Recommended Movies About Christmas
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Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children
Read more: Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children
Behold! The Beauty of Christmas Lights
It was Thomas Alva Edison who invented and introduced the electric light bulb in 1879 and its commercial potential, an event that paved the way for the mass use of electrical energy and lights including those used in our Christmas trees today.
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Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids
Read more: Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids
Making Christmas More Meaningful Without Spending Too Much
This is the perfect time to tell the Christmas story. Each child recalls from the stories they’ve read and heard about the scene at Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. Everybody was busy. There was no room at the inn.
Only a manger was available–no frills—bare as ever. No heating, but the warmth of the mother’s embrace. No flashy lighting effects— but look above, God provided a glorious star. No blaring music—but the angels sang. Ordinary mortals who could afford the inn were not aware at that time, they were just too busy. The news was announced. It was an announcement that changed the course of human history forever.
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Advantages of Shopping Online During the Busy Holiday Season
Read more: Advantages of Shopping Online During the Busy Holiday Season
Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions
Read more: Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions
A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List
Read more: A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List
Tips on Office Christmas Parties
Read more: Tips on Office Christmas Parties
Interesting Facts About Christmas
Read more: Interesting Facts About Christmas
Four Crucial Thanksgiving Party Preparation Matters
Decorating Your Home for The Thanksgiving Holiday
History of Thanksgiving Day: Turkey Was Not Part of The First Celebration
Planning a Thanksgiving Party for All Ages
When it concerns hosting an all ages Thanksgiving party, you'll likely discover that a little bit more work is needed. This is because you do not need to plan for a particular group of people, but two different groups. You would like to make sure that your Thanksgiving party has activities that are aimed at the adults, as well as the children. That is why, some of the times, a little bit more preparation is called for; nonetheless, that extra preparation will probably make your Thanksgiving party that much more pleasurable.
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A Life Lesson From The Cheshire Cat
People without goals are a little like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland.
“If you aim for nothing, you’re sure to hit it.” There’s a lot of truth in this old saying—especially when applied to personal growth.
If we do not establish specific goals for ourselves, we will make little if any real progress. We’ll wander aimlessly from one experience to another.
People without goals are a little like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland. In a conversation between her and the Cheshire cat, Alice asked, “Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat.
“I don’t much care where,” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the cat.
That way of living may be okay in Wonderland, but it doesn’t work in the real world. If we are going to make personal progress in any aspect of our life – be it career, love, family, education, or whatever, we must be specific. It is not enough to say, “I’m going to be a better person.” That’s far too general. We need to set up a battle plan, a strategy within ourselves.
If we set clearly defined goals for our development, in ways that are realistically achievable, even in small consistent steps, we will see progress in our life. We won’t always be wondering, “Which way from here?”
When Is The Proper Time to Give Children Their Allowance?
Read more: When to Give Children Their Allowance
Reading to a Sick Child is Therapeutic
Read more: Reading to a Sick Child is Therapeutic
photo by Ryan McVay
How to Care for a Sick Child at Home
Caring for a sick child at home requires real skill and understanding. The mind of a child works differently from that of an adult. He has so little experience by which to judge. He cannot help feeling afraid, even though you may have told him that he will be well again in a few days.
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Finding Hope in Seemingly Hopeless Situations
Behind every action, beneath every endeavor lies this quiet, persistent, creative force, giving strength to all who believe in it, and blend it into their lives. But let’s be realistic. How do you practice hope when you’re feeling anything but hopeful?
For Teens: Resolving Conflicts with Your Parents
During your teenage years it can seem impossible to have a civil conversation with your parents, much less to be friends with them.
While at one time you have gotten along just great, you may now find it difficult to get through dinner without falling into some sort of argument. It’s not fun.
Here are some reasons why teenagers and parents often find themselves fighting and at odds with one another.
Depression in Children
Although its extent is unknown, most specialists believe that childhood depression can be as severe as the adult form. Recognizing depression in pre-adolescent children can be difficult. However, any significant, persistent change in a child’s normal behavior can signal the possibility of depression.
Symbolisms of Significant Trees in The Bible
Parental Neglect: The Passive Abuse
Words That Heal
Entering Prison for a Greater Cause
Why do so many criminals repeat their offenses? In a landmark study conducted by Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, the conclusion emerged that about three fourths of those entering jail have been there before. The younger the person at the time of the first offense, the higher the rate of return to jail and the sooner it occurs.
Dyslexics: Coping with Their Learning Difficulties
One out of every five children is possibly affected by dyslexia, making it one of the most widespread of the learning disabilities. In the USA alone, 10 million children are dyslexic. Many children are suffering, yet still more remain undiagnosed and unable to receive the needed support to overcome this condition.
