Melanie Neer
I have been a successfully published photographer and my work has appeared on the covers of magazines,newspapers, in calendars and to illustrate books. I also am a writer with a few published short stories and an artist.
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- Contributor since
- 4/6/2007
Education/Experience
BA from Queens College of CUNY
Displaying Results 1 - 140 (of 140) for All Content
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Review of Taste of Inspirations Neapolitan Pizza Sauce:Despite being labeled a "Pizza" Sauce, Taste Of Inspirations Neapolitan Pizza Sauce can be used in a truly versatile manner for a variety of recipe dishes.
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You Are What You Eat: What Exactly ARE You Eating Though?While we have enormous choices of the kinds of food we have available to eat, do we really know just what we're eating and more important, is it safe?
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Review of Vito Marcello's Tomato Basil Marinara SauceReview of Vito Marcello's Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce is a delightful all natural blend of chunks of tomatoes in a thick tomato pureé with a hearty burst of basil flavor.
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A VERY SPECIAL VALENTINE'S to SOMEONE I LOVE so DEARA Valentine's Day dedication of love from a very different perspective, and dedicated to those who have loved their pets who have passed on, and still miss them in their lives and who understand...it's "not just a cat or dog"
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The Bittersweet Moments Our Pets Show UsOur pets don't ask much from us, they don't judge us but accept us for who we are no matter what and know the meaning of unconditional love -
New Jersey to Propose Legislation to Label Feral Cats as "Exotic"New Jersey is proposing legislation to reclassify feral/stray cats as wildlife and therefore could be hunted down and killed.
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Gas Chambers and Heartstick Method of Euthanizing Unwanted Shelter AnimalsMany people aren't aware that the cruel, horrific method of euthanasia by means of gas chambers and heartstick still exist in kill shelters
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Product Review: Amy's Organic Chili Medium with Vegetables and Amy's Organic Refried BeansAmy's Organic Chili Medium With Vegetables and Amy's Organic Refried Beans are great food choices for a Mexican feast and they are made of all natural and organic ingredients
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Why Do I Have to Wait 60 Days to Get My Money Back? My Fun with Verizon DSL...NOTThis is my on-going nightmare of what I've been going through these past months with my Verizon DSL internet service
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The Shocking Truth of the Ingredients in Commercial Pet Foods:We all like to think that we are giving our pets the healthiest foods for them, however, if people found out what is in commercial pet foods they would be shocked -
New York City's Plan to Reduce Salt in Packaged Foods, RestaurantsUp to 23,000 people in New York City die each year because of strokes or heart attacks, and many of these deaths are caused by sodium.
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The Darker Side of Facebook:While most know Facebook as a place to connect with friends and family and to have fun, there is a more disturbing aspect to Facebook many might not know about.
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Movie Review: The Juggler of Notre DameThis is probably one of the most heart-warming movies to watch anytime but especially during the holiday season
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The World of Facebook and It's Addictive GamesTo date, Facebook now boasts of over 200 games one can play at their site and all are highly addictive to the player.
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The Tortured Orchard Garlic Balsamic Drizzle: Product ReviewDon't be fooled by the label company name of Tortured Orchard. They have a great unique line of sauces.
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Movie Review: Into the West:Into The West is a delightful charmer of a movie that shouldn't be missed.
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Movie Review: ThunderheartWhile this is a "fictional" movie it's based on the events that occurred during the 1970s between the FBI and A.I.M.
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Recipe: Cranberry Pudding CakeThis recipe for Cranberry Pudding Cake is simple to make yet adds a great touch for a holiday meal.
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Recipe Idea: Crown Roast of Lamb with Cranberry StuffingThis is a very special holiday dish that I often made for Easter time, but can actually be great for Thanksgiving or Christmas as well.
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Financial Organizations that Can Help with High Veterinary BillsFor the most part, the average pet owner can afford basic veterinary costs, the story is different when emergencies arise, yet there is help for those high bills. -
Movie Review: Cleopatra (1934 Version)This 1934 movie version of Cleopatra, directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille is to my mind the best version ever made.
