Ilene Springer
EXPAT: I am an independent writer and EFL teacher who moved from the US to Malta in October, 2008. Please check out my e-book The Diary of an American Expatriate, published by AUK in London, and available on over a hundred sites, including Amazon.com. I specialize in writing about travel; health and wellness; pet health; teaching EFL; and lifestyle subjects. I ve been published in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, AARP and other national magazines and websites.
Blogs: An-American-in-Malta.com (Exploits of an Expat);
*Chocolate-English.eu (authentic-theme lessons for EFL/ESL teachers and students);
*Writer.cc (samples of published articles in major publications)
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Blogs: An-American-in-Malta.com (Exploits of an Expat);
*Chocolate-English.eu (authentic-theme lessons for EFL/ESL teachers and students);
*Writer.cc (samples of published articles in major publications)
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- 10/3/2007
Education/Experience
BA from Binghamton Univeristy, NY; MSW from the U of Wisconsin; CMS from Harvard UniversityInterests
Ancient Egypt, cats, Middle Eastern music, becoming an expat, living in Malta, classic Broadway musicalsMotto
Treat celebrities like regular people--and regular people like celebrities.Affiliations
The Diary of an American En Expatriate, Ilene Springer FreelanceWriter, EFL/ESL Lessons that are as Good as Chocolate, The thoughts of an American ExpatFavorites
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How to Get Around Safety in Amalfi, ItalyIt took me 90 minutes to walk at a slow, careful pace for a distance of 2.5 miles down to Amalfi from our hotel. This is one of those gorgeous places that I look at and think: I'm so glad I don't live here. -
Wildlife in Malta--How to Help an Injured AnimalMalta’s famous walking group called The Ramblers recently rescued a small, injured hawk from certain death. Anyone--a tourist or resident--could have come across the poor thing. Here’s what you need to know if you do find an injured animal in Malta: -
New Outdoor Elevator Helps Tourists in Valletta, MaltaValletta, the capital of Malta and a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful, fortified city with gorgeous gardens, breathtaking views of the harbor and steep hilled streets. The problem for many tourists is getting there after leaving their cruise liner. -
The Sounds of Silence in Gozo, MaltaThis morning I heard birds instead of the backfiring of busses when I woke up. And I smelled wildflowers later that day instead of car fumes. Something told me I wasn't in Malta (Malta) anymore. And I wasn’t. I was on Gozo--the sister island of Malta. -
The Maltese Immigration Department Seemed Organized TodayThis was just another typical day for me as a Non-EU resident of Malta (south of Sicily) trying to stay in Malta where I’ve managed to live and work now for over four years. I was lucky the first time. What will happen today? -
My 2013 Resolution as a Mother of Adult ChildrenI'm the mother of two great daughters-- one is 31years old and the other is 26. Both are single, working and leading good lives (thank G-d) in Boston and San Francisco. I'll be 60 next month and I'm having a hard time facing it. Here's what I promise: -
So I'm a Lame Duck PresidentObama should say: I don’t want my legacy only as the first black president. My legacy should be that I fixed something. I’m not going to lie to you. This country’s in trouble. And the only thing we have to fear is us ourselves.
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See Amazing Christmas Displays in MaltaOrdinarily, the Preluna Hotel in Sliema, Mala, is a nice three-star hotel. But during Christmas, the main thing that draws everyone’s attention in the Preluna is the huge and intricate Nativity scene on display right inside the lobby as you enter. -
Why You Should Stop Over in Munich AirportI actually look forward to a layover in Munich Airport in Germany, which is good because I usually have a five-hour layover between flying from Malta to Boston. Here are several reasons, if you must have a layover somewhere, to choose Munich Airport: -
Hanukkah on a Low BudgetIf you think cutting back on Christmas presents is hard to do during difficult times, you should experience what it's like to cut back on Hanukkah gifts; Hanukkah lasts eight days. -
First Person: Thanksgiving After Divorce Can Be Done -- But You Have to TryIf you had told me 31 years ago on the birth of our first daughter that her father and I would be divorced, that I would move to Malta (south of Sicily) and live with a man from Germany, I would have thought you were crazy. -
Inglot Malta: My Favorite Cosmetics ShopI was an eclectic cosmetic shopper, and the thought of trying to find all my brands in a foreign country was daunting. Then, I walked by a cosmetic shop called Inglot in Malta, and my cosmetic life changed forever. -
You Must Taste the Obama Burger in MaltaThe Obama burger is undoubtably one of the best burgers I've ever eaten. It's been a regular feature for the past four years at La Spinola Beer Garden & Restaurant , home of Badass Burgers, in St. Julian's on the Mediterranean island of Malta. -
Voters' Picks: Obama Takes the U.S. by Storm on Nov. 6He may have gone in like a lamb during that first debate. But he’s coming out like a lion toward the finish line. I'm voting for Obama because he’s smart. He learns fast from his mistakes. -
Can an American Teach English in Malta?When the sun comes out in Malta, emails from Americans and other non-European Union members pour in, asking me if they can teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) while spending their leisure time touring this beautiful Mediterranean island.
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Expats: Renting in Malta? Leave Your Furniture at HomeUnlike most countries in Europe, Malta is one of the few that come with furnished apartments -- pictures on the walls included. Convenient, yes. But if you need your vases and your own desk to feel at home, you’ll need to search for an unfurnished flat.
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Killing Off Big Bird: The End of RomneyI believe that Romney's announcement of wanting to cut the funding for PBS and, therefore, cut the throat of Big Bird, will be his undoing.
