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Emma Snow - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
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- Which Craft is Right for Me?
[Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] The crafting world is as wide and diverse as a tropical rainforest. Each crafting activity has unique benefits and challenges. You could spend your entire life just trying out different crafts.
- How to Host a Gourmet Dinner
[Food-and-Drink] A French philosopher once said that eating alone was sadder than destitution. Certainly, no one likes to eat alone. Now that you have perfected that fillet mignon, or vichyssoise soup, (or whatever your signature dish is), you will want to show off to your friends! But hosting a gourmet dinner is much more than good food.
- Living on a Budget
[Investing] Living beyond financial means and incurring large amounts of consumer debt are increasing among individuals and families. Whether your income is large or small, creating a budget and adhering to it, will allow you to avoid debt and make better choices about needs and wants.
- Drying Flowers for Crafts
[Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] Drying flowers is a simple and inexpensive way to preserve these cherished moments. There are multiple ways to use your flowers and preserve them for crafts and decorations. Whether they were a gift, or from a special day they can be made into something to enjoy long after that time has passed.
- Save Time Cooking
[Food-and-Drink] Does the idea that good food has to take a long time to make keep you from spending time cooking? There are many ways to help speed and efficiency in the kitchen. The arrangement of your kitchen, as well as the tools you use, make all the difference. Don't give up on trying to expand your skills and abilities. Try these suggestions to make gourmet cooking well within your time constraints.
- African Elephant
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Not long ago there were over five million elephants on the earth, but there exists now less than a half million. Climate changes, as well as destruction of habitat, and hunting have influenced the number of elephants.
- Sikhism, A View of the Sikh Religion
[News-and-Society:Religion] Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. It began as a progressive religion which rejected all distinctions of caste, creed, race, or sex. It recognized the full equality of women at a time when women were regarded as property or entertainment of men, when female infanticide and widow burning was common and even encouraged. The legacy of Sikhism is its emphasis on one's devotion to God and truthful living.
- Chinese Religion - Taoism
[News-and-Society:Religion] You are no doubt familiar with the harmonizing symbol of yin and yang: the mystical circle encasing rolling waves of black and white. Within the black wave rides a white dot, and conversely, a black dot is seen in the white wave. Most know its connection to the idea of yin and yang, but few know the origin of yin and yang, or anything more of Taoist thought.
- How to Help People With Disabilities Participate in Games
[Recreation-and-Sports] The golden rule is a guide to most situations in life, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It is not always easy to put ourselves in another person's shoes and try to understand how we would feel if we were them. However, it is important to do in order to be able to adapt activities to allow for our friends or family with disabilities to participate with us.
- Paint Brushes Are An Investment
[Arts-and-Entertainment] Brushes are the most important painter's tools. Buying brushes is not just a random decision, but one that should be made carefully. Selection of brushes is personal and is based upon needs and level of investment desired. Because a brush will only last as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning and storage of brushes is probably even more important than the decision of what brush to buy.
- Wild Animal Endangerment
[Pets] Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem.
- Beans, Beans and More Beans
[Food-and-Drink] Dry beans are among some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Beans are not only a complex carbohydrate, which provides sustained energy throughout the day, but also have many important nutrients such as, calcium, potassium, protein and folate. Plus, you get these benefits without the fat and cholesterol that meat or dairy products might contain.
- How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
[Pets:Dogs] Obesity is on the rise for canines. The reasons for this influx are similar to those that humans experience, too much food and too little exercise. The results of obesity are similar for your canine friends too. Studies reveal that 25% of overweight dogs experience severe joint problems.
- Puzzles Will Help Advance Your Child
[Home-and-Family] There are many puzzles that will challenge the advanced child. One example is Sudoku. There are many levels in the game and all ages can play. Other puzzles include: riddles, anagrams, doublets, picture puzzles, chess problems, math puzzles, and logic puzzles. Is one puzzle better than another? No. Puzzles should be geared toward the interest of the child. Tastes, skills and interests form at a remarkably early age.
- Working Up An Appetite
[Food-and-Drink] One of the greatest experiences of being human is to be out in nature. There is just something about being in the fresh open air of the wilderness that makes a person feel more alive, more grounded. The stresses and responsibilities of life lessen in the great outdoors and it is less complicated.
- Barbecue, an American Tradition
[Food-and-Drink] Barbecue is as American as apple pie. It's aroma evokes memories of baseball games, swimming and family vacations. Mouths water when the grill is fired up. Preparing meat for the barbecue is just as important as the cooking itself. Marinating infuses flavor into the meat, ensuring a delicious family meal that will not be easily forgotten.
- Echidnas
[Pets] Scientists have not been able to determine the number of echidnas in existence in the world, and have officially listed them as a protected species. It may take time, but hopefully technology will continue to aid us in the understanding of this primitive, perplexing creature.
