Michael Thompson
Living in Saginaw, MI
Total page views: 567,781
Published Content: 909
Fans: 139
On AC since: 08.16.07
Bio:
Michael Thompson is a retired newspaper reporter who lives in Saginaw, Michigan. Main topics are political and social justice issues, with occasional escapism into sports and so forth.
Michael Thompson is a retired newspaper reporter who lives in Saginaw, Michigan. Main topics are political and social justice issues, with occasional escapism into sports and so forth.
Education/Experience:
Delta Community College
Delta Community College
Interests:
Politics, poverty issues, social justice, sports, disability issues, senior citizens, politics, government at all levels, local news, education, children's issues, the welfare system, the environment, green issues, colleges, sports, nonfiction books, opin
Politics, poverty issues, social justice, sports, disability issues, senior citizens, politics, government at all levels, local news, education, children's issues, the welfare system, the environment, green issues, colleges, sports, nonfiction books, opin
Motto:
Don't agonize. Organize. (not original)
Don't agonize. Organize. (not original)
Displaying Results 1 - 200 (of 909)
Baseball pitcher Armando Galarraga, the Detroit Tiger denied a perfect game by an umpire's missed call, is back into the normal routine. National praise for Gallaraga's sportsmanship, although hugely widespread, may have fallen short of the mark.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/29/2010
Sometimes, it seems like road work is endless and that the projects never will be completed. However, there are 10 road work projects in the metro Detroit area that will be finished before the end of July. Here is the schedule:
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/29/2010
Protesters gathered recently near across from the Saginaw County Courthouse, accusing Sheriff Bill Federspiel of wrongly raiding and harassing medical marijuana growers and caregiver.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/28/2010
Extensive road projects in metro Detroit, many paid for with federal economic stimulus funds, are coming to a close.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/28/2010
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is limited to two terms. Candidates to replace Granholm are striving for their names to be recognized. Here's a wrapup for Michigan's Aug. 3 primary election.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/22/2010
Tiger Stadium, built nearly a century ago, had many advantages. Comerica Park is better in some respects, but the seats are farther away from the action.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/20/2010
The Ten Ugly Men organization in Rochester, N.Y., has raised a handsome $1.1 million for charity during the past two decades.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/20/2010
The oil leak happened in the Gulf of Mexico, not near the 'media capital' of New York City, and so this was not considered to be a national emergency that would cause newscasts to interrupt network programming.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/19/2010
Saving s much as possible for retirement should be a goal, even in these tough times.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/16/2010
New UAW President Bob King is building an alliance with Jesse Jackson.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/14/2010
Lucky Lines lottery players will have to stay on their toes to make sure they don't miss prizes
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/14/2010
'Weed and Seed' crime prevention is the U.S. Department of Justice's primary effort to promote local cooperation. Metro Detroit is heavily involved.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/14/2010
Little Oak Park, across Eight Mile Road from Detroit, is home to 0.3 percent of Michigan's residents and 11 percent of the state's million-dollar lottery retailers.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/13/2010
Some basic principles for cooling your home are simple, but some may surprise you.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/13/2010
Police say a Pontiac arson suspect used a 20-ounce beer bottle as a Molotov cocktail container. Thus we have another offbeat, quirky and weird news story that involves beer.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/8/2010
Detroit's Brazeal Dennard, who died July 5 at age 81, demonstrated that African-American roots in composed music go back further than the origins of blues and jazz.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/8/2010
Diana Lewis recently celebrated her 33rd anniversary at Detroit's Channel 7, WXYZ-TV.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/8/2010
Why pay $5 for a booklet that contains purported lucky lottery numbers? For free, players can use their telephone pads to select special Detroit-based numbers.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/8/2010
Rima Fakih is Michigan's third Miss USA, and the state also boasts five Miss Americas through the years. The pageants are different, and a rivalry exists. Rima Fakih visits her Dearborn hometown on Saturday, June 10, for honors.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/8/2010
Michigan's 38-year-old lottery produces about 6 percent of the state's K-12 school aid fund, and less than 2 percent of the total state budget. Detroit-area lawmakers say some residents overestimate the amount.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/2/2010
Several construction and repair projects in the metro Detroit area are slated for completion during the first 10 days of July.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/1/2010
The Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission, established in 2007, already has made its mark in many ways.
