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How to Build a Cozy Mystery Town - An Author's Guide
Creating the perfect cozy mystery town is essential for any successful novel in the genre. A cozy mystery novel typically features an amateur...
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Nekkid and Afraid
Naked people on the Discovery channel is one thing. I never expected to see one in my neighborhood, though!
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Coke or Pepsi?
The debate between Coke and Pepsi is one that began decades ago. Do you prefer Coca Cola? Pepsi Cola? Or do you find they taste so similar that you don't really have a preference between the two?
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How to Get Hired as a Freelance Writer
The purpose of this guide is to help you go from part-time blogger to full-time freelancer!
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Dogs With Non-Lead Movie Roles
There are a lot of great dog characters in film. Benji, Scooby Doo, RinTinTin, Winn-Dixie, Toto, and Old Yeller rank up there with other canines who can claim to have been cast in a starring movie role, and their names are in most cases more...
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What Was the Mothman?
A mythical being who allegedly terrorized the small town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia for thirteen months from November, 1966 until December 1967, the mothman is still a hot subject in popular culture. The mothman was supposedly behind many...
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Where Do You Get Your Adverbs, Lolly?
Of all the things I miss from the television line-up of my childhood, I miss Schoolhouse Rock the most. A series of short cartoons lasting around five minutes at best, they covered topics like grammar, math, the environment, politics, science, and...
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The Colony - Could You Survive?
The mid-season break between the first and second halves of season two of The Walking Dead is sheer torture. I cannot wait for the next episode! While looking for similar shows to watch during the zombie-free weeks, I stumbled upon The Colony. This...
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Sounds from the Past
Everything becomes extinct over time. It happens to some things quicker than others. For instance, despite the recent revival of legwarmers, thankfully other 80s trends forever reside in the virtual graveyard of bad fashion choices. Sadly, not even...
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Friday the 13th - Curse or Coincidence?
Friggatriskaidekaphobiacs beware! It's the fruition of your worst fear -- fear of Friday the 13th. And you aren't alone; another 17 to 21 million others also cower in fear at facing another Friday the 13th. What is the reason for the stigma attached...
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Wizards of Waverly Place - The Final Episode
After more than one hundred episodes, Disney channel's popular series, "Wizards of Waverly Place," wrapped up its ongoing story line by finally announcing who became the family wizard. As viewers know, teasers given in the past pitted Justin, the...
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Chef Curtis Stone
A native Australian, Chef Curtis Stone trained in London, England. He has a cooking/lifestyle program called "Surfing the Menu" and stars on television as the "Take Home Chef" which is a popular American cooking show. He also joined the ranks of...
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Why I Boycotted the Library
Don't get me wrong. I once had a passionate relationship with the local community library, and spent an entire summer volunteering. But then I got distracted, and started slipping. Eventually I stopped showing up at all. Did they call to ask how I...
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TMI on Facebook
What started out as a social networking environment quickly snowballed into a behemoth atmosphere of chaotic activity. It seems that everyone from the girl next door to my grandma has a Facebook page. Businesses, celebrities, and even fictional...
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Honey Badger Don't Care
I don't know who this Randall person is, but he is obviously quite the expert on the topic of honey badgers. Among his sundry narrations of original National Geographic videos, the one about the honey badger is the most amusing by far. It certainly...
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New Years Resolutions and Commercialism
If there's any doubt that it's January, just turn on the television and wait for a commercial. Or better yet, turn on an infomercial. Nearly every single one offers advice on how to look better, feel better, or some other way to better improve your...
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You Spelled It Wrong
Spelling is the arrangement of letters to form a word. Letters may be arranged alphabetically, or phonetically. This article addresses the former. Importance of Correct Spelling People who do not care about spelling things correctly give the...
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When Pets Cross the Rainbow Bridge
When pets cross the "rainbow bridge" their souls depart this earth and await for us on the other side. Are there pets in heaven? How could it be heaven without them? I find it difficult to believe that God (or whatever higher power you believe in)...