This intrigued many scientists who had been studying the disorder for years. They finally realized that those who have the disorder could actually possess above average to exceptional intelligence.
See What Gratitude Can Do for You
Read more: See What Gratitude Can Do for You
Superstitions in Our Midst
But which one of us hasn’t at one time or another wished on a birthday cake candle, pulled on a wishbone for good luck, tossed a coin into a wishing well, knocked on wood, crossed our fingers for good luck (or when we told a lie), shunned opening an umbrella in a house (lest bad luck rain on us), felt happy at finding a four-leaf clover, or said, “Gesunheit” or “God bless you” to someone who sneezed?
How to Treat a Baby’s Cold
Read more: How to Treat a Baby’s Cold
The Egg-Laying Mammals
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Etiquette for Oriental Dining
*Never play or point with your chopsticks. Do not leave them standing in a rice bowl because they resemble joss sticks used in a funeral or for ceremonies for their dead. Doing that is considered bad luck.
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Teaching Children to Enjoy Dental Visits
Did You Know That Hostile People May Die Sooner?
It looks as if nice guys may end up on top after all...
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My Father’s Day Alphabet Tribute
Sibling Fights Can be Good for Your Kids
1) These intense arguments common between siblings helps them develop understanding of relationships and a variety of constructive skills. When siblings fight and then make up, they learn that anger is natural and that relationships can survive disagreements.
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Fast and Easy Time-Saving Kitchen Tips
Cook Once, Eat All Week
Rice and other grains can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a colander and pour boiling water over it until it’s heated through. Drain and serve immediately.
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The Value of Silence
Great things have been hatched in silence. Leonardo da Vinci sat motionless for days in front of an untouched canvass before he could even start on his Last Supper masterpiece. The abbot who commissioned him the job, a man without the slightest hint that ideas are born not only in the onrush of conscious effort but also in the quiet, almost subconscious workings of the mind, was greatly displeased.
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Open Yet Empty Arms on Mothers’ Day
Yet, in some homes, the happiness of this day does not reach all homes. To some, Mother’s Day is a date to dread...
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Associated Content Removes Performance Payments for Non-US Citizens
Has economy gone this bad?!!! Effective May 1, 2010, Associated Content will no longer give Performance Payments to Non-US citizens. Members, however, may still get a chance to earn if they will apply as a Featured Contributor and, if ever they get accepted to the Featured Contributor program that’s the only chance they can earn through a few assignments that they can grab when available.
They will also raise their minimum payout from $1.50 to $100. How sad.
Read more: Associated Content Removes Performance Payments for Non-US Citizens
How to Enjoy Life to The Fullest
1) Make up your mind to be happy. Find pleasure in simple things.
2) Make the best of your circumstances. Everyone has sorrows. Seek ways to make smiles outnumber tears.
3) You can’t please everyone. Don’t let your critics run and ruin your life. The more you accomplish, the more resistance you will meet.
Read more: How to Enjoy Life to The Fullest
Tips for Storing Herbs and Spices
It is more common for us to buy a bottle or jar of dried herbs from the supermarket, but the principle is the same. Herbs retain their flavors and aromas because they are dried.
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When You Lose
No one likes to be a loser. Losing discourages and sometimes angers us. It’s never easy to be a good loser. But anytime there’s a competition, someone wins and someone loses. Here are four common pitfalls to avoid when you lose.
Blaming yourself
In both team and individual competitions, it’s easy to degrade yourself for mistakes—you miss your serves in tennis or forget your song at a music competition. Blaming yourself doesn’t change the situation.
Instead, analyze what went wrong with and correct how to correct it next time. Make a plan to improve weak ideas, strategies, or actions.
Blaming others
You might blame others because it’s easier than accepting what really caused the loss. Did you lose because of bad calls or because the team didn’t play well together? Were the poor playing conditions the problem or the team’s skills?
Sometimes a loss may actually be someone else’s fault. Since you can’t change it, accept it. Blaming others makes you feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t change the loss.
Dwelling on it builds feelings of resentment and a poor attitude. Accept the loss and move on. Look ahead to the next game or competition.
Letting things get out of perspective
Losing is hard. Sometimes you may fee that your whole year was ruined and nothing else mattered except winning this competition you worked so hard to prepare for. This happens when things go out of perspective and nothing matters except this event. While competitions are important, they are only a small part of life.
Don’t let one game, music competition, science fair, or other event dominate your life. You are part of a family, you have hobbies, you’re involved in group projects, church or community activities and a multitude of other things. Focus on your life as a whole, and losses won’t seem so great.
