Patricia A. Ziegler
An IT Specialist and freelance writer, Patricia's interests include gardening, genealogy, history, New York City, watercolor painting, theater, politics, travel, the Adirondack Mountains, her daughter, and her cocker spaniel.
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- 2/26/2010
Education/Experience
C.W. Post College; Grumman Data Systems InstituteInterests
Genealogy, gardening, watercolor painting, theatre arts, politics, current events, computer programming, crafts.Motto
You were born an original; don't die a copy.Affiliations
My Blog:
Displaying Results 1 - 125 (of 125) for All Content
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Sestina for a Summer Long AgoSometimes a summer romance is much, much more than that. -
Airplane Etiquette, Early 1960s StyleWhat with patdowns, lost luggage, canceled flights and tarmack entrapment, airline passengers nowadays have plenty to gripe about. But where flight etiquette is concerned, they might be bit luckier than their counterparts of 50 years ago. -
Got Azaleas? You've Got a Springtime CenterpieceNeed a springtime centerpiece in a hurry? No need to settle for silk. You might just have the perfect ingredient waiting outside your door. -
When Seasons and the Calendar CollideShouldn't winter be over by now? -
Now, by My Head! a Sonnet, If You PleaseKind Bard, I beg thy pardon on my knees. -
Teen Mom 2: Leah Messer and Corey Simms to DivorceLeah Messer and Corey Simms, the popular stars of "16 and Pregnant"and "Teen Mom 2," have only been married six months. Will they now be getting divorced? -
Civil War Identity Theft: Dead Man WalkingCivil War veteran Jacques Rollinger bragged of his ingenious escape from Georgia's Andersonville Prison. There was one major problem with his story. -
Eight Bodies Found in Gilgo, but -- Where is Shannan Gilbert?Shannan Gilbert was last seen begging for help in Long Island, New York's beachfront Oak Beach community. She then ran into the brambly brush. The hunt for her remains has since turned up eight bodies, and incredibly, none of them was Shannan. -
Some Popular Autism Treatments Shown to Be UselessIf you're the parent of an autistic child, do you think his medical treatment is doing any good? If not, you could be right. Here's what the scientists have to say. -
How Republican Union-Busting Efforts Could Hurt the GOPThe standard Republican campaign image of a conservative candidate standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a uniformed policed officer may soon be a thing of the past. Here's why. -
Afraid of Nuclear Energy? You Are Not AloneOver 65 percent of America's population resides within the 50-miles radius of a nuclear power plant. In the wake of Japan's current nuclear disaster, are any of these people getting worried? -
The Five Most Overlooked Tax DeductionsIt's that time again. Most of us are doing our taxes, and all of us want the biggest refund we can get. If this sounds like you, here are five simple tax deductions you won't want to overlook. -
Five Ways to Deal with a Difficult PersonDo you live or work with a difficult person? Don't despair. Here are five ways to handle that disagreeable dingbat. -
Divorce Avoidance 101: Beware These Six Triggers of DivorceWith divorce so easy nowadays, marriage is almost a negotiable commodity. To keep your own relationship safe, beware these six triggers of divorce. -
Farmers' Almanac Weather Predictions for New York City in 2011It's one of the oldest continuously published periodicals in the country. The Farmers' Almanac has been printed annually since 1818, and the formula by which it makes its weather predictions has been a fast secret since its publishers first concocted it.
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Coney Island Boardwalk Wood Up for Sale as FurnitureWant to own a piece of the Coney Island Boardwalk? Jason Horvath and Bill Hilgendorf of Red Hook's Uhuru Design might be able to help you out. -
Coney Island Boardwalk Could Soon Become a SidewalkWhen is a boardwalk not a boardwalk? Maybe when it's made of something else!
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Ground Zero Mosque Is Actually American, Says Head Developer"It's an American project," says head developer Sharif El-Gamal of Manhattan's controversial, so-called Ground Zero mosque. And furthermore, he states, "It's here to stay."
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Prostitute Turned Teacher: Should New York City Fire Her?According to a PIX 11 Morning News Survey, 87 percent of respondents feel that prostitute-turned-teacher Melissa Petro should be allowed to keep her job. Since she has tenure, this is exactly what could happen here.
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Are Charter Schools the Answer for New York City?The concept started with such bright promise, advocated by politicians and the common man alike. Yet today, only 20 percent of charter schools across the country have lived up to that early hype. What does this mean for charter schools in New York City?
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Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery: The Halloween Place to BeWhat do Leonard Bernstein, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Albert Anastasia have in common? Easy! They're all buried in Brooklyn's beautiful Green-Wood Cemetery.