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Yacht Watching From the Three Cities in MaltaIf there's any place to wait for your ship to come in, it's along the waterfronts of the Three Cities of Malta with their beautiful sea vistas and the impressive, luxurious yachts that pull in and out of their harbors. -
How to Vote for the U.S. President From AbroadAs an American abroad -- whether you're on business, on vacation, or living somewhere indefinitely as an expatriate -- you can still vote in the U.S. primaries, general presidential election, and perhaps in your state’s elections. -
Mosquitoes Are Here All Year in MaltaIf you’re the type -- like me -- that mosquitoes make a beeline for no matter who else is around, then you need this advice before visiting or staying in Malta for any length of time.
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Watch Out for Sea Anemones in MaltaI thought I was playing it safe splashing around in the natural "baby pool" by the rocky coast of Malta. I had been told that there were jellyfish in the open sea, and I wanted to avoid them. Little did I know what danger lurked there: sea anemones.
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First Person: Stop the Gridlock and the Rest Will FollowWhen I listened to Senator Obama at a rally in Dover, NH, in 2008, right before the first election, I thought he was the charismatic answer to all of the US’s problems. I really thought he would get the two parties to talk out the major issues.
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Catch Your Own Octopus in MaltaMeet Sam. He’s really good at what he does. He’s one of Malta’s best octopus catchers, and if you want to catch your own octopus, he’ll show you how.
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First Person: It's Time to Stop Fighting National Health CareAt 55, right before the last presidential race, I had to leave the United States and move to Malta because I could no longer afford my health insurance premiums, which had been going up by 25 percent for the past years. If I had remained in Dover, N.H., I
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How to Stay Cool Under the Maltese SunIt’s the middle of August in Malta, and the temperature is a typical 95 degrees F. Go in the sun and it can easily feel up to 105 degrees F. While Malta does get humid, it's the powerful sun that will do you in.
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Nearly 60 and Terrified About RetirementI'm in big trouble. I've known it for years now, but I'm hoping for a miracle. Right now, I think I'll have to work until I drop because I won't be able to live on what I'll get from social security and the little I've managed to save.
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Rudyard Kipling’s Secret Garden in Rottingdean, EnglandGet away from the prim and proper landscaping of England and visit a garden on the wild side: the secret garden of Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) at his Rottingdean home near Brighton, England.
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Rocky Beaches Are More Fun in MaltaRelax, imagine yourself on a sandy beach in the sun, the sound of the lapping waves... Well, not for me. I'll take the rocky Mediterranean beaches of Malta anytime over the few sandy beaches.
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Hiking in the Sussex Downs: What to Do If You Get LostI took one second to stop and take a photo of a lone sheep while on a group hike through the pastures of England's Sussex Downs, and the next thing I knew, I, myself, was a lost lamb. The group had somehow turned a corner and disappeared from sight.
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My Weekly Fitness Plan: Keeping Track of My Steps and CaloriesIt's worked before and it will again-- if I do it. The key to me losing weight and staying in shape is to walk 12,000 steps a day and to count my calories, trying to eat no more than a net 1500 calories a day.
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Why Moroccan Leather Smells BadWhen I spotted a beautiful leather backpack in a London shop, I thought the strong smell was from all the leather products in the shop. I love the smell of leather, but this seemed extreme. But I figured the smell would go away; it didn't. It stank.
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Visit the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest, An Unusual Mediterranean Cemetery in MaltaIf you like the history unveiled in old cemeteries, but are afraid of the ghosts that may inhabit them, fear not: you can enjoy this beautiful 19th century Protestant cemetery in peace; there are no ghosts here because the bodies were stolen long ago.
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Seven Sisters Sheep Centre in Sussex, England: Don't Miss ItThese lambs are anything but silent. They cry for their moms, their milk bottles, and their grain. This sheep farm where you can feed and pet the animals -- and maybe even watch a lamb being born -- is one of the most fun places I've visited in England.
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Use Barclays Cycle Hire to Get Around in LondonGet fit and get around anywhere in central London by hiring a bicycle from a docking point, riding it as much as you want in a 24-hour period anytime during the year, and then returning it to one of hundreds of docking points in the city.
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Ride Horses Along the Cliffs of MaltaWhether you're a novice or veteran horseback rider, with the skillful training and help of Mario Frendo, the owner of Golden Bay Horse Riding in the north of Malta, you'll feel safe, giving you the chance to both ride and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
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Malta Marathon: Start Training Now for Next FebruaryIt's not exactly the Boston Marathon. But the Malta Marathon, usually held on the last Sunday in February, combines the best of a big international competition and the closeness of a small island festival. Here's why you should be part of it.
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Visit an Organic Olive Oil Retreat in MaltaThe three enemies of olive oil are light, air, and humidity. So says farmer Joe Borg of the Ta'Zeppi olive grove with its tiny processing plant - surely one of the best off-the-beaten track places to visit in Malta whether you're a tourist or a resident.
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Gozo, Malta: Sneak a Peek at the Secret Cave of the NunsI can imagine many a naughty lad sneaking down to the the tiny cave hidden among the cliffs at magnificent Xlendi Bay in Gozo, Malta, to catch a glimpse of the young novices who thought they had found a truly private place to swim. They hadn't.
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The Best Way to Transfer USD From Abroad: Your Debit CardLosing money due to exchanging the weak dollar (USD) is bad enough, but adding on transfer fees makes it worse. However, I’ve discovered the cheapest way to transfer money is by using your American debit card at any ATM in Europe.
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The Best Free Wi-Fi Spot in Malta: Cafe JulianiRight now, I'm writing this to you from the best free Wi-Fi place in Malta: the Cafe Juliani at the Hotel Juliani in St. Julian's, Malta. Here's why I like it so much.
