Issue Date: June 4, 2006
Tools to monitor the TV
With TiVo introducing KidZone this month, the popular stand-alone digital video recorder (DVR) joins other TV technologies in allowing parents to control what their children watch. You may not realize it, but most TVs already are equipped with parental controls that can be programmed just by using your remote control. Here's a rundown of what's available:
TV sets: V-Chip technology for blocking programs is installed in all sets manufactured since 2000 that have screens larger than 13 inches.
Cable TV: If you have a set-top box, it likely contains software that offers parental controls. If you don't, then you'll need to rely on your TV's V-Chip.
DVRs: With TiVo, parents now can block objectionable programs and select shows approved by Common Sense Media and the Parents Television Council. Most other DVRs let you access the parental controls that come with your cable TV.
Satellite TV: Parental controls are part of the package.
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6 great roller coasters
What do roller coaster fans want? "Air time," that free-floating sensation that leaves butterflies in your stomach. Best bets:
The Cyclone at Astroland Amusement Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.
This Coney Island "woodie" is arguably America's most famous roller coaster. The first drop on the National Historic Landmark, built in 1927, is 85 feet. The cars reach a speed of 60 mph.
GhostRider at Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif.
Built of wood in 1998 to emulate tradition, it has a first drop of 108 feet and a top speed of 56 mph.
Superman Krypton Coaster, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio.
Imagine corkscrews, twists, loops and a floorless car. There's no escape from the sensations as you fly at 70 mph, nearly 16 stories high.
Millennium Force, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.
With 16 coasters, this park's claim to be the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" is not an idle boast. Millennium Force screams for attention, with an initial drop of 300 feet, at an 80-degree angle. The approximately 92-mph fall guarantees real air time.
Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England, Agawam, Mass.
It hits 77 mph on a 221-foot drop. That's about 20 stories. You'll feel weightless for 10 of the longest seconds of your life.
SheiKra, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa, Fla.
The initial hill is 200 feet, then you drop at 90 degrees at speeds up to 70 mph. And this coaster showcases an Immelmann loop, which is a simultaneous loop and roll, as well as a water feature.
Everett Potter is an award-winning travel writer in suburban New York.
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"Group" health plans may not be a good idea
If you don't have health insurance, you've probably considered joining a professional or trade association to get coverage at low group rates. Watch out: Many "associations" are formed solely to sell insurance. What's more, they offer little more than expensive individual policies with high rates and spotty coverage, says Kathleen Stoll, director of health policy at Families USA, a consumer group that's lobbying for more stringent regulations. She says to check out:
THE ASSOCIATION. Does it offer legitimate services (conferences, education, lobbying efforts) as well as insurance?
RATES. Do all members pay the same premium? If not, it may not be a group policy.
COMPLAINTS. Ask for any on file at your state insurance commission and local Better Business Bureau."Group" health plans may not be a good idea
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Wanna burn 300 calories?
An average-sized runner burns about 300 calories in 30 minutes at a moderate pace (5 mph). How to begin? "Don't start too fast. That's how injuries occur," says Dave Watt, of the American Running Association. "Increase running time gradually. And get the right shoes." Americanrunning.org members can access a 12-week training plan. Or, you can visit coolrunning.com and click on "training" for a program. Get your shoes fitted at a running store.
To avoid burnout: Watt suggests you change your route or find a running group to join. Running stores (or coolrunning.com) can help identify local clubs.
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