Naphtalia Leba
A linguist, a world traveller, a professional magician, a vegetarian, a Jewish-Pagan, a romantic, a playwright, a historian, a textile specialist and an aspiring alchemist. I love cooking & baking.
At various times I've lived in the USA, England, Israel, Poland & Venezuela. I have worked as a teacher, a driver, a tour guide, a personal chef, and an at home caregiver.
I come to AC after a nearly decade long stint at Epinions. You can still find my product reviews there.
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At various times I've lived in the USA, England, Israel, Poland & Venezuela. I have worked as a teacher, a driver, a tour guide, a personal chef, and an at home caregiver.
I come to AC after a nearly decade long stint at Epinions. You can still find my product reviews there.
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- Page Views
- 34,000
- Content
- 122
- Fans
- 24
- Contributor since
- 3/17/2010
Education/Experience
San Diego State University - BA Liberal Studies/Linguistics, University of Liverpool, post grad work in LinguisticsInterests
cooking, travel, magic, religion, movies, books, vegetarianism, grammar, history, linguistics, escapology, literacy, teaching, education, art, languages, masks, credit cards, theater, libraries.Motto
Imagination makes up for all we're not; humor for all we are.Affiliations
Academy of Magical Arts / Magic Castle of Hollywood - Member, McBride Magic and Mystery School, Naphtalia - Lady Magician For Little Girls' PartiesFavorites
Displaying Results 1 - 122 (of 122) for All Content
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My Story of Buying a Condo: A True Story of My Hunt for Housing in Today's MarketThere is no down side to working with a realtor. In today's market, you need the right expert to get you through the system.
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I was a Cute ChickI was one cute chick the night I went to the Halloween dance.
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What it Means to Be HappyA look a Lord Baden Powell's attitude toward what it meant to be happy. -
A Comparison of Communications in Mathematics and LiteratureRevealing truth and expressing ideas is the role of those engaged in mathematics and literature. -
Picketers at Funerals Need Our Prayers TooWhen people spend their energy on condemnation, they lose sight of the Bible's central message of love.
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Give Santa Some RespectOur cynical society has forgotten who Santa Claus really was -
Eating Vegetarian Haggis for Robert Burn's NightA Scottish co-worker, knowing I do not eat meat, brought a vegetarian haggis to share with me. -
Why Religious Released Time is a Bad IdeaReligious Released Time has a long tradition in America, but does it still serve a meaningful purpose? -
Regaining the Importance of Chanukah in the American Jewish HomeHannukah is not a Jewish version of Christmas. It is time for Jews to make some decisions about how to celebrate the holiday. -
God SighedIt was never quiet in the highlands of Heaven with all the prayer swirling around. God heard it all and He sighed. -
Perception and Impression Formation Based on Gender-Style UsageA psycho-linguistic experiment conducted in 2000 and updated in 2010 on how differences in communication styles affect perceptions
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Holiday Shopping at the Magic StoreBuying magic can be tricky. Let a professional help you out. -
All Christians Declared Legitimate Targets by Al Quaeda in IraqLocal merchants have fled persecution in one part of the world only to face it again and again here. We must do better by our fellow humans. -
The Importance of Proper Punctuation and Grammar in Business CommunicationsWriting that is clear in meaning will help to build any business. -
A Historic Overview of Thanksgiving in AmericaThanksgiving Day was not always about turkey and football and parades. Our view of the holiday has changed. -
Understanding the United States' Current Immigration Debate by Examining Our Past Immigration PoliciesImmigration has always been controversial in the United States. The group at the center of the debate is all that really changes.
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Halloween Safety for ChildrenIt's only fun when the blood and gore are make believe. Keep your children safe at Halloween. -
Showing Love by Preparing for Emergencies and DisasterDiamonds, chocolate, and flowers may be more romantic, but nothing says "I love you" like protecting someone during an emergency. -
How to Buy Vampire FangsWith lots of vampire teeth on the market in lots of price ranges, it pays to think about your purchase. -
Pumpkin Recipes for Halloween, Thanksgiving and All Year LongPumpkins are not just for jack-o-lanterns. They are delicious, healthy and easy to prepare.
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The Salem Witch Trials in Their Historical ContextWhile we can see the Salem Witch Trials as a horrible time in our history, the Puritans are not the villains we have made them out to be.
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Pumpkin-Ginger Bread - a Grown-Up Halloween Treat for All Year LongA very elegant dessert. Perfect for an afternoon snack.
