Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Planning the Perfect Wedding Gift List

Considerations for a gift list - what should you be focussing on?With society changing so are the ages of people getting married, this means that there are now many stages when you may or may not need things. Our quick guide should help you work out which type of gift list bridge or groom you are and some pointers on where to focus your list...1) Require the basics - just starting out in every. . .

The Art of Asking

One of the most potent saving tools you possess as a consumer is the ability to ask. This ability can easily save you thousands of dollars a year, yet the majority of people fail to use it. Most of us are used to walking into an establishment and handing over the amount of money indicated for the item or service we want to purchase. Some may spend hours researching the best deal by going throug. . .

Leather Wristbands & Bracelets Sweeping the Country In Po...

Leather wristbands & bracelets started to come into popularity about 3 or 4 years ago. Celebrities started to wear them. Slowly, the general population started to wear them a little. Soon, they become no longer an accessory that was gothic or extreme, the more conservative leather wristbands and bracelets were becoming common among people with many different fashion tastes.Leather cuff watches . . .

Speak to Me of Love

Dovid Grossman, a coach and father of nine, recently told me that his father and he had fought constantly through his growing up years. Through it all, his mother was the referee. Finally when Dovid was 17 years old he sat down with his father and said, “I want to have a close relationship with you.” He was flabbergasted when his father said, “I’ve tried to do that your whole life but I don’. . .

Reuniting Lost Pets With Their Owners

Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially on children who are close to the lost pet. But, one in three pet owners fail to take the steps needed to ensure that this tragedy does not occur in their home. These steps can be as simple as providing a pet identification tag with up-to-date contact information in the event the family pet ever gets lost, so that the finder of the pe. . .

Choosing The Best Pets For Kids

"Can I have a puppy? Please, oh please, I'll take care of it and look after it and everything" Just what do you say to your kids when they ask for a pet? It is perfectly true that growing up with a family pet can teach children responsibility and to develop their social skills. Also cultivating good feelings towards pet animals helps kids to develop a sense of self esteem and help them to estab. . .

How To Date Ann Coulter (If You Must)

I’ve decided to go public with my intentions: I will not be asking Ann Coulter for a date. There are some good reasons. First, I’m married. Second, there is a substantial age differential. And, third, I fear rejection.While reading Coulter’s book, How to Talk to Liberals (If You Must), I thought about the prospects.A single, middle-aged guy who’s still trying to look like he’s in his 20s would . . .

Protecting The Family Pet

Ever since the beginning of time there has always been the pet and the family, today’s pets have become an integral part of the family, and even considered by some to be a part of the family. With this relationship being so vital, protection of the family pet is a major concern of many pet owners.Each year millions of pets are reported lost or found, but a large majority of these members . . .

Jeweled Shamrock Pendant

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and according to tradition if you are not wearing at least a little something green you just might get pinched and why put yourself through that? Let's face it most of us do not look very good in green attire but, there are ways around this.A pretty green pendant to wear on your lapel for the occasion would be fun and festive especially if you make it yourself.I. . .

So You'd Like To... Learn More About Living on a Farm

Forty years ago when I was a little girl growing up on our dairy farm in west central Wisconsin, I thought everyone lived on a farm. Then again, many of my kindergarten classmates lived on farms, too, so maybe I wasn’t completely off base.Later on, however, after I had graduated from high school and started traveling around the United States, I was hard-pressed to meet anyone who had ever been . . .

Television's Mysteries

The Twilight Zone of other Television ProgramsYou unlock this door with the key of imagination. That's what Rod Serling would say. It appears to me that the Twilight Zone may have affected more than the 30 minutes it controlled every week those many years ago. So with the keys of your imagination lets journey farther into the Outer Limits of television and discover that the weird and the bizarr. . .

Mind Reading 101

Once when I was a cube dweller, toiling away at my computer, I received a call from the company operator asking me to come up front. When I arrived, she pointed to a gorgeous bouquet. My favorite wildflowers exploded from a vase. As I returned to my desk carrying the gift, at least half a dozen co-workers smiled and asked the significance of the day. "It's no special occasion," I replied. "My h. . .

Doing Genealogical Research? What You Should Know About B...

Recently, millions of people all over the world are becoming more involved in doing ancestral research and with the development of the internet and vast genealogical databases’, finding your ancestors is getting easier and more convenient. If you are someone who is just beginning doing research or someone who has been researching ancestors for years, the information presented in this article sh. . .