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Walk in the Steps of Elvis Presley in Bad Nauheim, GermanyRumors abound that Elvis is alive and well in Bad Nauheim, a 30-minute train ride from Frankfurt. This town was transformed forever by Elvis’ residency and is now known as Elvis' European home, priding itself on its famous Elvis memories and sites.
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How to Print Out Google Calendar Better Than EverThe new-look version of Google Calendar is great, except for the printing function, which has not been resolved despite many complaints. But I’ve figured out another way of printing the Google Calendar using the Firefox add-on called Screengrab.
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Freelance Writers: Why You Shouldn’t Write for FreeFreelance writing is the only profession in which the manufacturer often creates the product for nothing in the hope of getting started or in gaining more exposure. It’s the worst thing you can do for yourself and every other freelancer writer.
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What Shoes NOT to WEAR in MaltaYes, you want to look good, especially in the summer on Malta--the beautiful Mediterranean island south of Sicily. But if you wear four-inch heels like the Maltese, you won't look good with a broken ankle. Here are the shoes you should wear in Malta.
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How to Find Out What Your English-Foreign-Language Students (EFL) Students REALLY Want to Do in ClassSometimes I can tell during my EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classes that when one student is yapping on about something, several other students appear bored. The problem is: how many are bored? I find out by using the "blind vote."
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How to Help a Shy EFL StudentThere's an ancient Hebrew saying: “A shy person will not learn.” Shyness certainly has an effect on learning English. From my experience as an EFL teacher, I've found that I've often had to play the role of a language coach, not just a language teacher.
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How to Keep Records of Your EFL Lessons and StudentsOh, G-d, the embarrassment of being told you’ve already given that lesson. Or trying to remember if you gave a lesson to a former student. Should you teach another whole unprepared lesson because of one student?
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EFL Teachers: Are You Overusing the TextbookIf something happened to your EFL textbooks--a fire,a flood, they were stolen or you forgot them at home--would you be able to teach your EFL class? Or would you panic? Many EFL teachers rely only on their textbooks in teaching their students.
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Bring the Real World into Your EFL Classroom with YouTubeSince I've started using YouTube in my EFL classes, I've seen a dramatic increase in my students' attention spans. Listening to YouTube videos are is a lot more natural in teaching listening skills than playing the old, stilted language cassettes.
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What Laid-Back Really Means in the MediterraneanThe sun, the sea, chatting leisurely in cafes--ah, this is the life for an expat living in the Mediterranean, right? Well, sometimes. But the laid-back attitude of a Mediterranean culture can wreak havoc with the nerves of tourists or expats.
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How to Eat Less Chocolate and Enjoy it MoreI’ve done some reading and experimenting and I’ve come up with some ways to eat less chocolate and actually enjoy the amount you’re eating.
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What You Should Know About Fish PedicuresIn Malta many tourists and locals alike have been taking a dip not only in the gorgeous Mediterranean but in tanks swarming with fish ready to nibble off the dead skin off your feet, leaving them smooth and looking good.
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What is English for Special Purposes?Are you an expert cook or gardener? Maybe a musician or history buff? There's a new offshoot of teaching EFL that becoming a hot trend: teaching English for Special Purposes (ESP) and if you teach EFL, try to take advantage of this new opportunity.
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How to Deal with Adult EFL Students Who MisbehaveMost experienced EFL teachers cringe and swear under their breath when they're asked to teach a teen group of EFL students. They worry about the jeering, refusal to do be serious, the noise, the general misbehaving.
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Changes in Getting a Work Permit in MaltaWithin three years of moving to Malta and getting a permit to teach EFL in Malta, things have changed drastically. It's much harder for Non-EU's to get first-time permits and even more difficult to get work permits renewed.
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How to Get Your EFL Students to Stop Fearing GrammarIf you dread doing grammar in your EFL class, so will your students. Here are some tips on how to overcome the fear of grammar:
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How to Wear Earrings when You're Over 50Don't you hate when earrings pull your earlobes done to your shoulders? No matter how beautiful the earrings are, they will still have that ugly stretched look. It's not just age that does it, it's years and years of wearing heavy, dangling earrings.
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How to Stop Your Kids from Destroying a Day at the MuseumIt can be the best of times. It can be the worst of times. If you bring young children with you to a museum without some planning, you can count on the worst of times. Here are some ways around it.
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How to Get Along with American Tourists and ExpatsIf you're not an American, you may "love them or hate them" when you meet one, but one thing is for sure: you won't be bored. Here are some things to keep in mind to make it an enjoyable experience.
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Why You Should Book a Kitchenette in Your Next HotelDo you often complain how badly you eat on your vacations? Eating too much at the included breakfast? Eating too many foods that you're not supposed to eat? The answer for you may be booking a kitchenette with your hotel room.
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How to Leave Your Job at Home When You Go on VacationIt's not just workaholics who work on vacations. It's also average people who feel anxiety about looking like they don't work hard enough or fear what they will return to when coming back from their trip. Read on to find out how to enjoy your vacation without worrying about work.
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How to Prevent Foot Pain During Winter TravelingAccording to the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." And if that step is taken with a bum foot, it's going to be a very long journey no matter how many miles it is.
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Why You Shouldn't Get a Credit Card in MaltaI thought it would be useful to have a local credit card in case I was temporarily short on cash when I needed something. It wasn't too long before I realized this credit card in Malta was like no other I've ever had.
