Pop Tug

It amazes me that many of the religiously devout in America would rebuke God Himself, in order to maintain their religious traditions and beliefs – all under the guise of what God supposedly requires. The title of this article is actually taken directly from the book of Acts in the Holy Bible in chapter 10,…

WWE Survivor Series Back when the WWE only had four annual pay-per-views, Survivor Series was one of them. The original concept of large, all-star tag teams caught on with fans and lives on today. Although there is more buzz about the WWE title match at Survivor Series 2012, the inclusion of Team Foley should increase…

To say the educational system in the United States is broken,(http://www.fastcompany.com/1826287/we-know-our-education-system-broken-so-why-cant-we-fix-it) is an understatement. Two young men in my family had to use their own wits in order to complete their education, because guidance within the system offered them no recourse. My oldest son was working 2 jobs, helping with sick relatives and very active…

Sometimes a three-hanky love story isn’t going to cut it for a certain type of romantic. Those would be the quirky ones, the ones who aren’t swayed by two good-looking leads and a soaring score, followed by a kiss and a dashing off into happily ever after. Sometimes a little bit of quirky is just…

Nothing quite hits the spot like ice cream on a hot day (or any day at all, really). With more than 1100 locations nationwide, Coldstone Creamery is one of the most popular chain ice cream restaurants where Americans flock to get their dairy fix. The popular ice cream spot uses real cream in many of…

I am from the Caribbean so I am always looking for some way to represent and show my Island pride. It can sometimes be difficult to find things in island prints, especially when looking for Bikinis so I did some research and found a bunch of great options. I know that many people love the…

Many historians believe that the Cold War was inevitable once the common enemy, Germany, was defeated after the end of World War II. Other historians such as John Gaddis stress that neither superpower can be held solely responsible for the ideological war that lasted half a century. These historians believe that the US and the…

Welcome to Texas, the 2nd largest state in the Union. Driving across the state, you will find yourself moving from lush wooded, grassy areas to barren deserts and everything in between. One thing that remains common, however, is oil. From West Texas to East Texas, you will see oil field after oil field. Sometimes, it…

Throughout the years, the unclaimed funds have received strong, national attention. However, many people have lost their faith in the process because of the scams that have accompanied the funds search. The U.S. Government offers several searches, all of which are free and accessible to everyone. Not only can claimants search and locate their funds…

Whether you are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, like I am, or one of the many who can’t stand him, one thing remains consistent, we all tune in to see if he will break his winless streak that now spans some three and a half years and 131 races and counting. In fact, it was…

It was the summer of 1972. I was 14 years old. My cousins and I and a few friends had the same summer job. We were cleaning the local elementary school in order to have it ready for the fall semester. Colonial Elementary School in Blue Ridge Virginia was actually two schools in one. When…

Alan Wake’s American Nightmare is a game about a novelist becoming invaded by other-world spirits and having to become, essentially, a John Rambo in this game. I have purchased and played the game myself all the way through and I must say I wasn’t entirely pleased with the game; and after reading several other reviews…

When choosing where to get tattooed or who to trust with the task of bringing that coveted facial decorum to reality, comfort and cleanliness are two of the most important deciding factors. There is no question that Ritual Arts Tattoo & Body Piercing, a relatively new addition to Portland’s Hollywood district, provides the two with…

It is a mid-summer morning in South Texas, about a day’s ride from the Mexican border. A young girl of about ten stands on the side of a hill, on a foot-worn path that separates green-brown seas of weeds and grass. She is a beautiful girl, sylph-like in stature and movement, gracious in word and…

Through their very existence, local businesses support their communities. They provide jobs and make purchases that inject money into the area’s economy, and they pay taxes that fund local government services. But when most business owners and managers talk about community support, they’re referring to something else. It’s the requests from the high school band…

Urban legends always circulate on the Internet. Lately, ones about rat urine on soda cans have been circulating. There’s always the concern that it is something legitimate. Thankfully, there are sites that can help, but at times even they can be confusing. Here are the top five urban legends about soda cans and whether they…

Weekly Sets, Not Weakly Sets You may find that you would rather have a monthly routine or some schedule for working out with some flexibility in it. That is fine, if you are not serious. One of the most important concepts about getting into good shape and staying there is commitment. If you struggle with…

Are you tired of the way your pool and deck look? Do you want a new look this season, but can’t afford to spend a lot of money on it? Then it’s time to get crafty and spruce it up some. Here are some quick and inexpensive ways to decorate your pool area. 1. Flip-Flop-Garland…

