Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

13 Steps to Preserve Your Family History

Although the phrase, "everybody has a story to tell" may sound like a cliche, it's true. And after working as a newspaper reporter for nine years, I know that everyone does, indeed, have a story to tell, including your family members.Think about it.Do your grandmother and grandfather — mother and father — aunts and uncles — tell stories about the "good old days?"Do they talk about going to scho. . .

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the. . .

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave you out of pocket but also very frustrated and annoyed at your cat for being such a bad little kitty. Cats need to scratch, it is something that cats instinctively do, not as you may think, in order to sharpen their claws, but to remove the old layers of their nails.Do not punish your cat for scratching, or for anything you see as bad ca. . .

Choosing The Right Gift

Although there are many variables to choosing the right gift for the woman in your life some rules always apply. Following are some basic tips to help you through the murky waters of choosing a gift.Pay attention. Take a good look at the home decor of the woman who will receive your gift. Does she decorate with angels, candles, family pictures, posters or art. The items a woman chooses for . . .

How To Keep Love Alive In Your Marriage

In the beginning of a relationship, love seems to have a life of its own. Without much effort, you feel like you are on top of the world. You catch yourself smiling and laughing often, and feeling warm inside whenever you are with your loved one. Everything and everyone suddenly appears better through the rose-colored glasses of love. This euphoric feeling does not last forever, however. Af. . .

Love, Marriage and Money

The f-word. Finances. Combining love and money may be the biggest stumbling block on the path of true love, creating more rifts in relationships than in-laws, drug and alcohol addiction, or infidelity.Financial power struggles challenge even the most solid partnership. Unfortunately, money too often equates to control in a relationship. The delicate balance of power between you is dependent on . . .

Do You Know What You Are REALLY Feeding Your Pet?

When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's Abundance. The "best food for dogs" are not all created equal.....................STOP Check your pet food labelDoes your pet food contain the following ingredients:Corn or Wheat - If 2 or more cereals like corn and wheat are among the first 7 ingredients on your label, your pet may not be getting the animal protein it needs to thrive.By-. . .

What Is Really In Your Pet's Food?

When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's Abundance. The "best food for dogs" are not all created equal.....................WHY SWITCH TO LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PREMIUM HEALTH FOODS?Although the maximum life span of our dogs and cats is estimated to be about 25 to 30 years, the average pet lives only approximately 13 to 14 years!NUTRITION IS AN IMPORTANT FACTORAfter all, you are what you. . .

The Top 10 Ways To Take the Fear Out of Retirement

1. “What do you mean, you hate to travel?”Have you and your spouse actually sat down and discussed how each of you envisions retirement? If your dreams are completely opposite of your spouse’s, both of you are going to be disappointed. Honestly talk about them before you get the gold watch. Be creative and open to compromise, so both of your dreams can come true.2. “You mean, you’re here ALL th. . .

Where Are All The Missing People?

It happens at all hours of the day and night – people are there, and then suddenly gone. Some leave behind evidence of what happened, but most do not. Take the case of Jerry Strege for example. Jerry’s father couldn’t figure out why his son wasn’t answering the phone, so he went to his apartment. When his father arrived, the door was unlocked, the lights and the TV w. . .

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It has long been known that pet ownership is good for you, we all need someone or something to love. It is also believed that stroking a pet, such as a cat, reduces stress levels and helps you to have a more positive perspective on life.Stroking a cat, and listening to the sound of its contented purring, reduces tension and lowers your blood pressu. . .

House Rabbits are fun and cute pets.

House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless of whether they live on a farm or in an apartment. House rabbits are small, easy to take care of, and don’t require any expensive supplies like some other pets do. They are cute, friendly, and playful. They are also safe enough that you can have a child play with a rabbit unsupervised, something that would probably not be safe to do wi. . .

How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens

Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned kittens. Four of them were two weeks old when their mother was killed; three others were only hours old when their mother died; two more kittens fell out of the nest in our barn when they were only a day old. Raising motherless kittens is not a difficult process, but it does require patience, time and plenty of TLC.Here are some tips to help y. . .

You Want Whaaat???

Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with a very special request... one that not every father gets from his loving daughter. I was sitting in front of the TV after a hard day at work and while I was fidgeting with the defective cable company-provided remote (the one the kids only know how to operate) trying to find a movie I hadn't yet seen ten times already on cable, she blurts o. . .

The Importance of Fathers

There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading role in the lives of their children. They are the obvious heroes of child rearing. But what about a father's role? Just how important are the dads of the world compared to the almighty image of mother? My belief is that fathers play just as important a role as mothers. Different, yes. Possibly not as nurturing, not as all-sacrificing . . .

Too Young to Survive?

Eight o’clock on a beautiful June morning in southern Wisconsin. The sun was shining. The birds were singing. And I was on my way to the stable where I boarded my two horses. Little did I know that in just a few minutes I would become a “momma kitty.”As I slid open the barn door I saw the calico cat. The previous evening she had been plump with kittens, but now she was suspiciously thin, so. . .

Boots, Motorcycle Boots, Work Boots And Even Dress Boots!...

Wearing boots today is even more popular than ever. It used to be that boots were only for stomping through the mud with. Now however, boots can be as fashionable and stylish as you’d like. From motorcycle boots to cowboy boots and western boots, they’re all gaining in popularity. If you want to be on the edge of rugged fashion, get yourself some boots.In prehistoric times skins or hides were p. . .

Why Do We Love Sandals?

Comfortable sandals are what everyone enjoys in the summer. Your feet are open to the sun and breeze which just makes you feel that much better. Not only can your sandals be light and easy to wear, but sandals are also fashionable and stylish. Many people wear dress sandals when dinning out or visiting friends.Whether you’re considering teva sandals, born sandals, or rainbow sandals, you’ll def. . .

Quality Birkenstock Shoes And Sandals

Wearing birkenstock shoes is like wearing no other pair of shoes. Johann Adam Birkenstock was a shoemaker in Germany in the late 1700’s. The birkenstock shoe was designed with an understanding that a person’s shoes should reflect the shape of their feet. If the shoe is contoured and shaped like a human foot, comfort is sure to follow. For many, many years birkenstock shoes have done just that. . . .

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic P...

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition to your family. Children love to play with puppies and kittens. They learn about life as their pets grow and mature. Dog’s and cat’s are wonderful companions to both the young and old of any family.Rabbits, hamsters and birds bring a touch of natures wildness into our lives as we care for pets that are a little different than what everyone else h. . .

Hamsters make cute and adorable pets.

Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets because they can be entertaining and educational while living in their assigned home. Hamsters are very inquisitive and curious, just watch their twitching sniffing nose, which is constantly assessing and analyzing the environment. The pet supplies needed for pet hamsters is minimal. A simple cage, some bedding and a running wheel mak. . .

Kittens Are Just The Cutest Things

Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little kittens? They’re small and light. Cats kittens, they’re fragile yet so curious and inquisitive. Kittens bring a sense of well being and comfort into our homes that few other animals can. While a kitten requires a lot of attention and care, when left to their own devices they can be amazingly creative and playful with just about any little . . .

The Joy Of Having Puppies!

One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or girl is having new puppies in the home. Puppies, dogs and having a puppy bring a sense of well being and comfort to people of all ages, whether young or old. They provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn the skills necessary in raising and caring for a new born animal. We all know that one day even a cute little puppy will grow into . . .

Resolve to Improve Your Finances in 2004

Kick off 2004 with these 7 money resolutions and get a fresh financial start to the new year. At year’s end, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve reduced your debt load and the money you’ve saved! 1) I will create and use a budget.A budget helps you see exactly where your money is going from week to week and month to month. Creating and using a budget, no matter what your income level, will. . .

Scrapbooking Teen Memories

By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren't taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding myself that I only have a couple of years left and no time to waste trying to capture fleeing teenage memories. You might be thinking that I'm really organized to be already working on scrapbooking my daughter's high school memories. To be honest, I have a shoe b. . .

Family Memory Journal

A family memory journal is a fun, easy way to preserve family memories. A couple of years ago I was sorting through a pile of unused journals (many given to me as presents!) and was trying to come up with a way to put them to good use. One day after a family gathering, I sat down and wrote a short description of the gathering in one of the unused journals. I wrote where the gathering took place. . .

Television - The Great SATAN!

