Total page views: 115,105
Published Content: 147
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On AC since: 02.07.06
Bio:
Jeanne Gibson, former English and Math teacher, lives in Springfield, OR with her husband Malcolm, and their cat, Snoopy.
Her articles have appeared in a variety of magazines and online. She enjoys research and writing about the results of that research.
Education/Experience:
Master's Degree from University of Oregon
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Rubies have always been considered precious gems, but where do they come from, and what do we really know about them?
If the economy has put a damper on your long-distance vacation plans, you can use that summer vacation to improve some basic skills for each member of your family and have a lot of fun while you do it.
If your kids are not fortunate enough to have grandparents living close by, there are lonely people in your local retirement home who would love to fill the empty "grandparent" space in their lives.
Do your kids or grandkids think grocery stores grow all those juicy peaches, berries and melons themselves? If so, it's time take them on a fun but educational trip to a U-Pick farm.
Have you ever wondered where a pet shop gets all the live crickets, worms, etc. that they feed to the pets waiting for a new home? Much of the time, it is from ordinary people just like you and me.
Over-protective parents hover over their kids so much that they become fearful adults who have trouble making even the simplest decision for themselves. We owe our kids protection but let's not carry it to extremes.
As one of the last hold-outs against using a cell phone, I took one look at the inexpensive, paid in advance, Tracfone, and was hooked for life.
If you haven't tried eBay as a way to make money at home, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It costs you nothing to give it a try and, who knows, it may turn into a full-time job.
Wondering whether or not to buy the Casio EZ-Label Printer KL-60? They can save a lot of time, but you might want to borrow one from a friend for a trial run before you buy.
Do your kids head off in different directions when summer vacation begins? Why not plan to do a family project this summer, one they will enjoy and remember long after summer ends? Something like building a fence.
Sick of the clutter in your home, but just can't seem to find the time to "un-clutter" it? Rome wasn't built in a day, you know, and your house probably won't be uncluttered in a day either. That doesn't mean you shouldn't start working on the problem.
Berating the person who provides poor service may temporarily make you feel better, but what does it really accomplish? Not much in most cases. Here are some better ways to take care of such situations.
If you hop out of bed each morning, go straight to your computer and spend hours reading e-mail, writing blog comments, and surfing the web before getting down to the business of your day, here's an easy solution to help start your day right.
If someone asked you to make a list of your friends, how many people could you honestly put on the list? Maybe it's time to think about reviving some old friendships or developing some new ones to take their place.
Ads for Human Growth Hormone abound on the internet. Don't be taken in by these expensive and dangerous scams.
Due to a depressed economy, summer may seem longer than usual this year as school after school cuts days and starts summer vacation early to save money. Kids complaining of "nothing to do" will love a Quilting Club.
Most of us have been reminded countless times that we need to make a will and update it regularly. Give your children more than a will. Leave them a gift only you can give; an inheritance they will treasure forever.
Are you self-conscious because all of your friends seem to know so much more than you, no matter what subject is under discussion? Here's a trick to bring you up to speed in a hurry.
Are snails nibbling the edges of your pansies and leaving slimy tracks all over your sidewalks and yard? Are these pesky snails good for anything, or should you get rid of them as quickly as possible?
Even a trip to McDonald's with two or three kids or grandkids in tow these days can cost a bundle, but there are still lots of inexpensive things to do that both you and the kids will enjoy and remember far longer than a Big Mac.
Nothing beats the freedom of sitting at my computer, doing something I love to do - write an article - and have a check for it deposited into my Paypal Bank account a few hours later.
Being a father is hard work and deserving of honor when done well. Mrs. Sonora Dodd realized that and came up with the idea of having an official Father's Day observance. It took a long time, but she finally succeeded.
Does the very mention of plans for the annual family reunion this year bring yawns and vacant stares? You can change that "ho-hum" attitude into one of anticipation with a bit of advance planning.