Thirty years ago I was seeking a career that would not just be financially rewarding, but would also give me flexibility as a new mom. I decided on a career in the financial services industry. Here are some of the rewards:Full flexibility in my work schedule. In over 30 years, I never missed a school…

Are you planning a soccer themed party for your son or daughter? If so, I happen to have a handful of soccer themed party favor ideas that I’d like to share with you. Here they are: Soccer Field Kit One of the best things about watching a soccer game is being able to cheer on…

New York Knicks starting point guard Jeremy Lin’s season is likely over, after the Harvard graduate underwent surgery to repair a minor tear of the meniscus in his left knee. Lin will need at least six weeks of recovery time before he could play again and with the playoffs slated for less than a month…

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France (October 2, 2012)-Former world No.1 and one of the LPGA’s most beloved former players is making a brief return to professional golf when she takes part in the Lacoste Ladies de Open this week with the Ladies European Tour. Ochoa who stepped aside from professional golf in 2010 to start a family walked…

Budget. Even though it is spelled with 6, some people consider it a four letter word. And I won’t deny that it isn’t fun. But, living with controlled spending and a financial-stress-free lifestyle can be. Here are a few tips to make the burden of budgeting a little lighter. Have a Goal Whether the goal…

COMMENTARY | Over the weekend, horrible images emerged from a Japanese tunnel collapse where several motorists died, crushed by tons of concrete or horribly burned by a resulting fire. It may have come about by the loss of a simple bolt. Could a similar disaster befall America somewhere in a tunnel, on a bridge, or…

Christmas, 1986. My husband and I, both lawyers with Hartford, Connecticut law firms, celebrated our daughter’s first Christmas with a splash of cash from our law firm bonus checks. He bought me a mink coat. I bought him an “English Partner’s Desk,” a mahogany antique, set off with brass fittings, open front to back beneath…

According to an article in the Washington Post, dated April 21 reported by Jeremy Borden, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is upping the cost of tickets and also monthly ticket passes by 3 percent July 1 after approval Friday by the VRE Operations Board. The article indicated an open meeting for seven communities in the…

Where does your focus stray when competing? You can be completely focused, totally distracted or somewhere in-between. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like you have a choice, when your head is swimming with all the “what-ifs” and last minute details. Not being laser focused, however, is usually due to a lack of mental game skills. Yes,…

Last year I weighed 220 pounds and was outgrowing 40 waist pants. I couldn’t do a single pull-up. I was 41 years-old, and I lived on a tight budget, so I couldn’t afford exercise equipment or dietary supplements. Today I am 42 years-old; my size 34 pants are loose on me because I weigh 175…

Little did I know in September 1984 that the new girl who took the time to talk to me in Child Development class would still be a part of my life when we nearly three times older. Monica was new to our high school, which may partly explain that she didn’t realize how low I…

If you receive a notice from the IRS indicating that you owe additional tax on a return you filed for last year or a prior year, there may be various different reasons. It may be due to a simple error on your return. Or the IRS may have access to information on your income, for…

Liberals have complained for years that the Supreme Court has become too political. Conservatives typically retort that this is just sour grapes on their part. After all, when a 5-4 decision goes their way, no one on the left complains, and there has never been the slightest indication that a liberal justice has ever contemplated…

The night was waning, but the moon was still out, and I was awakened with a start. A wave of intense heat was rushing over me, making me feel as though I was burning up from the inside out. In a moment, it seemed, I was covered in sweat and incredibly uncomfortable in my own…

In the beginning Growing up, my family had every game console known to man. From the Atari to the Xbox 360. I lived, ate, and breathed video games. This may come as a shock because, believe it or not, I’m a girl. When you live in a family that always plays video games, you tend…

Forgiveness is something that many people try to explain, but it can be difficult to put into practice. In past relationships I’ve found myself struggling with the ability to forgive. However, as time passed and seasons changed, I’ve learned that the true meaning of sacrificial love is in forgiveness. So in this article, I’m going…

Make a resolution to follow at least one or two of these summer 2012 fashion fashion trends and you’ll reign supreme as the chicest lady on the block. If you’re looking for new wardrobe staples, consider investing in a high-quality product. If you want to keep it cheap, try incorporating a summer 2012 trend into…

When it comes to teaching Pre-K students about the letter “U”, you may want to consider talking about unicorns. In my opinion, they provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate mythology, folklore and other elements into a lesson plan. With that said, here are several options to consider: Geography and History I would suggest opening up…

