John Myers
Hi, I'm John and welcome to my profile page. You'll see from my writing that I have a variety of interests that I like to share. So please click and enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.
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- 6/29/2007
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Master's Degree, SUNY @Stony BrookMotto
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What Are You Listening To? Spring 2013Herein I present some offerings from my 'Current' playlist this spring. Many of them I've featured on my blog’s very popular 'Song of the Day' posts, and hopefully you'll find something new here to get excited about...
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Justin Timberlake's 'The 20/20 Experience': A Track-by-Track ReviewThere's no doubt that Justin Timberlake's new album was a highly anticipated one, and from my early estimation, the record is good, but it's not that good...not good enough to have done as well as it has so far... -
What Are You Listening To? Winter 2013As a music enthusiast, I always look forward to what's new in the music world, and four times a year I like to share the songs and albums I'm listening to in the hopes that you'll find something new to get excited about. -
P!nk's Top 20 Songs: Revised and ExpandedWith total of 22 new songs since my last list of P!nk's top song list, it is now time for both a revision and expansion of her greatest songs to date. Check them out... -
Gaga's Eccentric Timing as 'Born This Way Ball' Draws to a CloseLady Gaga is finishing up the last leg of her year-old 'Born This Way Ball,' which promotes an album that is nearly two years old. As the singer gets ready to release her next album, one can only scratch their head at the timing of it all. -
A Cookie History: Nabisco's Marshmallow SandwichA recent conversation at a family gathering turned into a very interesting cookie history...
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Exciting New Music Coming in 2013The year 2013 is already shaping up to be one of the best years for new music in recent memory. With several notable, long-awaited comebacks and plenty of other new stuff, this year looks like it's going to be pretty darned great...
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Five Albums that Rocked My World in 2012The year 2012 was a relatively slow one for dance music aficionados like myself, in comparison to the previous year, but it wasn't completely bad. Comeback efforts by Madonna and P!nk got much airplay on my iPod this year, as well as a couple of others.. -
The Top 20 Pop Songs of 2012The year 2012 was as interesting a year for new music as any. Newcomers dominated the airwaves throughout the year, and pop icons P!nk, Madonna and Christina Aguilera made big returns to the music scene. Herein are my picks for the top 20 songs of 2012. -
Breaking Down P!nk's 'The Truth About Love,' the Bonus TracksP!nk's 'The Truth About Love' is hands down one of the best albums of the year, and two deluxe editions of the album, one on iTunes and the other from Target, contain a whopping six extra songs recorded for the set. Check out my take on these tracks. -
Breaking Down P!nk's 'The Truth About Love', Standard EditionP!nk's 'The Truth About Love' is one of the year's best albums, and you can check out this fan's take on all of the tracks on the standard edition of the album. -
Why God?Here's a little piece of prose I penned after recently bearing witness to several tragic events involving children. -
HappyJust a poem about happiness! -
The Voices of Immigrant Children: Left BehindHere's a piece from this year's ESL Magazine written by a young man who learned a valuable lesson he'd like to teach others who follow in his footsteps... -
Track by Track Review of the Wanted's Special Edition U.S. AlbumFor those of you who've never heard of The Wanted, you're in for a nice surprise. This British boy band based in London, England, have a really nice sound, and they’re riding the heels of the “Glad You Came,” with their first U.S. album release. -
What Are You Listening To? Spring 2012Herein are some offerings from my current playlist this spring. They're the newest songs I listen to on a daily basis, and hopefully you'll find something new to get excited about. -
Fifteen Awesome Donna Summer Songs You Probably Never HeardThe catalog of Donna Summer is long and deep, and is filled with many great tunes that many have never even heard before. The singer endured long after the days of disco, and recorded many songs that have been unfortunately overlooked... -
Madonna's "M.D.N.A.": A Track by Track ReviewMadonna’s 12th studio album, “M.D.N.A.,” was released on March 23, and now that fans and critics alike have all had time to digest the new material; it’s time for this longtime fan’s assessment of Madonna’s latest #1 album.
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Consumers Should Scrutinize Credit Card Statements to Protect ThemselvesThat’s a lot of money owed by the average person to credit card companies, and many of the terms of these card agreements are so confusing that the average person would need a degree in finance to understand it all.
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What Are You Listening To? Winter 2011/12Herein is a collection of songs and albums of new music that I am listening to this winter. They represent a cross section of musical genres and hopefully you'll find something new here to whet your appetite for new music.
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How Will Madonna's "Gimme All Your Luvin" Stack Up Against Her Previous Lead Singles?With her upcoming 12th album, "M.D.N.A., Madonna's newest song follows a long history of lead singles that have had various levels of success. How will "Gimme All Your Luvin" fare?
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Recipe: TacosagneIf you love Mexican food, check out this great recipe that’s easy to follow, delicious and versatile:
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8 Albums that Rocked My World in 2011With the exception of a few noteworthy non-dance-oriented albums, the great majority of new music to rock my world this year has been of the dance music genre.
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The Top 10 Pop Songs of 2011The year 2011 has been a good one for pop music fans, especially those who like more dance-oriented music. Herein are ten of the hottest tunes from the year 2011, most of which fall within the genre of dance music.