I’ve often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will marvel at the devotion the 21st century Earthlings had to their household gods. Excavation will show these deities in virtually every home, obviously objects of devotion, the focal point in a room. The gods were believed without question. Families emulated them, discussed them, and scheduled their lives around them. The parent was . . .

So, The Thing Is... I'm Feeling A Little Guilty

So, the thing is… I am feeling a little guilty.I know, I know, what’s new? I’m like the travel agent for guilt trips. Right now I’m feeling a little guilty because I am so madly in love with my little Smiley Jane, who turns two-years-old today. I mean, REALLY crazy about her. I can’t keep my hands off of her. Her smile just lights up my whole world and that laugh—gosh, if I could bottle th. . .

Hula Hoop Hoopla

Which favorite toy pastime is fun for all ages and makes adults nostalgic for their childhood? Hula-hooping, of course! Stock up on inexpensive hula hoops and try your hand…er, hips…at these silly games. 1. Hula Hoop Contest: Challenge your mom, dad, best friend, and even your little brother to a hula hoop contest. Turn the radio on to upbeat music and watch the clock. The person who can hula t. . .

Clutter Is Natural

Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that drops from trees, washes in on the tide, or is blown by the wind into your backyard. Birds molt, animals shed, snakes slither out of their skin, and they all just leave it lying there to rot into the earth. Follow any two-year-old around for a day and you'll see that we're not much better. Living in clutter does not mean that you are a slob. . .

5 Ways To Tell If A Preschooler Is Living In Your House

1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times this morning.2. There is always one more person in your bed in the morning, than there was the night before.3. You can’t imagine life without the Cartoon Network.4. The lock on your bathroom door is purely for decoration… After all, no locked door could withstand, “Mom? What are you doing? Mom? Can I come in? Mom? Can I show you something? Mom?. . .

Fun & Healthy Snacks for Kids

Looking for a quick and healthy snack for the kids? Here are a few tasty ideas that you can surprise them with, or let them make on their own. 1. Bugs On A Log: They'll love it just for the name! Simply spread peanut butter onto celery stalks, and then top with raisins (the bugs). Yummy. 2. Melon Balls: Show them that ice cream scoops can be used for more than just ice cream. Scoop the "meat" o. . .

The Angry and Sometimes Grumpy Children of the 1950's

A bunch of us in our late 40's and early 50's got together the other night, and after the evening was over I started thinking that many of us born in the 1950's are in a crisis stage. People can't understand why we are so angry and grumpy sometimes. This article discusses some of the issues we have with society today and might enlighten others (the younger set) as to why we seem so disillusione. . .

Do You Know What's Really In Your Pets Food?

The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on the garbage that otherwise would wind up in landfills or be transformed into fertilizer. The hidden ingredients in a can of commercial pet food may include road kill and the rendered remains of cats and dogs. The pet food industry claims that its products constitute a "complete and balanced diet" but, in reality, commercia. . .

The Neurotic Dogs

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs' personas.My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characteriz. . .

How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives on the same block, can be a chilling discovery. The thought of it alone, can be disturbing. Most parents can't imagine that someone, who could be so potentially dangerous, may live somewhere on their block or along the path their child takes to school. However, it is highly likely that there are registered sex offenders in you. . .

Musical Activities for Guaranteed Fun

Music has the power to calm, sooth, energize and make everyone have fun! Try these ideas at your child's next play date or sleepover for a guaranteed good time. 1. Jamming Art: Turn on some music-upbeat or mellow-you decide. Without looking directly at the paper, draw pictures and designs to the beat of the music. Make several drawings from different types of music. 2. Animal Walk Parade: Play . . .

CLUTTER'S SIDE EFFECTS: How the State of Your Home Affect...

Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with which you resonate on a subconscious level. Clutter and untidiness within each of these areas causes constriction and inertia in the corresponding aspects of your life. CLUTTER IN THE KITCHENThe kitchen has been called the "heart of the home," and with good reason. Here we are nourished and provided for, even if we are dining on a frozen entrée. . .

Do Not Call Registry is Just the 1st Step

The Federal Trade Commission launched it’s much anticipated “Do Not Call Registry” on June 27th, several days earlier than the announced July 1 debut. The FTC reported that they were receiving as many as 1,000 registrations a minute at their website, www.donotcall.gov. As of Tuesday, July 1, 12.5 million telephone numbers had been logged into the registry, according to the FTC.The “do not cal. . .

