Eight Islands in the US you Probably Have Not Heard of

From My Travel Readings this week on Discover.com

"You know about the Hawaiian Islands. You know about Catalina Island. You know about Jekyll. But the U.S. has many more islands, many of which you probably haven’t heard of — and those lesser-known islands can make great vacation spots, too. Here are eight American islands you’ve probably never heard of, but should definitely add to your bucket list.

1. Block Island, Rhode Island

Credit:cmart7327/iStock

For such an unassuming little island, Block Island boasts a big variety of things to do.

 During the summer, taste the flavors of Restaurant Week, enjoy a six-day music festival,

 or check out the Block Island Film Festival. The island’s lighthouses, such as the 

Southeast Lighthouse and the North Lighthouse, are also popular attractions. 

Block Island has a variety of bird species, too, making it a great destination for

 birdwatchers.

2. Coronado Island, California

Credit: welcomia/Shutterstock

“California’s crown jewel” is located near downtown San Diego and is often voted to

 have the best beaches in the United States. The beaches in Coronado contain mica

 (a mineral), so the sand sparkles in the sun. Biking, surfing, kayaking, and other 

active outdoor activities are all popular ways to enjoy the sunshine. The

 Hotel del Coronado,  which has been around since 1888, has been visited by 

many famous presidents and celebrities over the years.

3. Topsail Island, North Carolina

Credit:Peeter Viisimaa/iStock

Topsail, a 26-mile barrier island in the water off North Carolina, boasts uncrowded 

beaches with plenty of wildlife and breathtaking sunsets. The island has three towns,

 North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Topsail Beach features a 

marina  and a fishing pier; it also has a unique museum that tells the story of the 

WASPS, female pilots who flew American military aircraft during WWII. If you get

 bored during  your visit, go searching for Blackbeard’s treasure,Topsail got its name

 from  the pirates who used to hide their boats behind the island (incoming ships

 could see  the sails poking up over the land), and some people say Blackbeard’s

 treasure is still hidden somewhere on the island.

4. Kodiak Island, Alaska

Credit: Daniel Briem/Shutterstock

Kodiak Island is big — 3,670 square miles, to be precise. It’s Alaska’s largest island, 

and it’s also the second-largest island in the entire United States. Its namesake town 

is a fishing port surrounded by wilderness that's brimming with wildlife. take a trip to

 the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge to try to spot some of the 3,500 bears that

 live there. You can also go fishing or visit the Kodiak History Museum.

5. Isle au Haut, Maine

Credit: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

Set off the coast of Stonington, Maine, Isle au Haut is home to a small community of

 summer residents plus lots of federal park land (part of Acadia National Park), 

where bicycling and hiking are popular. If you enjoy seeing remote scenery and 

don’t care about tourist amenities (the most you’ll get here are some pit toilets), 

Isle au Haut could make a wonderful and peaceful vacation for you.

6. Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Credit: Adam Colick/Shutterstock

You'll find Daufuskie between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, though it's easy to miss. 

At just five miles long and 2.5 miles wide, this island is one of South Carolina's smaller ports.

 Daufuskie has no bridge to the mainland and just a few paved roads; instead most of the 

island  is filled with Spanish moss and beautiful white sand beaches. There are a few nice

 golf courses, and plenty of opportunities to ride horses on the beach and enjoy some 

delicious island food, such as fresh seafood, okra, and blackberries.

7. Sapelo Island, Georgia

Credit: David Brew/Shutterstock

A barrier island off the Georgia coast, Sapelo Island is only accessible by air or by 

sea.  If you’re traveling with a group, you can stay in the R.J. Reynolds Mansion, 

which was built in 1810 by Thomas Spalding. Walk the beach, go biking and

 watch for birds and stop in the visitor’s center for educational information on 

everything you’ve seen.

8. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Credit:Boogich/iStock

The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven islands in the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles west 

of  Key West. The islands were discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, and today, 

make a wonderful place for a weekend vacation. Rent a seaplane to travel to the 

islands in  style and to see marine wildlife from above; then, go snorkeling in North 

America’s only living coral reef. Then stop by the island stronghold Fort Jefferson

 for one of the most stunning military forts in the world.

8. Dry Tortugas, Florida

Credit:Boogich/iStock

The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven islands in the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles west 

of  Key West. The islands were discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, and today,

 make a wonderful place for a weekend vacation. Rent a seaplane to travel to the

 islands in style and to see marine wildlife from above; then, go snorkeling in 

North America’s only living coral reef. Then stop by the island stronghold 

Fort Jefferson for one of the most  stunning military forts in the world.

About the Author: Hailey Hudson is a full-time freelance writer from Atlanta, Georgia.

Meanwhile, Did you Know That.....

10,000 years ago, a land bridge or chain of islands connected Taiwan and the northern Philippines, allowing early Austronesians to migrate freely. Rising sea levels eventually submerged these pathways, leaving only the Batanes Islands as traces of this lost route.

Surprising Fact: The genetic and linguistic similarities between Filipinos and Taiwanese indigenous groups, like the Amis and Atayal, support the theory that the Philippines was a key stepping stone in the Austronesian expansion across the Pacific!