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Rihanna's 'Talk that Talk": A Track by Track ReviewWith a mix of up-tempo pop ditties, heartfelt ballads and island-flavored jams, Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk' is a must for all Rihanna fans.
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What Are You Listening To? Fall 2011Without further adieu, I present some offerings from my "Current" playlist this fall. Most of the songs are dance oriented, but there’s some pop, R&B, and rock listed here, as well.
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Thanksgiving NuggetsThe Thanksgiving holiday is a very special and much needed time of the year, especially in these times we’re living in, and in the spirit of the season and I’d like to share some quotes that fit the holiday spirit perfectly.
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It All Started with Ruth Buzzi: A Profound Observation from a Funny LadyI remember Ruth Buzzi from the classic sketch comedy show from the 70’s called “Laugh In.” Well, Ms. Buzzi has found a new audience via Twitter, and though she's still a very funny lady, sometimes she's got some keen observations to make...
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Occupy Wall Street: Practicing American PrinciplesSay what you want about them, but the Occupy Wall Street protesters and their many fellow demonstrators around the country and abroad are practicing the very principles that this country was founded upon. There has been much said...
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Two Great Tools for Generating Article Ideas on the Topics Writers like to Write AboutOne of the most difficult things about being a writer is finding topics to write about. Most good writers write best when they write from what they know and about the things that interest them, and there are some tools out there ...
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Chicken Spinach MeatballsBefore I started making this dish, the thought of using ground chicken never crossed my mind. After all, ground beef has been a staple in American cuisine for ages, but ...
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More Quotes to Inspire and Enrich LifeOnce again I’ve collected some of my favorite quotes from the last month or so and I share them here with you in the hopes that you’ll find some of them useful or enjoyable. Take a read...
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Rihanna Gains Steam with "We Found Love"Barbadian singer Rihanna is on a tear! Even with her latest single, “Cheers (Drink to That),” currently sitting at #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs chart, she’s already setting her sights on her future with the release of a new single...
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A Fitness Routine That's Worked Wonders for My Body and My MindHaving a healthy-looking appearance can do wonders for your psyche, and building a nice physique can be relatively easy as long as you keep it regular...
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Volunteer's Corner: Feeding the Hungry of Long IslandIn this edition of Volunteer’s Corner, we take a look at food pantries that are dedicated to feeding the hungry and that need your help. These non-profit organizations are always on the lookout for people who care and want to volunteer their time to...
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David Guetta's "Nothing but the Beat": A Track by Track ReviewDavid Guetta has scored yet another potential smash record with his latest, “Nothing But The Beat.†The album debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Hot 200 Albums Chart in its first week and is already among my favorites for 2011...
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Remembering 9/11It's hard to believe, but it's been ten whole years since the attacks of September 11th, 2001. For me, as for many of us, that day will forever be burned in my memory. It was a day just like today, clear blue skies and beautiful, crisp September air...
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Twitter for IPhoneOne of the great things about owning an iPhone is having access to so many great apps. Applications on iPhones can provide vital services, handy tools, and hours of enjoyment...
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The CleanupToday was a beautiful day here on Long Island, temperatures in the mid to upper seventies and blue skies everywhere. From the weather conditions around, you’d never have known that just one day ago a tropical deluge named Irene had come for a visit...
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A Not so Welcome IreneIt's Sunday morning and Hurricane Irene has been slamming Long Island for the past few hours now. I'm hoping that the worst is over, but the strong wind gusts that come even with a tropical storm can be very dangerous, and so
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Waiting on IreneNow it's a waiting game. Preparations are done with: patio and yard cleared of potential flying hazards, candles, water, and other supplies are stocked and within hours we'll be experiencing Irene up close and personal.
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What Are You Listening To? Summer 2011Without further adieu, I present some offerings from my "Current" playlist this summer. They're the songs I listen to on a daily basis in the car, at the beach, in the house, and everywhere else...
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Volunteer's Corner: Working to Protect and Preserve the Environment of Long Island and BeyondIn this edition of Volunteer's Corner, we take a look at organizations that are dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment in order to make the world a better place for ourselves and future generations.
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Pesto: Easy, Delicious and VersatileIn the few years that I have been enjoying pesto sauce, I've learned that it's not only easy to make and healthy for you, but it is also very versatile in both variation and use.
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Elton John's Top Twenty SongsFor four decades, Elton John and frequent collaborator Bernie Taupin have provided us with a deep catalog of beautifully written and performed songs, and many would be hard-pressed to say that they haven't associated some sort of memories...
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A Teacher's Unforgettable First Day at SchoolOf course, one of the most memorable first days of school was the very first day I had my own classroom, but that's a whole other story. There was another first day of school that will always stick out in my mind...
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Crossroads: A New and Unfortunate DirectionFrom the way things look the theme of this series may be changing and once again it is my hope that by chronicling my experiences I may serve to give solace to others who may find themselves in a similar predicament as I ...
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Thank You for Being a Friend'œThe Golden Girls' was one of those special shows that appealed to a lot of people, and it was always especially endearing to gay men for whatever reason. I think all of us could find qualities in the four friends that we shared in one way or another...
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Music Suggestions for a Gay Wedding in New YorkTraditional wedding songs are for traditional weddings and now that we've got this new gay marriage thing all sewn up, I think it's time to start our own traditional wedding songs specifically chosen for a gay old wedding.
