A poem written as a metaphor for changes in life and new relationships
People intent on defrauding others are not a new thing, but they are using new technology for their nefarious means.
Show tunes, whether from Broadway or the movies, have always pleased this author; some more than others.
The Skunk Train is an iconic excursion railroad located in the northern California redwoods. Learn more about its history and how to catch a ride!
The Provincetown Monument is a tall tower visible for many miles around. It is a memorial to the Pilgrims of the Mayflower at their original landing site.
Cow Palace is a world-famous landmark building, but how many know its real history? This article discusses the past, present, and future of this California landmark.
Do you ever feel afraid to act, fearful of what people might think? Do such fears make you loathe to stand out in a crowd, to be "on stage," so to speak? Here are some tips and examples of how to conquer those irrational fears.
Old Town Sacramento is a historic district showcasing a general idea of life in the days of the gold rush of 1849. It is considerably cleaned up and "sanitized" from the actual conditions back then, but it still makes for an interesting visit.
Many of these songs were sung, at least in snatches, by one or both of my parents. Amusing as they were then, I never knew the full song, so I did some research to fill in the gaps.
Cats can write blogs? Well, no, but it's fun to pretend, and some serious beneficial work is done behind the scenes.
West Side Story was produced on Broadway in 1957, and in film in 1961. This article covers the plot and adds commentary from a 21st century perspective.
The swing and big band era shaped popular music for a generation through songs like "Harbor Lights," "Aura Lee," and "Chattanooga Choo-Choo."
A look at several of the songs popular in the 1960s and 1970s from some of the better-known artists.
Sea shanties came from the era of the tall-masted sailing ships of yesteryear, and they had their own language in songs.
What planets have moons? Do they have names? How many are there? Is Pluto a planet again yet? These and other questions are considered in this article.
We rely upon our cars in these times. While it is important to take care of our cars, there are many myths that abound. Some have a grain of truth; others are completely false.
This article will take a closer look at the KonMari method of decluttering from the perspective of someone new to the particular approach.
People can often do or say incredibly stupid things. Is this an inherent human trait? Are we all stupid on some level? What is stupidity, anyway?
The winter holidays can be a major cause of stress and stress-related illnesses, including mental illness. This article discusses coping strategies this author has learned in her long-time attendance in a stress-reduction group; the quotations used come from that group.
If you want to install a screen door, here is a basic layout of the process from start to finish, including what to look for at the home improvement store and how to check your work during every step of the way.
Comets are astronomical phenomena that can both bedazzle and frustrate would-be viewers. Outside of the professional observatories, most people pay little attention. Amateur enthusiasts are a small part of the population.
This article covers how to make ornaments to hang on trees, to hang from garlands, or on doorknobs. These are easy, kid-friendly crafts.
The media too often runs stories of abandoned newborns, many of whom fail to survive. This article covers safer options available to birth parents.
What are tall ships? These are the old square-rigged sailing ships of olden days; the way goods and people used to be transported all over the world. They hold a firm and important place in history.
John Marsh was a prominent historic person in early California history. The property he owned is under development as a state park landmark.
Nearly everyone has heard of San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park, but few know about its early history and formation. Discover the history of its Japanese Tea Garden and get tips on visiting the lovely site.
Karate is just one of many activities classified as martial arts. Some people mistakenly think it is about fighting and bullying, but the opposite is true.
Lament for my late husband, recently departed
Classical music isn't always what people think. Many, many selections are familiar tunes, because of their use in movies and even advertising.
Mother's Day has been with us in the United States since 1908 when Anna Jarvis created the concept.
Do you dread being at a party and not being able to get enough dip on your chips or veggies? Do you try to wait until no one is about to quickly sneak in a 'double-dip?' You are not alone: the solution is at hand!
Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the author promises no spoilers; just a few teasers.
This is a family recipe for yellow split pea soup that has been adapted for vegetarians. Non-vegetarians will love it, too.