- Canadian Geese
[Pets] Few spectacles symbolize autumn better than a gang of Canada Geese crossing a cloudy sky in V-formation. Common throughout most of North America, Canada Geese live around ponds, rivers, and lake shores where they feed on aquatic grass, roots, and young sprouts, as well as corn and grain. A strong inward pull called instinct urges these waterfowl into the skies to make this great annual southward migration.
- Variety is the Spice of Life
[Food-and-Drink:Cooking-Tips] People are creatures of habit and largely base choices on that which is familiar. Although some habits are good, cooking the same types of food over and over zaps creativity and breeds indifference in the kitchen. Food is not only necessary for survival, it is also a main source of enjoyment.
- The Red Dragon of St. John, The Divine
[Travel-and-Leisure] Perhaps the dragon that has had the most influence on Westernized Christian thought is the red dragon that dominates the last book of the New Testament. The author of this book, who simply identified himself as John, had been exiled to the Isle of Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, where he received a brilliant vision in which he was welcomed into the heavens to witness all things which were to come.
- Koala Kismet
[Pets] To gaze into their eyes is to touch tranquility. Perhaps it is because they spend so much of their lives removed from our terrestrial sphere that these creatures can inspire such serenity in just one glance. Perched in the canopy of the tall Eucalyptus forests of Australia, koalas pass their lives unperturbed, nap to nap, meal to meal.
- How to Observe Wildlife Without Leaving Home
[Home-and-Family] While lumbering herds of elephants and stalking Bengal tigers capture the imagination of most animal lovers, we often neglect the nature closest to us. Sometimes we need a reminder that we are part of a habitat, and that the miracle of life exists under our very noses.
- Gourmets Get Ready for Induction Cooking
[Food-and-Drink] While the technology has been around for decades, in recent years it has been greatly improved upon, already taking hold in Europe and Japan. There can be no doubt that magnetic induction promises to be the most attractive cooking option on the market. In this article we will discuss how induction cooking works, how it differs from electric and gas stovetops, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the new technology.
- Tiamet-the First Dragon
[Travel-and-Leisure] The first dragon story on record is found in the Babylonian creation epic, Enuma Elish. First called Labbu by the Sumerians in 3000 BC, this dragon came to be known as Tiamat when that civilization gave way to the Babylonians and their mythologies blended. Broken down, Tiamat's name means "life-mother," and this she-dragon was indeed the creator of all. P
- Puffins, the Parrot of the Sea
[Travel-and-Leisure] It is August on the coast of Iceland, and the air is filled with the deep garbled growls of hundreds of puffins. The social birds have come to shore for the short breeding season, and the rocky banks are dotted with their squat, football-shaped bodies. From the ocean bursts a shiny five-year-old male carrying a dozen small herring in his beak.
- Take Five: Five Tips to Track Down your Canine Soul Mate
[Pets:Cats] There is a right and a wrong way to pick a pooch. The process is a little like dating. The few who find fulfillment in love are those who use their hearts and their heads. There is a special kind of nirvana when a person connects with their canine soul mate. They weren't fooling when they called dog "man'’s best friend." But such unions don't happen by mistake. A little careful preparation will go a long way.
- Arctic Wolves
[Travel-and-Leisure] As the wolves get closer, the herd snaps into action, forming into two rings, with younger calves in the middle protected by the adults facing outward. The circle would be impossible for one wolf to penetrate, so the pack must work as a team. Back and forth race the wolves, snapping at the legs of creatures five times their weight.
- Finances - The Right Question
[Investing] It's the age old question asked by financial advisors, "Can you really afford it?" Unfortunately, most Americans, working as trained professionals in reputable industries, and filled with an innate sense of entitlement, will answer that question "Yes. Of course I can afford it."
- Try These Scrabble House Rules
[Home-and-Family] Any family with a Scrabble tradition has doubtless developed their own set of house rules, particularly if that household includes children requiring modifications. House rules can make play more interesting and lively, place an emphasis on learning rather than competition, or simply be used to speed the game up. Below, are some common house rules I’ve heard about or used at home. Each rule adds its own twist to the game.
- Q-Tip Style Snowflakes
[Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] I first heard this idea at a teacher’s convention, and have been making Q-tip snowflakes with my elementary classes for years. The activity was so enjoyable that we do it at home too, and hang the intricate snowflakes from the ceiling using fishing line. The result is incredible—transforming hallways, windows, and entries into a winter wonderland.