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Amy's LegacyThough Amy Winehouse's death was not entirely unexpected, it's still very sad to know that we will be deprived of what might have been. Her fans can at least take solace in the legacy that she left behind.
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July Quotes for Inspiration, Humor, and Just a Little Uh Huh!Once again I've collected some of my favorite Twitter quotes from the last month and I share them here with you in the hopes that you'll find some of them useful or enjoyable. Take a read...
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Cam Wow for IPhone: Hours of Photo FunCam Wow, by Jolly Dream Studios, is a free photo booth application for iPhone that lets you capture yourself and your friends in ways you'd never imagined you could.
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Out of the Mouths of Babes: Mamasita MargaritaOut of the Mouths of Babes is a ever-continuing collection of writings by my class of ESL students. They're among my favorite essays and poems, some of them are sad, others...
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Billboard.Com's Mid-Year Music AwardsThe results of Billboard.com's Mid-Year Music Awards are in, and pop divas Britney Spears and Lady Gaga are the big winners...
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Una FiestaOn Saturday night I was invited to a graduation/birthday party for one of my longtime students, Jaqi. I'm always a little apprehensive about socializing with my students and their families, but ...
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John's World: My BlogA few short years ago, not long after I started writing for what was then called Associated Content, I also started a blog. At the time I really wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but now...
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John's Top Ten Songs for 2011...So Far!Herein I present my choices for the ten best songs of the year for the first half of 2011. This year has already seen some great songs that will endure as this year's entries into the great American songbook...
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Top Five Albums of 2011...So Far!Herein I'd like to present my picks for the top five albums of 2011 so far. Of course, since I'm a big fan of music you can dance to, all but can one or two fall under that very category --
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Some New York Pride as (Gay) Marriage Equality Bill Finally PassesHistory has been made. Moments ago, The New York State Senate voted on and passed the Marriage Equality Act, and within a matter of weeks, New York will become the 6th...
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Keys to Life: Key #10 - Don't Be a HaterWhere does hate come from? Unfortunately, many of us learn to hate during our formative years, as our parents and other people around us make some sort of hatred a norm. It comes from...
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Remembering Clarence ClemonsClarence Clemons, the legendary musician who played along with Bruce Springsteen as a part of the E Street Band for nearly 40 years died on Saturday, June 18th at the age of 69.
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Awesome Summer Songs for All Sorts of Summertime ScenariosSince there are way too many good summer songs for a top ten or even a top twenty list, I've decided to suggest some great songs to go along with different summer scenarios, like playing volleyball on the beach, moonlit strolls in the sand...
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Out of the Mouths of Babes, "Me and the Spanish Kids"The following piece is one of my favorites from this year's ESL magazine, "Our Immigrant Stories." It was written by an 8th grade Turkish student in my class named Emre and ...
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Gay Pride Events in the New York Metropolitan AreaGay Pride celebrations are taking place throughout the month of June in locations throughout the tri-state area, culminating with the big show in New York City during the last week of June...
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Quotes for Inspiration, Humor and Just a Little Uh Huh!I love good quotes. They're like tiny tidbits of inspiration, humor, and all sorts of other entertainment that are short, to the point, and fun to read.
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Keys to Life: Key #9 - Be HonestThere's so much that can be said about lying. It's an ugly and all too common fact of life. We can't control what others say to us, only the things we say ourselves. So in this life...
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Ten Great Summer AlbumsAh, summer is upon us and now's the time for driving around with the windows open, blasting some awesome summer tunes on your radio and jamming as you enjoy the warm weather. The albums on this list...
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My Favorite Summer Pastime: Roller Coaster Thrills and ChillsI have this hobby that I simply can't resist, and the unfortunate thing about it is I can only indulge in it during the summer months. You see, one of my favorite things to do during the summer is ride roller coasters...
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Essential Albums of the 80's: Yaz' 'Upstairs at Eric's'One new wave band, a duo from England called Yaz, created an album of music in 1982 that was epic, and no true fan of the genre can say that they never owned a copy of an album called '˜Upstairs at Eric's.'
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Reflections of a Breakup: An Epilogue in a Search for HappinessIt's been quite awhile since I've added anything to this series, but since it is the latest part of a story that I'm still living with almost four years on, I feel the need to share it. It all started innocently enough...
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Retweeting Great Quotes on Twitter for Both Inspiration and FollowersTwitter is full of members who often post quotable quotes on all kinds of topics and whenever I see one that I fancy, I almost always retweet it. Soon after I retweet some good tweets I often gain a new follower or two.
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Promote Your Content Through Social NetworkingBeing a freelance writer online is not easy. Good, quality writing, interesting and searchable topics, and publishing are keys to being successful, but promoting yourself through social networking can be a big help...
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What Are You Listening To? Spring 2011Herein I present some offerings from my "Current" playlist this spring. They're the songs I listen to on a daily basis and hopefully you'll find something new here to get excited about.
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Keys to Life: Key #8 - Expect BlissBliss is something we all strive for, and is the very purpose of this series. There are a lot of things in life that contribute to our "utter joy and contentment," such as money, health, relationships, work, etc...
