Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

A Spousal Trade? We'll Have It Made!

A short while back, I was at a restaurant enjoying dinner with some friends. At this particular restaurant there were lots of TV monitors, most of which were tuned to ESPN. Watching lots of athletic competition can really work up a thirst, so we were fortunate in that this particular restaurant employs an all female workforce clad in short shorts and tight tops. I quickly deduced that their ens. . .

The Principal Facts of an Interest-Only Mortgage

You are buying the house of your dreams with an interest-only mortgage. You'll get a low mortgage payment, and you'll maximize your tax deduction, all on your current income! Everything seems to be going good. But have you really understood the concept of interest-only mortgage and how it functions. So What Is An Interest-Only Mortgage? Well it may break your bubble but there is no such thing a. . .

Feeding Bettas

Knowing the right way to feed your betta is fundamental, because not doing it right can have big consequences on your bettas health. Nothing is more stressful than dealing with a sick fish, right? So, let's do it right, and get rid from the calamity!Here are some golden rules on feeding your betta.First, select the proper food. Bettas are selective eaters. A betta specific pellet is ok, but liv. . .

How To Raise A Goldfish

Did you know that your goldfish can live for over 10 years? Under the right conditions he can live even longer but most never make it past the first year! If you want your goldfish to live long and healthy lives, you’ve got to provide the proper environment.It’s a common misconception that a goldfish can live in a tiny bowl. In order for him to survive for any length of time, you’ll need to . . .

Some Ideas to Reduce the High Cost of Gasoline

Sticker Shock!I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get “sticker shock” every time I go to fill my car with gas. I’ve seen prices per gallon for regular gasoline here in the Los Angeles area as high as $2.69 9/10 lately. And it seems like only a few weeks ago, they were about $2.25 9/10. Mathematically speaking, that’s a 19.5% increase in just a matter of weeks.What is really insidious is. . .

Breeding Gouramis

Gouramis are a quite popular chocies among fish hobbyists. For novice fish breeders, breeding gouramis can be an appealing challenge. Getting them to spawn and raising the fry can be a rewarding experience.Gouramis are labyrinth fishes. They have labyrinth, which is an air-filled breathing hole, located under the gill covers. This kind of fish can often be seen going to the surface of the water. . .

Breeeding Oscar Fish

The Oscars, or Astronotus ocellatus, from Cichlidae family, are fairly easy fish to breed. All you need is pretty much leaving them alone and letting them do their thing if you lucky enough to get a pair. If not, breeding might be very hard. They are a very long-lived fish, probably one of the reasons they are so popular today. Originally from Amazon.Oscar Fish obviously requires a large tank d. . .

You Have To Know What Team To Root For

The beauty of being a sports fan is that it is always easy to root for your team. Whether you pull for Purdue, IU, or Notre Dame, for the Pacers, the Colts, or the Komets, you’ll root for the team wearing the right colors, no matter what players are wearing them.That’s important, because players come and go. College teams completely turn over every four years. Colts fans have been pretty lucky . . .

Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Wh...

Have you ever thought about giving a personalized Gift Basket?Is it just me or do you also get excited when you give a gift to your friends and family and you know they love it!The downside you give a gift and you just know they hate it! Unfortunately you can’t always get it right because what seems right and the appropriate gift for you isn’t always right and appropriate for the person you ar. . .

Wife Smarter Than Husband?

Is it safe for a wife to be smarter than her husband? Of course! Men who cannot afford social ornaments sometimes want inferior wives. Why? Often because they harbor a great sense of inferiority. Therefore at all economic levels there are some men who want apparently weak and docile women whom they can dominate completely, who will not put up any arguments, and who will do as they are told with. . .

Wedding Dresses -- How to Choose the Right Wedding Gown f...

Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on every bride's wedding day. You can find perfect wedding gowns online, or simply brainstorm which style of wedding dresses to start looking for as you narrow down your search. First you need to determine which types of wedding dresses are right for you.Your wedding dress should tell the world exactly who you are. After all, this is YOUR day,. . .

Gift Baskets – A Gift For the Person Who Has Everything!

Ever wondered what to give the “Person Who Has Everything”? A Gift Basket could be just the thing. Have you been from shop to shop and thought “Yes This is It” and then discounted the gift because it wasn’t really what you wanted.My best friend has everything and when I say everything, “I Mean Everything”. She has either been given or purchased every conceivable gadget available in the last 5. . .