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The Return of Mr. Bean
Today's random Netflix choice was The Return of Mr. Bean, an episode from the British series which originally aired in the early 1990s. The show begins with Mr. Bean, the main character, coming upon a street musician. With no way to pay the...
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New Years Un-resolutions
When the calendar page turns to the first day of the new year, people all over the world make lists of ways to improve themselves over the next twelve months. I for one am sick of the pressure and done with it all! No more resolutions for me. From...
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Doris Day - An American Icon
In both the film and music industries, Doris Day is a true American Icon. Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff on April 3, 1924, she was a band singer for six years before noticed with the hit of her song, "Sentimental Journey" when she was just...
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Who is More Cool, Phineas or Ferb?
Disney first introduced Phineas and Ferb in 2007. The pair of bright step-brothers secretly built a roller coaster in the first episode. Each week since their sister Candace tries in vain to alert her mother of the delightful duo's antics, but...
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Dr. Phil's Secret Divorce
Okay, so technically, the marriage was annulled. And apparently, it's not that big of a secret anymore. You may be thinking, "But I just saw Dr. Phil and Robin on television, and he and Robin looked very happy!" Well, of course they are. That's...
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Improve Your Typing Skills
Poor typing skills are an increasing problem in today's digital world. One of the biggest reasons is because public schools have all but abandoned typing classes that use an honest-to-goodness typewriter. Even if they haven't, today's youth lacks...
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Why Ralphie Was Destined to Shoot His Eye Out
"You'll shoot your eye out," is one of the most popular Christmas movie catchphrases of all time. It's now used for everything from a word of caution from overprotective parents, to lewd innuendo that has no relation to a Red Ryder carbine action...
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Things SciFi Gave Society
Technology is a wonderful thing. Thanks to the efforts of inventors like Steve Jobs, gadgets our parents and grandparents only dreamed about are now a part of our daily lives. This article explores a few popular ones, but they are only a small...
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Ways to Geek Out Your Gingerbread House
Some friends in our neighborhood let their teenagers decorate their annual family gingerbread house. Letting the kids tackle the dessert without any kind of theme restrictions resulted in an edible replica of a scene from their favorite episode of...
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RPG Frenemies
Call us wishy-washy griefers, ambivalent friends, or back-stabbing trolls. There’s only one term that fits a namby-pamby pal -- frenemy! I’ve had some since discovering my first addictive RPG game; and heaven knows I’ve certainly been one....
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Alternatives to Chocolate
In early summer of 2011 my body started reacting to chocolate. A visit to the doctor confirmed what my husband and I already suspected. I was allergic to chocolate. Why? Perhaps it was stress. Perhaps it was because I was about o turn forty. Perhaps...
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Getting Along with In-laws During the Holidays
In-laws. I know, right? They do everything better, for less money, in half the time. And nothing your family does will ever be half as wonderful as theirs. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you're on your way to a happy holiday experience with...
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80's Themed Gifts
Who didn't like the 80's? Some of the best movies were made in that decade! Here are some 80's themed gifts that will satisfy the retro-fan in your life. Rubik's Cube - If you never solved it thirty years ago, here's your second chance. People of...
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Last Minute Gifts for Gamers
So looking over your list, you realize that you have nothing for your favorite gamer. ACK! It's too late to order a great gift for gamers. What will you do? Never fear! Here are some ideas for last minute gifts for the online addict in your life. ...
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Who Will Be the Family Wizard on Wizards of Waverly Place?
Fans of Disney Channel know that on January 6th, the Wizards of Waverly Place Family Wizard Competition will name the Russo family wizard once and for all. Yes, the successful four year series nears its inevitable end in just a few weeks. Here's why...
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Weird Uses for Duct Tape
Supposedly there are over one million uses for duct tape. Here are a few of the weirder ones! PROM CLOTHES - Duck brand tape sponsors a contest each year. Eligible students from across the country try their hand at designing a full set of prom...
