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Home » Archives for Fred Mitchell

The 10 Best Action Anime Out Now

October 1, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

woman with sword anime action

Tired of never being able to find something exciting to watch? Perhaps it’s time you dive into the wacky, harrowing, and colorful world of anime. Whether you’ve never watched anime in your life or are an avid fan, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what to watch. This is exactly why we’ve created the ultimate list of the ten best action anime series.

Comparison Table

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Best Action Anime FAQ

japan anime

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1. What Is Anime?

If you’ve never watched anime before, you might think it’s merely children’s cartoons. In actuality, anime is a specific style of Japanese TV and film that is animated. Generally, those series or films are geared toward adults, but some are designed for children.

2. What Are the Different Types of Anime?

Just like any other form of media, anime has tons of different styles and genres. We’ve compiled a list of the best action anime series, but there are also romance, horror, and comedy series out there. Plus, there is anything and everything in between.

3. Is Every Anime in Japanese?

While yes, nearly all anime series have Japanese actors originally voice the roles, that doesn’t mean you have to understand Japanese to enjoy it. If you want to hear the original actors, you can put on subtitles to help you understand what each character is saying.

Today, many anime series are getting dubbed, which means English speaking voice actors re-voice the characters in a series to make it sound as if they were designed that way from the start. This allows you to enjoy the content even if you don’t want to read along.

4. Do You Have to Buy the Whole Series to Watch the Best Action Anime Series?

No! While owning the series is a great way to support the shows you enjoy and support the dubbing studios who make them, there is another way to check out the best action anime series. Streaming services have become wildly popular, and anime is no exception.

There are a number of different anime streaming services that allow you to have access to their broad selection of titles for a small monthly fee. This is an excellent alternative if you’re unsure of a show or know you’re going to want to watch all the best action anime series at once.

anime couple

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5. What Makes These Best Action Anime Series Better Than the Rest?

There are tons of great action anime series out there that have held their worth throughout the years. The ten best action anime series shown here is what people are watching and raving about now.

These are titles that maybe aren’t fresh out the studio but are current and popular to avid viewers of the present day. These shows are exciting, action-packed, and well-deserving of the title, “Best.”

How We Reviewed

We searched through a wide selection of anime titles and narrowed in on the ten we feel are great for both new and old fans alike. After selecting the ten best action anime series, we took a closer look at their descriptions, price range, and overall rating to determine which series was the best of the best.

Overall Price Range

woman fantasy anime

Image via Pexels

Buying a complete collection of an anime series, a season of the series, or an anime film will vary greatly in price. Most anime films will range from about $5 – $20. Depending on the length of an anime series, they may sell DVD sets in seasons, parts, or complete series.

Be sure to check which yours is before you purchase it. Because of the differences in episode numbers, popularity, and quality, action anime series title can cost anywhere from about $10 to $80.

What We Reviewed

  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
  • Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
  • Castlevania
  • Princess Mononoke
  • My Hero Academia
  • Hunter X Hunter
  • Kill la Kill
  • Sword Art Online
  • Needless

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

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Description

Fullmetal Alchemist is a classic anime series that received a reboot years later to more closely follow the manga it was based on. That reboot was Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and has been viewed by fans as the superior of the two.

Two young alchemists lose their mother and attempt to bring her back from the dead using alchemy. This backfires and causes the youngest, Alphonse, to lose his body and, instead, posses a suit of armor.

The oldest, Edward, loses his arm and leg in the accident but gets auto-mail replacements built by a young friend. Now, the brothers set out on a journey to return what has been lost to them, understand the truth of the mystical Philosopher’s Stone, and stop the evil plots of creatures still unknown to them.

Rating

This series has been highly reviewed for many years. It has intense action scenes, mysteries to unravel, and a great deal of comedy in between. It’s a great anime to start with and an absolute must-see for any avid anime fan.

Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)

Attack On Titan

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Description

Many years ago, giant creatures, known as Titans, devoured a large portion of the planet. They stand several stories tall and swallow any human insight. After nearly all the humans were exterminated, the remaining few built a city surrounded by walls to keep the Titans out.

Today, after a horrific attack that killed their mother, Eren and his foster sister, Mikasa, train to fight against the titans and prevent them from ever eating another living soul.

Rating

The thing many people love about this show is the beauty of the animation. They also greatly enjoy the emotional roller coaster this series puts them through. You see some great highs and some devastating lows while getting completely sucked into this high-intensity version of Earth.

Castlevania

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Description

Castlevania has been a popular video game franchise for many years and has only recently been adapted into an anime.

After Count Dracula’s wife was burned at the stake, he sought to take revenge on the people of Wallachia and summons an army of demons to take over the town. Trevor Belmont, an outcast monster hunter, works alongside a magician to take back the city for the people.

Rating

While many people did enjoy the series itself, they were a bit bummed that each season only contained four episodes. They felt it was a bit brief, but, nevertheless, they were excited to see one of the favorite video games come to life..

Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll

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Description

If you’re looking for an intense film focused on Japan, Ninja Scroll might just be the best action anime for you. In the Edo period, the Yamashiro clan secretly mines gold and sends it to the Shogun of the Dark as payment for protection.

Unfortunately, the ship carrying the gold crashes into the Mochizuki territory during a storm. A ninja team with unworldly powers, known as the Eight Devils, kills the people of the village to keep the transaction a secret. Investigations of the deaths begin, and a sole survivor is saved, leading the way for a whole lot of challenges and gore.

Rating

While still quite popular, this is an older anime film and does not have some the crisp, clear animation some of the newer series and films do. That being said, it definitely has some of the most high-intensity action on this list.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke

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Description

Princess Mononoke is a terrific anime film that was created by Studio Ghibli.After obtaining a deadly curse, Ashitaka heads out in search of a cure.

