Dart to street-racing in North Carolina, a deadly and illegal pastime that is still attracting the fast, the furious and the foolish despite an ongoing crackdown around the state. State troopers along with Guilford and Forsyth authorities recently broke up a racing ring that was apparently centered in the High Point area and involved street races ranging up to 150 mph. The undercover operation resulted in the arrests of more than two dozen people and the confiscation of more than a dozen souped-up vehicles. That bust, believed to be the largest such racing roundup in the state, followed an earlier undercover operation in Charlotte this summer that led to more than 30 arrests. Those participating in (or even watching) street racing can face several charges, including reckless driving, prearranged racing and spontaneous racing, and the permanent loss of confiscated vehicles is a possibility, too. While most charges are misdemeanors, they can ó and should ó result in jail time, heavy fines and revocation of driver’s licenses.
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Laurels to the afternoon nap, which we now learn has benefits for mental functioning and memory. Although it’s well known that chronic sleep deprivation makes people more susceptible to physical ailments and emotional stress, an Associated Press article describes how recent research indicates that naps can boost a particular kind of memory that enhances creativity and some areas of cognition. Researchers say this is particularly important in our 24/7, overstressed, over-caffeinated world. Many people suffer from fragmented sleep that deprives them of the deep ó or “slow brain wave” ó sleep needed for full restoration of vitality and alertness. So don’t feel guilty about settling in for a little siesta. Your brain may need it.
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Laurels to online games and social sites that enhance children’s ability to form interpersonal skills and develop digital literacy. Yep, you read that right. After all of the studies condemning violent video games and urging kids to turn off the computer and go play outside, a new report cites some benefits from cyber activities. The report, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, contradicts the idea that children should be blocked from online social networks and video games. Instead, the study said, children should be encouraged to use the technologies ó though not to the point of obsession. According to the study, children who lack access to some of today’s popular online diversions risk being social outsiders. Obviously, no one’s suggesting that a steady diet of Halo and Facebook is the best recipe for raising well-adjusted youngsters. As with ice cream and candy bars, moderation in online activities is the best policy.