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Seven Things You Should Know Before Joining a Hike in MaltaNow, the word ramblers - from the verb to ramble - means to walk at a leisurely pace, looking at the countryside. I knew I was in trouble five minutes after the ramble started when people in their 80s had passed me by. Read on for tips if you plan to go hiking in Malta.
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What Not to Bring when You TravelWe spend a lot of time worrying about what to bring when we travel. But we don't give enough thought to what we should leave at home. Here are a number of documents and personal items you should leave in your drawers at home.
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Read Malta's Newspapers Before You Travel ThereFor a small island, there are many guidebooks devoted to Malta's attractions. If you just want to see the usual tourist sites, stick to the guidebooks. But if you want an insider's view of Malta, pick up one of the island's local newspapers.
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How to Calm Down Nervous Parents when You TravelJust wait until you have kids; that's what I tell my daughters when they get irritated at me for getting worried about them traveling abroad. If you have parents like me, here are some things you can do to calm them down.
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Hotel Tip No. One: Find the Fire ExitHow long do you spend searching for a hotel online when you travel? You probably spend a lot more time considering features that don't really make a difference in the end--and a lot less on the most crucial feature: the fire exit.
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Why You Should Visit Malta in the WinterImagine sitting at a cafe in the sun, watching the waves roll gently toward the shore. The weather is perfect--about 77 degrees F. (about 25 degrees C). Is it spring in Malta? Or a cool day in the summer? No, this is Malta on December 5th.
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How to Travel with a Big SpenderTaking a trip or vacation with a friend is like a brief marriage; things look great the first few days and then some surprises come along that ruin it. One big surprise is finding out your travel companion likes to spend a lot of money - his and yours.
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How to Handle Holidays While Traveling AbroadWhether you're traveling abroad for business or fun--or have started life in a new country as an expat--there may come a time when you're away from your homeland during a holiday you usually spend there.
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How to Visit a Museum Without Getting Wiped OutIf you're like a lot of people who travel abroad for culture (meaning one museum after another), you'll try to do or see to much and end up exhausted. Read on for tips on how to visit a museum without getting burned out.
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Studying EFL Abroad: What If You Don't like Your Teacher?This is the oddest complaint I heard from a friend who is studying Spanish abroad: He's not learning the language very well because the teacher is too beautiful and he's too distracted to listen to her speak.
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Does Age Matter when You Learn a Language Abroad?It shouldn't be, perhaps, but age can have a lot to do with the dynamics of a language group. There are advantages to being in a class with people of your own age - and there are other advantages to being with people older and/or younger than you are.
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Eight Things Not to Do when You Visit IcelandIt may look beautiful and serene, but each year Iceland proves to be a death trap for many unprepared tourists. It's easy to get lost in a landscape that looks deceptively similar in Iceland's glacial wilderness.
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How to Travel with a German PartnerOK, this article may not suit the politically correct. But having had a German partner for 10 years, I think I'm somewhat of an expert on traveling with a German.
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How to Avoid the Host Family from HellAs an EFL teacher in Malta, I hear many horror stories about students and host families. One student discovered that her room was so tiny that she had to enter the room by crawling on the bed (the bed took up the entire room).
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Want to Teach at a Good EFL School Abroad?If you have your EFL qualifications, it sounds like a great and romantic adventure to teach English is another country over the summer. And it is. But every EFL teacher knows that a language school is only as good at its DOS (Director of Studies).
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How to Really Learn a Language AbroadSo you've signed up for 30 group lessons and five one-on-one language lessons per week. By the end of that, you should be quite good at speaking English, French, German, Spanish or whatever language you want to learn abroad. Maybe. Maybe not.
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Is it Dangerous in Malta's Paceville?It's a neighborhood where you'll find the cinema and clubs, bars and bowling, lots of shopping and lots of drinking. At any given point, you'll find lots of people, many who are definitely under the drinking age.
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Less is More in Language Schools AbroadIt's certainly good to be an ambitious student. It's another thing when the language school comes off as being ambitious. This usually indicates that the school is motivated for one thing'"money.
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How to Get the Most Out of Studying a Language AbroadIf you sign up for a language school abroad and are told you must buy the textbook or you find that a certain textbook is included in your fee, try to get your money back; don't go to this school. Here's why:
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Swimming with the Dolphins in MaltaTaking a dip with a bottle-nose dolphin looks like a fun and easy thing to do. That is, until you research what's involved. There are lots of rules about who can--and cannot--swim with the dolphins.
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How to Enjoy the Summer in MaltaThey say you either love Malta--or hate it. There's no in between. You can say the same about the weather in the summer--either you can tolerate the heat--or you can't.
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Do You Need a Car in Malta?I know I will never drive a car in Malta. Although it's often hard, especially in the evening, to go and come from certain places on the island, I will never get behind the wheel in this country. It's too dangerous.
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Why You Should Leave Your Guidebook at Home When You TravelMany tourists who go just by the book end up frustrated and exhausted. We know the reasons for taking along a guidebook on a trip. Here are some of the reasons you should consider for not bringing one along.
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Can You Make Maltese Friends If You're an Expat?One of the biggest complaints of expats living in Malta is how difficult it is to make friends with the "locals." To understand why, ask yourself - if you're an expat - how many foreign friends you had when you were living in your homeland?
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How to Renew Your American Passport in MaltaIf you live in Malta, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that you go to the American Embassy in Malta to renew your passport. The bad news: you go to the American Embassy in Malta to renew your passport.
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How to Get a Good Massage AbroadI went for my gift massage in Germany, and the masseuse turned out to be a man. This stressful massage could have been avoided if I had done the research - and I advise you to do the same if you want an enjoyable massage when you travel abroad.