He soon finds himself tangled up in a bitter conflict between the people of Iron Town and Princess Mononoke, who is one with nature after having been raised by wolves. 

The two sides fight to decide how the land should be used while the forest spirits and an animal god also take action.

Rating

This is a highly rated film with tons of praise for its story, characters, and art style. What’s also great is, if you enjoyed the look and feel of this anime, there are plenty of other Studio Ghibli films for you to enjoy.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

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Description

In a thrilling time of heroes and villains, many people begin to develop superpowers known as quirks. Young Deku dreams of being able to fight against the forces of evil, but soon learns that he’s quirkless.

He instead focuses his time on studying professional heroes and, in an act of courage, catches the attention of All Might. With some training, he helps Deku get into a prestigious school for heroes. But soon, their training lessons become fights against real-life villains!

Rating

This popular anime is genuinely one of the best action anime series out on the market. It has high levels of action, hilarious comedy, and offers relatable moments that pull on the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Hunter X Hunter

Hunter x Hunter Set1

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Description

A young boy spends his whole life believing his parents are dead, until one day he learns his dad has become a world-renowned hunter. Hunters do all sorts of fantastical work, such as treasure hunting, locating exotic, unidentified animals, and even tracking down criminals.

After learning about his father, Gon decides to set out and pass the Hunter Examination so he can track down his father and work alongside him.

Rating

This anime has become a real crowd favorite, receiving a ton of great reviews. The thrilling adventure and level of skill needed to pass the exam are exciting to watch. Plus, it has a ton of great mishaps and comedy along the way.

Kill la Kill

Kill la Kill

Image via Amazon

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Description

In a fictional Japanese high school, a fearsome student council runs everything. The council members wear Goku uniforms, which give them special abilities that render the general student body useless.

Until one day, a new transfer student comes in wielding a scissor-shaped longsword that can cut through the life fibers of the Goku uniform. She challenges the council and searches for her father’s killer all while attending classes.

Rating

The true action here is thrilling, and the energy is well maintained throughout the series. Even though it’s a bit older than some of the others, it’s a must-see for many anime lovers.

Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

Image via Amaz??on

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Description

If you love video games, this is by far the best action anime for you. A new gaming headset, known as Nerve Gear, allows you to dive right into the video game the virtual dimension and become your character.

Excitement is bubbling over on launch day until it becomes announced that the only way to leave the game is by beating every single level. But be careful, if you die in the game, you die in real life.

Rating

This is an incredible anime series with a lot of great reviews in terms of plot, animation, and action. As the players battle through dangerous dungeons, you’re constantly on the edge of your seat as to whether or not they’ll make it out alive.

Needless

Needless

Image via Amazon

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Description

Taking place 50 years after World War III, Tokyo has become nothing more than rubble. This spot has now become “The Black Spot” and is viewed from space as a dark patch. This spot of darkness becomes home to many outcasts who obtain powers, known as fragments, and eventually become known as, Needless.

Rating

This anime is also a bit on the older side, meaning that it may not be the hippest thing to watch this moment. However, it’s a high-energy plot and exciting battles.

The Verdict

via GIPHY

There are tons of excellent action anime series and films out there that deciding on the best is a difficult feat. The best action anime for those who’ve never watched anime before would be Sword Art Online. This anime is still pretty new, has great animation, and provides tons of great action sequences throughout.

The best action anime film is Princess Mononoke. Created by the award-winning Studio Ghibli, this film provides thrilling battles alongside heartwarming relationships, while also questioning our choices of technology over nature.

The overall best action anime series out now is My Hero Academia. This show is ridiculously popular for a reason. It’s relatable, funny, jam-packed with beautifully animated battles.

Give one or all of these action anime titles a try for a night of binging that you won’t soon forget.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

80 4 Chord Song You Can Play Easily

July 28, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

There are plenty of legendary songs out there that can be easily recreated on your guitar, so if you’re looking for inspiration on what to learn next, this list is for you. With everything from James Blunt to The Black Eyed Peas, these are 80 4 chord song that don’t require much skill at all in order to get an amazing tune.

Person is playing the 4 chord guitar

Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels

You probably remember the viral video that did the rounds a few years ago of a comedy musical act called Axis of Awesome playing an ensemble of famous songs that only used four chords. If you’re new to playing guitar and are looking for some easy songs to learn, you can take a page out of their book and get started working your way through our four chord list, with something here for everyone.

#80

Adele – “Someone Like You”: Maybe don’t sing along to this one or you’ll ruin the lovely tune.

#79

a-ha – “Take On Me”: A classic hit from the 80’s that will get everyone singing along.

#78

Akon – “Beautiful”: There’s no reason you can’t have some RnB on the list.

#77

Akon – “Don’t Matter”: Another hit from Akon and one that will have the crowd dancing.

#76

Alex Lloyd – “Amazing”: A major song from the Australian singer.

#75

Alphaville – “Forever Young”: People won’t be able to resist singing along to this catchy little number.

#74

Amiel – “Lovesong”: The 2003 pop song goes down a treat on an acoustic guitar.

#73

Andrea Bocelli – “Time To Say Goodbye”: You might not nail the opera singing but you can certainly try.

#72

Aqua – “Barbie Girl”: Who can forget this cheesy pop song from the 90’s?

#71

Avril Lavigne – “Complicated”: Some angsty teen pop rock for you to belt out at your next party.

Woman Playing the Ukulele

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#70

Banjo Patterson – “Waltzing Matilda”: This classic Australian tune sounds amazing on guitar.

#69

Ben Lee – “Cigarettes Will Kill You”: Claire Danes’ former flame sure knows how to write a catchy song.