About Chihuahua Dogs

Chihuahua Dogs Are Not For EveryoneIn what seems like a very tiny dog, a personality the size of a Great Dane emerges. For some Chihuahua lovers it’s just another Chi, and others are just learning about this little entertainer. Whether you have had your Chihuahua for several years or you have just taken your very first Chi home, they will be full of surprises that will keep you amused as long. . .

Dogs And Kids In Hot Cars

On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90 degrees, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 160 degrees in minutes. Heatstroke can kill your pet or your child in a very short time!Please, please do not ever leave your dog or child in a parked car in the summertime or when the temperatures are warm. If you see a dog or child in a hot car, take down the plate n. . .

Imaginations Soar

Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with a blank page? Have you ever wondered why some children just seem to detest anything to do with writing? Have you seem them just give up in frustration and walk away angry and distraught? Well you are not alone. Every one possesses the capability to write stories, plays, poems or journal writings. There is something that belongs to you and nobody. . .

Traveling With Your Chihuahua

Travel season is finally here again and that means hundreds of cats and dogs will be lost and never again found by their heartbroken owners. Many years ago I lost a dog for three days. They were among the worst days of my life but I learned a valuable lesson. No matter how careful and protective you think you are, it still can happen…even to you.Before you set out for your travel adventures . . .

Identity Theft And The Internet

LexisNexis, a provider of personal and financial data, recently reported that the personal information of as many as 310,000 people nationwide may have been stolen. This figure is nearly 10 times higher than the original figure disclosed last month by the company.ChoicePoint Inc., another consumer data collection service, stated 145,000 people in their database were possibly exposed to identit. . .

The Easy Way to Make a Special Present

We all know someone who is difficult to buy a present for. Someone who has everything they need and would not appreciate ‘normal’ gifts. Often this will be your parent or an older relative or neighbor, and they can be a problem to buy something for.Well, this is a simple way to make a unique gift that they will be happy to accept. When you take the time to produce something that relates only. . .

A Year’s Worth of Character Training to Last a Lifetime

Ever wonder why some kids are the way they are? Ever wonder why some kids seem to lack the basics in true inner character? Well, just exactly how did we think children would ever get character – without being taught character. Long gone are the days when whole communities worship weekly. Long gone are the days when everyone in our small societal circles subscribe to the same exacting mo. . .

New Hope for Old Farmers: Americans Long For Life 'Down o...

Imagine my surprise when I read an article in the April 2005 edition of Reader's Digest informing me that membership in Future Farmers of America (FFA) has hit a 22-year record high.Since 1994, the number of farmers' markets around the country also has more than doubled, the article said.I find these two bits of information especially interesting because small family farms have been disappeari. . .

Gift Ideas for a 50th Wedding Anniversary

The big 50. The fiftieth wedding anniversary is an important, yet seldom reached milestone in any couple's relationship. Unlike other anniversaries, this one is such a 'biggie' that other people can feel free to celebrate it too (with the happy couple's consent, of course). Traditionally, this is the 'golden wedding', and if you are into flowers, the violet is the main theme. Typically, the kid. . .

The Challenge of Families

Angie grew up in a family where she was the caretaker. The oldest of four, Angie was the only member of her family capable of deep caring, empathy and compassion. As a result, she was always attempting to protect her brother and sisters from her father’s physical and emotional abuse. Even her mother learned to turn to her for help and protection. Because everyone learned to rely on Angie, when . . .

Guide to Choosing a Computer System For Your Child

Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe that you would like to know the answer to the following question:Why do children need computers?The easiest answer for this one is: “A child needs a computer so that he can play computer games”. Everybody agrees. Nevertheless, let’s not just limit on the short term use of the computer… Let’s analyze a little the world we live . . .

Make a Time Capsule To Preserve Family Memories

A time capsule is a fun and educational activity for kids of all ages. Easy step by step guide shows how to preserve your precious family memories in a unique and fun way. A meaningful gift for the special child in your life.Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve a precious snapshot of your family's history by creating a time capsule for your child? It's a great way to comm. . .

Persuasion Through Needs is Achieved in the Film Fargo

The film Fargo, an Academy Award winner for Best Picture in 1996, has several characters that exemplify the first process premise of needs, in turn making this film persuasive. This film is based around the life of a man named Jerry Lundegaard, whom is deep in debt and is married to a woman whose father has no respect or admiration for him. His typical day at work involves ripping customers o. . .

