My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums
9Total Knee Replacement Surgery: Senior Citizens? Athletes? What to Expect
When do you need to consider knee replacement surgery? What to expect; what it's like to undergo the procedure from the author's own experience.
21Grocery Shopping: A Poem
A silly poem about grocery shopping--part of an exercise to help with writers block. The assignment? Create a poem from your grocery list.
9Best Table Manners: Suitable Conversational Topics
A dialog about what is and is not considered tasteful mealtime conversation, with a 'shame on you' to the advertisers on network TV.
16Meteor Explodes Over Russia: February 15, 2013
The meteor that exploded above Russia today caused a great number of injuries and much panic. Was this the end of the world? Hardly.
8Life Insurance--What Good Is It, Really?
What is life insurance all about? Can we really insure our lives?
19Kitchen Tips: 6 Handy Tricks To Know
Kitchen mistakes and disasters easily fixed. Tips and tricks for the chief cook and bottle washer.
22Small Bathroom, Big Problems: Easy Fix
Stage-by-stage photo essay of how to remodel a small bathroom. Shows what kinds of things you might encounter when doing a remodel of any kind.
25Hearty, Healthy Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Heart-healthy vegetarian lentil soup recipe. Great choice for those cold winter nights. Filling and satisfying.
12Winter Driving With Puddles On the Road
Tips on driving in the rain, especially what to do if you come to a big puddle.
22Photography: What are the Most Important Tips for Taking Great Portraits of People?
Taking good photographic portraits is explained in this article. How to get natural smiles, use of backgrounds and poses are explained.
13Family Mine
The teenage years can be very trying for parents. Their extreme angst over trivial misfortunes, and their struggling to find identity, pushing at all the boundaries of what is acceptable in the process inspired this poem.
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Word Games For Two Or a Group
Word games to play with others or even alone. Suitable and adaptable for all ages. from Kindergarten to Octogenarians and anyone in between.
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Tongue Twisters: Fun and Useful
Tongue Twisters have been around for hundreds of years. They are fun to play with, but did you know they are also useful?
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Christmas Music Fun: Review of "Jingle Cats Meowy Christmas"
Looking for a fun kick to your holiday music? Look no farther than this adorable CD with cats performing standard Christmas tunes. Non-traditional, for sure--intended for audiences with a sense of humor about the holidays.
18Photography Index Hub
Photography tutorials: an article dealing with photography in general, with links to detailed articles of instructions.
22My Cat Has Epilepsy: What It Is, What It Is Not and What Caused It
A look at epilepsy and some of its causes. This is from the perspective of the owner of a cat with the condition, but in many cases, the causes are the same, and the treatments are similar.
19Roasted Peppers--Step-By-Step With Photos
How to roast peppers for use in recipes. A step-by-step guide with photos.
20Gilbert and Sullivan: Opera For People Who Hate Opera
An introduction to the comic opera form as done so masterfully by the late Gilbert and Sullivan. This is a form of opera that can by enjoyed even by people who can't stand traditional 'grand opera.'
35Prescription Medications: Side Effects of "Statins"
Prescription medications are a fact of daily life for millions of people worldwide. Many of them help; some do more harm than good. This article looks at a class of drugs known as "statins."
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Children, Learning, Imagination and TV
Should children be allowed unrestricted TV viewing after school? How much TV is too much? Does TV stunt learning and stifle imagination? These questions are explored in this article.
14Safe Driving--Stopping Safely
How to stop a car safely while driving every day. Did you know there is a 'following distance' assigned even to stopped traffic?
4Auto Racing--What Do All Those Different Racetrack Colored Flags Mean?
Did you ever wonder what all the different color flags mean in an auto race? Race fans know--but there may be lots of people who just happen onto a race on TV, and not be able to tell what's going on. This quickie guide will help you out.
25LGBT People--Irrational Prejudice, Fears and Bigotry Still Abound
What does "LGBT" mean? LGBT folks endure all kinds of struggles both internal and external. Let's shine a little light on where the REAL problems exist.
22Geocaching--A Hobby For Today's Gizmos
Geocaching. A sport for the 21st century. What is it? How is it played? Who can play? All those questions are answered here.
15Tipping: Its Definition, Origins, Common Practices and Expectations
The practice of leaving tips for an increasing variety of service-sector workers can be controversial. There are arguments on both pro and con sides, and each sound valid. This article explains why it may be an outdated custom.