- Christmas Pyramids: A 300 Year Old Tradition
[Home-and-Family:Holidays] Before the grand Tannenbaum, there was the Weinachts pyramide, or lightstock. This holiday tradition can be traced to Dresden, the largest city in the Erzibirge region of Germany, where in 1168 AD silver and tin were discovered. Hundreds of miners flocked to the Ore Mountains to make their fortunes. But foreign competition and warfare resulted in many miners losing their jobs.
- Teach Youngsters the Meaning of Christmas With 5 Sensory Activities
[Home-and-Family:Holidays] Christmas is about family. Here is a collection of five crafts that you can make as a family to teach the true meaning and symbols of Christmas. Children will learn to identify Christmas using their five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Pick and choose the activities you think your family will best enjoy, and spread them throughout the season. Start new
- Fake or Fir: A Christmas Dilemma
[Home-and-Family:Holidays] Every year families are confronted with the dilemma of whether to buy a live Christmas tree, or to invest in an artificial one. While it ultimately comes down to personal taste, there are some definite pros and cons one might want to consider before weighing in on the matter.
- A Pickle of a Tradition - Christmas
[Home-and-Family:Holidays] As legend has it, in Germany parents decorate their Tannenbaums on Christmas Eve. The last ornament hung is die Weinachtsgurke—a delicate glass ornament in the shape of a pickle. This is a significant ornament, for the next morning the children will rush in to open their gifts from St. Nicholas. But the festivities can not begin until one of the children locates the elusive gherkin.
- Top 10 Signs You are a Dog Lover
[Pets:Dogs] There's something different about you. People sense it the moment you walk in the door. Is it in your smile, or the way wear your hair? Truly, there are countless manifestations of your canine obsession.
- Musk Oxen
[Travel-and-Leisure] One look at herd of Musk Oxen, and you wonder if you've traveled back in time to the Pleistocene, the age of Saber-toothed Tigers and Woolly Mammoths. Reportedly, these venerable beasts have existed since the last ice age, 600,000 years ago. With their distinctive curved horns and shaggy long hair, this "Bison of the Tundra" roams the arctic river valleys of North America, Greenland, and the northern countries of Europe.
- Pick Me! Why a Shelter Dog is Your Best Choice
[Pets:Dogs] Disney left a life-long impression on me when, as a youngster, I viewed the dog pound scene in Lady and the Tramp. Mournful mutts howled out a pitiful rendition of "Home Sweet Home," which nobody but the most callous could sit through dry-eyed. The pound was portrayed as a cruel place manned by heartless dog-catchers. I vowed never to step foot in one, not even to save the life of one of the rejected creatures.
- Advanced Scrabble Techniques
[Home-and-Family] So you think you are ready to take your Scrabble game to the next level? You are considering membership in a Scrabble club, or entering a local tournament? How do you know if you are ready? You may be the family champion, having mastered the basics, but will your reputation hold up in the competitive arena?
- The Rex Files: Your Dog and The Law
[Legal] Every year 5 million dog bite reports are filed. Over $1 billion are paid in losses. Reacting to complaints, city councils are passing ever more ordinances that affect dog ownership. Even insurance companies are putting in their two cents worth when it comes to our furry family members. While it’s not always a top concern for many dog owners, it’s definitely in your best interest to be aware of the legal implications of owning a pet.
- The Kodiak Bear
[Travel-and-Leisure] Early May on Kodiak Island. Fog drowns the lush forest in mystery. Spattered across a black earthen floor, slushy snow melts in shadowy rings. From a wooded den, a shaggy brown head appears. Unbelievable in size, the creature emerges slowly. Ursus arctos middendorffi, Alaska’s Kodiak Bear, awakes from her long winter’s nap.
- Children and Scrabble: The Perfect Match
[Home-and-Family] Scrabble was a tradition in my family. From the time I could barely see the board from my vantage point at the edge of the table, I witnessed the subtle strategies used by my older brother and sisters at play. I dreamed of the day I was old enough to play—how I'd dazzle them all with my victory!
- Faux Paws: Six Common Mistakes New Dog Owners Make
[Pets:Dogs] These are the things I wish all dog owners knew. The good news is that none of these mistakes is unavoidable, nor are they difficult. Keeping these five tips in mind, the new dog owner will be on the right road to a happy ever after - ruff ruff!
- How to Dye Your Own Yarn
[Travel-and-Leisure] Dying your own yarn is not difficult and can be fun! There are a lot of methods for dying, but the one I like best uses unsweetened drink mixes, such as Kool-Aid or Flavor-Aid and a microwave.
- Dog in Print: Five Dogs You Must Bring Home
[Pets:Dogs] Calling all dog-lovers! Dogs have made some of the most unforgettable characters in literature. It's not uncommon for children to become as attached to a dog in print as the real thing. Puppy love comes in all forms. In fact, I believe I can trace my canine-cravings to my earliest days of reading, when I fell in love with Old Dan and Little Ann (from Where the Red Fern Grows).