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Recipe: Poached Pears in Wine (Poires Au Vin Rouge)Poached Pears in Wine was one of the first French desserts I made many years ago, and remains a favorite of mine and great for the holidays.
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Movie Review: The UninvitedThis movie may seem campy by today's standards as most "ghost" stories are more slasher, gory types but is a good old fashioned ghost story
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Finding Beauty in My Own NeighborhoodWhile I live in a very busy urban environment of Elmhurst, NY, by walking a few blocks, I can find nature's beauty to make me feel like I'm in the country and I have a field day photographing the beautiful home gardens. -
Opinion: Some Negative Experiences with Some Writing SitesLike many writers, I wanted to spread my writing skills with as many writing sites as possible, however, not all experiences were positive.
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My Previously Published PhotosThis is a small portfolio of photos that have been published. My first published photo was way back in 1980 on the cover of Unity Magazine. -
Finding Beauty In Your Own NeighborhoodOne doesn't have to go to an exotic place to capture nature's beauty. It may be as simple as taking a good hardy walk. -
The Foreclosure Angel FoundationIn these hard economic times, it is heart-warming to know there are people willing to take the extra mile to help out someone in need.
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Product Review Microtek ScanMaker I800 ProThe i800 Microtek ScanMaker is a great over-all flatbed scanner that allows one to scan documents and even photo negatives and slides.
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Movie Review: Rabbit Ears-The Velveteen RabbitRabbit Ears is a delightfully retelling of this charming story and narrated by Academy award winner Meryl Streep
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The Craigslist Apartment ScamA new scam has been in the making and it involves people who are being scammed out of their money for an available apartment.
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Movie Review: Greyfriars BobbyThis is another classic Disney charmer of a movie and not to be missed
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Movie Review: The Three Lives of ThomasinaThis is one of those old time classic Disney movies that I grew up with and still love
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Movie Review: Bridge to TerabithiaA truly delightful movie based on the novel by Katherine Paterson but one will need tissues toward the end
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The New Swine Flu Vaccine:The rush is on for creating a swine flu vaccine for the predicted reappearance of the Swine Flu in the fall
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Movie Review: The Mists of AvalonIf you're a fan of the King Arthur legend and of author Marion Zimmer Bradley and the book The Mists Of Avalon, this is a must see movie
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Movie Review: the Journey of Natty GannThis is a very heart-warming Disney story set during the Depression Days and a must see
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Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and CheeseWith few rare occasions I've never used boxed macaroni and cheese and prefer to make my own homemade version
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Kodachrome Film DiscontinuedThe end of a photographic era results as the legendary Kodak film, Kodachrome is to be discontinued. -
The Hipaa Privacy Laws:While the Hipaa Privacy Laws are supposed to protect a patient's rights, in my mother's case they only hindered her from getting proper help.
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Review: Bell, Book and CandleBell, Book, and Candle is a great old-time movie with a great cast and a must see.
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The Beatles: One of the Greatest Rock Groups Ever to ExistTo my mind one of the greatest rock groups of all time were the Beatles. They were a major milestone and changed music forever -
My Experience with a MouseFor a die hard cat lover it would seem strange that I would have a mouse, but I did years ago, and here is his story -
Stuffed Lamb ChopsThis recipe adds a little something special to lamb chops that is truly delicious
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Be a Conscientious Cosmetic BuyerWearing make-up, using lotions, shampoos and other beauty products shouldn't have the stigma of having been tested on animals which causes their suffering
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DVD Review: Ken Burns' the Civil War: a Film Directed by Ken BurnsProbably one of the best documentary series around is Ken Burns' Civil War and a not miss for the history buff.
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Mexican Recipes:This is a great festive type of appetizer to give any meal that Mexican flavor
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Good Old Fashioned Hush PuppiesMy great grandmother had a lot of down south traditions, and one of them was to make crispy, tasty hush puppies
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The Magnificent Quiche LorraineThe Quiche Lorraine was perhaps one of the first French dishes I made when I got into French cooking some thirty years -
Movie Review: Titanic:While this movie has fictional elements to it, it gives a very graphic depiction of the sinking of the Titanic
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Palm Oil: The Destructive Oil that is Endangering the Environment and AnimalsPalm oil is used in many processed foods and can also be found in health and beauty products, but also is threatening the environment with its production.
