Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

The Economics of True Love

In the real world, can there be romance without finance? A common saying: No romance, without finance. But what does it mean really? After a little thought about it and a hard look at the big picture, we see that it actually derives from the fact that in the real world, there is actually some level of bias to any decision we make, including our decision to love or be in love.In a land of utopia. . .

What Students and Parents MUST Know about Student Loans

A student loan helps you get through college. Then you come out into a high-paying career. It's a great investment in your (or your sons/daughters) future.Student loans generally give you a good deal. You get below-market interest rates, and you get a $2500 federal tax credit on interest paid over any period of time (previously first 60 months only)It doesn't matter if the student, or parent ta. . .

Project: Glowing Goblins

This project is perfect for the artistically challenged or those who prefer instant gratification. My young sons completed theirs in just 15 minutes.SuppliesGlass Votive (any size or shape)Solid Black Halloween Stickers (bats, witches, ghosts, etc.) -OR-Stencils, Stamps, and Black Acrylic PaintOrange Tissue Paper, Torn Into Pieces2 TBSP White Glue2 TBSP WaterCraft BrushDirections1. Adhere stick. . .

Secrets to a Stress Free Holiday

December and all the excitement that comes with it can either be one of the most pleasant times of year or one of the most stressful. Even though the holidays are a couple of months away, there are things you can do to make it an extremely pleasant season. For the ten plus years I have owned and operated Just Bears and Stuff, I have been witness to those people who plan ahead when it comes to b. . .

Book Review : Christmas in Dairyland

Author/PublisherChristmas in Dairylandby LeAnn R. RalphPublished by LeAnn R. RalphE6689 970th Ave. Colfax, WI 54730Printed by Booklocker.comISBN 1-59113-366-1$13.95, 2003, 153 pagesReviewerBoyd SuttonSiren, Wisconsinmaxdude@centurytel.netDescription of the BookChristmas in Dairyland is a collection of short, true stories about a little girl growing up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin in the e. . .

Leave Mama*s Junk Alone

A young friend (about age 30) and I (age 75) were talking about all the *junk* we collect over time. The conversation turned to how much *junk* her mother had, and I said I understood because by the time you reach my age, even if you are not a chronic pack rat, *junk* accumulates. My lame excuse for saving things is that I work full time and deciding what to get rid of is not a priority. Anothe. . .

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know that every twitch, every purr, every motion actually means something... at least to your kitten! The key to building a devoted and caring relationship between you and your kitten is understanding how kittens communicate Lets discuss the primary mechanisms a kitten uses to communicate. Eyes The eyes truly are the windows to the soul... eve. . .

$12 And 90 Minutes To Change Your Life

Have you ever listened to self hypnosis tapes? Or listened repeatedly to certain music that carried a specific message? Or what about, have you attended weekly services within a specific religious venue? What do all of these have in common? They influence and change your thinking and paradigm over time to whatever it is they espouse. James Allen wrote “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”.. . .

An Overlooked Plan for Bush, Kerry, Democrats, Republican...

In an effort to assist our political leadership it would be wise to have a simple solution to a life threatening problem. The much talked about Medicare Medication benefits are going to waste if the medications are not taken properly. Since this month of October is “Talk About Prescriptions” we should recognize some basic facts. There are multiple steps available that will benefit all consum. . .

Balance Transfers Can Help You Stop Putting Money Down Th...

As you probably know, interest rates are at all time low right now and if you aren’t getting the best deal from your credit card company then they owe it to you to either lower your rate, or you owe it to yourself to find a better deal. You see, credit card companies need your business in order to succeed and if you refuse to pay a penny more than you have to then you’ll be doing yourself and o. . .

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

It’s November 1st. You’ve walked into your favorite store to buy half-priced Halloween candy and what do you see? Christmas decorations! "Oh, no!" you think to yourself. "That can only mean one thing..."The HOLIDAYS are coming!Don’t stress—you’re going to start early and be more organized this year...Here are some tools and tips for staying on top of the busy and sometimes stressful holiday sea. . .

At-Home Mommy - Entry Level

When I left my high-tech corporate job to be an at-home mom, I had no idea of the changes I was going to encounter. No, I am not talking of the usual baby stuff like not freaking out when food or something worse gets rubbed on my nice clothes…if and when I get a chance to where nice clothes. Nor am I talking about the fact that I could no longer have extravagant and expensive knicks-knacks on. . .