If you've been wondering how to impress your wife (or husband) with an unusual anniversary gift, why not use the mailman to deliver a gift he or she will never forget?
If you like to write, and have an endless supply of ideas you could turn into short articles for a newspaper column, look into writing your own newspaper column.
If you can't have a pet where you live, or could use some exercise to help you fit into that revealing bathing suit this summer or are just in need of a bit of extra cash, pet-sitting can help you accomplish all three.
Very soon the dreaded words, "I'm so bored," will be echoed in many households across our land. Building model airplanes can keep those idle hands and minds busy for hours on end and may even become an absorbing new hobby for the whole family.
Next to math, the subject most kids confess they hate most is English - especially the kind of English that requires them to write something down on paper. You can change that attitude in your children if you start while they are young.
Vote-by-mail in Oregon has worked smoothly since 1998 with not a single case of fraud ever coming to light. Could it work everywhere?
Jobs are a scarce commodity for everyone this year, but even more so for teens who are looking for temporary summer employment. Beat the odds by turning yourself into an odd-jobber who is willing to tackle almost any chore if the price is right.
Hardly any item of apparel is more useful and versatile in your wardrobe than a good pair of walking shoes. And, if one pair is good, it just makes sense that five pair would be even better. Right?
Many senior citizens have computers but have never passed beyond the e-mail stage of learning how to use them. Why not make some extra money for yourself while introducing them to the exciting world of computers?
Technically, a feral cat is one that was born in the wild and spends its life in the wild. Cats that have been domesticated before ending up homeless are called stray cats. Stray cats have a better chance to become domesticated than feral cats do.
Depression seems to increase dramatically in a slow economy. Here are some tips for fighting back when you are the target.
No matter how old the graduate in your family is, graduation day has arrived too soon. Now it's time to find an appropriate gift that your graduate will remember long after graduation has come and gone.
Most of us are feeling the effects of the poor economy and it may be tempting to cut back on charitable giving right now. Please don't. Those in need are worse off than ever and need all the help they can get.
Giving Mom a piece of jewelry on Mother's Day using her birthstone was once a very popular tradition. Learn more about the tradition of birthstones and see if you might not want to find a birthstone gift for your mother this year.
Few children today are overworked, although to hear them tell it, they do nothing but chores, chores and more chores. How much can we reasonably expect of small children, older children and teens?
In the past few years much attention has been given to IQ scores and whether or not they can be raised by more than a few points. Unfortunately, not nearly as much attention is given to social intelligence which is also extremely important.
Because of the poor economy, jobs for teens may be harder to come by this summer. If the usual places on your list are not hiring, why not try something different for a change?
If your job has disappeared due to the sagging economy, the chances are that your health insurance has disappeared along with it. Here are some tips to help you get by until the economy and your circumstances have improved.
Suddenly, everyone I know seems to be getting a prescription for Vitamin D from their doctor. Are all these prescriptions really necessary or is this some kind of new health fad?
Have time and circumstances turned a once-vibrant friendship into a burden rather than a blessing? Does your best friend show displeasure when you spend time with other people? Maybe it's time to back off a bit and look for a new best friend.
Mother's Day is May 10th this year. For those of you who haven't yet figured out the perfect gift for this special person in your life, why not give her a piece of jewelry featuring Oregon Sunstone?
With an ailing economy, visits to the dentist are among things that many families are have to be put off until later. Here's what one small town is doing to help combat the problem.
How does your church measure up when it comes to greeting visitors? Here are some tips for making sure that those one-time visitors to your place of worship return and, perhaps, become regular members of your fellowship.
Have you ever wished you had a list of every single book you have ever read? Wouldn't it be interesting to look back over that list from time to time and to fill in neglected areas with new titles that would help you become a more balanced person?
The poor economy and high gas prices have combined to keep many travel-loving Americans home this summer. If you do plan to travel, an America the Beautiful Annual Pass or Senior Pass can save you money when you visit any of our national parks.