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Merchant's House Museum: Manhattan's Most Haunted House Heats Up at HalloweenIt's a Halloween Special, but don't be afraid. The ghosts of New York City's Merchant's House Museum may be moaning and groaning to greet you, but they haven't harmed anyone -- yet.
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Kirsten Dunst Soho purse snatcher gets four yearsIn spite of his "brainless" defense, James Jimenez was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison. He could have received 17 years.
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New York City's Bedbug Infestation: Not Just for the Flophouse Any MoreIf you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, bedbugs are one souvenir you don't want to bring home. But how can you be sure you won't?
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Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden: New York City's Hidden TreasureIt could be the location, so close to the FDR drive and deep in the shadows of the 59th Street Bridge. Many walk by daily without really seeing it. Others think of it as someone's private home. But they'd be wrong!
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Twelve NYC schools make the "Persistently Dangerous" List for 2010-2011It's official. The New York State Education Department has announced its list of sixteen "Persistently Dangerous" schools for 2010-2011, and New York City schools account for 12 of them. Is your child's school listed here?
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Preschool of America fires New York City workers following pro-union voteTwo days before the union vote, Anesia Lloyd's CEO asked her not to vote for the union, because Lloyd was "good" at her job, and the school would "hate to lose" her. Lloyd voted for the union. Three days later, she was out of a job.
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English professor booted from New York City StarbucksWhen English professor Lynne Rosenthal walked into that Upper West Side Starbucks, she wasn't looking for much. All she wanted was a toasted multigrain bagel. Really. So, how dare they ask her whether she wanted anything on it?
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The New York State Museum's Herschell-Stillman Carousel: Horses by Charles DareIts base says Herschell-Spillman, but its horses say Charles Dare. It may have been one of the largest "traveling" carousels ever built, and it's unquestionably a museum-quality piece!
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From Castle Garden to Castle Clinton: The History of New York City's First Immigration CenterIf your ancestors arrived in New York City between 1855 and 1890, they had to have come through Castle Garden. The Ellis Island of its time, it's called Castle Clinton today, and it still stands proud in Manhattan's Battery Park.
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Laser Liposuction: Should You, or Shouldn't You?You've tried diet, exercise, and maybe even rain dance, but that repulsive fat refuses to leave your body. It's just not cute any more! Could this be the time for medical intervention?
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Storm Water Runoff and Water Pollution: BP is Not the Only CulpritEveryone knows of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, and everyone knows what caused it. But we ordinary mortals can (and do) continually damage and pollute our waterways. How is that possible?
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Rain Gardens: How and Why to Build ThemWhen it rains in your neck of the woods, what happens to all of that rainwater? Does it run amok around the neighborhood? Here's how to rein in the rain, and put the water to much better use.
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"Intelligent" Closed-Circuit Advertising: Is that Billboard Looking at Me?Looking at an ad? Better watch out. That ad might be looking at you!
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The FreshAire Choice Zero VOC Paint: Yes! It's All of ThatIf you need to paint your room today and use it tonight, you don't want that awful paint smell. But is FreshAire Choice the best choice for you?
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Manhattan Street Address Finder: Where in the Apple Are We?Visiting New York City? Need to find a certain address? Don't let Manhattan's sheer size scare you. Follow these tips, and tell your cab driver exactly where he needs to go.
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How to Install Sheetrock: Ten Tips for SuccessDoes the thought of hanging drywall give you the dry heaves? Don't worry; it's not as hard as you think.
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Why Flattery Will Get You NowhereYou just gave someone the nicest compliment. So why did it go over like a pile of rocks?
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Fortune Telling by LadybugWe know that they're lucky, but that's not all. It's said that ladybugs can also tell your fortune!
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Purple Haiku: The Contest EntryPurple Haiku II: The Real Contest Entry
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My Own Purple HaikuI'm up for a challenge! Here's my attempt at the purple haiku.
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Seven Ways to Save on Gas This SummerIt's summertime, and the open road is calling. Go ahead and answer! The high cost of gasoline shouldn't hold you back if you follow these few simple rules.
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The Rise and Fall of the NYC Telephone BoothTippi Hendrin, Maxwell Smart and Superman, look alive. Time is running out!
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Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail: Haunted Hike in Saratoga Springs?It was once a little railroad line in Saratoga Springs, and now it's a nature trail. No reason for such a place to be haunted. But how else can you explain what happened there that day?
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Baby Names from Heck: Think Before You Name that Child!Thought up a super-clever baby name? You might want to re-think your thought. What goes on that birth certificate today will affect your child for the rest of his life.