Darning socks is an old skill that is slowly dying in this era of the 'just throw it away' mentality. Save your socks and your budget by learning to darn holes in socks.
A roundup of seven of the most popular protest songs from the '60s.
A poem this author wrote back in her 'dark ages' of the late 1980s, describing the feelings of feeling friendless and alone.
This is a true story illustrating just one instance of why mass commercial breeding of pet animals needs to be halted, or at least very strictly regulated.
Your tires can talk, telling you many important things regarding tire maintenance and safety. This article explores and explains them.
Short story about an aging person's memories and sharing them with the younger generation.
There are many myths, misinformation, and outdated statistics circulating about FIV. In this article, we will let the truth of the matter be known. The main takeaway is that a positive test should never mean a death sentence.
What does it mean to be mentally ill? How many people suffer from this ailment? It’s more common than you think.
For anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, silly songs like "Alley-Oop," "Beep Beep!" and "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" are sure to bring back many memories.
A look at silly made-up holidays in the second half of the year.
The U.S. Military deployed a massive bomb in Afghanistan on the 13th April, 2017, with the stated aim of weakening ISIS/ISIL
Your item photo is the first impression buyers get. Make it a great one to capture their interest and increase your chances for a sale several fold.
There were a great number of songs that became popular during the two World Wars; this is a sampling of several selections.
Word search puzzles are great fun for many people, but they can sometimes be quite challenging. Presented here are a few strategies that can help find all those words.
What does a person wear to go camping? There are several things to consider before you start packing.
How much bread goes to waste every day? Does it go stale, or does it go moldy? The solution is easy.
Ever wonder what goes on backstage and before the play? What does it take to bring you that entertainment? Read on; it's a fascinating journey.
What is the best cat litter for your feline companion? Eight brands are compared with their advantages and disadvantages listed to help you decide.
There are some truly oddball holidays most of us have never even heard of; the first six months of the year are put forth here, for your amusement
Seven easy steps, thoroughly explained, to get better gas mileage and keep more money in your wallet.
Many people killed in police shootings suffer from some form of mental illness. This article explores the recent trend of police shooting first and asking questions later—too late.
How to use the various census records when researching your family's history.
Learn how to diagnose and treat ringworm at home if your cat has this infection.
If you want to try panning for gold, you might want to practice the techniques at home in your own yard.
Learn to fill out the most basic form used in tracing family history. Capture the details of your ancestors' families in an easy-to-find format.
Here is how to determine if your aunt is your great aunt or grand aunt and whether you have met a first cousin or second cousin at the family reunion.
Tips for beginners on where to look for genealogical information, where to start, and how to get it all organized.
Review of a design flaw in the Kodak ESP Office 2150 model all-in-one printer, with commentary and exposé on Kodak's "customer service."
A guide to available options to get safely home from alcohol-drenched partying.
My husband and I drove I-40 from California to Alabama to visit friends. Here are my notes (and a few poems) from the road.
Funny family stories of practical jokers in the clan
Have you ever wanted to drive a race track like the pros, but don't have that kind of money? Then R/C racing is for you!
This article is an owner's review of and experience with the Hoover Steam Vac Dual V carpet shampoo machine.
Funny family stories; using humor with kids as they grow up
About an hour to the east of San Francisco, lies the historic Black Diamond Mines site. If you’re planning a visit to San Francisco or the greater Bay Area, this is an interesting side trip...
A poetic commentary on the state of affairs in the USA as of 2015
This is a humorous look at some things people believe about cats. They are written by the owner of seven cats: one who knows the truth!
This is a poem originally written to accompany an art piece.
Poem describing lava flowing into the sea
Poem about a personal connection with the sea and boats
Genealogy is a fascinating hobby, but can be time consuming. This is a poem about doing research on a microfiche reader at the National Archives.
What calls to you; what sweet temptation lurks? Resist, you must; resist, you cannot.
A poem showcasing the feelings of sitting around a nighttime campfire
Relaxing at the beach; two poems that pair well together
Two poems about the seashore and what's seen there, that pair well together.