Do you often feel overwhelmed with all the things you don't know and avoid getting into conversations with certain people for fear of showing that lack of knowledge? Here's a hint to help you quickly bring yourself up to level on a variety of subjects.
Are you a person who loves to find out things on the internet; to follow up clues and find out things the average person doesn't know? If so, online research may be the perfect job for you.
Buying online is convenient and can save you time and money. However there are some hidden dangers you may not be aware of.
With so many mothers working away from home these days and reliable day care hard to find, many grandmothers and grandfathers are being called upon to fill in the gap.
With so many women joining the work force, time to keep the housework done is in short supply. Why not cash in on a lucrative job market where you can pretty much choose your own time schedule.
Nothing frustrates me more than having a product I love and have used for many years, suddenly disappear from the marketplace - usually just before I am ready to replace my old one.
Flea markets are a great place to sell some of your handcrafts, dispose of outgrown clothing or get rid of all that extra "stuff" clogging your attic, garage and closets.
Looking for work through an online employment agency may be effective for some people, but there are other, more effective ways to find a job.
Latch-key children are common in every neighborhood. They are the kids who come home after school to an empty house, let themselves in with the key their parents have provided and spend several hours alone waiting for their parents to arrive home.
You can save a lot of money by making your own bridal bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres and other decorations for your wedding.
By helping a child (or an adult) learn basic educational skills, a tutor can change that person's whole life for the better. You could be that tutor.
Many families choose to care for elderly family members at home rather than putting them into nursing homes. Why not provide a "senior" sitting service so regular family caregivers can get away for a few hours of relaxation.
Inexpensive, ready-made tombstones, grave markers or headstones are now available online, and if you like, you can even design them yourself.
Fancy decorated cakes for special occasions can cost big bucks. Why not learn to do it yourself, saving money the next time around and perhaps end up creating a profitable business you can run from home?
File folders don't just come in a bland manila color any more. Read on to see how you can brighten up your office and your life with some interesting new designs and colors you never dreamed of.
Many teens are well-informed on their "rights," but few realize that with those rights come responsibilities.
Eventually, everyone needs a seamstress or alteration person. If you have a bit of sewing talent and a few extra hours a week, this is a great way to make some extra money and to work it into your own time schedule.
Growing worms for fishermen to use as bait and for soil enrichment is a great way to make a little extra cash with very little financial and time investment.
If you've ever wished you could find out some basic information about a product before ordering it, then Shopwiki.com is the place to go.
If you are a woman who travels alone, here are some simple precautions you can take to help increase your security in strange surroundings.
It isn't often that I get to sit under the teaching of a best-selling author and listen to him make it sound plausible that I could actually follow in his footsteps, but William Paul Young, in just a couple of hours, did that.
Contrary to popular thinking, not all high school students are self-centered, fun-seeking, slang talking little misfits who never give a thought to anyone but themselves.
If the recent television commercials about Peripheral Artery Disease (commonly known as P.A.D) have you wondering if you might be a potential victim of this often silent killer, this article is for you.
Are you one of those people who have decided to start your own business only to realize that the advertising to grow that business is an expensive proposition? Magnetic advertising car signs may be a solution for you.
Most of us place honesty fairly high on the list of admirable qualities, and are quick to point out the dishonesty of others. But, faced with taking a lie detector test, how many of us would turn out to be as honest as we claim to be?
Most teens can hardly wait until they are old enough to walk out the front door and "start" life on their own. As parents, it is our job to make sure they are really prepared when that day comes.
Walking a labyrinth is said to be helpful in calming stress, helping people achieve tranquility and bringing balance into one's life. I recently heard about labyrinth walks taking place in our town and am intrigued with the idea.
If December comes sooner than you expect it every year and finds you totally unprepared for Christmas, why not take advantage of a quiet week this winter to see that Christmas 2009 doesn't take you by surprise.