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain and even injury. How can you ensure that your child and Man's Best Friend have a loving and safe relationship? Mostly, it's the responsibility of the adults of the house to teach toddlers and even older children that a dog is not a toy. It's a living,. . .

Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

There she was in all her glory. Long white lab coat, frizzy hair, safety goggles -- and a face smeared with the black ash of an experiment gone terrifically wrong. She was, at least on this Halloween night, Dr. Abby Normal. But for most of her life I had known her as Abigail, my daughter, and I had just taken some of the most legendary photos of her life. These weren't your garden-variety portr. . .

Family Matters

Since the escalation of international terrorist activity a few years ago, many of us have had an opportunity to re-evaluate relationships and reflect upon our lives. This can be a very difficult, and sometimes wrenching thing to do, but a necessary activity. Making this sort of emotional assessment takes us back to our core values. It helps us to appreciate the people who have touched our lives. . .

Marriage and the Election

Dear Friends of Marriage,There is a lot of talk on both sides in this election that this is the most important election this century. Most of this is exaggeration to try and motivate people to vote for one candidate or the other. But in one area this is true.Depending on who wins this election, marriage as we know it may never be the same. In the last debate President Bush said he was for a mar. . .

To Love Or To Be In Love

What is the basic difference between loving someone and being in love with the person? Before we can be sure that we have found true love, we need to be sure what these two terminologies mean.Is it possible to meet someone, connect with the person and love the person’s personality, way of life, etc? Truly be comfortable with such a person? Certainly! Most of us know significant others in our li. . .

If You Love Me...

If you love me, you will keep my commandments…In the love games we play, and in all aspects of human endeavors, maintaining positive relations with each other is a must, to live in harmony and peaceful coexistence with each other.The surest path to keeping good relations with our fellow humans is to know what their dos and don’ts are, and adhere strictly to the same. An infringement of the don’. . .

Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the clock is ticking down as we grow closer to the holiday festivities. By now, many have either started thinking about what they are going to purchase for those on their gift list – others are in full holiday shopping mode. The holiday season proves to be a stressful time for some, adding to their already tension-filled lives. Buying gifts is onl. . .

Proudly Display Your Veterans Flag

I sadly remember the day we buried my father. An American flag covered the coffin before being transported to the cemetery. There it remained during the service. At the end of the service my brother-in-law and I tried our best to remember our own military training while we folded dad's burial flag into a neat triangle and took it home. Each day similar scenes are repeated across America. Our co. . .

Unique Gifts: Ideas for All Seasons

'We Make a Living by What we Do,But We Make a Life by What We Give.'-- Winston ChurchillThere's an alternative to buying gifts that sit on a shelf waiting for the next garage sale. For something completely unique, why not consider gifts that 'keep on giving' for your friends, co-workers or loved ones? The Animal Lover Give a goat. How about a pig? You'll be providing food and income-producing . . .

The Magic Of Gift Giving At Christmas

Regardless of age, almost everyone can remember at least a few magic moments of their past at Christmas time. Even in our fifties and sixties, we can still very precisely recall how our parents celebrated Christmas. Those moments will never be forgotten because to all of us, Christmas is a very special time for our immediate families to be together. It is also human nature for us to pass along . . .

Anniversary Blues

Jamie and Kurt are a sweet, successful couple in their early thirties. In spite of loving each other deeply, they often find themselves in conflict over seemingly minor issues, as most couples do. Recently, just one week before their wedding anniversary, they had a particularly hurtful argument. Jamie had expressed her unhappiness about Kurt’s busy schedule and the limited time he finds to spen. . .

Nature, An ADHD Natural Treatment

My mother’s warning; “You are going to rot your brain out...” still rings through my mind whenever I spend too much time in front of the television set.I grew up in a time when mothers shooed their children out - rain, snow or shine - to get a breath of fresh air. Our television set tuned in to only four or five channels and those channels signed off at midnight. It would be years before cable . . .

The Gift My Brother Couldn't Give

From the book A Heartland Christmas CollectionGary Andersonwww.abciowa.comIn the first years after my brothers, sister, and I left home, there were several Christmases in which our ability to give fell far short of our desire. In fact, we often found ourselves getting very creative if we were going to give any Christmas presents at all. But those early Christmases also contained some of the fin. . .