When the Ice Decides: Unpredictability in the Winter Olympics

When the Ice Decides: The Unpredictability of Winning at the Winter Olympics

If there is one enduring lesson from the Winter Olympic Games, it is this: nothing is guaranteed especially on ice.

The men’s singles figure skating event that concluded just days ago offered a vivid reminder. Entering the competition, all eyes were on Ilia Malinin, the American phenom widely expected to capture gold. After all, he led the short program with the kind of technical brilliance that has redefined modern figure skating. History, statistics, and expert predictions seemed firmly on his side.

And then came the free skate.

What unfolded was not just a disappointing performance, it was a stark demonstration of how unforgiving Olympic competition can be. Malinin struggled, and in a sport where a single popped jump or mistimed landing can undo years of preparation, he fell all the way to eighth place overall. The gold medal that once felt inevitable slipped out of reach in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, the skater who ultimately stood atop the podium told a very different story. He entered the free skate in fifth place, well outside the spotlight. But when it mattered most, he delivered a near-flawless performance, clean, confident, and emotionally compelling. The judges rewarded him, the rankings reshuffled dramatically, and by the end of the night, the gold medal belonged to Kazakhstan. His country will reportedly honor that achievement with a $250,000 reward, underscoring how much national pride rides on these moments.

The Thin Edge Between Triumph and Heartbreak

Figure skating may be the most poetic illustration of Olympic unpredictability, but it is hardly alone. Across all Winter Olympic sports, alpine skiing, speed skating, snowboarding, biathlon, the margin between glory and disappointment is razor-thin. Ice conditions shift. Nerves intrude. One mistake echoes louder than ten perfect moments.

The Olympics magnify this reality. Athletes do not get a second chance, a rematch, or a “best-of-seven” series. They get one performance, under global scrutiny, carrying the weight of expectations built over an entire career.

Why We Keep Watching

And yet, this is precisely why the Winter Games captivate us.

We tune in not just to see favorites win, but to witness the unexpected, the comeback skate, the underdog surge, the athlete who finds greatness at exactly the right time. The uncertainty is not a flaw of the Olympics; it is their essence.

As someone who has watched decades of Olympic Games unfold, I’ve learned this: medals are not always won by those who seem most destined for them. They are won by those who rise, in a single fleeting moment, when everything is on the line.

On Olympic ice, reputation melts quickly. What remains is courage, timing, and the nerve to deliver when the world is watching.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:

Winning in the Winter Olympics is 

notoriously unpredictable due to a combination of high-stakes, split-second decision-making, uncontrollable environmental factors, and the unforgiving nature of winter sports disciplines. Favorites frequently falter, and surprise, under-the-radar athletes often claim podium spots. 

Key factors contributing to this unpredictability include:

• 
  
• Environmental Factors & Weather: Ski racers and snowboarders are subject to rapidly changing conditions, such as wind gusts or blinding snow, which can disadvantage later starters compared to earlier ones.
• Surface Conditions: The use of artificial snow, which is often harder, denser, and icier than natural snow, increases the difficulty and risk of injury, leading to more crashes and unexpected mistakes.
• Marginal Technical Mistakes: In sports like alpine skiing and moguls, a tiny, almost invisible error—a slight loss of edge or a mistimed jump—can drop a top contender entirely out of medal contention.
• High-Risk Disciplines: Sports involving speed, sliding (bobsleigh, skeleton, luge), and high-altitude acrobatics have minimal room for error. Even minor, uncontrollable variables can turn a gold-medal run into a crash.
• Judged Event Variability: In freestyle skiing, judges’ decisions on technical precision, jumps, and artistry can cause unexpected results, as seen in the 2026 Winter Olympics where athletes won medals despite falling in semifinal rounds.
• Physical and Mental Pressure: The intense, once-every-four-years pressure to perform can lead to mental errors and unexpected meltdowns, even from the most seasoned veterans. 

Examples from the 2026 Winter Olympics (Italy):

• American mogul skier Jaelin Kauf secured a silver medal despite a, for her, subpar performance in a, at times, chaotic, snowy final.
• An unexpected teenager, Gaon Choi of South Korea, defeated established icon Chloe Kim in the halfpipe.
• Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by becoming the first South American to medal in a Winter Olympic event.
• Italian skier Federica Brignone won gold in the Super-G after overcoming a severe leg injury. 

While some sports, like speed skating, are seen as more consistent in their ranking, others like alpine skiing and freestyle are high-variance, making the Winter Olympics a theater of drama and surprise. 

Lastly, the Post-performance Blame:

In a post-performance interview, Malinin pointed blame at the federation for contributing to the disaster, citing issues like scheduling or preparation pressures amid his own admission of mental struggles and inexperience under Olympic intensity.