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Pop Music News Weekly, May 4th, 2011: Glee Concert Film; Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Become ParentsWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap-up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. Here's some of what's been happening on the charts and in the news this week:
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Kylie Minogue at New York's Hammerstein BallroomLast night marked the second night of Kylie Minogue's three-date return stint at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom and once again the singer absolutely rocked the house.
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New Lady Gaga, Eddie Vedder, Stevie Nicks and More Coming This May 2011After a busy couple of months on the new music scene, May looks to slow down a bit although several big names, including Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder and more look to add their newest into the mix. Check out what's in store for May:
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Memorial Day Weekend Events Around Long IslandA great number of outdoor events, fairs, carnivals, concerts and more are being held throughout Long Island to commemorate the unofficial beginning of summer 2011 this Memorial Day Weekend. Take a look at some of the great events in store:
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Pop Music News Weekly, April 26th, 2011: Full Lollapalooza Lineup Announced; Phoebe Snow Dies; Remembering TLC's "Left Eye" LopesAfter a one-week hiatus, welcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap-up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. Here's some of what's happening this week:
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Lady Gaga's 'Monster Ball' At Nassau Coliseum: Great Entertainment and a Whole Lotta LoveThe 'Monster Ball' was completely entertaining, full of all the things one might expect from a Lady Gaga concert. With bizarre costumes, an equally odd set design, wild dance sequences...
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Outrageous British Sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous' Set to ReturnAbsolutely Fabulous is one of the BBC's all time most popular shows. show follows the misadventures of two friends, Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, two middle-aged hipsters getting through life as if they were still teens in the 1960's.
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Keys to Life: Key #7 - Stop Blaming Everyone ElseLife is nothing but a series of choices. . If we're unhappy with the way things have turned out in our lives, we've got to take responsibility for where we find ourselves and do something about it...
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Remembering the 1994 NY Rangers: My Most Treasured Sports MementoThe year 1994 was a magical one for New York sports fans. Both the Rangers hockey team and the Knicks basketball team were in the respective final rounds of their playoff tourneys...
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Pop Music News Weekly, April 12th, 2011: Rihanna, Britney Remix 'S&M', Steven Tyler's New Memoirs, and MoreThis week: Rihanna and Britney team up for hot new remix; Britney/Nickii Minaj confirm tour appearances; 2011 Billboard Music Awards; Steven Tyler's tell-all memoirs; On the charts
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My Long IslandLong Island is a beautiful place and has a lot to offer, especially in the summertime. In honor of the place where I've lived most of my life, I'd like to share some of my favorite things about Long Island...
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Rihanna's Top Ten Songs...So Far!With five top ten albums, 15 top ten singles and millions of records sold, Rihanna has proven herself to be a bona fide force in the music industry. She's amassed a catalog of sometimes thoughtful, oftentimes dance and pop-friendly tunes...
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Keys to Life: Key #6 - Take Care of YourselfTaking care of oneself is a key to life that's covers a lot of aspects of daily life. It's true that without taking care of yourself, striving to achieve the other keys of life becomes a dead issue...
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Pop Music News Weekly, April 5th, 2011: John Mellencamp/Stephen King Musical; ACM Awards; Spears in Talks with Nicki Minaj to Join TourWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap-up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. Here's some of what's happening this week:
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Is Lady Gaga the Next Madonna?Madonna is the latest recording artist to have set the standard, on par with such greats as Elivs or the Beatles, but is Lady Gaga capable of matching or even surpassing her success?
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Guide to Theme Parks in the New York City AreaNew York has it all, including access to several historic and modern amusement parks. For residents or visitors of the city and its suburbs, there are several parks within driving distance where one can enjoy...
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Pop Music News Weekly, March 29th Special Edition: Britney's Up and Down DayThis week we take a special look at the ups and downs of pop princess Britney Spears as she releases her newest CD "Femme Fatale" with a televised appearance on '˜Good Morning America' and a surprise tour announcement.
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Keys to Life: Key #5 - Take ChancesPlaying it safe...way too many of us are afraid to take chances. I know far too many people who aren't completely satisfied with their lives. They just resign themselves that their life is their life and there's nothing they can do about it...
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"Songs for Japan" Digital Album Released Today on ITunes"Songs for Japan" is a compilation that features 38 songs by some of the world's greatest musical acts and all proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross Society's earthquake/tsunami relief efforts.
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New Music Releases for April 2011: Foo Fighters, K.D.Lang, J-Lo and MoreApril picks up where March left off with a whole slew of great new music in a variety of genres. Check out what's in store:
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Pop Music News Weekly, March 22nd: All Star Relief Album for Japan, Chris Brown Storms Off GMA Set, Disco Diva Loleatta Holloway DiesWelcome once again to Pop Music News Weekly. In this week's edition: Pop stars lend their talents for Japan relief; Chris Brown outburst after GMA interview; Loleatta Holloway dies...
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Keys to Life: Key #4 - Make a DifferencePart of living a fulfilling life is leaving your mark on it. We've all got contributions to make, big or small, and they're all pertinent to making the picture whole. Approach your interactions positively. Make people smile when they think of you.
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Pop Music News Weekly, March 15, 2011: R&R Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 'Idol' Contestant Recovers; Unknown Singer Goes ViralWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap-up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. Here's the latest...
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Top Ten Graduation Songs: Here's to New BeginningsGraduation Day is a time to bask in the glow of the moment and look to new beginnings with optimism and hope. The songs presented here each speak of new beginnings and optimism for the future...