Food is Our Oldest Conversation:

Food is our oldest conversation and our most emotional one. Being nourished at our mother’s breast is our first activity after birth. As our lives unfold, we come to associate food with our self-image, our relationships, and comfort from daily stress. Unfortunately, we also develop a lot of negative associations with food based on the “stories” our parents tell us about it. Where Do Our Eating . . .

How To Prevent Dog Bites

It is very certain that there is no guarantee that your dog will never bite someone under any condition which you may not even predict. However, you can reduce the risk attached to dog bite. The popular saying is that prevention is better than cure. Since prevention of dog bites is not the responsiblity of dog owners alone, here we will be discussing preventive measures the prospective dog owne. . .

How to Feel Safety Not Terror

At the present time our nation continues in the war on terror. We recognize, of course, that both 'war' and 'peace' during a time when the world largely rejects the Son of God can be but relative terms. There was much real enmity during the days of so-called 'peace', and, conversely, there may be enjoyed, in the middle of this war, a peace which the world can neither give nor take away.It would. . .

Looney Balloon Games For Kids Parties

What's a kids party without balloons? Great for decorating, party favors, and of course, party games. Floating balloons, googly balloons, water balloons, screaming balloons ... Here's a great collection of looney balloon games kids will love.BALLOON POP RELAYForm guests into two lines facing a bag of balloons about 20 feet away. At the starting signal, guests must race to the balloon bag, take . . .

Ten Easy Steps to Great Kids Party Pictures

Kids parties and pictures go together like cake and ice cream. If you're the designated shutterbug for a kids party, be sure you're up to the task. A quick study of these valuable picture-taking tips shows you how to become a first rate kid party photographer.1. PREPAREIf you're going digital, make sure your memory stick has enough space to accommodate the pictures you intend to take. Delete or. . .

Leaving the Hospital, Going To The Nursing Home

Admitting yourself or someone you love to a nursing home for rehabilitation is something that we have to do and not what we want to do. As we age the risk increases for a health accident even if we are healthy. Unfortunately, nat all of the care we will ned can be provided in a hospital or at a rehabilitation specialty center. Some of us will need to go to a skilled unit at a nursing home.Ne. . .

Day One at Nursing Home For Rehabilitation

Finally your patient is at the skilled unit of nursing home. The admission paper work into a skilled nursing home for rehabilitation can take near up to an hour to complete. The responsible party whether it is you the patient, your spouse an adult child, someone will have to sign all of the paper work.The day that the resident is received at the nursing home skilled rehabilitation unit the re. . .

Knowledge To Bring With You For The Nursing Home Admission

Nursing Homes require a lot of information. For many individuals entering a nursing home this may be the first time they are introduced to health, financial and end of life planning. Some of the information required by nursing homes may be very sensitive if you have not addressed the reality of your own or your loved ones health and financial related outcomes. Knowing how long the anticipated. . .

How Will You Pay For Skilled Rehabilitation In The Nursin...

One of the most frustrating events for individuals facing rehabilitation is thinking that their insurance is going to pay for everything and finding out that their insurance will not pay for the complete services required for a successful rehabilitation.Nursing home skilled units want to be assured that the necessary steps will be taken to assure that they will be paid. Nursing homes are most . . .

Wacky Water Games For Your Kids Party

Twelve wacky water game ideas are a cool addition to any summer party. Choose from favorites like water limbo, musical sprinkler, sponge tag, and more. BUBBLE POOL Set up a kiddie pool and fill with bubble solution. Supply kids with an assortment of bubble blowers. Stretched coat hangers are great for giant bubbles. Have each child stand in the middle of the bubble pool inside a hula hoop. Pull. . .

Ten Ha-Ha-Hilarious Kids Party Games

Want to become the most popular kids party-giver on the planet? Keep kids cracking up with these ten tried-and-true ha-ha-hilarious kids party game ideas. PARROT GAMEDivide guests into two equal groups, one is the Pirates, the other the Parrots. The parrots are very very grouchy and are not permitted to smile. The pirates can do anything they like to get the parrots to laugh. The parrots can on. . .

Ten Classis Kids Party Games With a Twist

The most exciting part of a kids party is the party games, and why not start with the classics? We've all played musical chairs, pin-the-tail, and limbo. But have you played them like this? Learn how to give each classic child party game idea its own unique twist to fit your party theme. BEAN BAG TOSS/FEED THE MONSTER Draw a monster face on a piece of poster board or heavy cardboard and cut a h. . .