- Tips to Transform Your Scrabble Game
[Travel-and-Leisure] Alright, so your mother-in-law, a PhD in English Literature, has challenged you, a lowly salesclerk at the local bookstore, to a "friendly" game of Scrabble. Sound like a hopeless case? Certainly not! More than just a rivalry of vocabularies, Scrabble is a game of strategy. Equipped with the right tricks, even a child could give your mother-in-law a run for her money!
- Pooches in Pictures; How Hollywood Influences the Dogs We Bring Home
[Pets:Dogs] No actor wants to share the stage with a dog, for he will undoubtedly be upstaged. It’s all but impossible to watch a dog movie without falling head over heels into puppy love.
- Vegetarians at the BBQ
[Food-and-Drink] Once viewed as an eccentric oddity, vegetarians have moved from the fringe to the mainstream. However, the truth is, all too often the meatless menu option isn’t vegetarian at all…it’s just a menu item, minus the meat. Unfortunately, a white hoagie bun topped with iceberg lettuce, pickles, onions, mayonnaise, and mustard is about as unappealing to the vegetarian as it is to the carnivore counterpart.
- Learn About Unusual Mammals and Birds
[Reference-and-Education] We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? There are so many lesser known animals on this planet that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
- Best Places to See Wildlife in Nature
[Travel-and-Leisure:Outdoors] While a zoo definitely has it's place in animal watching, it doesn't compare to seeing animals in their own natural habitat. After a recent visit to Yellowstone National Park, this felt especially true for me. A traffic jam caused by young buffalo calves and their mothers crossing the road is an experience not to be missed. It made me wonder about other places that would be conducive to viewing wildlife in a natural setting.
- Are You a Gourmet?
[Home-and-Family] What exactly does it mean to be a gourmet? Does watching public television cooking shows on Saturday morning while folding the laundry count? How about being fascinated with Julia Child and having all of her cookbooks on your Amazon wish list? Knowing what zest, garam marsala and charcuterie mean, does this qualify you as being a gourmet? Where did the term come from and what exactly does it mean?
- Learn About Unusual Deep Sea Creatures
[Reference-and-Education] We are all familiar with dolphins, whales and sharks; we know what tuna and snapper look like, but what about some less familiar fish such as lizardfish, giant squid, or blind eels? There are so many lesser known animals in the depths of the ocean that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
- Different Types of Barbecue Grills
[Food-and-Drink:Cooking-Tips] Summer is here and the steaks are ready to grill, the only problem is that you don't know exactly what type of barbeque grill to buy. There are many questions that need to be asked when buying a grill. Things such as cost, ease of use, other uses besides grilling, flavor and portability should be considered.
- The Easiest Way to Diversify
[Investing] It's a phrase you have heard over and over, "diversify your portfolio", but what does it mean to someone with little or no financial background? The world of stock markets, volatility and portfolios in general may not be all that familiar. There are a number of investments to choose from that do most of the diversification work for you.
- US Bonsai Gardens to Visit
[Travel-and-Leisure] Visiting a Japanese garden is a serene experience. It beckons its visitors to leave the world behind and enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature. Bonsai are included in most Japanese gardens and enhance their uniqueness and beauty. In a Japanese garden you are encouraged to observe, listen and reflect. Visiting just one of these gardens is a treat for all of the senses.
- How to Avoid Ruining Retirement
[Home-and-Family:Retirement] So often it is believed that wealth is only attainable by those with large incomes. Those with smaller incomes may not put anything aside, assuming such small savings won't make enough of a difference in the long run. In my experience in the financial services industry, there were several times when I would help an elementary school teacher or janitor with their sizeable 403(b) account.
- How to Have Financial Peace
[Finance:Personal-Finance] One of the biggest contributors toward personal peace is financial peace. Sometimes it is assumed that financial peace is only for those with endless amounts of money. In actuality, you can be financially secure at almost any income level. Avoiding common financial mistakes is the first step. This article discusses some mistakes that many of us make and how to avoid them.
- Ways to Help You Invest
[Investing] Everyone knows the importance of setting aside savings. Whether it's for retirement, emergency funds or saving for the family vacation, it is something that we should all be doing. Yet sometimes this isn't as easy as we would like and at the end of the month our money is spent without setting anything aside. The financial services industry has become aware of this and has created tools to help us save.
- Where Should I Put My Savings? Different Types of Investment Accounts
[Investing] In the big world of investing, it seems we hear a lot about what securities to invest in, but not as much about what types of accounts to invest in. There are so many different types of investment accounts, each covering a different purpose, and new types of accounts seem to be created weekly. What are some of the basic types of investment accounts and what can they do for you?
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