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Ingredients in Vaccines: What You Don't Know Could Harm YouWhile vaccines have proven to be phenomenal in preventing many diseases it would shock one if they knew the ingredients found in many vaccines.
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Pet Food Banks and Donating Pet Food FreelyMore and more people are feeling the economic pinch, and unfortunately many have had to decide whether or not to keep their beloved pet.
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Fancy Feast Moist Cat Food: Product RevieFancy Feast is the only moist canned cat food my two cats will eat. The quality is excellent but a bit pricey. -
The Atlantic Avenue TunnelBob Diamond is Brooklyn's Indiana Jones. In 1979 he heard of a story very briefly of a possible tunnel under Atlantic Avenue that had only been a rumor and legend. -
The Usage of Tableware Made of MelamineMelamine tableware is the same plastic substance that contaminated pet foods and infant formulas creating the largest recall of pet foods and infant formula
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Severe Allergic Reactions to FoodIt seems in the past few years we are hearing more and more cases of severe food allergy reactions in children especially peanuts. -
Pizza: The History and Origins of One of Our Favorite FoodsPizza is probably one of the best loved foods in the American diet, but how many know of its origins? -
Product Review: Bove's of Vermont Vodka and All Natural Roasted Garlic Pasta SaucesI've had the delight in being introduced to two of the all natural pasta sauces made by the Bove's of Vermont company.
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The Health Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)High Fructose Corn Syrup is found in a large variety of beverages and foods, but how safe is it?
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Review: Easy Spirit Women's AP1 Walking ShoeAt first I was hesitant to ordering shoes online, but the moment I tried the Easy Spirit Women's AP1 Walking Shoe I knew I had made a great choice.
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Review: South Shore's Little Treasure Mates Bed - Country PineThe Little Treasure Mate Twin Bed is a great Captain's style bed suitable for both older children and adults.
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How to Find Out If Your Written Material Has Been StolenPlagiarism is unfortunately a major concern amongst writers whose work appears on websites.
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Visitors in My Home: The Spirit KindMaybe since I've always had psychic leanings, I've experienced many strange occurrences in my life
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Whoopi: A Tribute June 5, 1992 to January 31, 2009This is a tribute to one of my former cats that is now in Rainbow Bridge
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Review: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. HayLouise Hay wrote You Can Heal Your Life over twenty years ago, and remains one of the greatest books for self-help and inspiration
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Toxic Pet Toys: New Dangers for PetsWhile many pet owners love to pamper their pets by buying pet toys, they may be endangering their pet due to toxic substances in the toys.
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A Tribute to Scarlett:Scarlett perhaps became one of the most famous felines due to her heroic efforts in saving the lives of her kittens during a raging fire.
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The Happiness Vision Board: How to Create Your Own Happiness Vision BoardA Happiness Vision Board is different from a regular Vision Board in that all the images on one are those to suggest happiness and peace of mind.
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Estates Information Services: Another Debt Collection Scam AgencyNever be intimidated by a debt collection agency that is trying to collect an old debt of a deceased relative.
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The Fascinating World of GenealogyGenealogy is perhaps one of the most fascinating mysteries to solve as it is a search of one's family roots.
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Product Review of Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola CerealNature's Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola Cereal is one hundred percent natural and is a delicious healthier alternative cereal to eat than the popular commercially known cereals.
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The Most Delicious Cranberry Walnut BreadThis is a recipe I came across many, many years ago, and is now my Christmas tradition to make every year
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Butter Balls: a Great Holiday TreatThis is one of my favorite cookies to fix during the holiday season and is easy to make
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How to Make a Great Boeuf Bourguignon MealThis is an exquisite classic French dish and was one of the first recipes I learned how to make.
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Scallops with White Wine and MushroomsThis is a truly divine way of preparing a scallop dinner
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Some Tips on Starting a Home-Based BusinessMany of us have certain talents in our hobbies, whether making crafts or cooking. Those talents can be turned around by creating a home-based business.