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The Typical Paint Job in MaltaThe Maltese are very good at a lot of things. But painting a room or flat or house is not one of them. Yes, they get the paint on the wall-but also on the light fixtures, switches, sockets, faucet, sinks, countertops and nice tiled or wooden floors.
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How to Clean Your Bathroom QuicklyDoes the thought of cleaning the bathroom irritate you? The sink, the toilet, the wet towels? If you're working full-time and rushing to get ready for work, when are you supposed to do it?
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Maltese Women Don't Have Many RightsI asked how this woman how she was evicted from her own home. The answer: women in Malta don't have the right to inherit property from their parents.
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Why Maltese Women Don't Get FatWatch yourself while you're walking down the street in the morning. You may slip on a soapy sidewalk in front of someone's house-or get a sprinkling of water down from a window as someone waters their hanging plants.
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The Famous Paceville in MaltaPaceville is Malta's nightlife capital. It's the first word many foreign students learn when they arrive in Malta.
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Beauty in the Narrow Streets of Birgu, MaltaI can tell I'm not in the USA when I walk through the streets of Birgu. There's an amazing amount of gorgeous potted plants lining the narrow streets of this town from the Middle Ages. It's incredible that no one steals these plants.
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How to Get Your Teeth Cleaned PainlesslyI dread getting my teeth cleaned. That scraping, poking, the zap when the hygienist hits a nerve-literally.
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Why Seniors Should Have Cosmetic DentistryThe last generation - our parents and grandparents - accepted the idea that they would have no teeth in their later years. They accepted the embarrassing moment when the grandkids would ask why teeth are floating around in a glass by the bed.
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What is an Expatriate?I hesitate when I tell some people who aren't familiar with the word that I'm an expatriate from the U.S. It sounds like I'm saying that I'm an ex-patriotic person. I'm not, and that's not what it means at all.
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How to Keep Your Cat Off Your ComputerAnyone who lives with a cat knows how difficult it is to keep a cat off newspapers, homework and tax forms. No one really knows why. But now in the past 30 years or so, we have a new problem: how to keep cats off our keyboards.
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Why You Should Try Monovision Contact LensesWhen you were young, contact lenses were great, weren't they? You didn't have to wear those glasses that made you feel self-conscious. But now that you're past 45, you most likely need glasses again. What a shame.
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Your Medical Records in MaltaI'm starting to see why the U.S. spends so much more on health care than any other nation. Take medical records, for example.
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Renewing Your Work Permit in MaltaYou would think that renewing your work permit at the ETC in Malta would be easier than applying for it the first time. But it's not. Here's what you need to know before you're sent home from the ETC office to do the whole thing over.
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Medical Reasons for Thinning HairIt's a man's nightmare: one day his barber or hair stylist casually mentions that his hair is thinning a little at the back, confirming what he might have thought all along: He's going bald.
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Buying or Renting Property in MaltaRent first. That way, in a year's time, you'll know what areas in Malta you'll like or don't like, what kind of place you can afford, what you get for your money in Malta, etc.
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Opening a Joint Bank Account in MaltaI was so shocked that a bank would offer you hot chocolate that I panicked and said no. Then chocolate withdrawal set in. By the time I finished shaking, it was our turn.
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Moving to Malta - the Importation FeeAs if you haven't already spent a fortune on moving from the U.S. to Malta, you suddenly learn you have to fork out an additional 1200 Euros, which comes to about $1700, depending on the rate of exchange.
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Visiting the Fair Verona of Romeo and JulietThe star-crossed lovers Juliet and Romeo may not have really existed as Shakespeare portrayed, but you would never know it when you visit Verona in northern Italy.
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Treatment for Dandruff in KidsYou've discovered that your kid's crown-of-glory has dandruff. As unattractive as that may be, at least it's not head lice, which can be pretty difficult to treat. Here's what you need to do to get rid of the flakes.
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What Causes Dandruff in Kids?Your eight-year-old is scratching his head and you notice little flakes on his or her clothes. It looks like dandruff, but can it really be? Isn't dandruff something that starts in adolescence?
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Renting a Townhouse in MaltaIf you want to experience some authentic Maltese living, renting a Maltese townhouse-not an apartment or staying in a hotel--may be the perfect thing. But there are a couple of facts you should know before you put down a deposit.
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Should You Retire Near Your Children?According to a study by Boston College, 28 percent-that's over one out of four of us--will choose to either move or stay where we are to be closer to our children and grandchildren.
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Why EFL Textbooks May Not Always Be the BestDon't get too dependent on just the textbook. You should include authentic material in your lessons, such as newspapers, advertisements, menus, sets of instructions, etc.
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What to Do with Hung-Over EFL StudentsNo point, of course, about lecturing the students on coming to school too hung-over or tired to learn English. So I decided to use their fatigue and transform it into some lessons/activities. Here are a few of them:
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What Do EFL Students Want to Do the Most in Class?And the most common answer of what students want to do in English? They want to talk. Discuss. Speak. Most students come to an EFL school to learn to SPEAK English.
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The Joy of Incontinence PadsI don't need these pads all the time. But when I take long walks, hikes or rides in the car, I am very grateful for them.
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Only in MaltaThe post officer said he would start faxing my papers while I went to the bank machine to get the cash. And he did.
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How to Embed Your Logo into Your GmailGoogle's Gmail has come up with some great features over the years-and I love it. But the one thing that's been missing is how to put your logo on an email.
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A Good Activity to Meet Your EFL StudentsOkay, so your students have gone around and announced their names, their countries of origin and why they want to study English on the first day of class. Now what?