#68

Beyoncé – “If I Were A Boy”: Create your very own Beyonce moment while you play this sad tune.

#67

Bic Runga –”Sway”: This romantic song would be the perfect tune to learn for Valentine’s Day.

#66

Black Eyed Peas – “Where Is the Love”: The song that united the world.

#65

Blink 182 – “Dammit”: A witty and catchy rock song from the pop rock’s favorite troublemakers.

#64

Bob Marley – “No Woman No Cry”: His songs were known for being simple but meaningful, just like this one.

#63

Bon Jovi – “It’s My Life”: This power ballad is surprisingly easy to master.

#62

Bruno Mars – “Grenade”: One of the singer’s earlier hits that sounds great on guitar.

#61

Bush – “Glycerine”: Don’t let the days go by when you play this ditty from Gwen Stefani’s ex.

4 Guitar strings

Photo by Ruslan Alekso from Pexels

#60

Eagle Eye Cherry – “Save Tonight”: A catchy and romantic tune that topped the charts in the 90s.

#59

 Elton John – “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”: Lion King fans will remember this song from their favorite flick

#58

Eminem featuring Rihanna – “Love the Way You Lie”: You may need to bleep out some of the swear words if you’re playing this one in public.

#57

Elton John – “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”: Lion King fans will remember this song from their favorite flick

#56

Green Day – “When I Come Around” – This was an early hit that cemented Green Day in rock royalty status.

#55

Jack Johnson – “Taylor” – Beautiful beachy sounding song from the laid back crooner.

#54

James Blunt – “You’re Beautiful”: A kind of creepy but romantic song to sing someone you’ve had your eye on.

#53

Jason DeRulo – “In My Head”: Sing yourself an MTV award-winning tune and impress the ladies for sure.

#52

Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours”: This happy little song is the perfect tune to play on your acoustic guitar when you want a singalong.

#51

Jill Colucci – “The Funny Things You Do”: Make everyone laugh with the famous theme from from America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Man with Black Sunglasses is playing a 4 Chord Guitar

Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels

#50

Joan Osborne – ” One of Us”: Classic rock ballad that requires everyone to scream at the top of their lungs.

#49

John Denver – “Take Me Home, Country Roads”: One of America’s most beloved classic songs from a beloved artist.

#48

Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’”: Just try not to sing along when you play the chords to this famous Journey song.

#47

Justin Bieber – “Love Me”: The perfect song for those with an acquired taste for Justin Bieber music.

#46

Kelly Clarkson – “Behind These Hazel Eyes”: This has to be one of the American Idol superstar’s most famous songs.

#45

Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi”: It was one of the songs that made us all fall in love with LadyGaga.

#44

Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”: A catchy song that will boost any party atmosphere.

#43

Lighthouse Family – “High”: This is a blast from the past and one that everyone will surely remember the chorus to.

#42

Linkin Park – “Numb: Turn the volume up and bust out the electric guitar.

#41

Marcy Playground – “Sex and Candy”: probably not one to play at the kids’ birthday party but a great song nonetheless.

Fender 4 Chord Guitar

Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels

#40

Maroon Five – “She Will Be Loved”: An early hit from the now superstar status pop band.

#39

Men At Work – “Down Under”: The song about all things Down Under, and vegemite sandwiches.

#38

MGMT – “Kids”: This electric pop song sounds amazing coming from an acoustic guitar and will get the crowd wild.

#37

Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror”: He had many great songs but none as easy to play.

#36

Mika – “Happy Ending”: Mika had a range of easy and fun pop songs that are a breeze to recreate.

#35

Missy Higgins – “Scar”: A pleasant little breakup song to strum along to that has some kick to it.

#34

Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn”: The film clip took place in apartment, and we’ve never been the same since.

#33

Neil Young – “When God Made Me”: The iconic singer is a popular choice for people wanting to play their favorite guitar tunes.

#32

Nine Inch Nails – “Hurt”: Also covered by Johnny Cash, this is a powerful ballad when played on acoustic.

#31

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Otherside”: One of the biggest hits that the Peppers ever released for us lucky listeners.

Man playing the Ukulele

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

#30

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Soul to Squeeze”: Another great hit from the rock legends who changed the way we play guitar.

#29

Richard Marx – “Right Here Waiting”: Try not to burst into tears when you play this heartfelt song from the 80’s.

#28

Robert Burns – “Auld Lang Syne”: The perfect song to play on New Years Eve to get everyone singing along.

#27

Shakira – “Whenever, Wherever”: Get your hips shaking to this dance-worthy song by the Colombian songstress.

#26

Spice Girls – “2 Become 1”: Who said you can’t play a good Spice Girls song on an electric guitar

#25

The Axis of Awesome – “Birdplane”: Pay homage to the lords of 4 chords with this amazing song.

#24

The Beatles – “Let It Be”: One of the best singalong songs ever written by the talented group.

#23

The Calling – “Wherever You Will Go”:  This 2001 pop song will be a huge hit with teens that were young enough to remember.

#22

The Cranberries – ” Zombie”: A haunting song made better with the iconic singing that went along with it.

#21

The Gregory Brothers – “Double Rainbow Song”: For something a little silly, why not recreate this viral YouTube hit.

4 chord black electric bass

Image via Pexels?

#20

The Last Goodnight – “Pictures of You”: Another great song to play anyone going through a breakup.

#19

The Offspring – “Self Esteem”: Get your rock hat on when you jam out to this classic.

#18

The Offspring – “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid”: Another hit from The Offspring that proves anyone can be rock royalty with 4 chords.

#17

The Smashing Pumpkins – “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”: The most famous song from the Pumpkins and a rock classic.

#16

 The Spice Girls – “Wannabe”: Yes, it’s true. You really can play Spice Girls on the guitar with just four chords.