15Bass Pro Shop Store Review
Bass Pro Shops store exploration and review. An amazing place for everyone who loves the great outdoors.
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The Bucket List Concept
What is a Bucket List? Did you see the movie of that name? The article looks at the concept as well as some ideas on the matter.
68So You Think You Want To Have Your Cat De-Clawed?! Think Again!
The facts about de-clawing cats, presented in no-nonsense, stern language. It's not sugar-coated or "prettied up" in any way; it's just the straight, graphic truth. Please don't do this!
13Surviving A Visit To San Francisco
Looking to visit San Francisco? There are some important things you need to know to make your visit enjoyable. Written by a native San Franciscan.
29Cat Lovers' Reasons Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs
A fun and tongue-in-cheek look at why many people prefer cats to dogs.
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Why Is It Important To Wash Your Car Regularly?
Why should you wash your car regularly? It matters to the life of the car, and the resale value.
32Murphy's Laws of Aging
A humorous look at the process of aging, and the difficulties faced. Some are simply due to increasing infirmities; others seem to be imposed by society. Murphy's Law surely comes into play, here.
11Holiday Time Cranberry and Rum Drink: Delicous and Festive
A delicious and refreshing cranberry and rum drink; I'm giving away a family secret recipe, here....
8Caring For Your New Kitten
Things to consider in adopting and taking care of baby cats. Kittens are a lot of fun, but they also require a firm committment of tender loving care.
4Fundraising For Your Non-Profit: Running a Silent Auction
A silent auction is a good way to raise money for your non-profit organization. It is fun for the participants, and when folks are having fun, they tend to open their wallets wider.
34Why Adopt An Adult Cat Instead of a Kitten?
Why it might be better to adopt an adult cat than a kitten in various circumstances.
9Pesky Plants--Poison Oak, Ivy and Sumac
As summer approaches and people go hiking in the woods, it becomes necessary to be able to spot harmful plants that can ruin a vacation.
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Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner Sensibly
Choosing a vacuum cleaner requires using your head instead of believing what you hear or read in the advertisements. Here is a guide to the most misleading claims, and the counters to the industry's statements.
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Children should be taught the basics about sex education at home before learning it in school
Sex education for the young is the topic of many heated arguments. Here is a rational discussion on the matter with a peek back into history.
20Recipe for World Peace
Worldwide peace. Is it possible? Will it ever happen? What makes people go to war? How can we end wars?
5Helping Baby Animals
What should you do if you find a baby animal? Should you rescue it? How do you know if it's actually been abandoned?
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Helping Elderly Relatives Stay Independent
As we age, we encounter physical difficulties. Here is a brief guide to various ways to help yourself or aging relatives to cope and remain independent.
8Understanding Dreams
Why do we dream? What do dreams mean, if anything? What kinds of dreams are there?
21How Did American English Originate and Become Different from British English?
How did American English diverge from British English? What are the roots and history of the English Language?
31Does Medicine Actually Make Us Sick?
There is a virtual flood of prescription drugs available to our doctors. Do they always know what they are doing? What about mixing drugs? Your health care may not be as good as you think.
37Changing Light Bulbs: Changed Light Bulbs--Why the New "Energy-Saving" Fluorescents Are Not What They Say
Flourescent lighting is being forced upon us by the government. This article explains why their logic is flawed, and why it is not a good idea.
9Online Security: Truth or Fiction?
Discussion of online privacy concerns at a major popular website used by over 8 million people worldwide.
17Bullies: How To Help Children Cope
Bullying seems to be on the rise. Or is it? Maybe it is just the reporting or perception that is rising. At any rate, 'bullying' seems to be the latest buzzword. What is the solution?
26Packing A Suitcase--Packing Tips For Shoes and Other Items
How do you pack shoes and the rest of your clothing in a suitcase? Tips for hassle-free packing.
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Cats: Mystery and Majesty
Cats are the most popular pet in the USA, outnumbering dogs by 8.2 million owned cats over the number of owned dogs. What is the fascination?
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Manners and Etiquette for the Modern Age
Why are manners still needed in this day and age? Aren't manners outdated and stupid? Well, no, manners are never out of date.
18How to Cook and Season Vegetables for a Healthy Diet
Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Too often, they are served either cooked to mush, or loaded with fats and oils in unhealthy proportions. Here is a clear explanation of how to strike a balance.