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Top Ten Graduation Songs: Celebrating Memories and AccomplishmentGraduation day is a time to bask in the glow of the moment, cherishing the memories of school days left behind. The songs here were chosen to help a young graduate both honor the happy memories of school years past and rejoice in the moment...
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Keys to Life: Key #3 - Cultivate FriendshipsTrue friends are integral parts of our lives. They give us a sense of comfort, a soothing presence during the trials and tribulations of our lives. We're lucky to have one or two of these friends in our lives, people who...
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Pop Music News Weekly, March 8, 2011: Former Alice in Chains Bassist Found Dead, Aerosmith Back in the Saddle?, and MoreWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap-up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. Here's the scoop:
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Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, and R.E.M. Highlight New CD Releases for March 2011After a slow start to the year in hot music releases, the month of March heats up as several big name acts hit the airwaves with new albums. Check out some of what's in store this month:
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What Are You Listening To? Winter 2010/11Without further adieu, I present some offerings from my "Current" playlist this winter, as well as some stuff in another folder I've been deferring to these days. They're the songs I listen to on a daily basis...
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Out of the Mouths of Babes, Part 9: Student of the MonthI began class by handing each student a sheet of lined paper and I told them to put their names at the top. I explained my dilemma and asked them to make a case for themselves as to why I should choose them to be "Student of the Month"...
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Remember Me"Remember Me" is a song of separation and a reminder to cherish the memories of hose we've loved and lost in one way or another. When I listen to the song, I hearken back to people in my life who've come and gone, but will never be forgotten...
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Diana Ross' Top Twenty SongsDiana Ross is a bona fide icon. With a music career spanning five decades, she's left an enduring legacy on the American music and pop culture scene for years...
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Pop Music News Weekly: March 1st, 2011: Christina Aguilera, Reba McEntyre, Lady GaGa and MoreWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music. This week we move to Tuesdays with an all new feature highlighting what's hot in music right now...
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Diana Ross: My First DivaDiana Ross is the epitome of a diva. Perceived by many as being high strung, manipulative, and demanding, Diana has been reviled by some, but ultimately her successes ...have made her a woman admired by many more...
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Keys to Life: Key #2 - Age GracefullyAge is a funny thing. When you're young, you can't wait to get older and once you hit a certain age, you want to stop counting birthdays. No one is immune from aging...
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Keys to Life - Key #1: Live in the PresentI've long since wanted to revisit these "keys to life" in the hopes of keeping them at the forefront of my own mind and to share them as valuable information for anyone to have...
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Hit Songs in Foreign LanguagesThere's a song that's been playing on the radio a lot lately that's pretty catchy, but I have no idea what the heck they're singing about. The tune is called "No Speak Americano" by Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool and...
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Pop Music News Weekly, February 21, 2011: Brit Awards, Lady GaGa Song Preview, New Radiohead, and MoreWelcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap up of some of the more noteworthy news items from the world of popular music.
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Spam a Lot?I get spam emails by the dozen each and every day and I'm tired of it. Sometimes I wish I could directly answer these spammers personally so they'll get the hint and stay away from my inbox. Here's a look at some of the spam emails I've gotten...
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Concert Tours Hitting the US in Spring/Summer 2011Spring and summer of 2011 is shaping up to be a great season of live musical entertainment as many top musical acts are taking to the road to promote their latest efforts...
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Collected Works: The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2Here's a chance to see all of the second season episodes of the Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2 all in one place. In case you haven't seen them all, check out what you've missed:
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Pop Music News: February 14th, 2011Welcome once again to Pop Music News, a weekly wrap up of some of the more noteworthy happenings in the world of pop music. This week's recap includes coverage of the Grammy Awards, a record setting weekend for "Born...
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Lady GaGa and the "Sociology of Fame": A 60 Minutes Interview with Anderson CooperAnderson Cooper interviewed six time Grammy nominee Lady GaGa on a segment of 60 Minutes. It would be one of the first times any of us would get to see and hear this most talked about star in such an upfront and personal way.
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Madonna's Influence on GaGa's "Born This Way" Causes Intergenerational RiftThey say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I just can't understand all the hoopla surrounding Lady GaGa's newest song. Yesterday, GaGa's much anticipated single...
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Family in Crisis: A Year LaterA little over a year ago I wrote some pieces on the Martinez family, four young people had been brought here by their parents from Guatemala and within a few short years were abandoned...
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Pop Music News: February 7th, 2011Welcome to a new weekly series dedicated to news items from around the world of pop music. This week's tidbits include two big announcements by Lady GaGa and Adele, respectively, the music at the Super Bowl, the upcoming Grammy Awards and more.
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Suffolk County's Red Light Safety Program: Making Roads SaferA couple of weeks ago I got something in the mail I had been expecting. I'd heard about this before and knew it happened when it did, but I'm not angry about it. In fact, I'm kind of glad it happened.
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Robyn at Radio City Music Hall: Pure Energy, Great Music,and Lots of FunThis sold-out concert was all about the mutual admiration between the Swedish singer and her devoted fans, including myself. It wasn't your typical concert, full of fancy special effects, stage props and numerous costume changes...