#15

Thirsty Merc – “20 Good Reasons”: This song is so easy to recreate on acoustic guitar.

#14

Timbaland featuring OneRepublic – “Apologize”: Leave the rapping and singing to the professionals and just stick to guitar.

#13

Timbaland featuring Katy Perry – “If We Ever Meet Again”: A duet to try out at your next party.

#12

Toto – “Africa”: One of the most famous songs of all time, period.

#11

Train – “Hey, Soul Sister”: Play this and see how long it takes for people to start singing along.

Band Vocalist is playing a 4 chord guitar

Image via Pexels

#10

Troye Sivan – “Heaven”: Get your feels on with this recent hit from boy superstar Troy Sivan

#9

Twenty One Pilots – “Ride”: Tap into your teenage angst with this fun little number.

#8

Twenty One Pilots – “Scream”: Another emotional rock ballad to master.

#7

U2 – “With Or Without You”: Make a Bono moment for yourself and get into this sad but catchy breakup song from U2.

#6

U2 – “Electrical Storm”: Kick things up a notch with this U2 classic.

#5

U2 – “Electrical Storm”: Kick things up a notch with this U2 classic.

#4

Weezer – “My Name Is Jonas”: The first of three songs on our list from the popular indie pop band.

#3

Weezer –“ Pork and Beans”: These guys are certainly fans of four chords.

#2

Weezer – “No One Else”: The third and final song from Weezer.

#1

3 Doors Down: “Here Without You”: This 2003 song couldn’t be easier to learn.

Filed Under: music

30 Funny New Year’s Resolutions

July 7, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Every single year people make brand new resolutions, and they hope against hope that they will somehow stick to them. This usually does not happen, but there’s nothing wrong in getting a little creative with your New Year’s resolve. At least you have something to look forward for to in future. Here are some of the funniest New Years Resolutions that we have found.

1. I promise to buy a brand new scale, because my mind keeps reading the same old numbers.

2. I will stop checking my Facebook feed every five minutes, especially when I have to learn for an exam. I will also refrain from adding embarrassing photos of my friends.

3. I will no longer sit in front of the computer screen all day. I will only stay one hour a day. Nevertheless, this will be difficult to do because I am not a clock watcher.

4. I will play more computer games. Studies have shown that they improve visual skills, reflexes and dexterity.

5. I promise to clean my room once a week, even if last year I only cleaned it when I had friends over.

6. Never again will I fall for the cute guy/girl with a dark past.

7. I’m gonna go on a diet and exercise everyday. I will definitely loose weight this… oh wait, is that cake?

8. I don’t have a New Year’s resolution. You don’t need them when you’re perfect.

8.

New Year's Resolutions

9. I will not tell my potential employer that I have trouble with the authorities.

10. I will protect children by not texting on my phone while eating junk-food and speeding through crosswalks in school zone while my windshield is covered with frost.

11. I will eat more fruit… snacks!

12. I will start a blog about my feelings and then bitch about how I don’t have anything interesting to write about.

13. I will stop saying how hot women on television are when I’m with my girlfriend. Instead, I will say how intelligent they are, this way I will not sound like the typical idiotic male.

14. I will stop pretending that’s it’s not time to take out the garbage by repeatedly smashing the trash with my arms. It’s way better to take it out than to have my hands hurt all day.

15. New Year's Resolutions

16. I will only eat white snow from now on.

17. I will always wear sexy underwear, “just in case”.

18. I will never again wet the bed and blame it on my younger brother.

19. I will come up with better excuses for taking leaves. This way my boss will believe me.

20. I will put an end to procrastination once and for all.

21. Every time I type a smiley face I will actually laugh-out-loud.

22. I will drive by the fitness center at least once a week to pay my respects.

23. New Year's Resolutions

24. I will stop considering other people’s feelings, since they obviously don’t care about mine.

25. I will definitely sleep like a normal person: no more movies ’till 4.A.M. in the morning. Also, I will leave my smart-phone in the kitchen, just in case.

26. I will avoid taking baths often in order to conserve water.

27. I will stop liking my friend’s status only because I like the person who posted it.

28. I will use my treadmill for something else than hanging my jacket.

29. I will stop eating medicine that looks like candy.

30. Never again will I ingest quantities of alcohol that surpass my body’s limit.

31. I will stop blaming my dog for farting whenever I let one slip.

32. I will stop setting three alarms on my phone just so I can turn the volume off after the first one.

33. Instead of losing weight I vow to not gain anymore. First figure out how to maintain weight, then plan how to lose it.

34. I will start saving for the future, the very imminent future.

35. I will make time for my favorite activities. Like procrastinating. Oh wait, I’m already doing this.

36. 

37. I need to start eating more healthy, but I have to finish all the junk food first so I don’t get tempted.

38. My New Year’s resolve is to make better bad decisions.

39. I will finally get rid of all the clothes that I know I will never again wear.

40. I will stop making New Year’s resolutions. I never keep them anyway. 

Some Practical New Year’s Resolutions 

No matter who you are, what you do, or which titles you carry, there is no doubt something you would love to improve or become more proficient in. No matter how much we joke about it, we are all longing to be better at this thing called life, and there are no doubt practical ways to stick to something all year long, making it a daily habit. Wanna eat healthier? Wanna read more? Wanna take better care of the earth? Start small, start somewhere, but most importantly: just start! The best thing you can possibly do is begin a new years resolution.

Eat One Veggie with Every Meal

This is one that can be done with some creativity and planning! The healthiest people will tell you that it does not feel like a real meal to them if it does not involve at least one veggie. This is a great thing to add into your way of thinking for the new year. Instead of going vegan, overwhelming yourself with just the “I’m gonna eat healthy” statements, start with this small step. Add a single veggie, any veggie, into any meal.