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How to Handle Debt Collection Agencies: How to Know Your Rights when Owing DebtsSometimes the only way to know if you truly owe a debt is if you are hounded by a debt collection agency is to get one's credit report.
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How Safe Are Hair Coloring Products?Everyone wants to look younger, and dying one's hair can shed years off of one's appearance. However, their are risks involved in using almost all hair dying products, from severe allergic reactions to the risk of developing cancer.
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Exploring Alternative Medicine and Healing TherapiesMore and more people are getting turned off by the Western approach for healing health problems due to medicines that may have a whole listing of potential sides effects or cautionary warnings.
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How Safe Are Your Medications?One has to be consciously aware of the medications they are taken as some may not even be the real McCoy. More and more counterfeit medicines are turning up even in one's own trusted pharmacy
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Plastic Pollution in Our OceansOur throw away, disposable society has create a myriad of environmental problems affecting all aspects of life including our oceans which have now become a virtual soup of our plastic garbage.
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Keeping Pets and Children Safe from Paper ShreddersMore and more people have paper shredders in their homes, not realizing the serious dangers that they can pose to both children and pets alike.
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The Truth About the Fur IndustryWhile fur clothing may feel and look wonderful, feel luxurious and has a sense of ambiance, few people know the truth of what goes on in the fur trade industry
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Health Dangers of Lead Wick CandlesA hidden danger can be existing in your home, if you are using candles, particularly candles that still use lead-wicks which can cause lead poisoning in both children and adults
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The Safety Factor of Compact Fluorescent Light BulbsCompact Fluorescent Lamps, or CFLs, while energy efficient, and uses less electricity and lasts longer, carry maybe potential hazards people may not be aware about.
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The Dangers of the Additive Brominated Vegetable Oil in DrinksBrominated Vegetable Oil is an additive chemical found in many citrus-flavored type drinks, such as Mountain Dew and Gatorade. While BVO has been banned in many countries and the FDA considers it unsafe, it still is being used in drinks in the USA and Canada
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New Phone Scam Warning: Beware of 809, 274 and 876 Area CodesA new type of scam is going on, but unlike scams one may get from ones email, this is a scam made via one's phone
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Making Your Own Hamburger or Tuna Helper RecipesRather than make a Hamburger or Tuna Helper from a box, you'll find these homemade recipes a delicious and better way to eat these favorites
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The Art of Making CroquettesCroquettes are a delightful wonderful ways to jazz up any dinner meal especially if one has leftover chicken or turkey, but can also be made out of tuna or salmon
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The Tidy Cat BREEZE Cat Litter System: A Great New SystemThe Tidy Cat BREEZE Litter System is a wonderfully convenient alternative system to the dilemma of cleaning a cat's litter box.
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Couscous: a Wonderful Alternative to Rice, Noodles, Potatoes or PastaCouscous can make any meal extra special and a change from the usual side dishes of rice, noodles, potatoes or regular types of pasta
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Just How Good Are Those Self-Publishing Companies?All writers aspire to see their book in print. One can go the traditional route, that is a major publishing firm, or one may choose to self-publish their book at any number of companies that are available.
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The Wonderful Health Benefits of GarlicGarlic has been used for at least 6,000 years and has so many wonderful health benefits, particularly for lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure to cardiovascular health
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A New Trend for the Wine ConnoisseurThe Tabor Hill Winery is located in Michigan and has produced more award winning wines than any other wine around the world, and is a wine tasting experience that can satisfy the most discriminating wine connoisseur.
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The Many Uses for White Sauce in RecipesThe versatile white sauce is the way I make delicious cream soups. Traditional cream soups do call for cream as the name implies, but one can get the same creamy texture by instead using a white sauce and regular milk rather than cream.
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Cat Litter Box Furniture: The Ultimate Solution for the Cat Litter Box ProblemThe Cat Litter Box Furniture idea was first invented by Richard and Sandra Richley in 1996 and was patented in 1998. The idea was to create a more decorative solution of how to store a cat litter pan without it being obvious.
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Butter Vs. Margarine Vs. Cooking Oils: Which is Better to Use?We have been led to believe that margarine and most cooking oils, since they don't have saturated fats, are healthier for you. However, any margarine of cooking oil made from Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated oils have risk factors.