A Hidden Jewel In Home Decorating, The Powder Room

Typically a small space consisting of just a sink and toilet, you most likely know them by a more common term “half-bath” or “guest bath. Ever wonder where the term “powder room” came from? It’s derived from Victorian times, when women needed to “powder their noses”.Why consider them a jewel when it comes to decorating, also why bother decorating them, it is after all only a bathroom.A bathroom. . .

Characteristics Of The Boxer (dog). Is A Boxer Right For ...

Country of Origin: Germany First Registered: 1904 Colors: Fawn, brindle with white markings Coat Type: Short, glossy and smooth Height: 21 - 25 inches Weight: 66 - 70 lbs. Life Span: 10 - 12 Years Average Litter Size: 5 – 10 Health Concerns:. May have problems with heart murmurs, skin tumors, digestive problems and hypothyroidism Temperament: good-natured, affectionate, sociable, headstrong, hi. . .

Twins Pregnancy - a Father's Point of View

So you’re expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I sure was. The thought of bringing two babies into the world at one time scared the heck out of me, especially since I was already the father of two boys (ages five and three). I remembered how much work the first year was with both of them, with all of the diapers, the bottles, the sleepless nights, etc… I wondered how in. . .

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Open Windows … Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze … The air smells fresh and clean … Buds on the trees are beginning to open … Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground … Finally that little bird with the red breast is backAll of these can only mean one thing “Spring” has arrived.Those days of blustery storms and frosty drafts have come to an end.With spring comes a renewed burst of ener. . .

Build-A-CaveRock in the Backyard

January 11, 2005 -- When we were searching for a method of re-creating a national pastime favorite, the fun of caves and artificial rocks, we resorted to experimenting with our own concoctions and landed with a process that is fun, easy, and surprisingly durable, with the best part being economical. CaveRock has been met with incredible appeal and in the short time we've offered it, the custome. . .

One Man's Perspective of Love and Creating Work Balance

Do you ever experience pressure from work and home at the same time? If you're like most working men you know when things are out of balance at home work tends to be more stressful. For years I was a partner in a law firm. It never failed, when there were pressures at home, performance on the job suffered. When things were good at home there was more balance between team members at the office. . . .

The Money Jar Trap

Hundreds of thousands of people place their extra change into a jar or bank every night when they return home thinking that they are saving money. In reality, the dynamics of saving coins has changed over the last 10 years so that by placing your extra coins in a jar, you may actually be losing money. This is the new money jar trap.The money jar has been a classic way for people to save money f. . .

Pros and Cons when Choosing a Specific Breed of Dog

Ok so you have made the big decision to purchase a dog. Whether the decision was yours alone, or that of your kid’s, you being the voice of reason must determine the appropriate breed of dog that will be part of your family for the years to follow. Think of it as a trip to the grocery store. You have your absolute necessities, your health food, and your junk food. Necessities So you are at your. . .

Kids Homemade Party Hat Ideas

Try these one-of-a-kind kids homemade party hat ideas for your next kids party. From fancy bonnets to sombreros, wizard cone hats to princess crowns. Learn how to make them all with simple craft and homemade materials. FANCY TISSUE PAPER BONNETHave child sit to be "fitted" for their bonnet. To form the hat's crown, place three pieces of 25 to 30 inch wrapping paper and/or colorful tissue pape. . .

How to Make Party Hat Creations With Paper Plates

Inexpensive paper plates are the basic ingredient in how to make party hat creations for your kids party. If you have a unique party theme and can't find hats to match, just make your own. The kids will enjoy the hand-on approach and you'll save a few dollars in the process.Start with a quantity of inexpensive paper plates, the kind with the scalloped edge. The entire outer edge of the plate. . .

Private Loan Consolidation

College life teaches you how to stretch a dollar, how to make a pizza cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and how to get the most out of your money. That said, when your college education is over and achieved, the student loans following it should not last a lifetime and follow you throughout your career!Consider Consolidating Your Loans and SaveRather than lug around student loans for years to. . .

Puppy Crate Training -- Fast Track to a Contented Dog

Puppy crate training is one of the most effective ways to housebreak your new puppy.Puppy crate training takes a little patience, but it's a good way to set your puppy on the right path. This method has an impressive track record.Be sure to prepare everything ahead of time. Even before you bring your new puppy home, have the puppy crate ready and waiting. The size of the crate is important. F. . .

Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses

When you get a new puppy it is imperative that he receive all his proper puppy vaccines. These protect him from getting diseases if he becomes exposed to them. When the pet doctor injects a vaccine into your puppy, it "teaches" the pup’s immune system what a disease organism looks like. But the vaccine contains only weak or dead versions of the organism, so the puppy's immune system learns to. . .

Share Your Time With Time4Sharing.org

Time4Sharing.org is a timeshare charity created by Mike Tolan ( http://miketolan.com ), CEO of Platinum International and his wife Vivian. The charity has created many community action events and children's fun days in Malta, Slovakia and Czech Republic using the staff of Platinum International. Platinum International team up with World Class Vacation Club, Rediscover Malta, Tumas Group and oth. . .

AUTOBIOGRAPHY: How to Write & Publish Your Life Story

Have you ever thought about writing your life story as a book? Do you have fascinating events in your life to tell that you know would make a bestselling book? Of course you do! And the world needs to hear your story.I can tell you first hand, as a two-time author, there is nothing better than seeing your own book in print. And when you have the opportunity to actually see your book on book. . .

Dog Training – Early Training Is Essential

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters they need training. If you do not train your puppy now it will take a serious amount of help from a training school to get him to be obedient later on. Puppies just like babies learn mostly in their early years and unfortunately will also pick up the bad habits also. Early attention will save you heartache later on and give you . . .

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety? When you leave the house, it is nice to know that your dog goes to his favorite spot and sleeps peacefully until you return. However dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not so lucky. Separation anxiety can appear in dogs that have not been properly socialized, dogs that have been moved from one home to another and dogs that are naturally nervous. Your dog is a. . .

No Need For BSL- Breed Specific Legislation

In short breed specific legislation is a quick fix for a growing problem, only thing is it does not fix the problem. Many cities, countries, states and provinces have now jumped on the band wagon to implement BSL. Most recently Ontario and there ban against "Pit Bull's". What people do not realize is that it will not stop here, the bites will not stop, the government will not stop banning breed. . .

Revivin' From Revivals

Remember the revivals they used to have around these parts back when we were growing up?I sure do. Back in those days, most churches had at least one revival each summer, usually in either July or August. We’re not talking just one night revivals, either - some of these revivals ran for at least three or four nights, and sometimes even longer.The preachers who did these revivals were typically . . .

A Little Piece Of My Heart

Well, a little piece of my heart got torn out today.Today is the day Alison moved into her new dorm over at Georgia College and State University. The day the next portion of her life officially begins. The day she takes one big step towards full fledged adulthood. The day she breaks away from her mom and dad, her home, her brother, and the life she has enjoyed up to this point. This is the day.. . .

The Curse of Camping

Now that we’re into the spring and summer months, lots more people are starting to get involved in a variety of outdoor activities. I’m talking about things like sports, sunbathing, starting gardens, and the like. Most of these activities I can understand, and with most of them I can easily see the appeal. But there’s one outdoor, spring/summer related activity that I just can’t understand for . . .

Living In Living Rooms?

Most of us that grew up around here did so in homes that weren’t very big ones. They typically didn’t have fancy parlors, patios, breakfast nooks, or any of that other high falutin‘ stuff. But, no matter how small our houses were, they all had one thing in common - living rooms.Living rooms. To be frank, I’ve always wanted to kick the shins (or worse) of whomever invented them. They were by far. . .

Strategies for Surviving Holiday Dinners, Family Events, ...

Excerpt From The Relationship Handbook: How to Understand and Improve Every Relationship in Your Life by Kevin B. Burk No matter how well we may have weathered our basic training, nothing can fully prepare us for the front lines of family gatherings. We’re in the thick of it, dodging live ammunition, and fighting the urge to return to our old, reliable patterns that helped us to survive while w. . .

A Resurrection Story

During the last decade of her life, my mother often wound up in the hospital. She had good health insurance and a good many ailments, and she generally outstayed two or three hospital roommates.One afternoon she got a new roommate, her third. But not for long, I thought. Because this one was about to die. The tiny grey-haired woman, whom I’ll call Mrs. Anderson, was sleeping the far distant sle. . .

It Still Doesn’t Pay To Be Gay

From my legal perspective, I see the issue of gay marriages or civil unions as one of civil rights. The federal government’s civil rights laws prohibit discrimination against people based on race, age, or gender. So how can state legislatures legally discriminate against a class of people – homosexual couples – based on the sameness of their gender? Having raised this question for intellectual. . .