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The Morris-Jumel Mansion: New York City's Oldest Haunted HouseRappings and moanings and portraits come to life. What's going on in this place?
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Humpback Whale Washes Up Near Jones Beach, Long Island, NYThis young humpback whale was no longer alive when discovered about 9:30 a.m. EST on June 10, 2010 east of Jones Beach Field 6.
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Dog Care: Five Tips on Caring for Your New DogHis ancestors, the wolves, didn't need any help from humans. But your dog hasn't got much wolf left in him! So here's what he needs from you.
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Horse Care Safety Tips: How Not to Get Yourself HurtHe's big, he's beautiful, and he's your responsibility. But wait! Before you pick up that curry comb, there's a few things you need to consider.
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Chemical Drain Cleaners: Unsafe at Any SpeedYour bathroom sink's clogged -- again! But wait. Don't be too quick to grab those chemicals.
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Memorial Day, or Any Day: We Are All AmericansWe come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Does any of that really matter?
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Biblical Proportions: Ancient Systems of MeasurementPeople in the Bible days took measurements, too. But there were no yardsticks way back then. What did they use instead?
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Childhood Obesity: What You Need to KnowThink the "Little Johnny" of today is somewhat more substantial than the "Little Johnny" of 40 years ago? Well, it's not your imagination. Is that fat little child one of yours?
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Precocious Puberty: Why Girls Today Mature so EarlyIf you think girls are maturing especially early these days, you're right. But what's causing that to happen?
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Amityville Horror House Back on the Market. Any Takers?Horrors! The infamous house is up for grabs again. And this time, it's not going cheap.
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Wood Paving for the Garden: How to Pave Your Garden in WoodNot just for decks anymore! You can use wood as garden paving, too.
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Heavy Arms? What Not to Wear This SummerHeavy upper arms are equal-opportunity: even skinny women can have them! But here's the way to deal with them, clothing-wise.
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Nancy Drew and the Case of Severe AmnesiaNancy Drew has been bopped on the bean by the bad guys once too often. Now she doesn't even know she's a teenager! Are you smart enough to help?
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Miley Cyrus Jewelry Pulled for ContaminationNobody's saying Miley Cyrus is toxic. But apparently her jewelry is!
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Muscles and How to Build ThemGet yourself a killer body! Summer is just around the corner, and don't you want to be that gorgeous specimen on the beach that everyone is drooling over?
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Nassau County Cools Toward Non-Resident Attendance at Its ParksIf you're a New York City resident who likes to cross that county line into Nassau for a bit of summer rest and relaxation, better get out your wallet. It just might cost you this year.
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Five State Parks on Long Island Saved from Closure in 2010Thanks to various benefactors, five Long Island State Parks formerly slated for budget-cut closure on Monday, May 17, 2010 have been rescued. Is yours one of the lucky ones?
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Heel Spurs: Four Treatments that Really WorkHeel spurs don't have to cripple you. Here are four remedies that always seem to do the trick.
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Is Kirsten Gillibrand a Shoo-In for the N.Y. Democratic Senate Nomination?Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's job approval rating is a bit under the weather. Yet her bid for the 2010 New York Democratic Senate nomination is virtually uncontested. How can this be?
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The World's Smallest HorseIs he bigger than a breadbox? It might depend on the breadbox. But Einstein, the miniature horse, has already broken the world record.
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"Take it Easy": A Tribute to My FatherIn honor of my father, Howland Graff Ziegler (May 30, 1909 - Aug. 20, 1965). Happy Father's Day.
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Cancer Map Released by New York StateThe New York State Department of Health has launched an interactive web page at which all residents can investigate their area's cancer statistics. How does your neighborhood rate?
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Big Button Plus 20270 Phone by Northwestern Bell: An Unbiased ReviewThe Big Button Plus 20270, a landline phone designed for the visually-impaired, may actually be better suited to someone with normal (or correctable) vision.
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MTA New York Service Cuts for 2010: How They Could Affect Your CommuteNew York's Metropolitan Transit Authority has announced yet another round of budget cuts, and they're scheduled to begin the summer of 2010. How will these service cuts affect you and your commute?
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Silly Bandz Banned in Some Long Island SchoolsThey're small, colorful, stretchy and cute. These harmless-looking silicone bracelets in various shapes are wildly popular, and some Long Island schools would like to see them banned.
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The Screaming Mummies: Did They Really Die Screaming?They've been found in various locations around the world: screaming mummies, looking exactly as if they'd died in terrible agony. What made these mummies scream?