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Two Special Potato Recipes to Enhance Any MealTwo other delicious tasty ways to prepare potatoes are the classic Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes Au Gratin. This can add a special touch for any meal any time of the years, and is even especially great for holiday meals.
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The Natural Alternatives for Getting Rid of Fleas or Ticks for Cats and DogsToo many people rely on the more commonly and commercially made flea and tick products for their pets, not realizing the toxicity of these products which can have detrimental and serious health hazards to their pets.
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Delicious Ways to Make Mashed PotatoesThere is probably a no more versatile vegetable side dish, than the potato. There are many ways to prepare potatoes, but an all-time favorite is the mashed potato. One can even add extra ingredients to make the plain mashed potato extra special.
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Delicious Salad Ideas: Cool Meals for Those Hot Summer DaysNothing beats the heat of those summer days than eating delicious homemade salads. Over the years, I have preferred making my own macaroni, potato and tuna salads rather than getting ready made salads at a deli.
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Ways to Give Homage to Pets No Longer AliveIf you have ever owned a pet, many owners think of their pets as family members, and we grieve at their passing. There is no better way to give homage and tribute to past pet members than by creating either a Rainbow Bridge book, a website or blog about them.
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The Skill and Art of Making CrepesCrepes can add an elegance to any meal making it special, and this is true if one has leftover meals, such as Chicken a La King or Beef Stew.
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A Creative Idea for Leftover Chicken a la King or Beef Stew: Pot PiesDo you have leftover Chicken a La King or Beef Stew? Want to do something special for those leftovers? Then make a pot pie out of it!
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Have We Been Poisoning Ourselves Unknowingly?Many of us are aware of the hazards that plastics have been creating on our environment over the years, but how many are aware of the detrimental risks plastic bottles and containers have toward our health?
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Are We Using and Relying on Too Many Plastic Products?One of the most damaging disposable materials we have created that has had the most detrimental effects on the environment has been the overuse of plastic products.
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Creating Your Own Virtual Vision BoardA vision board is a means to visualize what one desires in one's life. One can take this concept one step further by creating a virtual, computerized version of a vision board
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The Dangers of Household Cleaners: A Special Warning to Pet OwnersMany popular household cleaners, especially those containing the word "sol" such as Lysol, and Pine-sol contain phenol, an ingredient that has severe and hazardous effects on pets, even to the point of causing death.
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Not All Debt Collection Agencies Are HonestDebt collection agencies are never a pleasant experience for one to deal with, and while some are legitimate there are a few that are downright scam artists and have numerous complaints against them; one of them is NCO Financial Systems, Inc
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Caswell-Massey: America's Oldest ApothecaryCaswell-Massey is one of the oldest businesses still thriving today and began in Newport, Rhode Island in 1752. The products sold there haven't changed much in all these centuries.
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The Slaughter and Massacre of Dolphins: the Brutality of Dolphin DrivesMost people don't realized that on an annual basis, tens of thousands of dolphins are killed in such countries as Japan and Norway due to dolphin drive fishing practices
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Understanding the Business of Selling Photography: Things Have Changed Over the YearsIf one is interested in selling their photographic work for the publishing media, one has to be aware of the terminology involved with selling work with stock photo agencies.
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How to Protect Your Copyrighted PhotosIf one wants to protect their photographic work from people who may download their images posted on the Internet, one needs to use a watermarking software to add their copyright notice.
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Unexpected or Unexplained Phone Charges: Another Scam in the MakingA new form of scamming has been invented and it's called "cramming" Unknowingly, somehow, an unexpected charge is made by another provider on your phone bill. The biggest crammer is ILD Teleservices.
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Are We Needlessly Over Medicating Children?Since 1995 there has been an alarming upsurge of medicating children for any kind of emotional or behavioral problem with powerful psychotropic drugs which may not be necessary.
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The Realities of Animal Testing: a Practice that is Not NecessaryAnimal testing and experimentation has been going on since around the third and fourth centuries BC in Ancient Greece. But now that there are alternatives to testing on animals why are we still doing it?