Poem with a dual inspiration from the stage play, "Les Miserables" and my life situation at the time I saw the play
A poem about imagery in writing poems
How to make a sandwich; a humorous explanation, answering a question asked by Edwin Thomas.
This guide will offer seven easy ways to make your home a less likely target for thieves without spending your hard-earned cash.
Poem about using a camera to capture images
A short treatise on the topic of veracity of the Bible, in answer to a question asked by a member of the Hub Pages community.
Special elections are costly. Is there a better way to handle the issues voted upon in special elections?
Short flash fiction story about a woman's confusion on going through a doorway.
Ten Tips for women to remain safe at night in parking lots and other locations when returning to their cars.
Why do cats purr? Do purrs mean something more than happiness? What do purrs do for the cat and for us?
How to create your own "ugly Christmas sweater" on the cheap
Spoiler-free movie review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
A self-interview with the author, in response to a challenge from another Hub Pages author.
Review of the Sci-Fi movie "Interstellar," released in California on 10-26-14. No spoilers!
Poem based upon an artwork by a fellow author, who issued a challenge to create a story based upon that picture.
This article will share five less-often-heard ideas for staying 'in the wet' when there is a water shortage.
This is a review of a series of novels. The idea of werewolves goes back centuries, built on fear, prejudice and ignorance of both natural phenomena and human deformities.
Many people claim to see bizarre behavior during the full moon. Is this myth or fact?
Toddler tantrums can be frustrating and embarrassing for parents. Here are a few coping strategies.
Exploration of the game "Dragon Stone," with tips and strategies discovered by this author/player.
Many people swear by clipping coupons to save money. Is this really an advantage, or only a false economy?
This guide will offer tips on getting the best results when using a carpet shampoo machine.
Have you ever made up silly words just for fun? I mean as an adult. Kids do this all the time, but it seems to be lost fun for many adults.
Bad manners seem to run rampant these days. Find out if you are guilty or not.
Today, May 28, 2014 marked the death of famed poet Dr. Maya Angelou.
In the United States, we have created a terrible identity crisis for many people who are trying to figure out when they are really an adult, or when they become a senior citizen.
Teachers try to be tactful when writing up student progress and behavior reports. Here is a humorous guide to translating what they really mean.
Ender's Game is a big-budget independent film released to DVD in early 2014. It classifies as a Sci-Fi action thriller.
Pagans Against Fracking (The Warrior's Call - pagans united against fracking), sponsored a day of ritual ceremony to bless the waters of the world against further pollution and misuse.
A recipe re-created from a childhood memory.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Here is a simple guide.
The many flaws in parking lot design need to be addressed. Representatives of the public who will be served should be involved in those designs, or designers should become more educated to needs.
There is a huge failure of good manners in today's society, and there seems to be a special breed of poor manners encountered in parking lots nationwide.
How to read music--continuing with how to count musically
Dried beans are a healthy, inexpensive food. Learn how to prepare and cook them properly. This recipe works for just about any type of dried bean.
Traditional Boston Baked Beans, converted to a vegetarian dish.
Punctuation matters, yet it is often neglected or tossed aside with a "who cares?" attitude.
Self-proclaimed Emperor Norton I, "Emperor of these United States and Protector of Mexico" was a character who was probably tolerated only because of the prosperity following the gold rush.
Stuck on trying to write something? Writer's block is real, but can be easily overcome.
How much of our current technology originated from works of science fiction? You may be surprised at the connections.
What sensations tickle the nose; delight the eyes; relax the body? Ah, read on, read on.
If cats could speak or write, this is what their list of New Year's Resolutions might look like.
Poem about aging, passing through pain, and leaves the reader to their own conclusions...
In answer to the question, "Do you and your spouse fart in each other's presence?"
Children can be safely taught the basics of building a campfire, indoors with no flames, and have fun doing so.
Using the dump cake technique makes any scratch-made cake as easy as a cake mix.
How to encourage children to learn and to love lifelong learning.