Teas Generally Consider Kidney -Friendly

This posting lists Teas that are considered Kidney friendly,  moderately kidney friendly and tea to be avoided -bad for your kidney, 

🌿 Teas Generally Considered Kidney‑Friendly

Ginger Tea

• Gentle anti‑inflammatory properties

• Can help with nausea and digestion

• Naturally low in potassium and phosphorus

• Suggested use: 1 cup per day

Peppermint Tea

• Soothes digestion and bloating

• Not a diuretic

• Kidney‑neutral for most people

• Suggested use: 1 cup per day

Chamomile Tea

• Calming, sleep‑supportive

• Mild anti‑inflammatory effects

• Avoid only if allergic to ragweed

• Suggested use: Evening tea, 1 cup

Lemon Tea (hot water with lemon)

• Very low potassium when diluted

• Refreshing, helps dry mouth or metallic taste

• Suggested use: Sipped slowly

Rooibos Tea

• Caffeine‑free

• Low oxalates

• Rich in antioxidants without stressing the kidneys

• Suggested use: 1 cup per day

⚠️ Teas That Require Extra Caution

Nettle Leaf Tea

• Traditionally used for urinary health

• Acts as a diuretic

• May affect electrolytes

• Only with medical guidance

Green Tea

• Antioxidant benefits

• Contains caffeine and oxalates

• Occasional, small amounts only

Dandelion (leaf or root)

• Strong diuretic

• High potassium

• Often not recommended in advanced CKD

❌ Teas & Herbs Best Avoided in CKD

• Horsetail

• Licorice root

• Senna

• Aloe vera

• Uva ursi

• Comfrey

• St. John’s wort

• “Detox” or “kidney cleanse” blends

Many kidney injuries linked to herbs come from chronic use, not an occasional cup.

☕ Simple Tea Guidelines I Follow

• One ingredient only- no mystery blends

• Food‑grade tea, not supplements

• One cup per day unless advised otherwise

• Comfort first, expectations second

Personal Reflection: Choosing Comfort Over Cures

When you live with chronic kidney disease, especially in its later stages (like me), you eventually come to a crossroads. One path is crowded with promises: miracle supplements, secret herbs, cures just one cup away. The other path is quieter. It doesn’t shout. It simply asks what brings peace.

I have walked both paths. I’ve read the studies, listened to well‑meaning advice, and explored alternative remedies with cautious hope. But over time, I learned something important: not everything that soothes needs to cure.

A warm cup of tea does not heal my kidneys. But it steadies my hands. It slows my breathing. It gives structure to the day. In the morning, it’s a gentle beginning. In the evening, it’s a soft landing.

There is dignity in choosing comfort. There is wisdom in knowing when to stop chasing fixes and start honoring the body as it is today. That choice isn’t giving up, it’s growing clearer.

For me, tea has become less about ingredients and more about intention. It’s a reminder that care can be simple, quiet, and deeply human. Sometimes, the most healing act is not another treatment, but a moment of warmth held between two hands.

This guide reflects my personal experience and careful reading. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team about dietary choices with CKD. 

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the above Topic

For kidney health, unsweetened green tea offers antioxidants, while herbal teas like dandelion, ginger, and hibiscuscan support function by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and acting as mild diuretics, but always choose low-oxalate/caffeine options like Rooibos and consult a doctor, especially with existing kidney issues.  

Beneficial Teas

• Green Tea: 

  Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols/EGCG) that protect kidneys, potentially lower stone risk, and help manage obesity. 
• Dandelion Tea: 

  Stimulates kidneys to flush fluids, supports potassium levels, and helps reduce fluid retention. 
• Ginger Tea: 

  Fights inflammation, a key factor in kidney problems, by boiling fresh slices. 
• Hibiscus Tea: 

  May lower blood pressure, a major risk for kidney disease, and improve function in CKD. 
• Rooibos Tea: 

  Caffeine-free, low in tannins, and low in oxalic acid, making it great for kidney patients. 
• White Tea: 

  Less bitter than green/black, potentially lower in oxalates and caffeine, making it a good choice. 
• Horsetail Tea: 

  A strong diuretic to help flush out kidney stones. 
• Sambong Tea: 

  Used in traditional medicine to support kidney health. 

Key Considerations

• Avoid Sugar: 

  Always drink teas unsweetened to keep them zero-calorie and kidney-friendly. 
• Be Mindful of Oxalates: 

  Green and black teas have oxalates; choose white or rooibos if you need to limit them. 
• Check Caffeine: 

  If sensitive, opt for herbal teas or white/green tea in moderation. 
• Consult Your Doctor: 

  Always talk to a healthcare professional before using teas for medicinal purposes, especially if you have kidney disease. 

  
  

  Meanwhile,

  

  Did you know many food historians argue that sourness (asim), not sweetness or saltiness- is the true backbone of Filipino cuisine?

  Long before soy sauce or sugar became common, early Filipinos already mastered three indigenous sour-based cooking methods: kinilaw (raw seafood cured in vinegar or citrus), paksiw (meat or fish simmered in vinegar), and sinigang (broths soured with tamarind, calamansi, guava, or native fruits).

  This obsession with sour flavors wasn’t just taste, it was practical food preservation, climate adaptation, and a shared culinary identity across islands that still defines Filipino comfort food today.