By Michael Thompson | Published 7/1/2010
In Red Hot Raffle, unlike most Michigan lottery games, ticket sales are limited so that winning odds are enhanced.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/30/2010
Oakland County Republicans dominated politics, but then they fell back in the Democratic surge of 2008. The Oakland County GOP is aiming to bounce back in 2010, with strong Tea Party influences.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/28/2010
Ferndale residents can get a first summer look at their new public library on Saturday night, June 26. A break from the weather might be welcome.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/28/2010
The Village Players of Birmingham are featured at the local Historical Museum.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/28/2010
The Royal Oak Woman's Club has an uncertain weather forecast for the annual Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, June 26.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/28/2010
Questions for Elena Kagan, Obama's Supreme Court nominee, will come fast and furious. Since the '80s, partisan politics have dominated hearings.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/21/2010
Although roadwork in metro Detroit may seem endless, some 12 projects are scheduled to conclude during the second half of June. For motorists in these areas, the end is near. Here's a listing.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/18/2010
In 2009, federal stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped Detroit triple the number of summer youth jobs. A federal renewal is in doubt for 2010, but businesses and nonprofits are stepping forward.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/18/2010
Ferndale's Downtown Development Authority is among five winners of the Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Still, community leaders say they had to do more than preserve to win. They had to restore.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/18/2010
For hot summer days, Birmingham has an excellent public library and art center to keep young people occupied amid indoor comfort.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/16/2010
The school year in Ferndale concludes Friday, June 18, with an 87-degree forecast.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/16/2010
Royal Oak residents may choose to seek air conditioning on Friday and Saturday nights, but subsequent temperatures should be more moderate.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/15/2010
Some AC writers are concerned that the Yahoo! acquisition will cause AC opportunities to shrink. My own experience is the opposite.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/9/2010
Nearly 90 percent of big-money Michigan Lottery winners opt to remain anonymous. The anonymous option applies to the in-state games of Classic Lotto 47, Fantasy 5, Keno, Club Keno and the new Lucky Lines.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/4/2010
Will Allen's Growing Power provides an urban farming model for Detroit and for other communities.
By Michael Thompson | Published 6/3/2010
Baseball on television, in how it's shown by Fox Sports and other networks, is all wrong. Progress is regress. The main problem is all the closeups on the players' faces.
By Michael Thompson | Published 5/11/2010
An Oak Park retailer leads Michigan's lottery retailers, "doubling down" on $1 million in annual sales by reaching $2 million.
By Michael Thompson | Published 5/7/2010
DTE Energy actually will help pay customers to use less energy, on top of the savings that will appear on the monthly bills for customers who embrace conservation. Dozens of methods are unveiled on a website.
By Michael Thompson | Published 5/7/2010
Lillian Thompson, my mother, was soft-spoken and even shy. But she also was stronger than anyone else I've ever encountered. I love her so much!
By Michael Thompson | Published 5/5/2010
Detroit's Cinco de Mayo celebration is rooted in the 1920s, including a parade that started during the 1960s.
By Michael Thompson | Published 5/4/2010
People might joke about Moose Jaw's name, but the cool summer weather is perfect for a road race.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/27/2010
On May 1, Michigan becomes the nation's 38th state to enforce a smoking ban in public places.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/14/2010
From 2000 to 2008, the percentages of college graduates who departed Michigan for elsewhere steadily increased. New studies indicate that the trend is reversing.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/14/2010
Earth Day's 40th anniversary is April 22, but some celebrations in metro Detroit require more than one single day.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/14/2010
Detroit Restaurant Week, with a fundraiser for Gleaners Community Food Bank, shows that the downtown area is alive and prospering.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/12/2010
Detroit Restaurant Week, set for April 16-26, is a second-year plan to draw upscale fine-dining enthusiasts into the downtown area. Seventeen restaurants will offer three-course meals for $27.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/9/2010
Some girls in Detroit Public Schools' Junior ROTC can't afford to buy gowns for a spring ball, but a local dry cleaner is helping to solve the problem.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/6/2010
Last December, a 3-year-old Detroit girl found her grandmother's unlocked gun in a bedroom drawer and accidentally shot herself to death. Since then, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department has given away more than 2,000 safety gun locks.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/6/2010
State laws to prevent utility shutoffs in the middle of winter have taken effect, but bills come due in April.
By Michael Thompson | Published 4/6/2010
For the sixth time in 12 years, Michigan State University's men's basketball team is in the NCAA Final Four. Sports bars in East Lansing and Metro Detroit provide an alternative to watching the game alone at home.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/31/2010
When watching an NCAA basketball tournament game, do you ever wonder why some of the coaches are constantly running around on the sidelines? They just might be hurting their teams.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/29/2010
When you watch (or try to watch) the NCAA basketball tournament, does it seem like there are a whole lot of TV commercials? In this report, discover exactly how many.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/25/2010
Detroit's Desiree Cooper suddenly disappeared from the Free Press, and from public radio, because of budget cutbacks. She still strives to support her community, but nowadays in different ways.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/25/2010
Mothers have their own holiday, and fathers, too. Lovers get two holidays, if Sweetest Day is added to Valentine's Day. There's Labor Day, Secretaries' Day and even Bosses' Day. So, why shouldn't comics have their own day on April 1?