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Weird Christmas Traditions
Everyone knows if you're a good little child, then you will be visited by Santa Claus, or some benevolent variation. But what happens to the bad little children? Long before the Grinch made his storybook debut, Austrians were frightening their...
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RPG Cheaters
Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat, right? Sadly the old saying doesn’t always hold true, either in real life or roleplaying games. It seems that every day someone finds a new to exploit a bug, or some other questionable trick that skirts...
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RPG - Gold Farming
Gold farming is the practice of selling virtual assets gained in a computer game (often an MMORPG) for real money. So how did it get started? One player, with a lot of stuff, decided to use online auction sites and online payment services to sell...
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RPG - Changing Your Mind
You’ve spent weeks, even months plotting. All the characters are in place. And just when it’s time to roll your fate in the matter, it happens. You realize you’re changing your mind. Or worse, things don’t go as planned and other...
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Meets
No matter which game you play, eventually someone suggests meeting offline. Whether it’s amongst a clique within the game or open to all players, meets might be limited to those living in a specific geographic location or a gathering of players...
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RPG Bridezilla
Wikipedia describes a bridezilla (a neologisticportmanteau of bride and Godzilla) as a difficult, unpleasant, perfectionist bride. Obviously, whoever wrote that never had to plan and execute an entire roleplay game wedding. It’s not like we try to...
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Christmas Movie Review - A Miracle on 34th Street
The synopsis gives a brief but accurate statement explaining the plot; department store Santa goes on trial to prove he's the real deal. But there's so much more to this movie! It has nostalgic moments that hearken back to our own childhood memories...
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Choosing a Favorite NFL Team
Choosing a favorite sports team is serious business! There's a lot to consider, especially if you come from a family of football fans. Although this season is more than half over, it's never too early to start thinking about next year. Here are some...
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Last Minute Gifts to Crochet
Every year...it never fails. Weeks, even days before some kind of Christmas function I realize that someone got left off the list. My list is more of a spreadsheet, and even though I copy the columns for names and likes / dislikes over exactly into...
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Merry Zombie Christmas
Are you a fan of the Walking Dead? Are you counting down how many days are left until February 12th when the next episode airs? Here are some cool zombie-themed items for your Christmas wish list to help you pass the time between now and then. ...
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Dogs Are Better Than Cats
It's no secret that I'm a lover of all things canine. Despite being allergic to them, I have two dogs of my own! Each day I happily wash down two pills that keeps the itching and sneezing at bay. That's good, especially since one of the critters...
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Quick and Easy Breakfasts
A breakfast like the one pictured in the photo above would be wonderful, but for most people it isn't a realistic option. Too many people skip breakfast despite the fact that their body is hungry for nutrients, most having gone without food since...
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Things to do on the Kindle Fire Besides Read
In the past two hours I've seen half a dozen commercials for the Kindle Fire. For those not familiar with the latest gadget from Amazon, set the "it's just another Kindle" way of thinking aside. This one has fun features that makes it seem more like...
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The Mythology of MMORPGs
Sure, your teachers in school probably taught you all about mythology from Athena to Zeus, and everything in between. But they probably didn't tell you about the opportunity to step back into time via MMORPGs to experience firsthand the thrill of...
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The Lost Art of Procrastinating
Placing top priority on otherwise useless things is truly a lost art. Who needs busy schedules and lists bogging them down when the world is full of so very many wonderful distractions? I personally manage to spend several hours a day honing my...
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Popular Themes in Literature
Whether fiction or nonfiction, or prose or poetry, most literature has a theme. Scholars argue that there are dozens of possible themes, but here are some of the most popular ones. GOOD VERSUS EVIL This theme pits a protagonist against an...