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Quotes for the Halloween SeasonQuotations to make you think in the Halloween season
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The Night Tony Curtis Kissed MeTony Curtis gave me my favorite Hollywood moment when he kissed me.
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Holidays and Celebrations in October 2010Halloween and Columbus Day don't even scratch the surface when it comes to reasons to celebrate in October.
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Modern Candy Trends for Kids and ParentsThere are all sorts of ways to get sugar into a child. Here are a few.
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Fear of Being Buried Alive - Taphephobia - a Justified FearDocumented cases of people being buried alive accidentally and on purpose exist.
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Easy Pear RecipesPears can do everything apples can do. Pears can also do things no apple can do.
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Mushroom-Cheese Patty MeltsA traditional patty melt is just a fancy cheeseburger on rye bread. This one is even mor delicious with the addition of mushrooms
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The Feast of Saint Cyprian of Antioch - September 26When I heard that Cyprian was a magician, this wasn't what I was thinking!
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A Brief History of Legislation Against Religious Intolerance in AmericaWe all have a tendency to fear those who are different from us. In America, we often protect minorities from that fear through legislation.
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A Review: Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and MannersA children's book looking back on what the daily lives of Pilgrims looked like.
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Shel Silverstein's Freakin' at the Freakers BallMany of my generation do not know that Shel Silverstein wrote more than children's books. In fact, he made a name for himself writing for Playboy magazine.
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National Candy Corn Day - the All American Halloween CandyCandy Corn is a tradition of the season. It can be used for eating and for art.
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Avocado Ice CreamNot every avocado needs to end up as guacamole. This ice cream is a delicious sweet recipe.
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Healthy Halloween Monster Mocktails - Frankenstein and Dracula SmoothiesDelicious and nutritious - the kids will fight to decorate and eat these while ignoring candy at your party.
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Infinity Soup - the Ever Changing Soup You Don't Have to CookThis soup can tickle your tastebuds, trim your waist and fatten your wallet.
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Making Your Own LuckThe success we experience starts with lots of hard work and just a little luck.
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Answering the Call of a Friend in CrisisSometimes the only thing we can do for the people we love is to sit by their side. With a little planning, you can offer practical as well as emotional assistance.
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Avocado FudgeThe fat in avocado brings out the full richness in the cocoa. This yummy fudge is easy and a great way to use the abundant avocados that come in the fall.
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Holidays and Celebrations Taking Place in September 2010Perhaps we would all be happier if we would remember that everyday offered a reason to celebrate something.
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Chocolate Avocado Cake with Avocado Buttercream FrostingA delicious vegan and pareve chocolate cake with the richness of avocado
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Congratulations to Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka on Becoming DaddiesWhen two successful men choose to express their love by becoming parents, we should celebrate.
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Four Ways to Serve Brussel Sprouts that Even Kids Might LikeThe poor Brussel sprout has been badly cooked and served to children for generations. It can change.
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It's Not About the Sex - a Story of Waking Up with HimAnother person can cause you to give praise by being there. It's not about the sex. It's about the presence
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Going Away to CollegeHaving surgery is not the best way to get ready for Back-to-School, but sometimes you don't have a choice.
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Team Building in a Corporate OfficeWith every positive step we took towards team building, those in charge managed to mess up. They unintentionally brought us together in the end.
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Unusual, Fun and Free (or Almost Free) Things to Do in Southern CaliforniaSouthern California is an expensive place to live. Here are some ideas for year round entertainment that won't break the bank ... it won't even touch the bank.
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VooDoo - a Misunderstood FaithA quick look at VooDoo in the Western Hemisphere and some of the misconceptions about the religion
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Rosemary and Blueberry SoupGrowing up with a German mother, fruit soups were a standard part of our summers. Add in some all American ingredients and you have the perfect start to a summer meal.
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Holidays and Celebrations Taking Place in August 2010Peridot and Jade are the birthstones of people born in August. If you don't have a birthday person to celebrate in August, here are other occasions worth observing.
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Making Bechamel to Fit Any Dietary RestrictionsBechamel is delicious, but not everyone can eat it. Here are many ways to vary the recipe to make this sauce fit your dietary needs - gluten free, reduced fat, dairy free
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Zucchini Cobbler: A Disgusting Sounding but Delicious DessertWhen you have a yard full of zucchini and need another recipe, creativity kicks in.