Adding in a veggie can be something as simple as cooking bell pepper with your eggs or adding avocado to the size of your breakfast meal. It can mean putting lettuce and tomato in your lunch sandwich. Or for dinner, popping a can open and throw it in a pot on the stove if you don’t have the time for fresh veggies. Seeing your meals as incomplete without at least one vegetable can really be a health game changer.

Make All Your Doctor Appointments at the Top of the Year

Are you the type who will wait until the dentist’s office calls you to remind you that an appointment is overdue and it has been more than a year since your last cleaning? I know I have been that person many times before. what if you made all your doctor appointments at the beginning of the year, so you don’t miss anything or go in after the suggested time frame? An added perk of this is that you will not have a hard time getting the time slot you want since you won’t have much competition. Making all appointments at the beginning of the year can help you stay on track and up to date with your help.

Get Streams of Accountability

It may seem pretty frustrating to see every single person’s new years resolutions. They may seem silly extravagant, or annoying to share with the world. But if you have frowned upon this behavior, you may be overlooking the benefits of it. How amazing to have however many friends you have, all keeping up with your progress? Whatever resolution you may want to reach, social media can help. If you don’t like this approach or have social media, the next best option is a more personal one. Tell a friend and ask them to keep you accountable throughout the year. Offer to do the same for them and their resolutions. Making it a team effort can really spur you on in your goals.

Set Book and Reading Goals

Did you know the normal, everyday person reads between 4-12 books a year? Depending on how you look at it, this can be good or just really sad. If you are an avid reader, the average may be higher for you. But if you are in that 4-12 number and just want to read more, setting a goal may be a good place to start. You can set any goal you want, but as always with new year’s resolutions, it is always best to start out small or manageable. This means you’ll have to turn your reading goal into whatever is doable for you. For me, I have my reading goal set at 26 books in the year, one for every two weeks. Though I CAN finish one a week on average, I also write book reviews for publishing companies. 

Adding that step in the process causes me to have to take some time to really soak it all in and get the most out of the book. I read on a lot of heavy topics with deep meaning that requires me to think through what I really feel about the book in order to write a well-informed book review. So I give myself the ability to read one book deeply over the course of two weeks and then write at least one review a month. These are my personal reading goals. As for my friend who is another avid reader, her goal is 52 books a year and she mostly reads fiction. This allows her to skim and read fast and it works well for her.

In order to set a reading goal you actually stick to, you will need a process and/or system in place. Social media keeps me accountable. I post every time I finish a book and I post my reviews as well. I also post my goals for the year. Goodreads is another great place to keep track of your books. Here, there are reading challenges and you can log your reads with a staring system or with a review, whichever you have time for.

You will also need to determine where you will read. Where will you read? I have friends who take the train instead of a car to work, so they spend that time in a book. I have other friends who spend 30 minutes every night before bed reading, religiously. I personally like to read early in the morning or late at night. This means I am waking up before everyone else or going to bed before everyone else. You can read in the bathroom, on your lunch break, or in the in-between moments of your day. You just need to figure out when you will read and stick to it, building a habit into your day.

How will you avoid distractions? This is a huge question for the one who wants to become a great reader. Will you put your phone across the room because it is too easy to sit on it instead of reading? Will you go down the street to a local coffee shop to read every day because it’s too easy to end up cleaning instead of reading when you’re home? What are the ways in which you will avoid the distractions? This is one of the most important questions you will ask yourself if you plan on making this a habit you adhere to.

Resolve to Become a Plant Parent

We cannot ignore the benefits of plants. Have you wanted to be a plant owner and caretaker for a long time, but just aren’t sure where to start? Join the club. Once you hear all the things that plants have to offer, it is hard to get them out of your head. When they are set in work spaces with humans, they make them more productive and help with the issues that come from being cooped up in an office building all day long, such as air quality. Plants not only help you breathe and work better, but they also promote peace and calm in whatever space they are set in. Caring for plants can give a sense of meaning and purpose as well as lower anxiety and depression.

Having plants in your home and work spaces truly bring so many benefits along with it. But in order to experience all these benefits, you need to make some goals. There are ways to get into plants that do not involve gardening or any of the heavy lifting. Look into houseplants that require minimal upkeep, such as succulents or cacti. These plants are made for deserts. If they can grow in a desert, they can grow in your home with you as the caregiver. Another great place to begin is with herbs on your kitchen windowsill.

These plants provide all the same benefits, but the also have added ones: they spice up your good and make your fresh cooked meals even more delicious! A creative way to incorporate plants into your house is by creating Terrariums, which make nice attractive decorations for your space as well. Another great thing you can do to incorporate plants is beginning an indoor greenhouse. These are perfect for small plants that require minimal care but are more hands-on than a houseplant if you are looking to get really involved. No matter your lifestyle, needs, or desires for decoration or sprucing up a certain space in your home, there is a plant for you. Become a plant parent this year!

Sanitize Your Phone

Have you heard the crazy research on phone bacteria? We check out phones many times a day and bring it with us everywhere. The toilet seat is cleaner than your phone after all the bacteria is picked up from the various locations you are. Think of all the places you go every single day and how many dirty areas your phone touches. Imagine how much bacteria is on your device! This year, make it a point to clean your phone. This may mean disinfecting it with wipes or cleaning the case with soap and water. However you clean your phone: know this, your future self who does not end up with E. Coli will thank you for it!