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A Great Place to Use the Internet in MaltaAfter a year in Malta, I finally discovered a lovely place to use the Internet (when I'm not home and using the stinking Internet there).
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The Disadvantages of a Private EFL LessonAs EFL teachers or students, we know the advantages of a private EFL lesson. But there are also disadvantages to taking or giving private EFL lessons. Here's what you should know before you take-or teach-one:
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What If You Make a Mistake in Your EFL Class?The question is not if you'll make a mistake as an EFL teacher; the question is when. How you perceive your own mistakes in class will affect your students in a variety of ways.
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Tea Time in MaltaI found out from someone who knows that I've been drinking my tea (and probably my coffee, too) the wrong way.
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The Advantages of a Private EFL LessonStudents pay a lot more for private EFL lessons than they do for shared lessons with other students. Although all students can benefit from a few private lessons, the more quiet EFL students have the most to gain.
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Stranded in England Because of SnowDo you know that the emergency authorities in England have asked people not to call 911 in an emergency? Why--have they turned to delivering pizzas now?
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When Should--and Shouldn't--You Correct EFL Students?If you're an EFL teacher, should your correct every mistake your students make? Obviously you can't. But should you try? The answer is: it depends. It depends on whether your goal is fluency or accuracy with your students.
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How to Reduce Teacher Talk Time in EFL ClassesNobody knows exactly why echoing occurs. Repeating what the student says, perhaps, buys the EFL teacher a moment of time to figure out what to say next to the student.
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Should You Keep in Touch with EFL Students?Each EFL school has its own policies about relating to students outside the classroom. Ask another teacher what he/she does about keeping in contact with students, and make sure you don't violate any rules.
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How EFL Schools Evaluate Their Teachers - Part IIIf you think you'll be nervous when your school's director of studies (DOS) announces that you're going to be observed while you teach one of your EFL classes, you're right: you will be nervous.
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What It's like to Go to the GYN in MaltaThis is for women who may be staying or living in Malta, and who may need the services of a gynecologist. It turns out that there's quite a difference between going to a GYN in the US versus going to one in Malta. Here's what I found:
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A Celebrity in MaltaNo one knows T., except his family, friends, neighbors, basically just the locals-as they say in Malta. He's certainly no international celebrity. But maybe he should be, would be if the world valued T.'s minor accomplishments.
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How Do EFL Schools Evaluate Their Teachers? Part ISchools of English Language-EFL schools-aim to please. And they aim to please their students-not their teachers. So if you're an EFL teacher in a language school, be prepared for--and get used to--being evaluated very often.
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The Christmas Cleaning Frenzy in MaltaMaltese women must clean their houses every week. But come Christmas, oh G-d.
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Malta is a Safe Place to LiveThey say wherever you go, people are basically the same. They're not. No one in Malta-except another American-can relate to this.
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How to Say Goodbye to EFL StudentsAs an EFL teacher, you may not realize how important you are to your students until you say goodbye to them. Even students who seemed unmotivated will sometimes get emotional when saying goodbye.
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What to Do with a Male EFL GroupYou might think it's a female teacher's dream to have an all male EFL (English as a Foreign Language) class-with all these good-looking and intriguing students from all over the world. But it's not.
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A Priest of a Different Kind in MaltaThe last time I went for a trim, I got a big surprise when I walked in to find a young priest sweeping up the hair on the floor in Pat's shop.
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A Funny Thing Happened in My EFL Class in MaltaYou do a lot more than teach English when you teach EFL. One common theme that comes up in every class is how the attitude about time differs from one culture to another.
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Siesta Time in MaltaThe worst thing about Malta is that most shops close from 1 to 4 PM. So you better not run out of chocolate at that time or you'll be forced to lick candy wrappers from the streets (and there are plenty of them).
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(PETS) 10 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling with PetsBefore you take your pet on a trip, be sure to prepare for every eventuality, from your pet getting lost to your cat or dog becoming ill.
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Back Home in MaltaTo me, any flight that lands safely is fantastic, a miraculous occurrence. I don't care about the food, the cramped space, someone in front of me with flatulence, crying babies (OK, I'm lying at this point). All I care about is that it landed-safely.
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Returning from a US Vacation to MaltaRecently, the bags under my eyes were really starting to bother me. Another teacher at my school told me about this plastic surgeon she had gone to see about getting some Botox.
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Expat from Malta: You CAN Go Home AgainI went with my daughters to their father's home-which used to be my home. Let me tell you; that's tough. He now lives with his nice girlfriend. It was hard to see how great the place looks.
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What I've Missed as an Expat in MaltaMalta does have office and school supplies, of course. But they're the bare minimum and they're carried by small private shop owners.
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How to Provide Care for a Loved One's Alzheimer's DisesaseOnce we come to grips with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, we need to rethink how we will communicate with the Alzheimer's sufferer.
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Teaching EFL in MaltaHere's the good news: On Monday, I started working in the language school that hired me. And I discovered that the toilets work very well; in the school where I was trained to teach English, the toilets wouldn't flush.
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Moving Abroad: What to Do About Your MailYou know how hard it is to move from one town to another and deal with forwarding your mail. Imagine what it's like moving to a foreign country and getting your mail from the US (or your country of origin) sent to you.
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What a Pedicure is like in MaltaNormally, it wouldn't be mistake to walk into a nail salon during open hours and ask for a pedicure. But in Malta you have to make an appointment--no walk-ins (or fall-ins) in this place.