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The Puppy Mill Industry: the Truth Behind This Cruel BusinessWhat most people don't realize is that the puppies sold at pet stores or on-line most likely came from a breeder of a puppy mill, a business that is cruel and inhumane
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Dealing with IRS Refunds and Bank ProblemsThis article deals with my aggravating experiences I had with IRS tax refunds and the problems I had in trying to deposit the refund check in my bank.
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A Guide on How to Take Care of Young KittensThis article is an attempt to give information on how to take care of a newborn or very young kitten that is younger than the usual adoptable age of six weeks.
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Who Takes Care of the Caregiver?As more and more baby boomers are coming to realize, they are now taking on the added role of being a caregiver to their aging parent.
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How to Plan for One's Goals in Life: Strategies and TechniquesBy creating flow and time/activities charts with steps that will lead to one's targeted goal, one will be able to actualize that ambition into reality.
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Positive Things to Do to Raise Self-esteemThere are times in our lives when our self-esteem is very low and we may be feeling down on ourselves, but there are at least three ways to raise our level of self-esteem to make us feel good again.
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Today's Spoiled and Pampered PetGone are the days of simply buying a special treat or toy for their pet. Now pet owners can buy luxury beds, clothing and a whole vast array of specialty items.
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The Dangers of Artificial SweetenersArtificial sweeteners have been around for over a hundred years, but Aspartame is the most commonly used substitute that is found in over 6,000 sugar-free products
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The Declawing of Cats: The Real Truth Behind This Inhumane "Surgical" ProcedurePeople take their cats to have their cats declawed thinking this is a simple surgical procedure, but what it really is nothing less than mutilation of the cat's paws.
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The Reality of Thoroughbred RacingThe reality of thoroughbred horse racing is a far cry from the idyllic fairy tale ending that a horse like Seabiscuit had. From only one and a half years of age, horses are trained to be champions
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Living with a Pet HoarderPet hoarding is a serious emotional and psychological disorder that must be recognized and treated. Pet hoarding is when a person has more than an acceptable number of pets that can reach over a hundred pets.
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Just How Safe Have Those Childhood Vaccines Been?Little do people know that since the 1930s, all childhood vaccines contained Thimersol, which is an organic mercury compound. Can this explain various neurological problems children have now?
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Should We All Boycott Items Made in China?Almost on a daily basis, we're hearing of more recalls of items that have been manufactured and produced in China. It makes one wonder, how safe are any of the products made in China are
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Tips for Creating a Website for Your PetPet owners are a strange breed unto themselves and will do just about anything for their beloved pet, even designing and creating a website for their pet
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Do Pets Grieve the Death of a Companion?I can verify the fact, that when a pet dies, it's pet companion friend will demonstrate grief, remorse and depression every bit as much as we humans who face the death of a loved one.
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The Attraction of the Law of AttractionBy constantly getting into that positive mindset of exactly what it is you want in life, you will attract it to you
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Beware of This eBay Scam from BuyersRecently I was offered a deal for one of my e-Bay items for auction that sounded too good to be true
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The Need for a Pet Health Care PlanAll pet owners should have access to quality veterinary care for their pets, but can't always afford it especially those who are of low income or are disabled.
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A Little Known Medical Condition in Cats: Cerebellar HypoplasiaPrior to watching this YouTube video I was unaware of the medical condition in cats known as Cerebellar Hypoplasia
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Welcome to the Feline Fiction World of Erin HunterInto The Wild is just the first book in a long series of books by Erin Hunter, known as The Warrior series, and introduces us to the wild feral world of cats that belong to clan.
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Surviving SSI Disability Fiasco'sThis article is a summary of one recent event in my life in dealing with getting my SSI Disability benefits re-instated after being informed that they were to be terminated. I also indicate how to get them at a faster pace than normal.
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Careful What You Wish ForThis is a short story about a woman who follows the path of Wicca and against her better judgement casts a love spell. The result is that things don't turn out exactly as planned
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The Magical Attraction of J.K. Rowling's Harry PotterOver these past ten years, young and old alike have been entranced by the wonderful, magical world that author J.K. Rowling has created in her Harry Potter books.