Scary Halloween Crafts

Looking for some great Halloween crafts for your Halloween party, haunted house, or just for trick-or-treaters? A fun craft is something that can keep you occupied for hours on end especially if you enjoy it. Here are some ideas that will hopefully set you on your way in preparation for your next Halloween...Halloween Crafts Part 1:If you live in a house that has a wood-burning fireplace, then . . .

A Diamond Christmas 2004!

When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on Mary of Burgundy in 1477, giving a diamond as a symbol of love and commitment was birthed. Prior to this only royalty wore diamonds, believing they symbolized strength and courage. The root of the word diamond comes from the Greek word "adamas", which means unconquerable". Other folklore surrounding diamonds links them to Cupid, wh. . .

Dyin' From Vacation

From the book Spider’s Night on the Boomby Gary E. Andersonwww.abciowa.comMy parents visited from Oregon this summer, and we saw more of Iowa than we'd seen in all the years since our own arrival. It was a perfect excuse to visit places we'd been meaning to see, but somehow had never gotten to. But the pace began to take a toll on my kids and yesterday my son began to complain. In my "philosop. . .

Grandpa's Knife

From the book Spider’s Big CatchGary Andersonwww.abciowa.comSometimes, when I’m stressed or feel the need to refocus, I find myself thinking about my grandpa’s knife. There are people in the world who drink or take pills in an attempt to manage stress, and some folks handle their rosary beads. My grandpa whittled.My brothers and I could always tell when there was something weighing on Grandpa’s. . .

June Weddings

From the book Spider’s Big Catchby Gary E. Andersonwww.abciowa.comAs June wraps its arms around us like the warm hug of a favorite aunt, I begin to think about weddings. I've been a musician for thirty years, and I've played at scores of weddings and receptions, sometimes more than once for the same person. It was a way to make a living—the money was good and there was usually decent food.As a . . .

My Dad's Secrets

From the book Spider’s Night on the BoomGary Andersonwww.abciowa.comI've only begun to understand my dad since I became a father myself, and it's amazing to me how I'm constantly being reminded of lessons he taught me 40 years ago—lessons that I never even knew I was learning.As a kid, my life was like a black-and-white kid's adventure movie, composed of disjointed, but sometimes very exciting . . .

Holy Terror

Perhaps inspired by their recent success in influencing the outcome of the American Presidential elections, the Catholic Church have looked Northward. Looking past an unjust war against non-tithing members of the World Community, the Catholic Church helped King George II get enough votes based on his the fact that his visions were more in line with that of the Pope's and his handlers in regards. . .

Net Savvy Indian Brides and Grooms

India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various religions, communities and sects living together in harmony and peace. Each community has its own set of religious rituals, traditions and multitudes of customs inherited from ancestors. Arranged marriage is one such common custom handed down over generations. Arranged marriage has played an important role in Indian marriages. Th. . .

No Smooshing!

From the book No Smooshing!Gary E. Andersonwww.abciowa.comHigh school football is in full swing, and it’s fun to sit in the stands on a crisp autumn night and watch our kids play. It can also be the source of some pretty funny comments by the fans, especially mothers who may be watching the only football games they’ll ever witness—or care to witness, for that matter.For instance, during one rec. . .

Winter Gardening

Ok, the title " winter gardening "might be a tad bit misleading. I am not suggesting that you actually garden during the winter but you should be using this time to plan your upcoming garden. As you look out at your yard and garden area during the cold months of winter, let your thoughts run wild and you will be amazed at what images you can conjure up. You might even want to try some of your n. . .

What You Can Learn About Life From Your Children

You can learn a lot from children.The best part of all is the advice is priceless. Walls looked so much better when they are decorated with artwork. Markers and crayons work best. The living room is so much better for running around and making noise than your own bedroom. A couch is the best trampoline. Money may not grow on trees, but it sure is always in your parents' pockets. Real life, incl. . .

Divorce Articles: How To Get The Most From A Divorce Article

There are many types of divorce articles available on the Internet by a variety of authors. What's below will help you get the most out of the divorce articles here on this site and anywhere else. The below information about divorce articles holds true for most any type of articles on the Internet as well. When people seek out divorce articles on the Internet, they usually want some sort of inf. . .