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More on Tricky Language
Could have or could of? Which is correct? The English language can trip you up in so many places; even native speakers and writers fall victim at times. Many of the mistakes, however, can be attributed to carelessness.
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Computers Are Stupid
Computers need humans? Humans need computers? How much we rely on computers these days is scary.
9How To Read Music--the Basics, Part One
How to read music--a very basic introduction to music notation for the piano and other treble and bass clef instruments.
17Is It Important to Learn a Musical Instrument As a Child?
Answer to a question of whether or not a child should be made to study a musical instrument.
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Face Book Games--The Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs
A look at the nature of the many games on Face Book. The positives and the negatives.
12What Is Wrong With Everything Today?
A brief examination of why the world is in the current mess, economically and politically. The Great Depression of 1929 contrasted with today's woes. Is it just part of the human condition?
10California State Parks: Calaveras Big Trees
One of my favorite vacation spots is Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California. The stately redwoods and the sad reminders of logging days in the area, combine to remind us of why these trees must be saved.
22The Fibonacci Sequence: Math For the Non-Math Brain
What is the Fibonacci number sequence? how is it done? This explanation is for those better with words than numbers; those who struggle with math.
7How the Universe Works and Beyond--Over Coffee Late at Night
How does the universe work? A group of friends with a theatrical mindset had it all figured out years ago. Prepare to laugh at the whimsical theories.
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Writing Well: Check and Double-Check
The importance of writing well, including correct grammar, spelling and flow.
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Fun With Ridiculous Words
A fun look at words no one really uses, but can still be found in dictionaries of one sort or another. Includes lay words as well as a few medical terms.
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How to Concentrate on Studying For a Test
Studying for tests--how to make it work, and suggestions for maximizing concentration and focus.
8Where Does the Water Taste Better?
True story of a funny, friendly disagreement that went on for years between mother and daughter--all about water.
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Entertainment: Then and Now
What did people do for fun in the olden days? How does it compare to today's entertainment?
10How Do You Spend Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day is an immensely popular time for the exchange of everything from candy to wedding vows. But do we really need it?
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Essay Writing--Making it Easier
How to write essays without stressing out. The basics of tackling the task and organizing research.
19Understanding Pawn Shops--How They Work
Pawn shops and how they work--why you won't get top dollar for your items.
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Do We Apply the Rules of Proper Plurals To the Names of Fictional Characters?
A just-for-fun fun and nonsense exploration of the names of some of our favorite fictional characters, asking whether or why certain rules of spelling and grammar are not applied.
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How to Keep Your Private Data Private--Staying Safe Online
How to identify various online scams to stay safe online and avoid identity theft; a guide to common sense.
8You Call This Civilization?
Modern society, its expectations and pitfalls. Why people act like savage beasts during sales and promotions; adults have not outgrown peer pressure.
20Frequently Confused, Misused and Mistaken Words
Commonly misused, mixed-up, and mistaken words, with their proper spellings and definitions.
0Collectibles--Don't Get Ripped Off
Collections, Collectibles, Antiqes, Vintage items, all examined and analyzed for motives to collect anything at all.
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Do You Hear A Ringing in the Ears?--Tinnitus and It's Meaning
What do you call it when your ears are ringing? The condition is called Tinnitus, and this article explains what happens to cause the condition.
2Painting Tips for DIY Homeowners
Painting tips for homeowners who enjoy D.I.Y. projects. Basic information for first-time painters.
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Urgent Care Medical Offices--Not All They're Cracked up to Be!
A true story illustrating the lack of care at "urgent care" facilities.
8Government Aid Programs--A Battle of Give and Take
Social Security, Medicare and Food Stamps--how these programs really work, and their faults.
15Cryptozoology: What Is It, and Should We Care?
Cryptozoology is the search for strange animals usually thought to be fictitious, or at least extremely rare. Read about the possible explanations for these stories, as 3 common ones are considered.
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The Age-Old Question: Can Money Buy Happiness?
"Can Money Buy Happiness?" This question has been asked since money was invented, and has been asked again here on Hub Pages. Here is this author's take on the matter.
19Healthy Snacks for Kids They Can Make Themselves
How to help kids choose healthy snacks and let them have fun in the process.