An exploration of the various distractions threatening drivers on the roads today.
Translation of the age-old tag line on invitations that reads, "R.S.V.P."
Review of the Steven Spielberg movie, "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field.
A look at the various ways programs intended to produce harmony actually do the opposite.
Whether you are planning to have knee replacement surgery or are currently recovering from the procedure, there's a lot to know. This is what I learned from my experience.
A silly poem about grocery shopping; it began as part of an exercise to help with writer's block. The assignment? Create a poem from your grocery list.
A dialog about what is and is not considered tasteful mealtime conversation, with a 'shame on you' to the advertisers on network TV.
The meteor that exploded above Russia today caused a great number of injuries and much panic. Was this the end of the world? Hardly.
What is life insurance all about? Can we really insure our lives?
Kitchen mistakes and disasters easily fixed. Tips and tricks for the chief cook and bottle washer.
Stage-by-stage photo essay of how to remodel a small bathroom. Shows what kinds of things you might encounter when doing a remodel of any kind.
Heart-healthy vegetarian lentil soup recipe. Great choice for those cold winter nights. Filling and satisfying.
Tips on driving in the rain, especially what to do if you come to a big puddle.
Taking good photographic portraits is explained in this article. How to get natural smiles, use of backgrounds and poses are explained.
The teenage years can be very trying for parents. Their extreme angst over trivial misfortunes, and their struggling to find identity, pushing at all the boundaries of what is acceptable in the process inspired this poem.
Instructions for word games to play with others or even alone. These games are suitable and adaptable for all ages, from kindergarten to octogenarians and anyone in between.
Tongue Twisters have been around for hundreds of years. They are fun to play with, but did you know they are also useful?
Looking for a fun kick to your holiday music? Look no further than this adorable CD with cats performing standard Christmas tunes. Non-traditional, for sure--intended for audiences with a sense of humor about the holidays.
Photography tutorials: an article dealing with photography in general, with links to detailed articles of instructions.
Explore what causes epilepsy in cats and some of the treatments that can be used. The author has been through it with a cat of her own. Helpful tips on forestalling an imminent seizure are included.
How to roast peppers for use in recipes. A step-by-step guide with photos. This is one way I used a surplus from our garden.
This article is an introduction to the comic opera form as done so masterfully by the late Gilbert and Sullivan. This is a form of opera that can be enjoyed even by people who can't stand traditional "grand opera."
Prescription medications can help with many diseases and conditions, though some do more harm than good. This article looks at a class of drugs known as "statins."
Should children be allowed unrestricted TV viewing after school? How much TV is too much? Does TV stunt learning and stifle imagination? These questions are explored in this article.
How to stop a car safely while driving every day. Did you know there is a 'following distance' assigned even to stopped traffic?
Read on for a quick guide to the meanings of the assorted color flags used in auto racing.
What does LGBT mean? LGBT folks endure all kinds of struggles, both internal and external. Let's shine a little light on where the REAL problems exist.
Geocaching. A sport for the 21st century. What is it? How is it played? Who can play? All those questions are answered here.
The practice of leaving tips for an increasing variety of service-sector workers can be controversial. There are arguments on both pro and con sides, and each sound valid. This article explains why it may be an outdated custom.
Bass Pro Shops store exploration and review. An amazing place for everyone who loves the great outdoors.
What is a Bucket List? Did you see the movie of that name? The article looks at the concept as well as some ideas on the matter.
These are the facts about de-clawing cats, presented in no-nonsense, stern language. It's not sugar-coated or "prettied up" in any way; it's just the straight, graphic truth. Please don't do this!
Looking to visit San Francisco? There are some important things you need to know to make your visit enjoyable. Written by a native San Franciscan.
A fun and tongue-in-cheek look at why many people prefer cats to dogs.
Why should you wash your car regularly? It is important for the life of the car, as well as the resale value. Learn more about the benefits.
A humorous look at the process of aging, and the difficulties faced. Some are simply due to increasing infirmities; others seem to be imposed by society. Murphy's Law surely comes into play, here.