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Brooklyn's Hidden Gems
When visiting New York City, I skip Manhattan. The financial district is boring. If you've seen the Statue of Liberty once, well...you've seen her. The village is interesting, but not really my style. Times Square is crowded, and each time I'm there...
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Awesome Xbox 360 Racing Games for Teenage Boys
What teenage boy doesn't like cars? Even those not yet old enough to drive will enjoy zooming about in their favorite Xbox 360 racing games! Here are some of the Xbox 360 racing games on my teenage boys' Christmas list this year. Released in...
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NCIS Characters
Admittedly, I never watched the CBS military-drama, NCIS until my fourteen-year-old son invited me to sit through an episode. The next thing I knew, I was turning in for repeats each time they aired on the USA network. Here is a list of the...
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Totally Free (Slightly Redneck) Christmas Gifts
Times are hard and everyone's trying to cut back. Stop impulse shopping! Make a list, and next to it instead of writing what you'd like to buy each person, write down what each person likes. From crafty, hand-made items to things bought on clearance...
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Top Ten Geek Gifts for Under Ten Dollars
The good thing about geeks is that they're easy to please, and they don't care if the gifts are cheap, as long as the giver's heart is in the right place. In today's economy who can afford a brand new iPad2 or a souped up Alienware computer? Not me!...
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Awesome Christmas Gifts for Gamers
This year is the most fun I've had Christmas shopping in a very long time. My sons are now teenagers and share my love of all things video-game related. We spend mother-son afternoons at the arcade where we battle to (virtual) death for the honor of...
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Celebrity Gamers
This article explores the possibility of celebrities playing roleplaying games, and what kind of character they'd roll up, based on their real-life personalities.
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How Will Hershel Deal with the Massacre of His Zombie Kin?
If you watched the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead, then you know that Hershel's barn is now free of zombies, thanks to Shane and the rest of the guests to the farm. I have to say, I almost felt bad for the poor zombies. They never even had a...
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How to Save Money on Dog Treats
In this economy our family has cut corners upon corners, but there are few things we refuse to compromise on, especially when it comes to our pets. They love us unconditionally, so I refuse to give them half-rate treats that cost next to nothing...
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Why Dogs are Better Than Humans
My dog is a golden retriever named Gingerbelle. She is my best friend in the entire world. On two different occasions (one emotional, one physical) she saved my life, and for that I am forever indebted to her. Caring for her well-being has taught me...
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How to Make a "Surviving Black Friday Kit"
We've all seen the ads. Shoppers far and wide look forward to this day -- the day after Thanksgiving, and the biggest shopping day of the year. One friend of mine has a spreadsheet prepared weeks in advance, with a schedule of what she plans to buy...
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How to Select a Great Holiday Nail Polish
Sure, you could spend hours fretting over lists, shopping advertisements, and traditional recipes, but the big issue about the holidays is this -- how should you paint your nails? That's right! In this economy, who can afford a trip to the salon for...
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Football is Sexy
After spending more than a decade as a football widow, I finally got into the game and started watching them regardless of who was playing -- even on days when I was the only one home. Something that caught my attention early on was how many terms...
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How to Select a Name for Your Fantasy Roleplay Character
Whether the role playing game you choose is based on something well-known, like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, or something unique, choosing a name is one of the most important things you will do for your character.
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Useful Black Friday Apps for Your Android Phone
When preparing for Black Friday madness, there are certain rituals I perform every year; make a list, check it twice, get a good night's sleep the night before, keep a bottle of water and a healthy snack in my car for between-store hunger pains,...
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Misheard Country Music Lyrics
A lot of my childhood included listening to country music because that was the choice of my parents, and a lot of my friends. However, I wasn't a very good listener because my version of many of the song lyrics varied wildly compared to the actual...
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Types of Home Schooling
Whether you already home school your children, or are looking into future home schooling options, there are various routes you can take based on the specific laws and guidelines set forth by your state. The Home School Legal Defense website is a...