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2: EpilogueFor the rest of the summer, Johnny got to relax without any worries or stress. By the time the school began in September, both Wellington's and Ben seemed like distant memories. That is, until the second week of September...
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Songs that Motivate and InspireSome of my favorite types of songs are the ones that motivate me with insightful or encouraging lyrics. Over the years I've come to know many such songs that always lift my spirits when I listen to them...
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Essential Albums of the 80's: George Michael's "Faith""Faith" is one of those 80's albums that was great from start to finish. The album was a set of mature sounding songs in a variety of genres for the former Wham! frontman and was recently remastered and re-released to great fanfare...
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Crossroads, Part 7: A Shift in FocusSince my last piece, circumstances in my life have proven to me that not only is this decision one that I want, but it's become ever the more obvious that it's one that I need.
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Who is Adele and Why Should We Be Excited About "21"?Like many of her fellow British counterparts, such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy, Adele is blessed with a gift for writing classically produced, soulful songs that match her magnificent pipes.
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Snow Days:Safety Vs.WorkHere in the good old US of A, work is way up there on the list of things we value. Of course, a good work ethic is indeed a worthy thing to value, but at what cost?
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2, Chapter 12: The End of Johnny Driver?Johnny thought long and hard after his conversation with Kim the night before. Deep down he knew he needed time to himself, but he just didn't know if he could afford to...
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Weight Watchers: In the End, It's Still a DietI've written in the past about how I hate the word "diet" and a visit to my mother's for dinner the other night confirmed my feelings. To me, the very word "diet" implies a temporary fix...
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Songs of Love and Devotion for Valentine's DayValentine's Day is coming and nothing complements a romantic evening with your sweetheart than a background of beautiful love songs. The songs listed herein are some of my favorite songs that express undying love and devotion...
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Chapter 11: Johnny's RevelationThe aftermath of Johnny's breakup with Ben brings with it a new revelation about working at Wellington's.
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Chapter 10: Johnny and Ben....And JerryJohnny deals with the aftermath of his late night at Wellingtons.
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Crossroads, Part 6: New ConsiderationsI realize that these decisions I find myself faced with are of my own choosing, and that nothing worthwhile comes easy. I've come to a point where these decisions need to be faced -- reality starts to set in, and the clock is ticking.
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The Real Estate Short Sale: Answers to Essential QuestionsThe short sale is the latest trend in the housing crisis that comes with its own consequences and is subject to several variables. Here are some basic answers to questions regarding short sales.
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Theme Parks Adding New Coasters for the 2011 SeasonThe summer of 2011 promises a whole new slew of record breaking, death defying rides and thrills for aficionados everywhere. Here's a look at some of what's to come:
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Volunteers Corner: Animal Welfare and Protection OrganizationsIn this edition of Volunteers Corner, we take a look at organizations that are dedicated to helping out animals, both domestic and wild, which are injured, abandoned, homeless or suffering in some way.
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AMano's Osteria and Wine Bar in Mattituck, NYCreated by restaurateur Adam Lovett and Chef Tom Schaudel, aMano Osteria and Wine Bar in Mattituck brings a little taste of an authentic Tuscan osteria to the North Fork of Long Island...
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2, Chapter 9, Part 2: P. Diddy Takes Johnny Towards the End of His RopeJohnny's plans with Ben get sidetracked when rap star P. Diddy decides to throw a party..
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2, Chapter 9, Part 1: Johnny Gets a Night Off with BenOne bright spot for Johnny during that second season was Ben. Ben was a chemical engineer who Johnny had met during a hectic night setting up a party in East Hampton. The two of them hit it off immediately...
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Gay Man's Single Files 6: A Typical Night at SplashOn a recent visit to Splash, I'd decided that for the first time in a long time I'd give it a shot at being receptive to glances that came my way, if even for just a dance. So I braved icy roads and headed into the city...
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Top 20 Dance/Club Hits of the 1990sAs with any other genre of music, dance music has evolved through the years and each decade has seen its share of musical styles. In the 1990's, rap and hip hop music went mainstream...
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The Soundtrack of a RelationshipOurs was a short lived relationship, too short, but as with most of the relationships I've had in my life, music has played a key part. I believe that every relationship has a soundtrack, and this one was no exception...
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Breaking Up is Not so Hard to DoWell it's been a long time coming! We'd been together for almost 20 years, but I just wasn't happy any more. I've been contemplating it for a long time and I feel that the time has come. Breakups are never easy...
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Restaurant Review: Hurricane Grill and Wings in Pt. Jefferson, NYHurricane Grill & Wings of Pt. Jefferson Station in Long Island, New York is a taste of Florida's tropical Treasure Coast right here in the chilly north. With an island atmosphere and an award winning array of over 35 exhilarating varieties of wings...
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Essential Albums of the 80's: Culture Club's "Colour by Numbers"Producing such memorable 80's hits as "Church of the Poison Mind" and Karma Chameleon," "Colour by Numbers" was an international success and earned a spot as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "100 Best Albums of the 80's."
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Out of the Mouths of Babes, Part 8Throughout the school year, I pose questions to my students for them to answer in their journal. As they say, kids say the darndest things...and my students are no exception...
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Crossroads, Part 5: Words to Live ByEvery once in awhile I come up with a quote that I feel strongly about. A little over a month ago I placed these words as a status on my Facebook profile and I feel as strongly about them today as I did back then.