Plan a Solo Trip

You are less likely to suffer from heart issues if you make time to get away, and that’s just science. Take at least a weekend trip away somewhere relaxing. We all know vacations can be hectic and have all been in a spot where we are not going somewhere we will find true peace and inner calm. In order to avoid this scenario,  plant o do things you find relaxing. For me, the beach does not mean relaxing. I would personally enjoy staying in the city for a weekend (or as long as I can by myself) and enjoying local coffee shops with a few great books close by, seeing a movie or a play, and walking through museum after museum by myself. This is my perfect scenario. If your goal is to get away from it all and enjoy some time of R&R, then make it a priority by planning it first thing in the new year.

Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks

Are you trying to get smarter? This may seem like a pretty silly question, but it is one that might resonate with your desires. For me, I decided I wanted to learn more about the world and how to function in it. I want to be a healthy and self-aware human who lives out my faith the right way. I also want to know about the experiences of others.

I want to become a good listener, someone who knows what is happening in the world around her and is not uneducated and left in the dark, clinging to my own beliefs and ways of thinking. Podcasts helped me do that. Reading helped me do that. These two avenues will benefit your entire life, and they are so easy to do.

Do you commute to work? Do you work from home? Whatever your profession, you have some time by yourself getting there or doing your work. No matter if it’s driving in the car, taking a train, or checking emails on your laptop from the couch in your house. At the beginning of last year, I decided to get into podcasts.

I listened when I did busy work at my job, during my commute, when I cooked and cleaned and folded laundry, and whenever else I could. I listened to so many books on audio and heard so many podcasts, and I know I am better for creating this habit. If you want to grow, include podcasts and audiobooks into your everyday. You don’t have to set time aside, you simply need to incorporate listening into the times when life is happening all around you.

Get Involved in Volunteering

Have you always wanted to get more involved in the community? Do you want the joy that comes in giving back and helping others? Are you passionate about a certain kind of need or displaced person? If these are truths for you, you may want to get involved in volunteer work! Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back. Look at the areas you have experience in and where you are passionate about. These will determine where you will fit in best. Check out local volunteer boards on social media and ask about opportunities at places like the local library. If you want stress reduction and happiness heightened in your life, volunteering is the place for you!

Declutter Your Home

Declutter one area of the house per month. This is such an easy goal to reach, and it will truly change the entire atmosphere of your home. Plan out the areas at the beginning of the year, and really tackle it all but in small, intentional sections.

Set a schedule that goes a little something like this:

-Master bedroom

-Kitchen

-Hall closet

-Guest bedroom

-Bathrooms

-Junk drawer(s)

-Pantry

-Garage

-Basement

-Entertainment area

-Playroom

-Coat closet

Having small, broken up areas to work on every month allows you to take your time in each section. If some areas get done sooner, such as your bathrooms, then spend more time in the kitchen. Adjust this to your specific home and your specific schedule (maybe two months in one area and half a month in another), but come to terms with how life-changing decluttering truly is!

Decluttering holds true power over your day to day life. You will find yourself cleaning and organizing so much less because there is not junk just adding onto itself. You will feel so much more at peace and have so much more calm in your own home. You will find yourself spending your time thinking about other, much more important things than the constant upkeep you have to do in your home when you own too much stuff. The minimalist movement is taking over, and for good reason. Begin with Marie Kondo!

Boredom Kills, Pickup a Hobby

This is the year to start a new hobby! Maybe it is a dance class, or painting, or joining/starting a book club. Maybe it is writing, reading more (as we stated in detail above!), or learning how to knit or sew. There are so many hobbies you can choose from, but the only thing required is that it is fun and you enjoy it!

Try something new to relieve stress, induce rest and relaxation, learn something new and take on something exciting, find what you’re good at, spend your free time wisely, build up your self-confidence, help you build community over a shared interest, and meet new friends. Having a hobby you love does so much more than even that. And who knows, sometimes a hobby can turn into a little extra income on the side, or even a full-time job/business, or passion.

Take Your Lunch Break

Were you aware that one in five people take their lunch break? Wow. In my experience, if I do not take a lunch break, I become very unproductive after lunchtime. Even if I do eat while I work, it seems to have the opposite effect that it is supposed to have. It doesn’t boost my productivity, it significantly brings it down. It lowers my energy levels for the rest of the day and has me lagging. When I do take a lunch break, even if it is only a half hour, I have a renewed sense of care and purpose in my work for the rest of the day.

There are so many things you can do on a lunch break that revives you for the rest of the workday! Read to help you hit your reading goals. Enjoy a time of doing the hobby you take on. Or simply eat for a half hour and move your body for the next half. Call someone you love or pray and meditate. This midday break can do so much good for your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health.

The same New Year’s resolutions can be embraced by those who tend to stay in the office late every day. You can make your resolution to go home on time every single day. Have someone hold you accountable, either in the office or at home. The same can also be embraced by those who take their work home and work on nights and weekends. Learning to detach from work and not let it overlap into your personal time is the key to being a happier, healthier person. Try it for a full year and see what good it does you!

Set and Stick to a Sleep Schedule

The culprit for exhaustion and drowsiness is usually not sleeping on a consistent schedule. If you are getting an average of 8 hours a night but you are still tired when you should be well rested, look at the 8 hours. Are they the same 11-7 or 10-6 or 9-5, or are they all over the place? Make it a point to be in bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same exact time each morning, even on off days or weekends. You will begin to notice an incredible shift in how you feel. If you are not already one of the lucky people who naturally wake up at the same time every day and get sleepy at the same time every night, implementing this set schedule will be a game changer.

Final Thoughts on Funny New Year’s Resolutions

New year’s resolutions can be hilarious when people make extravagant goals at the beginning of the year and fall off the wagon a few months or even weeks into it. But New Year’s resolutions can also be life-changing, depending on the way you look at them. You won’t know if yours will be funny or life-changing until you set a few!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2014, fun, New Year's resolutions, resolve

How to Find a Good Accident Avoidance Course in 2019

June 27, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment

Maybe you just passed your driver’s license test, or you’re the proud owner of your license. Regardless, you probably have only a vague idea of what to do in a potentially dangerous driving situation. Moreover, many people don’t know how to maximize your chances of avoiding an accident. Too often, stressful situations in traffic find many of us blanking out and at a loss for proper reactions. You will probably want to start by looking for an accident avoidance course in your own area. However, to give you a better idea of what to look for, here are three courses for accident avoidance that you can check out online.