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Worst Grammar Mistakes
Bad grammar reflects poorly not only on the person speaking it, but also on whoever tried teaching them in the first place. More and more, Americans are descending into a chasm of improper literary terms. What follows is a list of my biggest pet...
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The Walking Dead - Why Does Hershel Have A Barn Full of Zombies?
If you aren't a fan of AMC's The Walking Dead, here's a quick summary to help catch you up to "Chupacabra" which was the title of last week's episode. A band of motley survivors in the midst of a zombie apocalypse find trouble when one of their...
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Train Your Dog to Pee Outside
Puppies are adorable, but responsibility is the bride of pet ownership, regardless of the species. Every day newspapers and online classified advertisements like Craig's List find people trying to unload an unruly pet with phrases like, "We don't...
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The Union Jack
Last weekend I dragged my family to downtown Winchester, Virginia to a "surprise location" for lunch. Having never tried authentic British food, I was eager to try the Union Jack Pub & Restaurant, located in the Loudoun Street Mall. While pausing...
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Easy Recipes for Holiday Dishes That Look Complicated but Are Really Simple
The holidays are coming and that usually means visiting friends and family, potluck dinners with people from places like church or work, and perhaps even children's school events. Even if you're not a horrible cook, like me, things like shopping for...
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How to Make Cheap Gifts Look Expensive
In this economy, finding just the right gift for just the right person without breaking your budget can really add stress to a holiday that's supposed to spread peace on earth and goodwill to men. There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping...
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Christmas Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys and Young Men
Teenage boys are some of the most difficult people to shop for on a Christmas list. These ideas lend a unique twist on some otherwise traditionally generic gifts!
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Barbie: The Not-So-Perfect Woman
As a young girl there was no greater joy than visiting my best friend. We would spend entire summer afternoons playing with our dolls. Our favorite was a Barbie knock-off named Lindsey, who boasted similar measurements. It seemed each Christmas we'd...
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5 Reasons Why RPGs Trump Online Dating
Services that guarantee a life match based on personality profiles have no idea what they're doing. Gaming is where to find real harmony! If the character you play meets someone and is living happily ever after, then there's no reason why you can't...
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Making the Best of A Bad Reputation
People form reputations about things based on the footprints they create. Footprints exist in almost every aspect of life, whether virtual or literal. When visiting the ocean, footprints stay behind in the sand. Some say that using plastic grocery...
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Christmas Gift Ideas for the Hard to Please
Almost everyone can find one person on their Christmas list who is hard to shop for, whether it's a beloved parent, an eccentric in-law, or a teenager. This article offers helpful suggestions for things to get the difficult gift recipient for...
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Trendy Coffee Shops Near Harpers Ferry, WV (That Are Not Starbucks)
Coffee is not an indulgence for me. It’s not a way of life, either. The word that comes closest when describing my relationship with coffee is obsession. Because my town has no Starbucks, I'm forced to rely on the mercy of local coffee shops. It's...
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Don't Screw With My Devilled Eggs
As a person who suffers from an assortment of food allergies, the worst thing that can happen when I'm eating is for someone else to ask, "Can you taste what the surprise ingredient is?" The thought of everything it could be alone is enough to send...
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Flamingos in Children's Media
Appropriately named for the wing of the mythological bird, the phoenix, the flamingo introduces itself to each new generation as if it were appearing for the first time. The cheeky avians date back to the age of dinosaurs, with fossils of...
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Best Photoshop Tutorials for RPG / MMORPG Artwork
As a professional artist in the real world, the monthly art and writing contests were one of the things that first appealed to me about the different roleplaying games produced by Iron Realms. My pencil sketches, watercolor paintings, and pastel or...
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5 Fun Things to do with a Dwarf
Dwarves. Every role-playing game seems to have them. Yeah, they’re short, doughty and more loyal than a knight’s trusty steed, but if they’re not serving an underground use then what good are they? A surprising lot of them! Over time through a...