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New Music Releases for 2011: What to ExpectA look at upcoming album releases for 2011 in the genres of pop, alternative, R&B, country, rock and more.
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Just DanceEveryone copes with stress and anxiety in different ways. There's something about dancing that's makes me feel better, takes my mind off of things, and so yeah, that's all I wanna do is dance.
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My Ten Worst Performing Articles on the Yahoo Contributor NetworkHere's a look at the ten pieces I've written that have garnered the least amount of page views since their publication. They're listed in descending order...
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My Top Ten Performing Articles on the Yahoo Contributor NetworkFor the purpose of this piece, I will be reaching back into my time here at Associated Content/Yahoo Contributor Network in the hopes of gaining insight into the future by taking a look at the performance of my pieces...
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A Snow Shoveler's LamentAfter being holed up in my house for a little more than 24 hours, I finally ventured outside to begin the dreaded cleanup. As I worked on my driveway, I noticed two elderly neighbors pooling their resources to clean their own driveways...
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Crossroads, Part 4: Justifying My DecisionThe conversation started from the realtor and lead to the broader subject of my decision. It was Blanche who began asking the tough questions, and all eyes were on me as I tried reasoning it all out in my responses.
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The One that Got AwayThis poem is for a very special person who drifted in and out of my life in a very short period of time, though it left me with many thoughts of what could have been...
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Crossroads, Part 3: First StepToday I took the first step in my newest journey. I called a real estate agent last week...to give me her expertise. I entered the meeting expecting bad news and ended up being presented with even grimmer choices than I had envisioned.
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Gay Man's Single Files V: Hate in the Unlikliest of PlacesA couple of years ago, I came across a young gay man in an online chat room. He called himself Yeled Shateni, and he was a descendent of Argentinean Jews. What started out as a pleasant enough conversation turned really ugly...
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A Teacher's Treasure, ReduxEvery once in awhile, a person lucky enough to be doing what they were meant to do in life gets an affirmation that they've chosen the right vocation. In my eight years as a teacher, I've had several of these moments...
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Crossroads, Part 2: The DecisionI recently tasked myself with making a big decision, and I've finally made up my mind...
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John's Top 10 Pop Songs of 2010In keeping with the spirit of the season, I'd like to present my own top ten picks for best pop songs of the year 2010...
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What Are You Listening To? Fall 2010"Current" is the iTunes folder where I keep the music that I like to listen to the most. . It is the one playlist in iTunes that I'm most often changing, and is the purpose for this series. My passion for music motivates me to want to share ...
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More Songs to Make You Want to Jump Off a BridgeHere's a list of songs that are so sad they sometimes make you want to jump off a bridge when you have a listen. As they say, misery loves company and when you're feeling a little down in the dumps, take a listen to some of these...
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Losing Weight in 2010: What WorkedOne of the most common New Year's Resolutions has to do with losing weight...losing weight does wonders to our self-esteem and overall well being and I've discovered the simplest of methods for losing weight and feeling good about oneself.
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Rihanna's "Loud": A ReviewOn Tuesday, November 12th, pop singer Rihanna released her fifth studio album entitled "Loud." The album follows her 2009 smash, "Rated R," and is much more promising in its potential appeal...
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All New Christmas Music for 2010This year, several musical artists are releasing all new holiday themed albums, with some all new songs as well as new renditions of Christmas classics. Here are some highlights:
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New Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas and More Coming to Stores This DecemberSeveral exciting new music releases are coming to stores this December, including Michael Jackson's first new set of all new material in nine years...
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Robyn's "Body Talk" Trilogy Scores Big with Fans and Critics AlikeCritics everywhere are praising the triumphant return of Swedish pop singer Robyn to the American musical landscape. She's been named one of the "most under-appreciated musicians of 2010" by Entertainment Weekly's ...
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Thinking of MeA short poem dedicated to those wonderful feelings that come when a romance is just beginning to bloom.
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A Panic Attack in ParadiseI've always thought it would be a terrible thing to die on vacation. I mean, wouldn't that just be the worst thing to have your life end during a pleasure trip?
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Journal Prompts for ESL StudentsHere are some suggestions for journal questions that are sure to get thoughtful responses. Of course, journal writing is not limited to the ESL classroom and extension activities can be...
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Some Much Needed Thanks ReduxTo all the people in my life who've touched me in some way, any way, I want to say thank you...and to those of you whose lives I've touched in any type of meaningful way; again I give thanks to you for allowing me to do so!
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You Left an Impression on MeAfter twelve long, tumultuous years in the United States, a dear friend of mine will be returning to his native country for good. This is dedicated to my friend Jorge, a person I've come to admire for his compassion, his kindness, and his warm spirit.
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Strange Comments from a Strange PlaceSomehow, someway, I unwittingly must've written an article using good Tagalog SEO...
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Volunteer's Corner: Organizations that Help Fight HomelessnessIn this edition, we take a look at organizations that offer assistance to people afflicted by a very serious problem: homelessness. The organizations listed below seek to help those who unfortunately have no place to go.
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Raising Cross Cultural Awareness Through the Film "My Brown Eyes""My Brown Eyes" is a film with very little on dialogue, but a lot on powerful scenes. The film short is a perfect tool for raising cross-cultural awareness among all people.
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"Fag Hags" and Gay Men: Hopeless BFF's?Recently a friend of mine was lamenting the loss of a good friend. For lack of a better word, this friend was a "fag hag", a term used to describe a straight woman who befriends a gay man. As any straight woman is wont to do, she fell in love...
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Election Season: Overtime for My Shredder and My TelephoneForgive me readers for I must do it again. It's been four months since my last rant and I can no longer control my fingers at the keyboard.
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New Music Releases Coming This November, Part 2: Lee DeWyze's Debut, a Norah Jones Compilation, Josh Groban, Kanye West and MoreNovember is a busy month for major new music releases. Here are some of the highlights...
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Crossroads: Striving for a Change or Settling for Status Quo?I believe that any person who settles in life is a person that stops living. Too many of us settle!
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New Music Releases Coming This November, Part 1: November 1st - 9thNovember is chock full of new music releases to suit almost every flavor: a new Mariah Christmas album; Susan Boyle's sophmore effort; Cee Lo Green and more...
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Top 20 Dance/Club Hits of the 1980'sThough not as mainstream as new wave or rap, the dance music that came out of the 1980's was a memorable mish mash of typical eighties sounds, with synthesizers, rhythm and blues and unusual themes.
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Sade Announces 2011 World Tour in Support of "Soldier of Love"World renowned, modern day jazz band and songstress Sade recently announced a much anticipated world tour in support of their latest, "Soldier of Love."
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National Coming Out Day: An Opportunity for Gays to Break Down Prejudice Once and for AllWith all of the latest and tragic news stories about the loss of life and continued suffering of gay people just for who they are, the time is ripe for the Human Rights Campaign's "National Coming Out Day" on Monday, October 11th.
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Out of the Mouths of Babes 7Throughout the school year, I pose questions to my students for them to answer in their journal. As they say, kids say the darndest things...and my students are no exception...
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Ten of the Worst Songs Ever RecordedUntil now, all of the pieces in this series have been listings of favorites, or songs that I've come to know and love over the years. This time, we take a look at some of my least favorite songs of all time.
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Teachers Pay Teachers: A Win-Win for New and Experienced TeachersTeachers Pay Teachers bills itself as a "marketplace for educators," and it's a great space for new teachers to access tried and true lesson plans while giving experienced teachers an opportunity to make some extra cash off of their hard work.
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Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Ne-Yo, Elton John and Leon Russell Highlight a Hot Month of New Music This OctoberA wide variety of established artists from Taylor Swift to Toby Keith to Ne-Yo and Good Charlotte are putting forth their newest efforts in what promises to be a fantastic month for new music. Here's a preview of what's to come.
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Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards: Top Twenty-Five Wooden Roller CoastersAnother popular category of Golden Ticket Awards is in the field of traditional wooden coasters, or "woodies." Here's a look at this year's winners:
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Changing Careers: My StoryA wise person once told me that the perfect job is one where you utilize your talents and you that you enjoy doing...
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Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards: Top Twenty-Five Steel CoastersEach year, amusement parks vie for the prestige of having their coasters named to the list of the top twenty five. Here's a look at this year's winners along with links to ride them:
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Funding Educational Ideas Through Pepsi's "Refresh Everything" ProjectTo date, Pepsi has awarded $1,670,000 in grants to ideas and projects related to the field of education. Take a look at some of the ideas that were funded through the project and maybe be inspired to submit your own.
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Halloween Scare Fests at Theme Parks Across the CountryHalloween time is a great time to get down to your local amusement park for a little extra special fun. With cobwebs and pumpkins, spooky walks featuring monsters, ghosts and goblins, and ...
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Coney Island, Rye Playland and 911: Enjoying and Remembering a Very Special CityWhat started out to be a long day trip to a giant amusement park in Massachusetts turned out to be something quite different, but in the end it was better than I could have imagined...
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Coney Island, New YorkI visited world famous Coney Island on Saturday, September 11th and took these shots of some very iconic images.
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The Misadventures of Johnny Driver, Season 2, Chapter 8: Johnny Parties with MistyNot everything was terrible at Wellington's that second season. The hours were long, the deliveries were very disorganized and the customers were rude and cheap, but on the bright side, Johnny and Misty were finally starting to warm up to one another.
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A Zip Lining AdventureWhen I was researching places to go and things to do in southern Ohio, I came across a place called "Ozone Zip Line Adventures." I'd always wanted to try it and this might have been my only chance...
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Reflections of a Breakup: Conclusion - PeaceA couple of weeks ago Jay called to find out how my trip was. That unexpected phone call turned out to be the revelation that put me at total peace.
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Songs that Tell a StorySome of my favorite types of songs are the ones that tell a story. There's just something about singing along to these tale-telling tunes that makes them so enjoyable. Here are some of my favorite songs that tell a story.
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More Pattern Poems for Teaching Language SkillsTeaching writing using these pattern poems can help students to learn a wide variety of skills. Here are some more pattern poems that can help English Language Arts teachers do their thing.
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Reference Guide for Using Pattern Poems to Teach Language Skills ITeaching writing using these pattern poems can help students to learn a wide variety of skills, such as alphabetization, vocabulary, grammar, and composition. The following is from a reference guide...