Pet Owner Are The Majority Population In The U.S.

According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S. household have at least one pet, and in many of these homes, their pets are considered part of the family. With so many homes containing pets, it is no wonder that so many laws have been created to protect our pets. Agencies that might not have existed just a decade ago, like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P. . .

Face Paint Recipes

These easy face paint recipes show how to make homemade face paint using common household ingredients. Mix and store in baby food jars or discarded film canisters. Be ready for your next kids party or dress-up event.HOMEMADE FACE PAINT RECIPESFacepaint Recipe #1 1 tsp. Cornstarch ½ tsp. Cold cream ½ tsp. Water Food coloring (variety of colors)Mix together cornstarch and cold cream until well b. . .

Home Owners: Disclose the Facts!

One of the most common causes for disputes occurring after the sale of a home arise from the buyer finding defects in the property, defects which were not disclosed to him by the owner before the sale of the property. If you are the owner of a home that you are looking to sell, please be aware that you may be held liable for not disclosing any known defects in your home.The statutes governing s. . .

What You Can Do To Sell Your Home Fast

Yes, you want to sell your home and you want to sell it fast. It may be a seller’s market and every other home in your neighbourhood is selling and you think it’s going to be a cakewalk selling your home. You put your house up for sale, people come, a few offers pour in, negotiations take place and then something happens that the deal falls through. This happens more than not when it comes to s. . .

Home Hunting and the Internet

So, it’s home hunting time. Where do you start? Who do you contact? Well, home hunting has been made much easier with the advent of the Internet. There are plenty of websites these days with huge numbers of real estate listings, which make the task of finding a home so much easier. You can now browse through home listings, compare prices, compare the specifics of each home before deciding on wh. . .

Rent to Buy Homes: Begin to Secure Your Equity

Renting to own provides quality solutions to home buyers with credit problems.If you desire to own your own home but are unable to secure conventional financing today, working with agencies or individuals who provide rent to buy homes may well be your most effective and, in the long run, profitable option. A lease purchase can make your rent money work for you in a way that renting from a landl. . .

Consumers: Finally Safe Information!

Do you really have to know how feeds work? Not really. But you do need to understand how they can benefit you as a consumer or as an information seeker.Feeds are simple, really. What's even more exciting is that they are extremely easy to use, and even better, they are completely safe from Viruses, being Spammed or receiving Junk Mail. How? Basically because there is no transfer of information . . .

50th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

A 50th anniversary gift commemorates a milestone most married couples wish to reach. What can you possibly give a couple after 50 years of marriage? The most meaningful wedding anniversary gift is one that comes from the heart: to express your love and appreciation towards all that they mean to you, how their staying married through the thick and thin of life has influenced you, to tell about t. . .

Be Cautious When Using Your Nest Egg as an ATM

About five years ago I moved from the ranks of being a renter to that of being a homeowner. Now, not a week goes by that I don’t receive some type of offer through the mail encouraging me to refinance my mortgage, open a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or apply for a home equity loan.Payoff High Interest Credit Card Debt! Lower Your Monthly Payments! Buy A New Car! Refinance And Get Money N. . .

Couple Relationship

Statistics about divorce rates in the United States vary widely from one third up to fifty percent. Still, even considering the lower estimations, that would still be every third couple getting divorced.Surely one reason is the more liberated attitude towards marriage and divorce in our modern society. But there must be different reasons why couples are not getting along in the first place - be. . .

Family Mental Illness -- Coping

Experience and Coping Strategies of Living with Mental Illness"The mental illness of a family member is an unexpected event that disrupts the usual sense of continuity an rhythm in the lifecycle with a profound impact on young family members". (Marsh & Dickens, 1997, p.51)Mental illness disrupts lives in the following ways: economic hardship frequent changes of home/residence separation/divorce. . .

Relationship Deal-breakers

In the 37 years that I have been counseling couples, I have discovered that there are only a few issues that are true relationship deal-breakers. Many of the issues that tear relationships apart are not actual deal-breakers. Rather, most divorces and breakups are the result of one or both partner’s unwillingness to learn from the conflicts that exist in all primary relationships. But some confl. . .

Compatibility

Harsh words, hurting comments, tears and flying household objects - for sure, no one ever wanted that to be the everyday routine when deciding to live together with the beloved person. Yet, why is this such a common picture, portrayed even in many Hollywood dramas?Two people meet, they fall in love - that happens, in a multitude of different ways, thousands of times all over the world. Then, if. . .