9How To Track Down Missing Relatives
Looking for a long-lost relative? How to begin a search--you'll find it's a lot like the hobby of genealogy--tracking down family history.
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Old Time Schooling-A Peek at the Past
Old-fashioned one-room schoolhouses. How do they compare to modern educational methods?
22Setting Goals You Will Actually Achieve--How Not to Get Discouraged
New Year's Resolutions cause stress by setting us up for impossible goals. Here's how to avoid the stress and manage to achieve your best intentions.
10Do Credit Cards Lead to Unnecessary Buying?
Do credit cards lead to unnecessary buying? This author thinks they do, and explains why, and the pitfalls of the system.
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How to Write Well and Keep Your Readers Interested
A guide on writing clearly by avoiding too many "big words," and becoming a better writer by being more of a reader.
5Bugs That Bite People: Creepy Critters That Invade Our Space
Bugs and insects that bite and sting; who they are and what damage they may do.
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Rise of the Planet of the Apes; Movie Review
Rise of the Planet of the Apes--movie review, comparing and contrasting this prequel against the original and subsequent films in the series.
13Photography: Tips For Better Pet and Kid Photos
Photo tips to get the best pictures possible of your kids and pets.
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The Telephone Company (Part 4 of a Series on Corporate Greed)
How the corporate telephone giant AT&T (and its subsidiary companies) hurts consumers with their monopoly by not allowing customers any true choices.
7The Former Byron Hot Springs Resort
Byron Hot Springs was a playground and spa for the ultra-wealthy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. People came from all over the country, and especially from Hollywood to "take the waters" and indulge themselves.
5How To Build a Free-Standing Deck
How to build a small deck--a very elementary guide to the materials and methods needed.
17Dragons of Pern Series by Anne McCaffrey
General review of the Dragons of Pern book series by author Anne McCaffrey. The books cross the genres of both Science Fiction and Fantasy.
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Easy Holiday Gumdrops
Holiday candy recipe. An easy recipe for delicious, soft gumdrops right from your kitchen.
12The End of the World--How It Will Happen
The End of the World -- or of society. How will it really happen? This is a humorous suggestion of events to come and the reasons why.
15Waste Disposal Has Become a Pain
Green waste; recycling; dump fees--a look at the laws and contradictions of modern trash handling.
10Kitchen Tools and Utensils--Get the Right One For the Job!
Common kitchen tools, their uses and correct names. If two people call the same thing by two different names, there is going to be confusion.
0Heart's Chalice--Book Review
Book review of the novel "Heart's Chalice" by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff. No spoilers in the review--just teasers of what to expect as you read. This is a great work of drama, suspense, mystery and even touches on the paranormal.
3Brand Name Foods--What Are You Paying For? Part 2
A further exploration into brand-name vs. house-brand or private label foods. Some surprises are in store--no pun intended.
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Brand Name Foods--What Are You Paying For?
Explanation of why store brand foods are just as good as name brands, and how that knowledge can save you money.
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Harry Potter Movie Final Episode--Review
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II movie review. Examination of the movie with no spoilers.
33How to Safely Keep Fleas and Ticks Off Your Dogs and Cats
Safely protect your pet from harmful chemicals found in over-the-counter flea and tick preparations. The harmful ingredients, and the awful damage they can do are discussed, as are safe alternatives.
16American Civil War: The Battle of Hanover Courthouse
The Battle of Hanover Courthouse in the American Civil War. A brief examination of the event and an example of how history touches us all.
48Driving Safely; Traveling With Pets
Keeping your pets safe while traveling by car. Important safety equipment is discussed.
111Driving Safely--Keep Your Head Attached!
Driving tips to help keep you safe on the road. Pointers to help as you age and for various weather conditions.
28Medical Marijuana--The Feds Just Made a Very Bad Call
A discussion of the federal government's decision to shut down California's medical cannabis dispensaries. Explanations of why this was a bad idea viewed in light of both historical context and current economic conditions.
19How Does a Septic Tank System Work?
Introduction to the basics of how a septic tank sewage system operates. How to care for it, and what mainteance is involved.
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Lose Weight-and Keep It Off--The Real Truth
Dieting and weight loss-the whole, unvarnished truth, with tips and references.
23Pie Crust Recipe: Quick; Easy; Foolproof; Idiot-Proof, With Photos
Pie crust can be a tricky and frustrating thing to make. Here is a very easy recipe with a twist that makes it foolproof.