This delicious and refreshing cranberry and rum drink was created many years ago by my grand-aunt. This secret family recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends as well!
This article includes all of the things you should consider when adopting and taking care of baby cats. Kittens are a lot of fun, but they also require a firm commitment to tender loving care.
A silent auction is a good way to raise money for your non-profit organization. It is fun, and fun means looser wallets.
Learn why it might be better to adopt an adult cat than a kitten in various circumstances.
As summer approaches and people go hiking in the woods, it becomes necessary to be able to spot harmful plants that can ruin a vacation or day out
This article will serve as a guide to the most misleading claims about vacuum cleaners and shares counters to the industry's statements.
Sex education for the young is the topic of many heated arguments. Here is a rational discussion on the matter with a peek back into history.
Worldwide peace. Is it possible? Will it ever happen? What makes people go to war? How can we end wars?
What should you do if you find a baby animal? Should you rescue it? How do you know if it's actually been abandoned?
As we age, we encounter physical difficulties. Here is a brief guide to various ways to help yourself or aging relatives to cope and remain independent.
How did American English diverge from British English? What are the roots and history of the English Language?
Why do we dream? What do dreams mean, if anything? What kinds of dreams are there?
There is a virtual flood of prescription drugs available to our doctors. Do they always know what they are doing? What about mixing drugs? Your health care may not be as good as you think.
Flourescent lighting is being forced upon us by the government. This article explains why their logic is flawed, and why it is a bad idea.
Discussion of online privacy concerns at a major popular website used by over 8 million people worldwide.
Bullying seems to be on the rise. Or is it? Maybe it is just the reporting or perception that is rising. At any rate, 'bullying' seems to be the latest buzzword. What is the solution?
How do you pack shoes and the rest of your clothing in a suitcase? Tips for hassle-free packing.
Cats are the most popular pet in the USA, outnumbering dogs by 8.2 million owned cats over the number of owned dogs. What is the fascination?
Why are manners still needed in this day and age? Aren't manners outdated and stupid? Well, no, manners are never out of date.
Guide to cooking vegetables with healthy seasonings and very little fat.
What do you need to consider when adopting a pet? What kind of pet should you adopt?
The English language can trip you up in so many places; even native speakers fall victim at times. Many of the mistakes can be attributed to carelessness, and misunderstanding of the spoken word.
Computers need humans? Humans need computers? How much we rely on computers these days is scary. A slightly humorous look at our over dependence upon computers.
How to read music--a very basic introduction to music notation for the piano and other treble and bass clef instruments.
Answer to a question of whether or not a child should be made to study a musical instrument.
A look at the nature of the many games on Face Book. The positives and the negatives.
A brief examination of why the world is in the current mess, economically and politically. The Great Depression of 1929 contrasted with today's woes. Is it just part of the human condition?
One of my favorite vacation spots is Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California. The stately redwoods and the remnants of logging days in the area combine to remind us of why these trees must be saved.
What is the Fibonacci number sequence? how is it done? This explanation is for those better with words than numbers; those who struggle with math.
How does the universe work? A group of friends with a theatrical mindset had it all figured out years ago. Prepare to laugh at the whimsical theories.
The importance of writing well, including correct grammar, spelling and flow.
A fun look at words no one really uses, but can still be found in dictionaries of one sort or another. Includes lay words as well as a few medical terms.
Studying for tests--how to make it work, and suggestions for maximizing concentration and focus.
True story of a funny, friendly disagreement that went on for years between mother and daughter--all about water.
What did people do for fun in the olden days? How does it compare to today's entertainment?
Valentine's Day is an immensely popular time for the exchange of everything from candy to wedding vows. But do we really need it?
How to write essays without stressing out. The basics of tackling the task and organizing research.
Pawn shops and how they work—why you won't get top dollar for your items.
A just-for-fun fun and nonsense exploration of the names of some of our favorite fictional characters, asking whether or why certain rules of spelling and grammar are not applied.