Letting loss hurt your character
Maintain integrity even in the face of loss. A bad temper, poor attitude, or foul language mars your character. Rise above the loss and react in a positive manner. Accept the loss and congratulate the winner.
Losing isn’t easy for anyone, but you can avoid the pitfalls of blaming yourself or others, letting things get out of perspective, or damaging your character. Accept loss and determine to do better. Next time you may be the winner!
Some Suggestions for Leftovers
With a little ingenuity and imagination any leftover food can be used for another meal. An important thing to remember when dealing with leftovers is changing their form.
Full Article: Some Suggestions for Leftovers
Running on Resurrection Morning
In every gospel account of the resurrection morning, it is no accident that running has been mentioned. There were two women who left the scene in joy and haste (Matt, 28:8). The women who had bought prepared spices ran to tell the others (Marl 16:1-8). Peter and John raced to the garden to see the empty tomb (Luke 24:3-4). Christ’s victory over the grave is an exciting truth—a story that must be told!
Full Article: Running on Resurrection Morning
The Endangered Exotic Animals of The Philippines
The Calamian Deer
This deer is usually found only in the Calamianes–a group of islands in Northern Palawan — particularly in desiduous forests and clearings on the islands of Culion and Busuanga. It has a tawny brown-colored coat, with the males generally darkening with age. Compared to other species of the deer, the Calamian deer (Axis calamianesis) has relatively long legs, which are darker than the rest of the body. The male sports three-pronged antlers mounted on its forehead.
Though generally nocturnal, they emerge early in the morning from their resting places in the undergrowth to graze on the clearings and fields. Prized for their meat (as food) and antlers (collectible items), this species have been declared by the IUCN as endangered in 1996, having an estimated population of 900. Actions to save the Calamian deer have been initiated both locally and internationally. One is by breeding them in captivity in Calauit islands. As of 2002, there were 1,200 Calamian deer counted in this natural reserve alone.
The Philippine Sailfin Lizard
This is the largest member of family Agamidae of lizards native to many islands in the Philippines. They are usually found in woodland areas basking on trees, rocks and boulders never far from water edges. Large fins extending from along their bodies best characterize male sailfin lizards. Females are slightly shorter and the crest is absent. The Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) is threatened throughout most of its remaining range by destruction of habitat and over-hunting for food and the live animal trade. The Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation initiated a significant move to protect these lizards in Bacolod City. With funding support from Adelaide and Melbourne Zoos of Australia, the foundation designed a special sailfin lizard enclosure that will serve as the species breeding habitat.
The Philippine Monitor Lizard
A particular subspecies, Varanus salvator mamoratus, is commonly found in the Philippines, particularly in and around Sibulan Watershed Reserve in Polilo Islands. Locally, it is called bayawak. Like the Philippine sailfin lizard, the Philippine monitor lizard is heavily hunted both for its meat and leather. The conversion of forest to agricultural land on a massive scale is also held responsible for the decline of this lizard’s population.
The Palawan Peacock Pheasant
This particular species of pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum) that is endemic to the Palawan Island in the Philippines is regarded as the most beautiful of the peafowl species. A long, metallic blue crest with white lines above and below the eye best characterizes the males, which are attractively colored to attract a mate. Palawan peafowl, locally called “andikan,” are shy but adapt well and breed in confinement. Unfortunately they are already endangered because of declining habitat and the continuing bird trading and hunting for food. An estimated decreasing population of 1,000 has been recorded at present.
The Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove
Naturally found in Luzon, this species of dove (Gallicolumba luzonica) is distinct for its “bleeding” spot in the middle of its breast (that looks like it has been shot on its breast). Bleeding-hearts, locally called “puñalada,” are almost completely terrestrial, seldom going even into the low bushes. However, they do not build their nests on the ground. Just like all kinds of doves and pigeons they regurgitate crop milk to be fed to their chicks.
Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight
A Wordy Playground
Let us pause and just play with them now, just to blow off steam, whoop them up and have fun with them...
Full Article: A Wordy Playground
Bananas May Reduce Risk of Strokes
Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, of the University of California at San Diego, and colleagues studied 859 men and women ages 50-79 years. Among their findings, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine: Men with low-potassium diets were almost three times more likely to die after a stroke than those who had higher potassium diets. Women who consumed little potassium were almost five times more likely to die after a stroke.
Full Article: Bananas May Reduce Risk of Strokes
The Social Pests Classified
Full Article: The Social Pests Classified
How to be a Welcome Guest
Whatever the situation, you’ll want to be considerate of your host, and leave a good impression. Here are some suggestions on how you can do that:
Full Article: How to be a Welcome Guest