15Make Halloween Yard Decorations--Scary and Creepy
How to make scary Halloween yard decorations from things you have on hand, or can purchase inexpensively.
23Halloween Party Pranks and Games
This article covers a few games and one serious practical joke to play at a Halloween party. All the guests must love fun and be good sports.
8Plumbing Aboard a Boat--a Few Differences
Plumbing aboard a boat is different from anywhere else. There are certain special precautions that must be taken.
12How to Prevent Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs are a disgusting nuisance. Here are some easy prevention tips.
40Kitchen Sink Drain Clogged? How to Use a Plumber's Snake
Plumber's snakes: how to use them for clearing simple clogs. Save yourself the cost of a plumber's visit. D.I.Y. household maintenance and repairs.
10Disaster Preparedness is Simple. Really.
Disaster preparedness for the unprepared. How to prepare, and what supplies you'll need. Rehearsals and pet care are important, too.
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Cable and Dish TV Systems (Part 5 of a Series on Corporate Greed)
Consumers are routinely scammed and cheated out of money by unethical policies put in place by large corporations. This article addresses cable and satellite TV subscriptions. Part 5 of a series on corporate greed.
10Summer Water Fun on a Budget
How to keep the kids cool in the summer heat, even with no extra money for water parks or traveling.
22Family Health: Germs, Germs, Germs! Are They All Bad?
Germs vs. cleanliness vs. over-sanitizing and fear of "getting sick" because of not understanding the immune processes. Many people have become "germophobic" with all the anti-bacterial products now advertised daily. Not all germs are bad; and even the bad ones can have a benefit to our immune systems.
23Board Games Remembered--A Nostalgic Time Warp
What did we play before video games? Board games young children and "tweens" will enjoy. An article about nostalgic games from the past that deserve to be rediscovered.
26Animal Story Books for Children
A selection of storybooks featuring various animals, and intended for young children. Many are anthropomorphic, meaning the animals are portrayed acting as humans would.
51Saving Money When There's Nothing Left to Cut
How to save additional money when it seems no more budget cuts can be made. Tips and tricks, some revived from earlier generations, but still valid.
14Secret Messages: Codes, Ciphers, Cryptology and Teasers
Coded secret messages--easy and fun ideas for youngsters, plus a very basic look at how computers understand instructions.
11Photography: Composition--Making the Picture Before the Picture
Photography--taking better pictures--a tutorial with illustrations and explanations.
66Camping For the First Time: How To Succeed and Enjoy
Camping skills for beginners. A discussion of what is and is not important to bring.
18Oil Companies and Their Theft of the American Dream (Part 3 of a Series on Corporate Greed)
How Big Oil is stealing from you.
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Health Insurance: The Cruelest Racket of All (Part 2-c of a Series on Corporate Greed)
Health insurance agencies play God--who lives and who dies is decided by their corporate bottom line. Only the wealthy get adequate healthcare. People must rise up and protest.
6Auto Insurance: Another Racket (Part 2-b of a Series on Corporate Greed)
Auto Insurance--who is behaving unethically and failing to make things right? It is your own insurance company!
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No Wonder I'm Dizzy!
Does your family have a "nut case" who is always making everyone laugh and forget their troubles? Mine sure did--and here is a funny, true story of one such incident.
10Homeowner's Insurance: a Racket (Part 2-a of a Series on Corporate Greed)
Insurance is more corporate racket than helpful protection for the policyholders. This artcile, part of a series on the various types, looks at homeowner's insurance.
27Public Utilities: Among the Greediest of Corporations (Part 1 of a Series on Corporate Greed)
Public utilities control the so-called public utilites commission which is supposed to protect consumers. Rates are rigged to favor the utility instead.
6Political Campaigns Cause A Serious Waste of Resources
The government's best (if dubious) talent is wasting money--lots of money--and resources. Here is a look at just one aspect that repeats itself every 4 years.
8Plumbing Fixtures: Vintage Style
Art-Deco era glamorous bathroom fixtures are covered in this article.
15Ladies' Tool Kits For the Home: The Basics For "The Little Lady"
Why women should buy and use real tools instead of inferior quality tools supposedly created just for women.
12Ancestral Sins
Poem in honor of the American Indian, or "Native American." An apologetic tribute to people who lived in harmony with nature.