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Low Calorie and Incredibly Easy Strawberry and Pineapple SmoothieDelicious, nutritious, fast and easy. This strawberry and pineapple smoothie is delicious as is, but you can dress it up all kinds of ways.
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Confessions of a MurdererAn unwilling killer is put in a position wherein she cannot help but take another life.
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Lemony Spinach Pesto - No Basil RequiredNot just another pine-nut, basil and cheese pesto. This lemony spinach pesto will get even kids to eat their spinach.
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Waking Up DeadChoosing how we die and what happens to our body and spirit offers comfort in the 21st century.
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Deciding Between Private and Public Schooling for Your ChildPrivate schools are not automatically better. There are a number of factors to consider when finding what meets your child's needs best.
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The Real Story of the Genie in the LampThe Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights was not quite accurate. Here is the real tale of the Genie who granted wishes.
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Tell an Old Joke Day - July 24 - and Other Reasons to Make People LaughTell an Old Joke Day is just one of several holidays designed to help us laugh a more.
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A Visit to the SideshowIt takes a lot to scare someone who hangs out with freaks and side show performers ...usually.
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How to Care for Your Good SilverwareKeeping your good silver as the day you got it takes a little extra effort, but it's worth it.
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How to Set a TableGuidelines for setting a table perfectly whatever the occasion.
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Argentinian Senate Approves Same Sex MarriageArgentina has become the latest country to grant its gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. It will not be the last.
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Understanding Cultural Differences in Non-Verbal CommunicationsThough we learn each other's languages, non-verbal communication is more difficult to master.
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When I Stopped Believing in G-dSomedays I believe in G-d. Somedays I'm not certain. There is a G-d I don't believe in, and He's the one most often pushed on me.
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When I Believed in G-d and when I Stopped Believing and Why I Sometimes Believe NowSometimes I believe in G-d. Sometimes I don't. I don't think my belief matters.
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How to Make the Best Ice CreamThere are lots of excellent recipes for making ice cream. A little technique will help make them even better.
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Throwing a Tea Party for Your Little GirlA tea party is the perfect entertainment for your little girl and her friends. You don't have to wait for a birthday to have a party.
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Mom's Yellow 3-Speed Schwinn - the Bike No One Would StealMy mother wasn't using her bicycle, and it was decided that I should take hers when I went away to college.
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How to Become a MagicianThose seeking to become magicians can learn a lot from Harry Potter. There's no Hogwarts in the real world, but there are places you can learn magic.
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Mel Gibson's Actions Offer Lessons in Internet SafetyMel Gibson got fired for doing it wrong. You can protect you and your child by learning from his mistakes.
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Celebrate Barbie in a Blender DayA celebration of the triumph of a single voice that would not be silenced.
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A Basic Frozen Yogurt Recipe with VariationsMaking your own frozen yogurt guarantees you know what's in the food you're eating.
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Mocktails Recipes for Summer Party SeasonSometimes consuming alcohol is not appropriate, but having an elegant, tasty and inventive drink should still be an option.
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Summer Tips for Improving Your House's Ecology and EconomyBasics to making life a little greener without denying yourself life's pleasures
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Lindsay Lohan Headed to Jail - What Does it Mean for the Rest of UsWe punish people for their illness. Is there a better solution than prison for Lindsay Lohan and others like her?
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Robert Pattinson to Replace Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands Remake?Rumors are flying on the internet that Robert Pattinson has been tapped to play Edward Scissorhands in a remake of the 1990 film.
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Alchemical Transformation - Conjunction -The Fourth StepA place of joy and laughter and release after having been broken down. A place that joins our earthly roots and our heavenly aspirations
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Tan or Burn - Summer Skin Care for Adults and ChildrenSummer sun can be hard on the skin. How to take care of your skin in the sun and after.
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Super Fruit Filled Summer SangriaHeavy on fruits, this drink is actually pretty nutritious as cocktails go...
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Alchemical Transformation - Separation, the Third StepThe third step in finding and living one's true self is to step away from those things that have a hold on us.
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Wonder Woman's New OutfitDC Comics has decided to update Wonder Woman and make the superheroine look like an ordinary hot gal in street clothes.
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Kickapoo Joy Juice - an Adaptable Rum Punch for the SummerMake it as is for grown-ups. Make it without rum for the kids.
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4th of July Chocolate Cheese Mini CupcakesDelicious and rich flavor. Small size means you can control the portions better without leftovers.