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/24/2010
The Detroit Public Schools All City High School Marching Band was a point of community pride, until the money ran out at the close of 2003. Civic leaders are aiming to put the bounce back into the young musicians' steps.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/24/2010
Who are the worse drivers, women drivers or men drivers? Arguments (and jokes) are endless, but in the end, there is too much carnage on our highways and byways.
By Michael Thompson | Published 3/1/2010
Tell me a bedtime story. Tell me a bedtime story tonight.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/27/2010
Can you imagine a dog lounging in a hammock like a sleepy human or chasing a toy like a silly cat? Check out the vendor innovations at the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Shows on the weekend of March 6 and 7.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/27/2010
How are Detroit Kennel Club Dog Shows exhibitors preparing for the big weekend? There are differences in working with bulldogs, rare Bernese mountain dogs and poodles.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/26/2010
Metro Detroit ski facilities aim to extend their seasons well into March, while a veteran enthusiast sees both benefits and drawbacks.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/24/2010
Obama health care approval ratings? Congress health care approval ratings? What approval ratings should the American people give themselves for the public opinions we are expressing toward health care reform? How do we rate ourselves collectively?
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/24/2010
Michigan is a model for a nationwide trend of girls competing in cheerleading and pom pon, with scores kept and winners honored.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/24/2010
The United States' monthly toll of traffic deaths exceeds the number of people killed on 9/11, but you won't see reports on the national news. Why is this story overlooked, and why do so many people drive like idiots?
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/17/2010
Ann Arbor author Debbie A. Taylor was inspired to write "Sweet Music in Harlem" when she saw a photo of famous jazz musicians. Her work will come to life in a Feb. 22 program at the Farmington Community Main Library.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/11/2010
The prosperous city of Troy is one of the last places that onlookers would expect to encounter budget shortfalls, but the spread of economic recession is affecting even middle-class communities in Metro Detroit.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/11/2010
At AC's request, here's a St. Paddy's Day limerick
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/9/2010
For 33 years, this news reporter gave his best to his hometown Saginaw News. Then, suddenly, I was too old or too expensive or whatever. Where to turn? Associated Content's initial window of opportunity is growing into a panorama.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/8/2010
Wayne County's Recovery Act economic stimulus plan supports everything from schools to jobs, from road work to weatherization, from health clinics to food pantries.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/5/2010
Metro Detroit is a hotbed for mortgage foreclosure activity that drives thousands of families from their homes. Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano is leading expansion of the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program to three neighboring counties.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/5/2010
Detroit Ombudsman Durene L. Brown isn't well-known in the same manner as Mayor Dave Bing or City Council President Charles Pugh. Still, Bing and Pugh say Brown heads a seven-member team that carries clout and influence at City Hall.
By Michael Thompson | Published 2/2/2010
When citizens review Detroit's mayors, they often look at the 1974 racial transition from Roman Gribbs to Coleman Young. However, Dave Bing's emergence represents a transformation of a different sort.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/28/2010
Why can't we figure out the 2010 Super Bowl start time, the 2010 Super Bowl kickoff time, whatever, given the vast significance of the Super Bowl party, nowadays a national institution? Woodward and Bernstein (or Geraldo) should investigate.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/27/2010
From 2003 to 2008, the Detroit Pistons qualified six straight times for the NBA's version of the collegiate Final Four, and they won the 2004 championship. In two short years, they have fallen from the top to the lower echelon. What happened?
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/25/2010
The New Orleans Saints and the Hurricane Katrina aftermath will become joined at the hip in news reports, now that the Saints have qualified to play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 7. There's a good side, but part of the story is a myth.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/24/2010
Tragedy in Haiti can create two political actions: Get Rush Limbaugh off the radio, and give priority to humanitarian aid rather than warfare.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/22/2010
The Red Cross is among many worthy sources donating money and volunteer resources in Haiti. Ignore the bad rap that the Red Cross took (mostly from Fox News) after Sept. 11, 2001.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/22/2010
First acceptance speech of my life!
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/22/2010
Many older scolders have adjusted to the Internet and iPods, but the thought of Chocolate Cheerios is difficult to accept.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/14/2010
Critics say that in President Obama's first year, he is trying to do too much. This seems an odd complaint. President Obama's first year demonstrated his persistence, and often his patience, in pursuing the greater good for our nation.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/12/2010
Census counting is not as simple as it seems, because some citizens don't care or cooperate. Urban areas are most prone to undercounting, but Detroit census workers are striving to make a difference.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/6/2010
If any city has an abundance of vacant land, it's Detroit. Urban gardens are transforming abandoned eyesores into sources of bountiful harvests at the forefront of an inner-city food revolution.
By Michael Thompson | Published 1/4/2010
Many Americans say they "just don't understand" health care reform, and fear ObamaCare would lead to socialized medicine, rationed health care, and government-run health care. They're wrong.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/28/2009
"Almost Like Being in Love?" Entirely being in love, with the Music of Life!
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/26/2009
Bachelors, you don't have to consume Campbell's Condensed chicken noodle soup for the remainder of your bachelors years. Learn to repare an advanced bachelor's recipe for chicken noodle soup. You may even wind up achieving marriage!
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/20/2009
Bush appointed by Supreme Court. Sept. 11. Then Afghanistan, next Iraq, now back to Afghanistan. Globalization (with an economic near-depression) and Googleization. The human genome. Obama. Health care insurance reform. A chock-full decade.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/17/2009
Here's an old sage's Holiday Haiku for 2009. No, am not one of those against calling it Christmas Haiku. It's just that Holiday Haiku is alliterative. .... Hey, but wait, so is Hanukkah Haiku. And Kwanzaa Haiku, almost. Whatever! "Holiday" it is.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/16/2009
For the 2009 year in review, few analysts will say the political divide is the top news story. Still, for President Obama and Republicans, the failure of bipartisanship is the common thread in issues such as the economic recession and health care.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/16/2009
Muhammad Ali ranks as the all-time American greatest athlete for what he accomplished after he was banned from boxing. Muhammad Ali's three bouts with Joe Frazier and his clash with George Foreman are the main reasons.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/15/2009
One might think that an athlete given an awful boxing nickname would knock the block off of the promoter or the sportswriter who came up with the awful boxing nickname, but the sport has a rich (???) tradition of some real doozies.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/10/2009
Abortion pro-lifers again face frustration, as the Senate rejects Stupak-Pitt's provisions for restrictions on taxpayer-funded abortions. However, these same pro-lifers support cuts in child care and endorse capital punishment.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/9/2009
Michael Thompson's story on the tough times of Detroit charities is a 2009 PMA winner for best content. Winners will be featured in this spot through Monday.
By Michael Thompson | Published 12/9/2009
Writing tips only work if we consistently keep them in mind. My own discipline has been lacking in several basic principles, such as repeated self-proofreading, use of nutshell paragraphs, and avoiding use of "I" too often.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/27/2009
When we think of Thanksgiving memory stories, we cannot help but think of our loved ones, especially our parents. My good fortune was to have the two best parents that anyone could ever imagine.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/25/2009
A group of private sector medical professionals had recommended to the government that mammograms possibly could begin at age 50, rather than age 40. This is not a government panel, this is not President Obama's viewpoint, this is not rationing.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/23/2009
Christmas homemade card and holiday card ideas from AC's Stacy Hensley, Pam Thomas, CJ Mathis, Maryanne Smith, Daniella Nicole, Susi Frock, Jenn C., Angie Marcum, Shawbelt, Linda Louise Johnson, Sheri Fresonke Harper, Elizabeth Valentine, ShawnTe Pierce.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/23/2009
The annual Christmas Parade in Saginaw (Michigan) is a block from my family's home, so it's a quick walk down the street. However, the Christmas Parade created a stream-of-thought within me. This is my attempt to communicate.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/21/2009
In the United States' most traffic congested cities, motorists annually are stuck in traffic for more than the equivalent of a 40-hour workweek.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/20/2009
The annual White House "turkey pardoning" ceremony isn't so funny, when we consider what happens to real people in real life. This haiku is in honor of Associated Content's Dee, who tirelessly fights the injustice of capital punishment.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/19/2009
Joyce Seals, Saginaw (Michigan) mayor and grassroots civic leader, isn't just the most famous person I know. She's also one of the best people I know, and the same goes for her family. Her courage in fighting breast cancer is remarkable.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/19/2009
Elected officials have aimed to adopt legislation that would stem the tide of pit bull attacks and pit bull maulings. These sad attack stories and videos exist all over the web. Should stronger laws punish pit bull attacks and pit bull maulings?
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/19/2009
The severe economic recession, in the Detroit area and beyond, creates impacts that go beyond people losing their jobs. Extended families end up living under one roof, health care is not available, and life overall simply isn't as good as life once was.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/18/2009
Boxing equipment includes boxing gloves (competition, sparring, training), boxing trunks, boxing shoes, punching bags (heavy and speed), and boxing protective equipment.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/18/2009
The Montreaux Christmas Market still may play second fiddle to the Montreaux Jazz Festival, but the four-week holiday showcase is making its own mark along Switzerland's shoreline with Lake Geneva, among the most popular European markets.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/17/2009
A tree branch menorah provides a fantastic example of Hanukkah crafts for kids of all ages. The level of detail and sophistication for the tree branch menorah will depend on the ages of the children who are involved in Hanukkah crafts.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/17/2009
For a Kwanzaa gift exchange, first keep in mind that a Kwanzaa gift in no way is intended as a replacement or alternative to a Christmas gift. Kwanzaa is a celebration, not a holiday.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/13/2009
Christmas warm climate decoration ideas? You're at the beach with the kids and they're making sand castles by the shoreline. It's December 23rd. Hey, how about constructing a sand Christmas tree instead?
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/12/2009
Kwanzaa celebrations from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 were born from African culture and first took root among African Americans. Still, the seven principles featured in Kwanzaa books for kids have meaning for all children and for all people.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/12/2009
A China vacation budget can cover only a few days, but if we're going to travel such a long distance, why not extend our China vacation into a second week? Beijing and the Great Wall are musts, but let's not forget Shanghai.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/2/2009
As you prepare for cold weather Colorado winter hiking, you may choose from varying degrees of difficulty, and park rangers are always there to help.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/2/2009
A cat's eyes not only can see in the dark, but a cat's eyes also have a 186-degree field of sideways vision. About the only thing a cat's eyes can't see is the cat's own nose.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/2/2009
State governors and legislators are forced to cut budgets left and right, as critics ask, "Where is all the state lottery money going?" The answer is that state lottery money provides only 3 percent of a typical budget for K-12 public education.
By Michael Thompson | Published 11/2/2009
This fall, yours truly has written articles about Christmas gift ideas for almost everybody under the sun. This article, finally, relates to personal experience: What are good (or not-so-good) low-cost gift ideas for a writer?
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/30/2009
Our first impression might be that it will be difficult to find cheap low-cost gifts for raw foodists. However, when we think about that, there are an array of fantastic options. Here's a list of five ideas for gifts for raw foodists.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/29/2009
We don't need a bunch of items and gadgets to engage in Christmas party games for kids. In fact, for the "Christmas Clue Game," we don't need any items or gadgets at all .... except maybe for some Happy Meal coupons. Come, read, and help Grandpa out!
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/29/2009
Christmas party games for kids can keep them occupied during those school vacation days that sometimes seem endless for both kids (who are anxious for Christmas to arrive) and parents (who are anxious for school to resume).
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/27/2009
Aluminum Christmas trees are making a comeback, both newly made and vintage aluminum trees that have gathered dust in attics. Here's how to find and buy an artificial aluminum Christmas tree .... but first, some of the history.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/27/2009
An event such as a Thanksgiving clothing drive is successful when donors practice a chain letter type of "multiplier effect" and persuade others to get involved. The same is true for canned food drives. We even can donate old furniture and appliances.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/26/2009
What good does it do to conserve and recycle, if major industries and public utilities are polluting our air and land and water? An environmental activist from Saginaw, Michigan, raises some challenging eco-friendly lifestyle questions.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/24/2009
Santa Claus is a busy fellow, but in this educational and fun article he personally provides tips for writing a letter to the North Pole.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/23/2009
To follow recycled Christmas gift wrapping ideas, we need not feel we are under a hardship or that we lack options. In fact, our range of choices is expanded with recycled holiday gift wrapping.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/23/2009
Back in the old days, people simply exchanged Christmas holiday gifts without a second thought. But as the price of "progress," people now are striving to think of creative Christmas holiday gift ideas. Here's a quintet.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/23/2009
If an elder loved one is afflicted with dementia, traditional means of communication may no longer serve their purpose. We need to pursue creative methods for coping for dementia.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
Christmas dinner in Russia sometimes doesn't happen until New Year's Eve, due to the influence of past Communist rule. But when it's finally time for a traditional Russian Christmas dinner, the Russians go whole hog.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
Who needs all sorts of entrees and side dishes. A traditional Latvian Christmas dinner starts with a meat pie, loaded with beef and cabbage, so that we don't even need a vegetable or a potato on the side. For a treat, we add pate and ginger biscuits.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
The British have been celebrating Christmas for centuries, and a traditional British Christmas dinner includes some of the world's most simple recipes, starting with a roasted bird as the main attraction.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
Christmas dinner in Italy doesn't require lasagna, but lasagna is the main dish of choice. Our traditional Italian Christmas dinner recipes include a lasagna with not one sauce, but two, joined with an Italian salad and a light dessert.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
When we want to shoot Christmas photography of stunning Christmas light displays, our first instinct is to include the whole scene. That's fine, but close-ups also are good. Plus, the best time is twilight time.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
The best Christmas photography advice is to stay in the background and catch candid shots, rather than making a spectacle of yourself. Your posed Christmas photography can take place near the close of the Christmas party.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
Why are our Christmas lights not working? We can fix our Christmas lights by finding the bad Christmas light bulb, by treating our Christmas lights with care and by dimming our Christmas lights just a bit.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/22/2009
A traditional Finnish Christmas dinner can have ham as the main dish, or turkey, or reindeer, or fish. When it comes to the sides and the appetizers, the Finns are big on casseroles, made with everything from beef liver to carrots.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/21/2009
Christmas dinner in Australia usually is served in a picnic style, with the meats cooled for transport to the back yard or the beach. Therefore, our report focuses on the fantastic desserts that follow an Australian Christmas dinner.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/20/2009
As we prepare our traditional Swedish Christmas dinner recipes, we must go beyond a Swedish meatball recipe. The term "smorgasbord" is rooted in the Swedish buffet, which means we also feature a Swedish ham recipe and a Swedish salmon recipe.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/20/2009
Celebrating Christmas in England involves a special pudding, Father Christmas rather than Santa Claus, and laying children's Christmas stockings at the end of the bed rather than atop the fireplace. Most of all, Christmas in England is sweet!
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/19/2009
Recycled Christmas tree ornaments are a fantastic idea for children's Christmas crafts during the holidays. One type of recycled Christmas tree ornament is made by rescuing a broken decoration; the other type is made from scratch.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/19/2009
We need not provide expensive gifts to show our children or grandchildren that we love them. This article provides tips to provide a cheap Christmas for kids on a budget of $20, in a way that we all will feel enriched.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/19/2009
The most affordable golf courses, especially these days, are the golf courses closest to home. Our article tells you how to find these cheap affordable golf courses, and also how to plan a compared-to-usual-cost affordable golf vacation.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/14/2009
Whether he's a workout maven or a bird watcher (or both), we can help you find him a top-notch holiday electronic gift for men.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/14/2009
Holiday electronic gifts for kids don't have to be expensive, although some of them really are expensive. Therefore, on our best six list of holiday electronic gifts for kids, we are offering a wide range of prices.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/14/2009
She may seem totally self-reliant, but even an independent lady would welcome helpful holiday electronic gifts for women, anything from an automatic automobile jump-starter to the newest Kindle reading device.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/14/2009
Midland, Michigan, has been saluted as the "Best Tennis Town" in the United States. Here is why Midland was honored as the Best Tennis Town, from among 56 entrants across the United States, during the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/12/2009
In Mexican-American culture, tamales at Christmas are a gift of love, and they are fairly inexpensive to prepare. A great idea for an inexpensive Christmas Eve dinner is a tamale dinner, with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
Some people face challenges as they strive to maintain sanity during the Christmas holidays. The best approach is to embrace positive memories, rather than lamenting what is lost.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
Snow is flying, the wind is whipping, and the thermometer is down near zero as we prepare for Christmas dinner. But forget the cold: We can still prepare an exotic Christmas dinner straight from the Caribbean.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
Cheap Christmas stocking stuffers for teens are hard to come by, but here are some ideas that are at least moderate in price: Movie tickets, sports tickets, magazine subscriptions, and so forth.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
Cheap, inexpensive Christmas stocking stuffers for kids can start with the back-to-school learning materials that they have laid to waste during the past four months. Stuff their Christmas stockings with renewed school supplies.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
Halloween health care haiku thoughts in the fall of 2009.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/9/2009
If we know somebody who's "living green" these days, it may seem that stuffing their eco-friendly Christmas stocking would create a challenge. But actually, eco-friendly gifts make it easier, not more difficult, to make this person happy.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
Green eco-friendly Christmas stocking stuffers for women make it easier for a gentleman expressing romance, or simply platonic friendship, to express his feelings and his respect for her green lifestyle.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
How much compensation should be paid to executives of companies that have received federal taxpayer bailouts? Kenneth Feinberg is the person who decides on pay for executives with AIG, Bank of America, Citicorp, General Motors and Chrysler.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
A few years ago, it may have been difficult to fill a green eco-friendly Christmas stocking for a child. Nowadays, the choices are endless to find green gifts for children.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
Imagine your local airport terminal at 8 a.m. on Christmas Day. It won't really be crowded, correct? That's your clue that you can save money, if possible, by waiting to fly until Christmas Day.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
Even if we aren't yet "green" ourselves, we probably have heard someone who's green tell us how to have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving. And all of this eco-friendly Thanksgiving advice is true; we just tried to think of some different stuff.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
It may seem difficult to adopt an eco-friendly green Thanksgiving dinner if Grandmother and Mother are in the kitchen, cooking in their traditional ways. Still, there are steps you can take for an eco-friendly green Thanksgiving dinner.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/8/2009
Eco-friendly Christmas stocking stuffers for teens need not seem teachy or preachy. Plenty of options for green Christmas stockings for teens also involve fun. You might even find a green iPod alternative.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/7/2009
Just because a husband wants to fill an eco-friendly Christmas stocking for his wife, that doesn't mean he has to stick exclusively to organic fabrics and natural snack foods. Jewelry also has a place in an eco-friendly Christmas stocking for wives.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/7/2009
A man's man might not be the eco-friendly type, so here are some ideas for green Christmas stocking stuffers that won't make him turn green with nausea. Come see why we start with a tire gauge.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/7/2009
Check out this article to learn how nature can promote outdoor Thanksgiving decoration ideas, especially in our secret way that can create less work instead of more work.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/6/2009
Gay travel to South America can be pre-planned to avoid discrimination and hassles with simple web research on gay-friendly vacations and gay-friendly travel destinations.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/6/2009
The brewing of pumpkin beers and pumpkin ales is more widespread than you may think. What do people like about their favorite pumpkin beers and pumpkin ales? Many recommend the spices.
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/2/2009
If chicken and beer both are part of the menu, then hopefully the chicken is being barbequed on the outdoor grill and the beer is clean, cold, brisk, and yes, sort of bitter. How about a Pabst Blue Ribbon?
By Michael Thompson | Published 10/2/2009
Nike now is producing eco-friendly fashion, starting with Air Jordans that featured recycled rubber soles. Linda Loudermilk, creator of "eco luxury", has come up with jeans made of corn and Bono (and his wife) are peddling organic T-shirts.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/28/2009
English is the official language of Australia, but "Teach English as a Foreign Language" TEFL specialists still are in demand for Americans who wish to travel and teach in Australia. That's because 15 percent of Australians speak other languages.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/28/2009
When it comes to how to help teens manage their money, it shouldn't be a case of "do as I say, not as I do." If you demonstrate a good example, and share the family budget dollar numbers with your teens, you can simply declare: "Do As I Do."
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/28/2009
October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month reaffirms the importance of mammograms and pap tests. My wife's quest to find an affordable mammogram and pap test in Saginaw, Michigan, uncovers evidence that lack of money or insurance should not be a barrier.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/25/2009
Countless Americans are engaging in the national health care debate by asking, "What's in it for me?" Does it move us when we learn that most nurse aides and home health care workers don't have any health care insurance, period?
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/25/2009
Gas water heaters typically cost a few hundred more dollars than electric water heaters, but gas water heaters usually cost less to operate and they are more friendly to the environment. Solar water heaters are rare.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/23/2009
A romantic wedding anniversary vacation often is linked with spending big money for a cruise or for an exotic resort destination. Here are some ideas to keep the romance for our wedding anniversary vacation, while we also keep more of our dollars.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/18/2009
Hardwood floor stain removal and hardwood odor removal are not accomplished with a single strategy. The cleaning agents that we use, even the question of whether water is cold or warm, depend on the type of stain.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/18/2009
Need to solve a math problem? Run around the block. Fitness exercises can actually add to our brain power and make us smarter, a recently recognized benefit that goes beyond physical health. Exercise power equals brain power.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/18/2009
Move over, big Midwestern breweries. Some of the favorite Midwestern beers now are produced at microbreweries that are found in the big cities and the small towns alike. A Midwestern beer tour close to your home is simple to arrange.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/17/2009
For several weeks, this author has completed Associated Content writing assignments that involve international travel for a higher purpose, to serve the greater good. We also can accomplish this goal through travel close to home.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/17/2009
Girls and women are far more likely to choose gypsy Halloween costumes. Why? Were not half of the gypsies of the male gender. Here are some suggestions for how to make gypsy Halloween costumes, both male and female.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/17/2009
If you desire to teach English in Asia, you will have many options regarding the poverty level of the nations you may consider. South Korea is at the forefront, and despite its generally closed society, China is also a hot spot.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
Nearly two decades ago, opportunities to travel and teach English in Europe expanded with the demise of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, traditional options to teach English in Europe also are expanding in nations such as Spain, France and Germany.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