All About an Accident Avoidance Course

Did you know that about 95% of all accidents are avoidable? An accident avoidance course can help you learn how to avoid accidents, and in turn, make you a safer driver and the road a safer place.

accident avoidance course 1

1. BSR

Accident Avoidance Course 2

The accident avoidance course provided by driver-training veterans, BSR teaches “already-licensed drivers, with six months driving experience, how to handle highway emergencies.” The company claims that after following their courses, graduates will have the opportunity to respond instantaneously and more positively to any driving emergency.

The courses take place on four training circuits, that contrast strongly with the parking lots and public roads typically utilized in traditional drivers education and strive for a level of realism that will make the graduate feel as familiar with real high-speed emergencies as possible. BSR’s courses include “swerve to avoid” maneuvers at high speed, ocular driving techniques, skid control and recovery practice, the better understanding of vehicle dynamics and off-road recovery, among other techniques and methods might save your life.

2. Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics accident avoidance course 3

Tony Scotti’s Vehicle Dynamics Institute offers a broad range of driving specialization courses, from protective driving for security experts, to surveillance detection tactics and techniques, as well as a course of accident avoidance. The intensive full-day program addresses drivers of all ages. They offer the skills that they need to recognize and avoid complicated situations. Thus, they can handle the ones that have the potential to be life-threatening.

This course is marketed toward “young drivers, family members, and other non-professional drivers.” It boasts the use of exercises specifically designed to help drivers. They can better understand their own limitations in the end. Moreover, they learn how to safely operate a vehicle in a wide range of situations and conditions.

3. Accident Avoidance Workshops

accident avoidance course 4

The Accident Avoidance Workshops is a company specialized in this very field and advertises their accident avoidance course as being a dynamic one, which is continually evolving, based on their research of crash statistics, thus making sure that the program continues to stay relevant in today’s driving environment. You should know that drivers only control two dynamics of the vehicle: speed and direction. As such, the course tries to equip the graduate with a particular set of skills. These will give them “the best chance of surviving a potentially fatal Emergency Driving Condition, by maximizing on the braking and maneuverability of their vehicle without losing control of it.”

Topics

They attempt to make the courses directly and immediately relevant. That’s why the student will make use of their own vehicle during the program. Hence, they can better apply the learned methods to their specific car. The main areas of knowledge that the program insists on are:

  • Wheels overcorrection;
  • Positioning inside the vehicle;
  • Lane positioning;
  • Distracted driving;
  • Parking space navigation;
  • Maximizing on maneuverability, and
  • Following distance determination.

Things to Keep In Mind

These are three accident avoidance course options you have if you’re interested in becoming a better driver. Naturally, you can choose other courses that are immediately available in your location. But it doesn’t really matter what trainer or course you pick. What’s important is to know what to do when a difficult situation arises.

Filed Under: infographic Tagged With: accident avoidance course, accident avoidence course, army accident avoidance course, lms.army.mil accident avoidance course, us army accident avoidance course

Powerful Symbols And Celtic, Viking and Japanese Culture

June 27, 2019 By Fred Mitchell Leave a Comment


Viking-ships

Cultures all over the globe are filled with meaningful symbols that most of the time attract our curiosity. Find out about the powerful symbols and meanings of Celtic, Viking and Japanese culture, which you have seen but don’t know what they stand for.

Celtic mythology is a realm marked by mysterious and strange looking signs. Here are some of the Celtic symbols and meanings that you might find interesting.

Triskelion

triskelion

The word is a Greek term, which means “three-legged. ” If you look closely at the sign, it does look like three legs running. The meaning of this Celtic symbol stands for competition and the progress of man.

Triquetra

triquetra

The word comes from Latin and means “three-cornered” and represents a holy symbol with many meanings. It is a symbol composed of three interlocked Pisces, stressing on the intersection of three circles. Most often, it’s used as a symbol for the Holy Trinity and used by the Celtic Christian Church. Sometimes, it can be found as three interlaced fish.

 Triple Spiral

spiral

The triple spiral is a symbol found in many Celtic tombs and drawn as one continuous line, implying rebirth or resurrection. The theory of its meaning comes from the fact that many of these drawings were in places where they catch the first sun rays on the solstice. They appear to have been placed there intentionally.

Celtic Tree of Life


tree good

The Tree was an important part of the early Celtic spirituality. For the Celts, the tree was a source of living, a bearer of food, a shelter and fuel provider for cooking and warmth. Without the existence of trees, living would have been almost impossible.

Celtic stories say that trees were the ancestors of mankind, beings of wisdom who created the alphabet, the calendar and the entrance to the land of the Gods.

 Shamrock

shamrock powerful symbol

Many consider it a good luck charm, but the shamrock has a much deeper meaning. The Druids believed that it represented a three in one concept of the three dominions on the planet, sky and sea and the ages of humans and the stages of the moon. In the Celtic folklore, the Shamrock stands as a symbol against evil. It is a belief that has been carried till the present day, as the four-leafed clover is used as a good luck charm.

Crosses

CELTIC CROSS

A Celtic cross represents a cross with a ring that surrounds the intersection. The symbol is associated with the Celtic Christianity, even though it has much older origins. Crosses like such are part of large Celtic art. A Celtic cross, standing, made out of stone and usually with lots of ornaments, is called a high cross or an Irish Cross. In Ireland, a popular myth was that the Celtic cross was brought by Saint Patrick or Saint Declan while he was converting the pagan Irish people.