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Spring in MaltaIn the Northeast (US) where I came from over seven months ago, spring was literally two days. There were two days of perfect weather--72 to 75 degrees F., sunny but not hot; I wasn't embarrassing myself from excessive sweating.
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What It's like to Go to a Dentist in MaltaThe office was very dentist like-clean, professional, nicely decorated, drill sounds going. And I felt sick to my stomach as soon as I smelled the dentist office smell. But there was a difference.
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Malta Travel Guide: Beautiful Mdina Gets Even More GorgeousThere was a medieval kitchen in one of the old monasteries. Stone walls and ovens, copper pots all over the place and pottery I wanted to steal.
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Work Permit for Malta: RejectedAbout a week after submitting my application, it was rejected through the mail-with no reason given.
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How to Get a Work Permit in MaltaI thought I was escaping the terrible economy when I left America for Malta, but it's caught up with me. But I'm not giving up. I'm going to become self-employed in Malta.
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The Difference Between Doctors in the US and MaltaGoing to the doctor is another country--even for something routine--may give you the jitters. But the health care experience in Malta--and other EU countries--can be a welcome surprise.
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Preparing to Move to MaltaYour chances of success and a quicker adjustment are a lot better if you prepare beforehand. You've got a lot to do before you leave the country: A will, settling debts (financial), planning a budget and more and more. Here are the basic steps to take:
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My Obama Moment---9/12/08Today--during a CNN moment--I had an interaction with Barack Obama who came to Dover, NH, where I will remain living for the next six weeks before I leave the USA for Malta.
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Getting Your Pet to Malta: Part 2This time I'm going to call your attention to a couple of details, which-if you overlook--could land you in a cage with your pet in quarantine
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Moving Abroad: How to Meet Other ExpatriatesNo one can predict how you will handle the culture shock or a whole new life, possibly away from friends and family. But there is one group that you can count on when you leave your home country: expatriates
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Eight Questions About Malta's ClimateThe most wonderful thing about this climate is that you get used to it. It's not like New England where it can be 90 one day and literally drop 35 degrees the next to 55. When it gets hot, it stays hot-and you sort of get used to it.
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Sunscreen: Make it Easy on YourselfWe know it's a pain--to buy, to wear, to reapply, to even find in your house sometimes. But If you want to look good and stay healthy, you'll wear it. Here are eight ways to make it easier on yourself
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Moving to Malta & Other EU Countries: Residence Requirements, Part 1It may be easier to get yourself moved into Malta than your pets! There are lots of rules, regulations and requirements, but it's pretty straightforward. Here are your options.
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What TLC's What Not to Wear Can Teach YouFriends and family say I don't dress badly enough to be on the show. But that doesn't bother me. If I knew the show's crew was secretly filming me and going through my closet, I'd wear anything that looked bad.
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How to Make Fake Plants Look RealFake plants require less care (almost none-except dusting), they won't die (you're in really bad shape if they do), they won't fall over and get dirt all over the place-- and your cat can't eat them.
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21 Good Things About Being in Your FiftiesYou don't have to worry about creepy guys hitting on you anymore; most of them are dead already.
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A Teacher Who I Really AdmiredThere are certain things you shouldn't put off doing. Thanking a teacher who inspired you is one of those things.
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Six Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine if a Temp Job is Right for YouAre you unemployed? A student? Do you need to supplement a freelance writing or art career? Or maybe you're retired but still want to do something and earn a little money. ;temp agency, such as Manpower, may be just what the career counselor ordered.
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Overweight Cats: Determining How Fat is Too FatVeterinarians say that about 25 percent of all cats are overweight. And when it comes to middle-aged cats, five to 10 years old, 50 percent of felines are too fat.
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The Seven Wonders Of The Modern World: The Pyramids of EgyptThey say that "Man fears time...but that time fears the Pyramids." This is true because the Great Pyramids of Giza are the last of all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remain.
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Do Cats Hate Water? Evidence Shows it's A Matter of Individual TasteThe question of how cats feel about water is somewhat controversial because there are cats who will do anything to avoid it, while other felines love it and jump right in.
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Eight Good Uses for Old NewspapersOld news is good news-or at least the paper it's written on. From cover to cover, newspaper's best features are its ability to absorb and cushion. Here are eight good uses for newspaper once you've read it:
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How a Health Savings Account Can Help You: Ideal for Skyrocketing Insurance PremiumsYou open your mail, expecting the usual bills, junk, etc. There's a letter from your health insurance company. Uh oh....it's that time again-the annual increase. You've come to expect and dread this, but when you open the envelope, you almost pass out.
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The Jewish Holiday of Purim is Full of Joy: March 21, 2008One of things you'll notice during the Purim service is the laughter whenever the kids (and their parents) spin the grogger ( a noisemaker) to drown out the name of evil Haman when it is read.
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What to Do About Your Neighbor's Barking DogIt can happen whether you rent or own; it can happen whether you lived in your neighborhood for thirty years or if you just moved in last week. At any point, a neighbor living next to or near you may have a dog that won't stop barking.
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Don't Adopt a Kitten that is Too YoungThe latest recommendation is that kittens should be no less than 12 weeks old when they are separated from their mother and siblings. If you can stand to wait, it's even wiser to adopt a kitten when it is 12 to 14 weeks.
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Documents You'll Need When Moving to Europe: From Visas to ResumesWhen you move to anyplace abroad-whether for one year or many-you will essentially be moving the your whole life history. The sooner you start gathering this information, the better.
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UK Man, 103, and his Wife Move to New ZealandTalk about fulfilling lifelong dreams! According to BBC TV, a 103-year-old man and his wife from the UK finally moved to the place they always wanted to - New Zealand.