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy time for their parents. With such excitement, it’s easy for children to forget basic safety rules. When emotions are running high, it’s a good time to remember to “use your head.” Plan ahead and plan to have a safe Halloween. Raise safety awareness with your family before the festivities begin. We do the right thing, but we don’t always. . .

Hidden Divorce Costs

Divorce has become part of life in the 21st century. The stigma of being divorced that once existed no loger exists. This does not mean that divorce is an easy decision to make. There are many reasons why people decide to get divorced. The most common reason that I have seen through talking to hundreds of people is due to infidelity.I personally would not be able to forgive infidelity. If . . .

Deciding on Divorce: How to know you are making the right...

It's a well known fact that in this day and age most marriages end up in divorce. When confronted with the possibility of "throwing a relationship away", you'll probably experience a lot of stress. There are some things you can do to decide if you are in the wrong relationship and if you need to get out.I have written a few tips and guidelines to help you decide if you are making the right ch. . .

Sapphire Men's Rings, Information and Advice

Information about rings is very generalised. There is really no shortage of jewelry information, but information relating to specific categories like men's rings is hard to find. In this article we will try to provide as much information about sapphire rings for men, as possible. Sapphire rings for men are quite popular and buyers generally make a decision based on looks and design alone. This . . .

Choosing your Divorce Method

The biggest mistake that people make when getting divorced is that they fail to plan. They simply decide to leave the relationship and then enter and ugly and expensive battle that ends up hurting everyone involved. There are some things that you could accidentally do that will make your divorce 100 time more miserable than it really has to be.As with anything in life, you need to have a plan. . .

Saving Money: Finding What Works for You

I admit it! I*m guilty! My husband has lovingly accused me of taking *nothing* out of the fridge and making something out of it. I transform it into a scrumptious, edible meal, and he shakes his head in wonder. He*s delighted each and every time I pull it off. And do you know what happens when he grins at me that way? I keep doing it! Every chance I get. It comes naturally for me. It*s a pleasu. . .

Spare Your Kids To 7 Most Distressful Divorce Parenting S...

What 7 most distressful situations to kids that divorced parents should avoid? Learn them to spare your kids from the painful consequences.1. Carrying Message Between Parents A child doesn't like the feeling that he or she must act as a messenger between hostile parents or carry one adult's secrets or accusations about another. Children want parents to talk with each other so that the message. . .

A Harvest Halloween

To take advantage of the last days of autumn, we planned an outdoor Halloween party at our family farm. This gave us an opportunity to bring our friends together in an informal setting before the hectic holiday season. The kids grew excited as we drove past the harvested fields of rural farmland, the grazing cattle, and brimming roadside stands. The sights and smells of the country awoke their . . .

Voting Pro-Environment is Good For Jobs, Health, and Secu...

There are many issues on the minds of US voters these days, but according to national polls, the environment ranks ...um... somewhere above hemp policy and just below humane treatment for Teletubbies. People are, of course, justly concerned about top issues such as health care, terrorism, and jobs. But the environment actually has a role to play in all of those areas. Below are some examples of. . .

Financial Illiteracy is a Major Threat to America's Future

A review of current statistics on the financial literacy of American youth, and their families, reveals a shocking lack of money management skills. The inescapable conclusion is that America’s latest generation of young adults is poorly prepared to face the economic realities which are about to confront them. Without financial literacy consumers can’t make informed choices about major purchas. . .

The Sadness of Old Buildings

From the book No Smooshing!Gary E. Andersonwww.abciowa.comFor years, I’ve carried on a not-so-friendly debate with some of my artist friends from the West Coast about their ideas of what constitutes a good subject. We seem to be able to agree on certain things, like apples and oranges—and even certain landscapes. But when it comes to their paintings of dilapidated old farm buildings, we part co. . .

An Environmental Voting Guide for US State Elections

In these times when states are suffering extreme downward pressure on budgets and spending, how is our environment making out? Did it suffer cuts right along with the Program to Assist Millionaires Become Billionaires? Are important environmental projects being dropped from the budget along with luxury items like the statehouse's new Gold-Plated Enforcement Gavel? And why is the issue of enviro. . .

Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

Did you know that each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die? One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. The above statistics are scary to say the least. If you have loved ones or friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I am sure yo. . .