COMMENTARY | Soda has increasingly become the “big bad” in food and beverage over the past few years. It seems everywhere you turn soda is coming under attack as causing this health issue or that health issue. The latest attack on the beverage comes from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which wrote…

COMMENTARY | A story in the Hollywood Reporter suggests that a new technology that allows holograms of dead performers to sing and perhaps do other things is going to become yet another source of money for lawyers attempted to sort out the legal implications. The dead rapper Tupac Shakur has already risen from the dead…

With the rising cost of a college education, many language enthusiasts are seeking cheaper ways of studying a language. For students who are interested in studying Greek, there are many resources that can be found on the Internet or in other locations that can help them learn to speak Greek for free.iTunes and the Internet:…

As a parent of twin boys I’ve started to look into college savings plans because the idea that I’ll be paying tuition for two at one time seems daunting. I am not great at investments or planning. I found that there was a lot of information out there on 529 plans which I had not…

There I was, 23 years old and finally on my own. My apartment was somewhat furnished; just enough to get by while I “found my way in the world.” Over the years I’ve learned there’s no point in screaming at a spider; bathrooms need to be cleaned every week; vacuuming should be done daily; sometimes…

Are you thinking about planning a winter sleigh ride themed party for your children this year? If so, you may want to consider checking out my list of sleigh ride themed party favor ideas. Here it is: Hot Cocoa Spoons Hot cocoa spoons are one of my all-time favorite, sleigh ride themed party favors. After…

Are you having problems with your bathroom sink’s pop-up stopper? If so, you may want to try and correct the problem yourself. Based on my experience, a bathroom sink’s pop-up stopper system is not that complicated to understand or work on. It consists of a pop-up stopper, a vertical lift rod, a vertical clevis rod…

The scratching sound My brother went on a camping trip with his two sons in one of Ohio’s State Parks which offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and bike trails to name a few. After a long hard day of fun my brother was eager to get some sleep. Much to his chagrin he kept hearing…

When you’re in a long term relationship, it’s not uncommon for the sex to not always be fantastic and mind-blowing. It’s important that both people in the relationship feel satisfied with the sex and feel as if their needs are being met. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Even if the issues seem minor, the…

Traveling to learn is a special way to describe the cultural travel that is able to be practiced worldwide. This way of traveling requires a new level of considering and appreciating a foreign culture. With culture having to do more with people and less with things a traveler can experience the world in a whole…

Ever since the housing bubble burst in 2008, countless homeowners have been driven underwater. The once prosperous real estate market turned sour grapes, and now millions of people nationwide are suffering the consequence. Dealing with an underwater mortgage brings many quandaries to the surface. You worry about your future, your families future and how you…

I recently read an article about a father in Pittsburgh, PA who was charged with two counts of child endangerment, which is a felony, after leaving his six and nine-year-old children alone at the park for two hours. The dad had gone shopping and taken a shower; he estimated he was gone 45 minutes when…

Are you a hard worker? Then, you are part of a shrinking crowd. According to CNN, the time employees spend chatting, surfing the net, making aimless calls and planning their vacation costs American companies and average $759 billion a year. (See: Power Slacking on the Job) For this reason, work should be a place of…

In any large city, you want your Office Space to be the medium that gets a message across to staff, customers and visitors alike. If you want to combine administration with sales activity in a showcase office, then ground-level space is likely to suit you best. In central London, this is the most expensive space…

Cosmos are bright little flowers that will perk up any part of your yard or garden. There are over 20 species of cosmos and depending on the variety, they grow from 12 inches to 7 feet tall with a spread of 12 to 15 inches. Cosmos are hardy in zones 9 and 10. In zones…

Brad Goreski — star of Bravo’s “It’s a Brad, Brad World” and author of “Born to Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far” — is heading out on tour with eBay’s Selling Style Studio. Brad talks about the Chic Squad, fashion no-no’s, trends coming later this year, and offers his advice for anyone who…

The art of painting with wtaercolours, also spelled watercolors, is a technique many individuals enjoy both on the novice and professional levels. As an art teacher and artist, I highly recommend investing in good quality watercolour supplies. Follow these simple guidelines when purchasing the supplies. For beginners to this technique, purchase a good set of…

I was a teacher at the age of 23. After many years of wanting to be an engineer, I finally managed to get myself into the engineering university only to find out that I had a problem with my back and had to be hospitalized for a few months to correct the unhealthy curvature of…

In June 2006, the FDA approved the first HPV vaccine for girls and women. The human papillomavirus, widely known as HPV is the virus that’s associated with causing cervical cancer. It most commonly affects the genital area of males and females, in the form of warts, but it can also affect the mouth and throat…