19Photography: A Few Lighting Tricks
How to use light to best advantage when taking pictures, whether indoors or outdoors. Using light bounce to your advantage instead of it being a problem.
12Photography: Understanding Light for the Best Pictures
Understanding how light can bounce, reflect and bend makes for better photography. Properties of light explained and how to avoid flash bounce.
9Spooks, Spirits and Ghosts--The Paranormal--Part Two
Ghost hunting on your own. Part two. You've read Part one and done your debunking exercises--now it's time to find that lurking presence.
5On Writers Block As a Pisces
How to overcome writer's block. A look at the problem from the lighter side, poking a bit of fun at myself.
2Personal Finance: Upside-Down
How did the current economic depression happen? Who is responsible, and what effect it is having on the average American.
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"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown--Book Review
A review of the Dan Brown novel, "The Lost Symbol," with no spoilers!
11Spooks, Spirits and Ghosts; the Paranormal--Part One
Do I have a ghost in my house? How to figure out the difference between normal noises and sights and a possible haunting.
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Going To the Movies--Good Script/Bad Script
Movies are a form of storytelling; this article examines the relationship between written stories and the movies. How to spot plotline inconsistencies is covered as well.
6Crying Over Spilt Milk--Quite Literally
Oh, how the rain did pour; oh, how the wind howled. Oh, how rotten I felt. I was home sick from school,. At only ten years of age, my mother never liked to leave me home by myself, and especially if I was sick. My mom was the typical 1950's...
15Specks, Spots, Dots, Lines and Other Visual Annoyances Called "Eye Floaters"
Eye floaters are those annoying dots, dashes and specks in the eye that only the affected person can see. This article explores what causes them.
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Why Would Anyone Choose to be a Vegetarian?
Vegtarianism--the types of vegtarian diets, health benefits, and whether humans may legitimately consider themselves "carnivores." An exploration of the moral, ethical and philosophical reasons for choosing a vegetarian diet.
2All Night Long
Story about two teenage girls staying up all night, trying to decide what they are seeing outside the bedroom window, written in poetic form.
11Baked Potato Extraordinaire
Baked potato recipe--a single large baked potato makes an entire vegetarian meal. No, it's not "diet food," but it sure is delicious!
25Human Rights vs. Animal Rights: Is There a Difference?
We are animals, too! An explanation of why what we do to animals also affects ourselves at many levels. A discussion of human vs. animal rights, humane treatment of animals, and a comparison of the biological classifications.
6Twas the Night Before Christmas; With Apologies to Clement C. Moore
Poetic parody on "The Night Before Christmas" story-poem (correctly titled "A Visit From St. Nick). Written several years "back upon being frustrated with stores 'rushing the season.'
6RC Cars--Brushed Motor to Brushless Motor Conversion Guide
Radio-controlled model cars; how to change from original equipment brushed motor to new low-maintenance brushless motor. With parts illustrations.
4Chuzzle Puzzle Game: a "How to Play" Strategy Guide
Chuzzle PC or online video game by Pop Cap games--a strategy guide for play.
6Christmas Eve at Midnight Tradition
There are many holiday traditions in many families. This one is simple, and based on the togetherness of family, and devoid of any external trappings of a religious nature. This tradition emphasises a moment of quiet reflection.
20Mistreating or Abandoning Animals is Inexcusable!
Animals are sentient beings with feelings and yes, emotions. They deserve humane treatment and care at all times.
4Growing Tomatoes--and Other Veggies
As an experiment in helping our grocery tab, we planted a few vegetables this year. The results were somewhat disappointing. First, we have very sandy soil, and belatedly discovered that perhaps we should have fed the plants more than water after...
4RC Cars: Repairing and Rebuilding Shocks in 8 Easy Steps
Repair and rebuild shock absorbers on your radio-controlled (RC) cars. A step-by-step guide with photos.
16San Franciscso History: Sutro Baths and Beyond: A Personal Memoir
San Francisco's Sutro Baths and ice rink; memoir of a bygone era. Article includes descriptions of nearby amusements of the day.
12Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument; a bit of history, and memories of our trip there.
17Common Abbreviations: Alphabet Soup Runs Rampant
Abbreviations, short-cuts and other mysterious collections of letters. What do they all mean? How and where are they used?