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Preparing Your Family for Your Move Outside the CountryIf you do decide to move abroad without your grown children, siblings or parents, telling your family may be the most difficult thing you ever discuss with them. Every family is different, of course, and every family's reaction will be different.
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How to Avoid Peeing Your Pants: The Ultimate EmbarrassmentBeing a woman of a certain age, "get me to the bathroom on time" is my mantra.
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Four Ways to Know You've Found Mr or Ms WRONGPeople of all ages search for Mr. or Ms. Right. And they should be commended because that's hard to do. Here's what may be easier: spotting Mr. or Ms. Wrong.
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Lufthansa's Regulations for Traveling with PetsHave you ever waited on the check-in line at the airport and and noticed a passenger off to the side with a big crate and a big dog in it? You may be daunted by the idea of bringing a pet on a flight. But Lufthansa Airlines has some very straightforward steps to take.
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Depressed After Your VacationDo you need a vacation after a vacation? For most of us, coming back from a vacation is a letdown-even more so if the vacation was too expensive or disappointing in some way. But there are some things you can do to lessen the impact of the post-vacation blues.
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Six Reasons Why I Won't Run Again at Age 54After ending up in physical therapy for five months and not be able to walk up and down the stairs without pain that started in my butt and ran down to my left knee, I finally figured out why I wasn't made for running.
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Big Girls Do CryWhen Hillary faced the possibility of losing the New Hampshire primary, she suddenly had tear ducts.
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Make Winter Easier by Organizing Your Winter GearHow mad do you get when you go to open your car door and it's frozen? The best way to make winter life easier on you is to organize your winter supplies.Also published on:
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Five Etiquette Tips for Economy FlightsWith the increased crowding, decreased service and never-ending delays, flying is just not fun. But there are a few things that each of us can do to make it better for everyone-and it involves just some common courtesy:
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Twelve Thousand Steps to Shedding Winter WeightFinally, there's an exercise program that really does work. But therein lies the secret to it all: work. If you walk 12,000 steps a day-without eating more food-you will start to lose weight. It will be slow-about one pound a week.
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How to Talk Politics with Your KidsHow bad is it to call a presidential candidate an "idiot," especially in front of your kids? In this heated election season, it's natural to discuss the candidates with your spouse or partner...
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Cats in Ancient Egypt and Their Place in CultureSome societies have worshipped cats; others have demonized them. In some societies, it was a crime to kill a cat even by accident; in others, cats were considered a tasty part of their menu.
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The Sick Kid Syndrome: When Should You Keep Your Kid Home from School?It's a new year starting and along with that comes school for your kids. Plus colds, infections and other contagious things. Chances are it won't be long before you have to decide if your child is sick enough to keep home from school.
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How to Get Finicky Cats to EatYou open the can. And your cat comes running. You put the bowl down on the floor and hold your breath.....It looks like she's interested-and then, she scratches at the bowl just as she does in the litter box. Your cat has rejected another great entrée.
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Ten Ways to Tell If You Talk Too MuchTalking too much can ruin relationships. After a while, too much talking can leave you talking to only one person willing to listen to you: yourself. Here are ten ways to tell if you suffer from this problem (and everyone who has to be on the listening end.
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How to Get Your Pet to MaltaGetting your pet to Malta is not easy. There are many regulations which you must follow. Because you must do some things within certain time limitations, you may even find yourself planning the whole trip around your pet!
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Why Are Some Cats More Social Than Others?Your cat seems to love just being with you. She doesn't seem to even need other cats. In fact, she gets irritated, even aggressive, when another feline roams too close to her home. And yet, it doesn't quite make sense.
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Dealing with Your Deaf CatYou call your cat and she won't come. Well, maybe she's just being her old stubborn self. It may take a while to realize that your cat's uncharacteristic behavior may not be a result of a quirky personality but actually deafness.
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Living with a Blind CatBlindness can occur from a variety of conditions. "One of the most common causes is untreated viral, bacterial or parasitical infections," says Dr. Schwartz. Glaucoma is another cause of blindness, as well as retinal diseases and congenital conditions.
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What to Do About Your Scaredy CatYour cat comes to the door to greet you, rubs around your legs, purrs when you pet her and cuddles next to you on the coach. But if someone comes to the door, a car backfires outside--or if a strange cat prowls outside the house, your frightened feline is gone.
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Help Your Dog Overcome Noise AnxietyRobert could never get his dog Sausage to come in...except when there was a thunderstorm. At the first crackle of thunder and flash of lightning, Robert always knew where he could find Sausage: trembling and panting under the bed.
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Disaster Planning for Your Dog"There is a misconception that animals somehow find a way to fend for themselves," says Carmine DiCenso, Manager of the Boston Care and Adoption Center, Cape Cod region. "The real key to survival is in planning for a disaster before it happens."
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Make Your Carrier More Cat FriendlyIt's that time again. You hoist the cat carrier out of the closet and set it down on the living room floor. Before you can turn around, your cat races for the nearest bed to squeeze under. Then comes the struggle to drag her out from underneath her hiding place...
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Anorexia in Your Cat: When Your Cat Just Won't EatMost of us know that a reduced appetite or not eating is a sign of physical illness in a cat But what we may not realize is that cats may stop eating because of stress or emotional problems, such as depression.
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Not Just Another Cat - Comfort in the Loss of a PetMaybe Hallmark has a good idea and is making money. And maybe my vet and pet sitter are investing in some good public relations. But I have to say that when my cat of twelve years died a week ago, it really helped when these people and others sent me sympathy cards.