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King Tut NYC: The Boy King ReturnsThe Boy King is back, and he's better than ever. But hurry if you want to see him. "King Tut NYC: Return of the King" is your last chance in the USA to view his treasures.
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Planting Fields Arboretum: A Love Poem in PicturesPlanting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, New York
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National ID Card, Civil Rights, and YouAmid the constant hue and cry about Immigration Reform, Senate Democrats have set forth a new proposal: require every worker in the USA to carry a "national ID card." But would this pose a threat to your civil rights?
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Noah's Ark: Fact or Fiction?Is the object on Mount Ararat really Noah's Ark? Opinion is divided, but there's a bigger question: was there ever a Noah's Ark to begin with?
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Noah's Ark Found at Last on Mount Ararat?A group of Chinese and Turkish researchers from "Noah's Ark Ministries International" is "99.9 percent" certain they've located Noah's Ark atop Mount Ararat. But scientists aren't so sure.
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Television History: It's Saturday, May 20, 1967. What's on TV Tonight?Here's a sampling of what we were watching on television back in May, 1967. These listings are straight from the May 20, 1967 edition of TV Guide. Does anyone out there remember these programs?
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Pretty Little Mt. Jo: An Easy Hike in the Adirondack Mountains"One of the best views for the least effort in the Adirondacks." So says the "High Peaks Region Guide" of the panoramic view from Mt. Jo's summit. And it's true.
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How to Die Young, or at Least Look Old and Decrepit While You're Still AliveWant to look old while you're still young? Or do you just want to die young, period? If so, good news! Science has discovered four fun habits that can age you by a full 12 years.
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Governors Island Acquired by New York City: Public Park is PlannedNew York City has reached an agreement to take over Governors Island from New York State. Plans are to turn much of its 172 acres into a public park.
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Huntington's Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival: Bigger and Better Than Ever This YearFun for adults and kids of all ages, this year's Sheep to Shawl Festival at Huntington, NY will be bigger than ever this year.
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Confessions of a Bald Man: How to Lose Your Hair and Live to Tell About ItListen as a man with very little hair tells, in his own words, how it all went down (the drain).
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Bald Can Be Beautiful: The Truth About Male Pattern BaldnessYou guys out there, are you losing your hair? Cheer up. You're not alone. And not to worry, anyway: science is on the case.
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Elderly Woman, 92, Becomes Nun in Greek Orthodox ChurchChrystalla Petropoulus was born wanting to be a nun. It just took her a little bit longer than she expected.
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Marriage Saved when Couple Lives Apart as Next-Door NeighborsJan and Gabrielle Hennig, an English couple, have discovered the secret to a happy marriage: live apart as next-door neighbors.
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Memorial Day Weekend Events on Long Island, NYAfter you've enjoyed your local parade, don't turn around and go back home! There's plenty of things to do on Long Island, NY this Memorial Day weekend.
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How to Tell If a Watch is CounterfeitCounterfeiters rake in millions of dollars a year by making and selling fake watches. Don't you be one of their victims!
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Dangerous Weight Loss Plans: Follow at Your Own Risk!Not all weight-loss programs are created equal. Some are downright scams, and others could harm or kill you.
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Fourth of July Backyard Barbecue: Outdoor Games to Double the FunAt your next backyard barbecue, don't just sit around getting fat. Burn off that potato salad with one of these outdoor games.
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Divorce: Don't Be a Statistic!Statistically, more than 40% of first marriages in America will end in divorce. Don't let yours be one of them!
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The Eight Marriages of Elizabeth TaylorElizabeth Taylor has announced her engagement to Jason Winters. This will be marriage number nine for Ms. Taylor. Here's a rundown of marriages number one through eight.
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Shroud of Turin Back on Display in Italy; Reservations Can Be Made OnlineFor the first time in ten years, the Shroud of Turin is back on public display in Turin, Italy through May 23, 2010. Reservations are free, and you can make them online.
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Free Spring Festivals on Long Island, NYEnjoy one of these many free spring festivals and fairs on Long Island, NY this year.
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Arguments, and Why You'll Never Win OneNo one ever really wins an argument. Here's why.
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How to Be More PopularEveryone wants to be liked. But sometimes the harder a person works at it, the more unpopular he gets. What's up with that?
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How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Someone You LoveDo the presents you give tend to fall like pancakes, when you thought they would soar like eagles? Don't despair. You may just need to approach your gift-giving from a different angle.
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How to Remember People's Names with Mental ImageryIf you've always had trouble remembering people's names, you're not alone. Most people do! But there are some tricks that can help you.