7Genealogy--Family Trees--Part 2: How To Use The Data Forms
Genealogy and family history charts; various types and how to use them
6Basic Boat and Boating Lingo
Boats and boating terminology for beginners. Learn the specialized language of boating and watercraft.
10Lassen National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park; a travel essay about the park's features and scenery from a perspective of personal memories.
64Why Homework is a Bad Idea
Homework is counter-productive. It causes family stress and fails to help the child learn, teaching only resentment. This article explores why.
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The Death of Manners
Good manners are the lubrication of society. The need for manners is pointed out with a humorous twist.
4Genealogy--Family Trees--Part 1: How To Begin
Family trees--how to begin building yours. From interviewing relatives to searching various archives, the hobby is explained.
4How To Read a Map
How to read a map. Basic instructions for understanding map symbols and interpreting scale.
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How To Find Compass Points
Introduction to finding compass points without a compass, for beginners.
17How to Use and Read a Compass Without a Map
How to use and read a compass; a valuable outdoor skill for fun and survival. An introduction to the device and its basic use.
11The Pilgrim John Howland Curse
A humorous peek into how genealogy can affect your tendencies and talents. Are you musical? A klutz? Look to your ancestors for why.
15Scissors Is A Very Strange Word: A Paradox Among Words
"Scissors" is one of the odd words in the English Language that appear as a plural even when only one is meant. This article takes a humorous look at this oddity.
6Chainz Game Puzzle: Game Strategy
The PC/online video game 'Chainz' by Mumbo Jumbo is examined and explained. Strategy for play.
22Why California Earthquakes Should Not Terrify You
Understanding earthquakes; the physical mechanisms, recording scales and related damage levels.
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Do We Have Freedom of Speech? An Answer...
In America, we supposedly have freedom of speech. It is in our constitution. However, it is becoming more and more only a perception of freedom, as our liberties are daily being compromised under the guise of "keeping us safe." RISE UP AND PROTEST!
8Cougar Wild
Poem about cougars; pumas; mountain lions; all names for the same big cat. A plea for their preservation in the wild.
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Advice on Giving Advice
Beware of giving advice on how to write if your own writing is full of spelling and grammatical errors.
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The Out Crowd Champion--challenge answer--or--"How I Came to be Me"
A brief bio of the author, inspired by a fellow author's challenge to explain why they are who they are.
2That Old Ocean Shore
Story of the historic Ocean Shore Railroad from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, told in prose poetry. It ran from about 1902 until 1908, with various troubles all along.
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Cats Must Run Free?
Why keep cats indoors? They live longer, that's why. The sad outcome, presented in a poetic format.
7I Beg Your Pardon--Go Buy Your Ads!
Designer fashions: commentary in poetic format. Paying to advertise instead of being paid for rental of advertising space. Things have turned backwards and upside-down!
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It Takes All Kinds
On her way to work each morn, mother rode the bus. And on her walks to the place where her bus stopped, She met each time a woman ...
- 1
High School High-and-Mighty Senior; Whoops! How Humiliating!
A short bit of prose detailing an incident of ultimate teenage embarrassment. Such a sensitive age--so easily humiliated. Perhaps anyone would be in these circumstances...
- 2
A Shocking Discovery
The hall was empty; no one about. I was a child; small, curious. In my hand, a small wire, bent (Mother used them in her hair.) On the wall; ...
- 6
Petty Annoyances: Three Silly Poems
A Trio of silly poems about small things that can annoy us on a daily basis.
- 11
If I Were A Shining Star
Poem about the limitations of being human; the frustrations of striving for perfection against the harmony of nature.
0Boom Town Pair of Poems: Bodie and Murphys, CA
Murphys, California, and Bodie, California are a pair of towns dating from the big California gold rush of the mid 1800's. Bodie is a State Park; a total ghost town preserved in a state of "arrested decay," while Murphys is still a small town with a year-round population, but it is a sleepy little town. This pair of poems describes them both.
- 2
Old Gold Rush Town
Oppressive summer heat portrayed in a poetic word-picture. Inspired by a camping trip in the California Sierra-Nevada foothills.
- 0
Southern Utah Summer
Malevolent day-star drools a stream of golden heat across the edge of the sky; Pants its white-hot breath ...
- 4
The King of Beasts
Little wild cat, prancing in my yard; creeping through tall grass to pounce upon imagined prey. Little wild cat, through your eyes I see tall grass is your jungle; ...