The Green Man

greenman symbol

The Green Man is believed to be an ancient Celtic symbol. In Celtic mythology, he is the God of Spring and Summer. He is believed to disappear and come back every year, century after century, enacting death and resurrection and the circle of life.  The legend of Sir Gawain, The Green Knight, is an obvious image of the Green Man from the Middle Ages. Gawain is wearing a green helmet, green armor and a green shield but also a green horse. After he was beheaded, he continued to live.

Symbols and Meanings belonging to Vikings

Vikings have had a lot of symbols with plenty of sacred or mystical meanings. Many of them have very interesting looks.

 The Triple Horn of Odin

horn

This Viking symbol is made out of three interlocked drinking horns and usually worn or displayed as a proof of commitment to the modern faith Asatru.

 Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil, the Norse World Ash, is the giant mythic tree that holds together the Nine Worlds or lands of existence.  The World-ash stands for the Nine Worlds and protected by the Jormungadr serpent. Yggdrasil is one of the plenty variations of the Universal World Tree, known to all the human cultures.

 The Julbock

Straw Goat - 4" julbock

The Julbock, also known as the Yule-goat, is a universal symbol of the winter holidays in the Scandinavian countries. Going back to the pre-Christian times, the Julbock is yet another Pagan Yule symbol taken by the Christian holiday customs. In the pagan Norse religion, a goat represented the conveyance of the gods-early representations of Odin in a goat-drawn cart. That is strangely similar to further portrayals of Santa Claus.

 Troll Cross

troll cross

The troll cross is some sort of amulet consisting of a circle of iron crossed at the base. The charm has been worn by early Scandinavian people to protect themselves against trolls and elves. Iron and crosses were believed to be a combination that casts away evil spirits.

Valknut

VALKNUT

The symbol is known as the Valknut, meaning “a knot of slain.” It has been found in stone funerary carvings, which most probably were meant to represent the afterlife. The signs are often found in the art portraying god Odin, and it may represent his power over death.

 The Helm of Awe

 The Helm of Awe

The Helm of Awe is a protection against spells used by early Vikings. Some legends say that when worn between the eyes, the protective symbol was meant to offer invincibility to the one who wore it or make the enemy fearful.

 Thor’s Hammer

Thor Hammer

Thor’s Hammer stands for an ancient Norse symbol and represents the legendary magical weapon of Thor. Also known as Mjolnr, which means “lightning”, it symbolized Thor’s power over Lightning and Thunder. The Hammer or Thor was said always to come back after it has been thrown.

A Thor Hammer amulet has been often worn by believers who thought that it would protect them. That practice continued even after the Norse population had converted to Christianity. Modern times use it as a sign of recognition of members belonging to the Asatru faith, and is symbolic of Norse heritage.

 Japanese symbols and meanings

Japan is another country with many powerful symbols related to its national culture and magical beliefs.

 Japanese Dragons

Japanese Dragons

Japanese symbols of dragons are very similar to Chinese dragons, with the exception that the Japanese dragon has only three claws or toes, while the Chinese dragon has five. The common dragon has four claws. There are two types of Japanese dragons: one lives in the sky or clouds and the other is found in water or rain. It is believed that dragons are controlling rain, fire and Earth. Most known Japanese words for dragons are ryu and tatsu.

 Butterflies

Butterflies

Japanese culture sees butterflies as the souls of the living and the dead and considered to symbolize happiness and longevity.

Carp

koi carp

The carp(koi) represents perseverance and is also a symbol of faithfulness in marriage and good luck. It is often shown in motion, arched upwards with water sprays. This suggests the virtues of a great warrior and is usually associated with the qualities desired in young men.

 Cherry Blossoms

cherry_blossom_

Starting from the Heian Period, cherry blossoms have been revered by Japanese culture. The brief blooming of the flowers and the fragility of its blossoms has been associated with the transience of life.

 Dragonflies

Dragonflies

In the Japanese symbolism, dragons flies are an emblem of martial success, as several names for the insects are homonyms with words that mean victory. Dragonflies are also a symbol for late summers and early autumns.

 Turtles/Tortoises

Tortoise

Turtles are a complex motif of Japanese culture. Taoism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Buddhism are all beliefs that promote understanding and are all claiming that the turtle helps prop up the world. They also believe that it is a guardian of the northern quadrant of the Universe, together with the snake, and carries its sacred carapace inscriptions. Further reading about Japanese symbolic animals is available at the Japanese Shop.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums

Many symbols of Japan have been assimilated from China, and Chinese symbols and meanings are widely present in the Japanese culture. Chrysanthemums were believed to have healing powers for excessive drinking, nervousness and debilitating diseases. Chinese culture associates the flower with integrity and endurance.

Final Thoughts About Powerful Symbols

The article covered the most important symbols in the Celtic, Viking and Japanse cultures. Our intention with the article was to keep each symbol concise but also provide as much detail as possible. We hope that the powerful symbols enlightened you about the different cultures.

Image Source: wikimedia commons, 123RF, Pinterest, SHAMROCK LIFESTOCK MARKET, Ireland Fun Facts, Earth Song Ceramic Tiles, dramatic-rant, imgkid, garlic pig, JOTCAMP, Valknut Press, rune secrets, DEVIANT ART , Drago Art ,  Drawingforkids , THE TOKIO TIMES, fineartamerica, The Sword and the Axe

Filed Under: art, creative, infographic Tagged With: celtic symbols and meanings, celtic symbols and their meanings, japanese symbols and meanings, symbols and meanings of cultures, symbols and there meanings, viking symbols and meanings

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