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How to Remember People's NamesDo you have trouble remembering names? If so, you're not alone. Here are some tips that can help.
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Is Your Speaking Voice Hurting Your Social Life?Never mind the actual words you're saying; your voice alone can speak volumes. What does yours say about you?
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Expand Your Concrete Patio the Easy Way: Use a GridHave your midsummer night parties begun to over-run your lawn? If your concrete patio seems to be shrinking, use this grid design to expand it yourself in easy stages.
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Easter Egg Hunts on Long Island, New York: Easter Weekend, 2010There's still time to plan for your Easter Egg Hunt on Long Island, New York this weekend. Check out these locations.
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What to Do when You've Lost Your JobIt's finally happened. You've lost your job. Now what are you going to do?
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How to Get Along with Your Boss and Keep Your JobYour boss is a monster, but you need that job! These tips will help you get along with the boss, and make your life more bearable.
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How to Project a Confident Image and Get the Job You WantIn today's job market, competition is fierce. But you can stand out above the rest and get that job. Here's how.
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What is Fairy Ring?Mysterious circles have suddenly sprouted all over your lawn. They weren't there yesterday. What are they? Where did they come from?
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How to Look like a WinnerWhat does it take to look like a winner? Follow these secrets of successful people and find out.
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Free Garden Catalogs You Can Order OnlineHas your favorite garden company stopped printing its catalog? Never fear; you can still order printed garden catalogs from any of these fine companies.
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Garden Nurseries in Nassau County, Long Island, NYNothing says "Spring" like a trip to the garden center. Here are a few great ones in Nassau County, Long Island, NY
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Lowest Calorie Foods That'll Fill You UpIs your stomach sending out an SOS? There's no need to blow your diet. Try these filling, low-calorie foods to resolve your hunger problem.
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Top Botanical Gardens in Suffolk County, Long Island, NYChase away the winter blues with a trip to one of these great botanical gardens in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY.
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Earth Day Events and Celebrations in Nassau County, Long Island, New YorkEarth Day is approaching fast. Here are some places to celebrate in Nassau County, Long Island, NY in 2010.
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Earth Day Events and Celebrations in Suffolk County, Long Island, New YorkEarth Day is coming up fast. Here are some fun and educational events in Suffolk County on Long Island, NY that the whole family will enjoy.
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Job Hunting? a Solid Social Network Can Help You Land that JobWith today's high unemployment rate, it's more important than ever to have a strong network behind you. Here's how to build a good one.
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Top Botanical Gardens in Nassau County, Long Island, NYIn need of a good garden visit? You don't have to rack up the mileage. There are some great botanical gardens close to home in Nassau County, Long Island, New York.
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"Green" Hair Color for Black Hair: Color Your Hair the Natural WayAncient Egyptian women knew how to make their black hair shine. Why not use some of their secrets on your own hair?
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"Green" Hair Color for Red and Brown Hair: Color Your Hair the Natural WayIt's been suggested that chemical hair dyes might cause cancer. Why take that chance? Give one of these natural solutions a try.
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"Green" Hair Color for Blonde and Fair Hair: Color Your Hair the Natural WayDo chemical hair dyes cause cancer? The jury is out, but why take a chance? These herbal remedies are fun to try, and might just do the trick for you.
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Of Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs and Other Pagan TraditionsJust when you thought you knew Easter! Here's some news. But who's gonna break it to the Bunny?
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Low-Voltage Lighting for a High-Impact GardenA well-lit yard is a thing of beauty, and low-voltage lighting fixtures make it a snap. Here are some hints on how to use them artistically.
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How to Build a Water Lily PondFor a tranquil spot to create a calming influence and attract birds to your garden, you can't beat a water lily pond. Here's how to build one in your own garden.
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How to Make a Bottle Gourd BirdhouseGourd birdhouses are easy to make, and birds love to nest in them. Here's all you need to do.
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Elastography Could Make Breast Biopsy a Thing of the PastIs that upcoming breast biposy really necessary? With a simple elastogram, the answer could be NO.
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Ten Ways to Protect Your Car in a Parking LotFor a quick way to ruin your new car's finish, just park it in a lot and walk away. But you can improve your car's chances. Here's how.
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Five Great Places to Visit the Easter Bunny on Long Island, New YorkIt's almost time to visit the Easter Bunny, and here's a list of some great places in Long Island, New York, to do just that.
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Birds and How to Attract Them to Your GardenYour garden is lovely, but where are the birds? Just follow at least one of these simple guidelines; they'll be in on the next flight.