To teach English in the Middle East will require compromises with conservative culture, but everyday citizens are not as fanatical as extremists seen on TV newscasts. You can make good money, but this may require a multi-year commitment.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
People who enjoy recreational sports such as basketball often participate year-round, but fitness training for skiing is vital because an athlete often is idle for months. Think legs and lungs as part of full body conditioning for skiing.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
Money-saving cheap Halloween family costumes are not only good for the budget, but we can increase our fun and creativity. Maybe Christmas has become too commercial, but Halloween shouldn't follow suit. Cheap Halloween family costumes are easy to achieve.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
Rosh Hashana dinner recipes often are traditional, but you can still honor the spirit of the Jewish New Year with entrees and appetizers that are natural, organic, and even vegetarian.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/16/2009
If we have areas in our homes that truly are high-high-high traffic areas, maybe we want to opt for cheaper carpet and replace it more often. This is especially true if spills are likely to happen.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/15/2009
In examining the best carpet for stairs, start by eliminating three generally undesirable carpet styles. You'll still have three styles that remain for a variety of carpet for stairs.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/15/2009
One way to explain profanity to kids is to say that kids shouldn't do adult things. A better way is to make sure we don't cuss in front of them.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/15/2009
Most fellows who decide to make a Joker Halloween Costume for their Halloween costume party will dress and apply makeup with Heath Ledger's Joker character in mind, but Cesar Romero's Joker from the 1960s might be more fun and entertaining.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/14/2009
You probably don't expect to get sick while traveling within the friendly confines of the United States, but it happens more often than you may think. Here are some trips to prepare for the potential for getting sick on vacation or during a business trip.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/11/2009
Study abroad scholarships are available from colleges, the government, nonprofit groups, foundations, fraternities and sororities. Get your financial statements, scholarship recommendation letters and personal essays in order!
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/11/2009
On Sept. 11, 2001, I cast my emotions aside to perform duties as a local newspaper reporter. The impact of 9/11 didn't really hit home until a year later, when I interviewed my hometown Red Cross volunteers who served at Ground Zero.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/10/2009
If we want to dress up as the Hulk in our Halloween costume, then we obviously need an inflatable Halloween costume. However, there are plenty of other Halloween costume characters that also rely on hot air.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/10/2009
A Halloween wig is a key element of most adult Halloween party costumes. Use your imagination, and don't scrimp on your Halloween costume wig.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/10/2009
We can conduct an eco-friendly Halloween party and still allow the kids to trick or treat, wear costumes, make crafts and play games. At the same time, our eco-friendly Halloween party need not waste petroleum-based junk (primarily plastic) on costumes.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/9/2009
Do you want to throw a budget-friendly Halloween party, the type that doesn't even cost a C-note? Ideas range from vinyl Halloween party decorations (like those big ones they have for sports teams and stars) to homemade snacks.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/9/2009
As you plan your vacation for travel to Europe, a key decision is whether to focus on air travel or the highly regarded European train lines.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/8/2009
Many schools and even national governments in South America are recruiting English teachers from the United States. Most jobs are in developed urban areas, but pay is as low as $300 per month, although room and board often is provided.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/8/2009
African nations need teachers, but many communities and schools cannot afford to pay teacher salaries. For this reason, volunteer opportunities to teach in Africa are abundant, but paid professional openings most often are at elite boarding schools.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/8/2009
For a child with food allergies, even a single piece of unsafe Halloween candy (containing peanut products, for example) can lead to health dangers. Either sort trick-or-treat Halloween candy with special care or cancel trick-or-treating.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/8/2009
Alternative medicine websites and alternative therapy websites provide information and peace of mind for families who want to explore all possible answers.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/4/2009
Mainstream medics insist that natural treatment and natural remedies for autism spectrum disorders are not proven by statistics. Alternative autism treatment advocates respond that natural treatment and remedies are at least worth trying.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/4/2009
Tourists who travel to Africa sometimes are regarded as intruders into the environment. However, constructive green travel and eco travel practices actually create progress rather than problems.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/3/2009
Travel to South America requires several vaccinations, most prominently for yellow fever but also for hepatitis, typhoid, rabies and diphtheria. South America vacationers not only should watch what they drink and eat, but also avoid mosquito bites.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/3/2009
Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis and rabies are vital for travel to Africa. There is no vaccine for Africa's highest health risk, malaria, but there are malaria pills to help protect you.
By Michael Thompson | Published 9/3/2009
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