Are You Addicted To TV?

It is 2AM and you are blankly staring at a rerun of "Columbo". You meant to go to bed hours ago, but the time has somehow managed to slip through your fingers. Your hand reaches for the remote.It's Saturday afternoon and your best friend since kindergarten calls and asks to meet with you over coffee. She has some exciting news, and she can't wait to share it. "Wait until "Friends" is over,". . .

Do I Have to Part With My Pet If I Have Pet Allergies?

Aaaaaaachoo!Sneezing? Wheezing? Nose runny, eyes itchy? You may be suffering from the common cold. But if the condition has been hanging on for two weeks, or more, you may be suffering from an allergy as opposed to a cold. Your doctor may be the only one who can conclude if you are experiencing an allergic reaction.There are many types of allergies but being allergic to animals is quite common. . .

Save Money on a Holiday

Going on a family vacation can be considerably more expensive than going with your partner only. Instead of buying two airline tickets and renting a double room in a hotel, you need maybe four or five tickets and at least two hotel rooms.Fortunately, there are a lot of family-friendly offers that help keeping things in budget. Still, there are some aspects where you can cut on costs.An expense . . .

Simplifying Your Life With Unique Scheduling

The simple life is a life lived with a single focus. The more responsibilities a person has, the more complicated life becomes. For generations the focus for women was their families. I have often longed for the past, thinking how wonderful if we could turn back the clock to a simpler time. But, here we are, in a 21st-century world, and now most of us have at least two major responsibilities in. . .

Weaning Puppies Is Only Natural

Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have been doing it successfully for ages, so how hard can it be, right?But humans, not being dogs, can sometimes forget the natural part, and get confused about it. Fact is, weaning puppies is an easy, logical process. When you're ready to begin weaning your new puppies, keep in mind that this should be done gradually, in small steps. . . .

Dog Worms -- Don't Let Them Get Started

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was about two AM, when beneath our bed the new puppy we'd brought home from the pound just a month earlier began screaming. Not yipping or whining -- this was the kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end. Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside. He had worms, even though he'd received all the right shots . . .

How To Recognize and Stop Feline Urinary Tract Infections...

How can you recognize feline Urinary Tract Infections early on, to save your kitty needless pain, and damage to your home from her cat urine?This article will outline the steps you can take to prevent kitty's pain from feline Urinary Tract Infection and the damage done to your home from her urine.Possibly the single biggest cause of cats not using the litter box is a medical condition called Fe. . .

Why Modern Moms Are Going Back to the Basics – The Evolut...

Having a baby is one of the most exciting times of your life. It is also one of the most stressful. So many decisions have to be made about nearly every aspect of your baby’s comfort, safety, and happiness. You spend hours pouring over pregnancy and child rearing books, picking out the perfect crib, finding the most adorable and comfortable clothing, and envisioning the safest and most peaceful. . .

Those Mobile Phone Wielding Drivers

A taxi driver in Singapore recently drove his taxi headfirst into a rather deluxe condominium swimming pool! At the subsequent court case the driver was fully exonerated from any blame on the grounds that it was raining heavily at the time of the incident and (would you believe it?) that no barriers were in place around the pool. If anybody was to ponder over this scenario it would not be hard . . .

The Record Industry Continues Battle Against Free Music D...

Movie and record producers alike are saying file-sharing networks that permit its users the ability to make copies from other network member’s computers are infringing on the copyright laws and costing billions of dollars in lost revenue.The recording industry claims to have lost 25% of it’s revenues since computer, so called thieves, have been using peer-to-peer file-sharing networks to obtain. . .

Create A Gift Basket For A Dog Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and friends can often be a difficult one. One of the best gifts that you can give is a gift basket. A gift basket is that one present that comes in many shapes, themes and of course price ranges. A gift basket can also be a new arrival gift idea. The diversity of gift baskets is never-ending. You can give a doggy gourmet food gift basket or a bath. . .

Create A Gift Basket For A Cat Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and friends can often be a difficult one. One of the best gifts that you can give is a themed gift basket. A gift basket is that one present that comes in many shapes, themes and of course price ranges. A gift basket can also be a new arrival gift idea for that family pet. The diversity of gift baskets is never-ending. You can give a cat gourmet f. . .