Fueled by cutting-edge AI like GPTs and expertise in blockchain, smart contracts, and DeFi, they craft impactful solutions for individuals, businesses, and society. They’ve raised $450,000 in funding earlier this year. 

💪 What they do: Women-led tech company applying SOTAs to create innovations for a sustainable new era. Empowering individuals and businesses to thrive.

📅 Founded: 2022

🤑 Funding: $450k in seed funding

Get Rec’d: Podcast Edition

Stuff You Missed in History Class

Picture this: a journey through the lesser-known nooks and crannies of history, where fascinating figures and events take the spotlight.

From the quirky history of inventions to the timely tales behind pivotal Supreme Court cases, we've got your historical entertainment covered. Sure, some episodes are more about the fun than the formal, but here's the scoop – each one packs a punch of new and exciting facts.

So, if you're a parent gearing up for a historical adventure with the kiddos, just give those episode descriptions a peek.

😋 MMM, Yummy! 

Cold and flu season may be running amuck in your house this winter, but you don’t have to let dinner for the week go out the window. Meal prepping is a great way to throw quick meals together in no time. Here are 40 ideas to help you get through the rest of the year.

• Steak Grain Bowls

• Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

• Bulgogi

• Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl