Susan Montag
I'm a writer, teacher, business owner and a mom. (Yes, I really am that busy!) My book "Finding the Way: A Tao for Down-to-Earth People" was published by Nicolas-Hays Press in 2005. I have a Masters of Fine Art degree in writing from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and I teach part-time in the English department at St. Cloud State. I have an on-line business, which keeps me very busy, along with my two teenage children. I'm interested in a wide variety of topics, from pet care to education, from parenting to genealogical research, from spirituality to business management. I pretty much have an opinion on everything.
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- Contributor since
- 1/5/2011
Education/Experience
Master s of Fine Art in Creative Writing, Hamline UniversityInterests
Politics, Writing, Parenting, Genealogical Research, Pets, Running a Small Business, Motivation, SpiritualityFavorites
Displaying Results 1 - 66 (of 66) for All Content
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Springtime Safety for CatsSpringtime, while bringing nicer weather, flowers and the Easter bunny, can also bring unique dangers to our fine feline friends. -
New Terror Alert System Vast Improvement over Color CodesThe new system, which assumes that our country is always at risk for terrorism, will give specific and useful information.Also published on:
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Michigan 'Public Act 4' Allows State Takeover of Local Governments, School DistrictsNewly elected Michigan governor, Rick Snyder, recently passed what some are calling one of the most anti-democratic pieces of legislation in the country.
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Celebrate National Poetry Month with a Shakespearean SonnetThis is a complex and challenging form that can take some time because of all the syllable counting. But once you get into it, it can be fun--at least if you are a word-nerd like I am.
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First Person: Book-, bead- and button-selling cushions English teacher from job lossIn an effort to place some of my lost income after I lost my full-time position, and with the job market slim, I turned to the Internet to make use of three powerful ways to generate cash: Amazon and eBay.
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Obama's Budget Speech Paints Contrasting Views of AmericaWhile Obama said that any serious plan to tackle our deficit will require us to "put everything on the table," he expressed deep concern about the Republican vision for the budget.
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Airports Fail to Put Safety FirstAs the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said quite clearly: "One-person shifts are unsafe. Period."Also published on: -
Congress Playing Chicken Again with Debt Ceiling DebateThe potential consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling are even greater than the recent budget fight that brought us to the brink of government shutdown. The question is, will Congress play another game of chicken?Also published on: -
Government Shutdown Could Undo Recession RecoveryThe repercussions of a government shutdown could have severe effects on the economic recovery--and on the financial well-being of Americans like me who are striving to regain an economic foothold.Also published on:
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John and Lizzie Castillo: A Civil War unionI would have loved to talk to my great-grandparents, John and Lizzie Castillo, and to have heard their stories'"but I'm thankful that I've gotten to know them through research. -
Obama Begins Bid for Re-Election with Strong AdvantagesAt this very early and tentative point, re-election chances for Obama are looking good. But the next year and a half is sure to bring tumultuous moments, exciting times, and unexpected twists. Smart people will wait to put their money down.Also published on: -
Health Care Reform: Repeal of 1099 Requirement Likely, Support WidespreadDespite the fact that the "way to pay" is still unclear, repeal of the 1099 requirement has support across the spectrum, from the public to the business community, from the House and the Senate, and all the way to the president's desk.Also published on: -
Bill O'Reilly Tries to Dump Trump Over Birther StanceAs 2012 draws nearer, it will be interesting to watch how the more mainstream Republicans deal with the likes of Trump and the lunatic fringe he is striving to win over. -
Possible Goverment Shutdown Could Impact MillionsIn light of the cost of the last shutdown--and the adverse affects that it had on so many--the American people can only cross their fingers and hope that our elected officials can come up with a plan.Also published on:
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Minnesota Republican Hopefuls Bachmann, Pawlenty Gain National SpotlightWhile Pawlenty may not be able to compete with Bachmann's flamboyant style, in the end, he likely is the better bet between the two.Also published on: -
William Shatner Makes 80 the New 50William Shatner may be as much a part of our collective American consciousness as baseball and apple pie, particularly for those who grew up, as I did, in the '60s and '70s, watching reruns of "Star Trek." -
Pawlenty Joins Motley Crew of Republican PotentialsIn light of the the issues surrounding the other potential Republican candidates, Pawlenty is probably the most innocuous to rise to the surface so far.Also published on: -
Life Expectancy Up from Last YearObesity in elderly people does not increase the risk of death -- however, it is a major contributor in determining whether someone will be disabled.
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Elizabeth Warren Defends Necessity of CFBP Before CongressBureau seeks to make sure consumers have "timely and understandable information" and are protected from "unfair deceptive and abusive acts." -
Bachmann Blames Media for Pointing Out Her ErrorsI, personally, would love to hear Bachmann's explanation for the things she said, rather than a mere deflection of blame, as she offered on Tuesday. But I think I best not hold my breath.
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Frozen Cherry SmoothieIf you love sweet frozen treats but are also watching your calorie intake, try this frozen cherry smoothie. At 130 cal. per serving, you'll satisfy your craving for frozen sweets and stay on track with your diet.
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Hearings on Muslim Radicalization Needlessly XenophobicMy problem with King's hearings is not that I don't think we should face a potential threat. I just think we should do it without all the xenophobic rhetoric that King chose to attach to it. -
Woodmansee Case About More Than RehabilitationThere are some crimes that are so heinous that the perpetrators should be permanently removed from free society. This is one of those cases.
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Huckabee's Portman Comments Just More Sensational MisinformationComments about Portman seem to be just one more example of how Huckabee has spread sensational misinformation as of late. -
Heart Attack Grill, Blair River Give Us Reasons to Eat RightWe may not all be eating at restaurants that have signs that read "Heart Attack Grill." But that may be exactly where we are eating if we are not careful.Also published on: -
Serena Williams Recuperating After Pulmonary EmbolismWilliams may have become susceptible because of an earlier foot injury, which happened last year in Munich, Germany.
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Top 10 Charlie Sheen QuotesLove him or hate him, one thing you can't deny is that Charlie Sheen has provided us with a slew of odd quotes over the course of the last few weeks.
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'Zinda' Fails to Live Up to the Message of 'Oldboy'Despite the overwhelming similarities, the deviations in "Zinda" change the film on a fundimental level.
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Read Across America Observed in St. Cloud, Minn.The National Education Association could not have picked a better day of the year than Dr. Seuss' birthday to hold Read Across America.
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Charlie Sheen's Interview Brings 'Two and a Half Men' to a Screeching HaltSheen's behavior is certainly show-stopping '" but is it career-ending?Also published on:
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Thousands Evacuate as Libya Spins Out of ControlIn light of continued violence, the exodus of foreign nationals from Libya is a wise and necessary action.
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Westboro Baptist Church Latest in Anonymous Collective's AttacksAnonymous has a mixed bag of "accomplishments," some of them easier to sympathize with than others.Also published on:
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'Pills in the Nescafe' Claim Just One More Weird Gaddafi MomentFor years Gaddafi has been the butt of jokes because of his bizarre behavior and weird costumes, but the jokes just mask the real emotion Gaddafi evokes around the world.
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Top Five Affordable Compact HatchbacksWhen it comes to buying a car, I'm all about practicality, and for me, that means an affordable, five-door compact car with a hatchback.
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How to Find Famous AncestorsGenealogical research is hard work but can be deeply rewarding, especially when you find important connections to the past.
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Active Vs. Passive VoiceIf you find yourself wondering why your sentence just doesn't "sound right," check to see if you are writing in a passive voice.
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An Egg Inside of an EggIf you've ever wondered what kind of people call those 800 numbers printed in a 4-point font of the side of products, now you know.
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Street-Artist Banksy Banned from OscarsFor the second year in a row, an Oscar nominee has been banned from the ceremony. Last year it was director Nicholas Chartier; this time it's Banksy who has been locked out.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Used CarRead on for tips for getting the most out of selling your used car.
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Year Two for Ten Best Picture NomineesWhether it's to include more films or attract more viewers, the list of nominated films includes 10 for the second year in a row.
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Unrest in Libya Could Affect Oil Prices in U.SInvestors have expressed concern that protests in the Middle East could lead to higher oil prices, could have an effect on consumer optimism, and might slow down the recovery.
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Oscar-Nominated Documentary 'Inside Job' Paints Terrifying Picture of Wall StreetCharles Ferguson's film depicts Wall Street as being run by people who are no better than criminals in suits, who took money from the American people and gambled it away, all the while knowing that no matter what happened, they would get richer.Also published on:
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Sting Videos Fuel Vote to Defund Planned ParenthoodIt seems there is no shortage of right-wing fake-pimps who are willing to do whatever it takes -- including manufacturing misinformation from whole cloth -- to make their political targets look bad.Also published on:
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Medicare Crackdown May Bring Stricter RegulationMedicare operates under a system in which providers are paid first, and suspicious claims are investigated later. This system might have worked when the government was paying hospitals and other established institutions.
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Give Your Mood a MakeoverBefore spending money to spruce up your living area (and you mood), try simply rearranging the furniture. It's amazing how a new arrangement can perk up the space'"and the people in it.
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Zoroastrianism: The Religion of Free Will and No ConvertsTwo interesting aspects of this religion include their funeral practices and their refusal to allow converts.
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The Newly Designed 2011 Volkswagen BeetleIf you have kids who like to play the "slug bug" game, they are going to have to retrain their eyes to spot the 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
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Nir Rosen, Debbie Schlussel Get it All Wrong when it Comes to Sexual AssaultIt's time that we stop using sexual assault to win political points, no matter what side we happen to be on. It's a violent act with nothing behind it but violence and hate.
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Pennsylvania Teacher Natalie Monroe All Wrong About Her BlogI have empathy for anyone who has walked in the sometimes difficult shoes of being an educator. However, don't come to me to complain about your students, because it's unlikely that I will tell you what you want to hear.Also published on:
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Dental Fluoriosis: A Side Effect of Fluoride in the WaterWhile fluoride does not cause any real health problems'"and is very likely not a communist plot'"there is still something to be concerned about.
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Providing Foster Care for PetsWhile foster care can be a challenge both physically and emotionally, it is one of the most rewarding things you can do as an animal lover.
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AOL's Purchase of Huffington Post Raises ConcernDespite all assurances, those who are concerned about the conglomeration of media remained concerned about AOL's acquistion of Huffington Post.
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Ancestry Research SurpisesIf you chose to do genealogical research, you may uncover information that contradicts your beliefs about who you are. But a true researcher must set out not to just substantiate what he or she already believes, but to learn the truth.
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Will Egypt Accept Suleiman?Egypt's new vice president, Omar Suleiman, 74, has a history of being a negotiator in some of the Middle East's most complex disputes, but now faces the toughest challenge of his career: quelling the raging protests in the streets of Cairo
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Immersion TherapyThere was no way he was going to pet a cat, no matter how mad it made his sister. "Immersion therapy" his behind. Crazy is what that was.
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Change Your Brain Change Your BodyWhile this book has a lot of good information, I felt that it consisted mostly of lists and that Amen tended to be repetitive.
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Minnesota Community Colleges: The Top FiveIf you are thinking about attending a community college in Minnesota, you won't be disappointed by the selection.
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Genealogical Research: Take Your Ancestry Quest to the Next LevelIt's amazing what you can learn about your family history online. However, don't stop there if you want the nitty-gritty details about your ancestors. Take your quest to the next level by getting away from your computer and out into the world!
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Kitten Birth: What to Expect when Your Cat is ExpectingSo you have found yourself with a pregnant kitty, and you wonder what to expect. As a volunteer foster care provider for my local humane society, I have helped to deliver several litters of kittens and have gotten a pretty good hang of it.
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Shopping for Cars: Misconceptions About How to Get a Great DealMany people have misconceptions about how to get a great deal when they shop for a car. In the end, getting a good deal on a car is less about how well you can haggle, and more about paying attention to details and using your head.
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How to Raise Fit and Healthy Kids in a Junk Food Culture: Some Things I Learned Along the WayKeeping your kids healthy can be tricky in a world where there is junk food at every turn, especially when we are so busy that we often don't have time to plan a decent meal, but there are things we can do to set the right tone.
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Gym Etiquette: Help Keep Your Gym a Safe and Comfortable PlaceWith a little common sense, you can help to keep the gym a safe and comfortable place to get and stay healthy.
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'The Social Network' Wins Best Picture, DramaThe movie The Social Network was nominated for six Golden Globes and won four, including Best Picture in the Drama category.
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Crosshairs Make Palin Look BadMaybe Sarah Palin's map really had no influence on the shooter. But she sure has put herself in the crosshairs on this one.
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Doily LessonsSometimes and unexpected guest is just what we need to lift our spirits on a winter afternoon.
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Super Bowl Party MixIf you don't want to prepare an elaborate spread for the Super Bowl, but want to go beyond just chips and dip for your munchies, you're in luck. Here's a simple recipe for Party Mix that won't go wrong.