Beware of Falling Minimum Payments

If you opened a credit card statement recently and were pleasantly surprised to find that your minimum payment due was lowered, don’t be so quick to “jump for joy”. What may appear as a small boost to your monthly budget is actually the rock that can weigh you down in debt for a lifetime.More and more credit card companies are moving to requiring a minimum payment of 2% of your total outstandi. . .

Credit Card vs. Debit Card - What Are The Differences

Ah, the “good old days”. If you are a baby boomer, like me, then you probably remember how important it was to rush to the bank on payday. You had to get there before the teller lanes closed so that you could have your “cash allowance” for the week. Otherwise, if you needed cash you had to write a check, then go to the bank, and “cash” the check for real cash. Fortunately the days of the m. . .

Convenience Can Be Costly

You’ve just opened your credit card bill and attached to your statement you find a “convenience check” included. It may already be filled out with a dollar amount such as $300, $500, or even $1,000. Your mind fills with ideas of what you could buy with this “instant” money. A new summer wardrobe, a nice dinner and tickets to a concert, a weekend getaway.But before you go off on a shopping s. . .

The ADD Child: Challenging Parents, Teachers and Friends

The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are common in most children. Most children misbehave, act silly and day dream. So what, then, is the difference? The child with Attention Deficit Disorder exhibits these behaviors in a constant and extreme manner, often interfering with their academic, social and family interactions.Here are the variety of ways that a child may exhibit ADD behav. . .

Shoes Gone Astray

Dorothy lost hers. I forgot mine. My wife broke hers. I speak of shoes, of course. So why are we all smiling?Dorothy is that sweet little girl who broke in that bustin' bronco of a tornado, landing in Oz and inheriting magic ruby slippers from a dead wicked witch.For most people, the story ends when Dorothy loses her precious slippers somewhere over the scorching desert that surrounds Oz .... . .

Is My Child Ready For A Family Pet?

At some point every child asks that all time famous question. “Can I have a pet?” While owning a pet fosters responsibility and compassion, some children are just not ready to help take care of a pet. It is a huge responsibility and one that must be given careful thought.There are many things you should consider as a family.What kind of pet?What kind of pet would fit into your life style best. . . .

Women and Men: Never The Twain Shall Meet

"Dear Happy Guy,"I just don't understand men. Last night I was sitting at the kitchen table, when my husband wandered by with a glass in his hand. "I asked him, 'Is that a triple-coconut-cream-of-pickle-juice spritzer with a dash of chili powder you're drinking?' He says, 'Sure. What else?' It looked so yummy, that I just had to have a taste. 'Put it down here on the table for me, please,' I. . .

How To Find Affordable Senior Housing

A few years ago Miranda M. became a widow. After a short time her grandson (her only available relative) persuaded her to move across several states to be closer to him.He located a nice retirement apartment where meals, housekeeping, and transportation are provided. By using her small Social Security income, and funds left by her loving husband, Miranda was just able to afford her rent and b. . .

Finding Out Your Child Has a Disability: It's Not the end...

Finding out that a child has been born with a disability, or that a previously healthy child has suffered an injury or disease that causes a disability can be the most traumatic moment in a parent’s life. Shock is usually the first thing people experience. It can temporarily paralyze you, preventing you from taking action, or even making rational decisions. In this difficult first period it . . .

Summer Anti-Boredom List

Before summer vacation turns into a boredom fest, sit down as a family and make a summer anti-boredom list. Write down a mixture of long overdue chores that you’ve been meaning to get done, along with goals and dreams that you’ve always wanted to accomplish. Don’t leave out the fantastic! If you’ve always wanted to ride on a unicorn, even though there is no such animal, write it down. You may r. . .

Shadow Fun

Are you looking for fun projects to do, but are short on supplies? The answer is simple: Shadows! Shadow TagTurn an ordinary walk to the mailbox into a lively game of shadow tag. It’s played much the same way as regular tag, except that instead of tagging a person, you tag the person’s shadow.SilhouettesUse the combination of light and shadow to create frameable works of art. Use tacks or tape . . .