I’m still shocked by the ratings and reviews for X-Men: First Class. I also feel like I’m taking crazy pills with Jacobim Mugatu (Anyone else excited for Zoolander 2?). Did everyone see a different movie than I did? Because what I saw was amateur and rife with laughable moments. This movie has also done what…

Theatre in the United States is dying. The stage has been overshadowed by Hollywood, and a long time ago, theatre was the pinnacle of entertainment. People dreamed of being on a stage, seeing their name in lights, hearing and seeing a crowd roar in awe and applause. That, however, was a long time ago. When…

Autistic people will also use the same phrase repeatedly or do the same actions many times in a row. With a medium to high functioning child with this disorder, parents or caregivers can use that to their advantage in a way to help the child. I have an Autistic child who is now twenty. He…

Recovery from drugs and alcohol addiction is very much an inside-out job. What I mean by inside-out is that we must first start looking inside ourselves to begin our journey along the road called recovery. Too many times do we look outside of ourselves for the answers to life problems; that’s pretty much how addiction…

For the most part, RV awnings are comprised of fabric, a roller tube and two tension arms. Despite the simplicity of its parts, there are a multitude of things that can go wrong. I found this out the hard way. My parents’ first camper was a used pop-up with an attached awning. Our maiden voyage…

Auto paint colors bespeak the driver’s taste. Yet did you know that car colors make it possible to predict the likelihood of crashing? Adding insult to injury, the most popular car color is not necessarily the safest one. Do you have a crash waiting to happen in your driveway? White: The Most Popular Car Colors…

In the 70s, movies like “Grease” romanticized the 50s. There’s even a drive-in movie scene with Danny and Sandy. Some of us have fond memories of putting on our pajamas, grabbing our pillows, and piling into the station wagon for a big night out at the nearest drive-in movie theater. My sister and I played…

Time for a little history lesson… You have no doubt heard the names of a lot of former Presidents thrown around during the conventions and the campaigns. From Barack Obama invoking and then channeling Bill Clinton, to Mitt Romney’s campaign comparing Obama to Jimmy Carter, to Newt Gingrich comparing Romney to Ronald Reagan, and plenty…

Great vacation places include water, sun, surf, or rain forests. Interestingly, the most dangerous vacation spots feature similar attractions. Which famous vacation destinations might be deadly? Hint: It’s not swimming with the whales in Vava’u. [Your Voice: A traveler’s look at Grand Central Station.] Mexico: 120 U.S. Citizens Murdered in 2011 Cultural tourists seek out…

“When I grow up I want to be a soldier,” Kelly said. He was then five years old. Twenty one years later he was living his dream. He was not alone. His three childhood friends; Peter, Charles and Eric-who had shared the same vision- were also in the force. The boot camp was their best…

In recent years, the nation has seen a sharp increase in the number of individuals requiring the services of medical care related to aging and the end of life stage. The cause for this sudden spike is the aging of the “Baby Boomer” generation. Let’s take a look at the baby boomer population. What is…

The desire to look good and feel great seems to be a culturally ubiquitous enterprise. All over the world, individuals seek out measures designed to improve their appearance and increase general wellness. While some of these outlets-such as nutritional instruction and fitness programs-can be advantageous and effective, others are less beneficial. Extreme dieting, for example,…

1987 is a year I’ll always remember. It was the year I graduated high school and said goodbye to old friends. The year of my coming of age and the start of new beginnings. A time when the future was wide open and the sky was indeed the limit. I remember I was stocking shelves…

Does your child love Bob the Builder so much that you are planning to throw him a Bob the Builder themed birthday party this year? If so, you may want to check out a few of my Bob the Builder party favor ideas. Here they are: Bob the Builder Construction Hats What’s a little builder…

The votes are all tallied, and while by now nearly everyone has to have learned who won the presidency, they may not be aware of how the numerous ballot initiatives fared here in Maryland. There was a lot to vote on this election year, ranging from the legalization of same-sex marriage to various judicial reforms….