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Vodka Cocktails to Beat the Summer HeatHaving lived in Poland, I like my vodka very cold and straight up. Despite that, it's a great mixer. Here are some ideas that use summers sunny flavors.
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How the Universe Reflects Our Basic Human NeedsFrom equinox to solstice and back again, the cycles of the calendar model how our lives should look.
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Alchemical Transformation: Dissolution - the Second StepA look at what it takes to come through the flames a new person.
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Getting Him Ready for the PromBeing dead isn't as bad as everyone thinks, but missing prom was a real pain.
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How to Pay a ComplimentThere is a fine line between compliments and flattery. Here is a how to on offering genuine compliments.Also published on:
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Ghostly Experiences at the Magic Castle in HollywoodWhen I was the only person in the Magic Castle, I sometimes did not feel that I was alone.
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Purple StuffPurple is a great color, and shows up in some odd places.
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My Favorite Motion Picture Cameos by MusiciansThe musicians who were cool to me, my parents didn't recognize. I won't recognize the cameos by today's most popular musicians.
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The First Day of SummerInvited to participate in the midsummer ritual of Litha, I spent the first day of summer aware of all the little things.
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Getting a Do-OverGrown ups do not get do-overs, but we can make course corrections for past mistakes. We can win by figuring out what we did wrong
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Alchemical Transformation - Calcination - the First StepThe alchemical path to spiritual change begins with a breaking down of what is. It's only a first step.
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The Best Advice Any Kid Ever GotThe people whose advice most shaped my life didn't even know I was listening.
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Togas, Tunics and What Greeks and Romans Really WoreHelpful advice for providing authentic costumes for Church plays
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Keeping the Romance Alive and LivelyAll relationships can sometimes slip into a rut. Small and thoughtful actions can keep the love feeling new.
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How Soccer Got Its NameThere is a story behind where the word "soccer" comes from. It has to do with university students trying to be a little more polite
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Lottery or Inheritance - Big Money Will Change Your LifeChange is inevitable when your financial portfolio explodes to 100 times its original size.
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Five Ways to a Greener Fourth of JulyGoing green does not mean depriving you or your family. It's just about thinking before you start.
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A Different Experience from Septermber 11, 2001A week after a trip to the top of the World Trade Center, I watched the building fall.
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The Best Jewish Movies You've Never SeenA selection of Jewish themed movies worth seeing.
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Eating Safely and Well at the BeachHaving flavorful food at the right temperature and keeping it sand free are all priorities for oceanfront eating.
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Swimsuit Shopping for Every Woman at Every AgePicking a swimsuit is never easy, but there are some basics to make sure you don't go too wrong.
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Advanced Preparation to Prevent Writer's BlockCreativity, like luck, favors the prepared. There are preparations you can make.
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Planning a Romantic Vampire DateIf she loves Edward Cullen, Angel, Spike, Count Dracula or even Count Chocula - channel your inner vampire and win her heart.
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A Vampire Prepares His DinnerIt's not easy being a 15th century vampire in the 21st century. Dracula has managed to make it work.
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Shopping with ChildrenA store clerk observes parents and offers suggestions for successful shopping.
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Crayola Crayons Make Life More ColorfulYou can color with any crayons, but Crayolas are the best. I travel with mine.
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Auschwitz and Birkenau - Making a Pilgrimage to the Site of GenocideA trip to Auschwitz on a perfect spring day becomes a pilgrimage for a survivor's child.
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Your Child's First Magic TrickHelp your child succeed at doing magic by making sure the trick you buy is the right one.
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A Perfect Movie for Whatever the WeatherWhatever the weatherman has to say, you can find an answer in Hollywood's classics.
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Wieliczka Salt Mines Near Krakow, PolandOne of the most interesting and compelling places in southern Poland. This is a moving and memorable day trip.
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Training for the Honolulu MarathonWith six months training and hard work, a 200+ pound lady gets to the finish line.
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My Beautiful Red 2010 Prius Trim Level IIMy Prius is comfortable, fun and affordable. I'm the envy of my friends.
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How to Choose SocksBuying cheap socks may seem smart, but investing in the right equipment can improve your performance.
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Are Magic Wands Real?A little girl needs to know if magic wands really do magic. Here's what I told her.
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Hearing Aid BasicsBasic information on types of hearing aids.
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Creating Magic In Your WritingHelp your reader believe the magic is real in your fantasy story.
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So You Want to Hire a Magician?Things to consider when you're hiring a magician to entertain clients, guests or your five year old.