Do you think spanking is an effective tool for raising a child? According to a study recently published by Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, you may want to think again. The study showed that harsh physical punishment — in the absence of child maltreatment — may cause a number of…

In around 1970, the Monty Python cast was filming in the English Riviera resort town, Torquay. While there, they booked into The Gleneagles Hotel and met the owner, Donald Sinclair, who would later become the inspiration for John Cleese’s character, Basil Fawlty, in the hit BBC show. At the time, Sinclair held no admiration for…

Reborning: A Theatrical Review In life there are a number of issues that we all must find a way to endure and grow from. In this provocative psychological thriller the issues of child abandonment, child abuse, artistic impressionism, loss of a child, drug and alcohol abuse, mental instability, emotional wounding, and difficulty with intimacy in…

Who is the all-time number one draft pick in the short history of the Houston Texans? The Texans are only a decade old. For what it meant at the time and how it has played out, defensive end Mario Williams is the most significant pick in team history. Williams was drafted by Houston out of…

Times are hard. My father used to tell me stories about the good times – but I don’t know what good is anymore. When you’re living in cold and dreary Alaska, there’s not much good about it. It’s been almost fifty years since the mob took over. It was a slow process, but one that…

It’s happened. The annual love fest begins and you have no one to snuggle with. You wander to a nearby bistro and flirt with the bartender until someone cuter comes along. Bang! He shows up and he’s single, you’re single — the night takes an unexpected turn. It’s official — you’re heading for a Valentine’s…

When a beautiful plate is dropped and broken, most people pick up the pieces and throw it away. After all, what good are shattered plates? I enjoy creating mosaics using broken plates and other eye catching items, and I have been saving single plates to use for future decorating projects. As the photo shows, they…

This is the second in a series of articles about how a broker describing himself as a “wealth manager” used his salesmanship training to convince a friend of mine to buy a financial product he probably doesn’t need. Hoodwink – verb, to deceive by false appearance. Yes, my financially-savvy friend got “hoodwinked.” Speaking as a…

Sesame Place, located in Langhorne, PA, is a wonderful amusement park suitable for families with young children. For tips on how to save on Sesame Place entrance tickets and dining experiences, please read my other Sesame Place article. Although Sesame Place is only 90 minute away from New York and only a 30 minute from…

Audiences may not know who actor Jai Courtney is right now, but they likely will very soon. With three high-profile films set to be released in 2013, he is about to show up on the cinematic map in a big way. The demand for his services has already increased, which is no surprise given how…

Michelle Page has arrived. An amazing young actress whose love of the art began at the early age of four following frequent family trips to the theater, Michelle has been honing and perfecting her craft ever since. And her hard work is paying off. Having made her mark in commercials, television and film, she’s someone…

Silverware trays come in various sizes. Some are modular and fit together like a puzzle, while others are solid plastic or wood. They are designed to hold flatware and small accessories, but they can be used to organize other items in creative new ways. When I no longer want or need my kitchen silverware trays,…

COMMENTARY | One of the richest guys in the United States told his employees this week in an email that if Obama were re-elected, their jobs would be at risk. And although he didn’t mention Republican hopeful Mitt Romney by name as the presidential candidate his employees should vote for, he had no problem telling…

In the fastemerging cyber world, almost every second person owns a website or a blog. To some, it may be just a casual hobby but others use it to put their capabilities on display. Companies use websites to exhibit their products and to attract more customers or clients. Therefore, it has become essential to generate…

The Tea Party Community, Facebook’s newest competitor, officially launched February 2, 2013. With a membership at this time of 88,000 members, it wants to be the place for conservative Americans to socialize without fear of censorship. Examiner.com quotes Tea Party Community co-founder Ken Crow as saying the new website will be a ” safe haven”…

Do you fancy yourself a fiendish foodie, always on the search for a fresh bite? Are you an insatiable urbanite, always on the lookout for innovative concepts or exclusive events? If the answer to either – or preferably, both – of those questions is “yes”, then you’ll love The Coterie. I was introduced to The…

Several tents or “shanties” as the ice fishermen call them, could be seen from a distance from the shore of Silver Lake in Kenosha County, Wisconsin on Saturday January 26, 2013. The Marina on Silver Lake provided a warm place for ice fishers to get food and park. Many were there for the Feeney Memorial…

Early on Friday, November 2nd the Texas Rangers made free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton a qualifying offer of $13.3 million. This guaranteed Texas a compensatory draft pick, sandwiched between the first and second round of next year’s draft, if Hamilton signed somewhere else. Later that night it was revealed that Hamilton was seeking a seven-year…

Poop isn’t the most pleasant of subjects, but never will you be so concerned with it as you will be with a new baby. Poop in older children and adults is generally predictable; however, babies and toddlers have a tendency to surprise their parents, diaper after diaper, day after day. Here’s a little guidance on…

I love to bake cookies and give them as gifts for the holidays. Finding new ways to package these edible goodies is an on-going task. I like the gift holder to not only hold my special treats, but to also become a reusable extension of the gift. Several of these snowman cookie containers will be…