Most of us heave a sigh of relief when we finally take that important step of having a will drawn-up. But how many of us take time to review and up-date our wills as the years go by?
Nothing is more exciting to kids than to see seeds they have planted with their own hands take root, sprout and grow into something beautiful, useful or edible.
The Oregon Garden is well worth the 20 mile detour off Interstate 5 for either a short afternoon trip through the gorgeous gardens, or for a longer stay at the resort itself.
One of America's favorite foods has temporarily been eliminated from the diet of many due to fear of salmonella poisoning. How is your family coping with the loss of this familiar staple?
The choice of where to attend college is probably one of the most difficult choices high school students face. The University of Oregon is one college worthy of serious consideration.
If attendance has slumped at your annual picnic, festival, or fair, work a little harder to make sure your event stands out from the crowd.
One of the most important things a parent can do to insure their child's future success in life is to help that child learn to read well.
If you fit into the category of senior citizens, disabled persons, or military veterans, you may be surprised to learn that going fishing this year won't cost you nearly as much as it usually does; that's good news in this time of economic turndown.
If you, like many of us, have been intending to take a CPR course, but haven't gotten around to it, here are some basic instructions that can help you stop a victim from having brain damage while you are waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Ever wondered just how many pieces the world's largest jigsaw puzzle contains? Probably a lot more than you want to tackle putting together all by yourself unless you are a true jigsaw puzzle connoisseur.
Most people under 50 can't remember ever writing with anything but a ballpoint pen, or the famous #2 yellow pencil of their elementary school years.
Having trouble reconciling the idea of God with the opinions of scientists who deny that any possibility of "intelligent design" is involved in the creation of the Universe? If so, this DVD is for you.
Sometimes the best way to resolve an argument is to drop the subject and never refer to it again.
Those tiny buttons on the average cell phone, and the fact that even the highest sound setting is inadequate for aging ears makes cell phones next to worthless for a large percentage of our population. Not the ClearSounds Photo50 phone.
Even a small fender bender can ruin your day, but knowing what to do before and immediately after an automobile accident can do a lot to relieve the resulting stress if it does happen to you.
If you happen to be married to a man who likes to shop, you may need to give him a few guidelines before turning him loose to shop alone.
A newspaper morgue, or archive database, as they are now called, can answer a multitude of questions for you, although the answers to those questions may cost you a small fee.
Some are predicting that Stevia, a sweetener up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, will soon replace many of the artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame and saccharine, which, even after years of use, are controversial as far as side effects are concerned.
Are you wracking your brain for something to serve guests who drop by without warning? Something a little fancier than left-overs, but something that won't cause you to spend half the day in the kitchen?
Most of us have a brokent relationship that could stand some fixing.
Why not start a coupon club in your neighborhood? A good coupon clipping club can not only save you money, but can be a lot of fun for its members.
Most Americans would agree that Barack Obama should have removed his family from their church long before he did. Is it time for you to be thinking about finding a new church for your own family?
Christmas as it is celebrated today is totally unrecognizable when compared with the Christmas seasons of my childhood, and it leaves me wondering, "Just where did the real Christmas go?"
Is your toddler ready for that next important step in growing up, potty training? If so, there are some basic supplies that will be helpful in making the next few weeks and months less stressful for you both.
Most of the frustration over potty training comes from trying to reach the stage of "No more diapers!" before your child is actually ready.
Do an eBay search for old favorites from your childhood. You will be astounded at what you may find.
Cats are not really smarter than humans. They just like you to think they are. Here's a little trick to convince them that you really ARE the boss in your house.
If all the zippers in the world suddenly vanished, many of us would be caught with our pants down.
Silk flowers aren't like they used to be. They look so real that most people can't even tell the difference unless they actually touch them--sometimes not even then.
Everyone has scrap paper around the house. Here's how to use it in a craft project that kids will enjoy making; and enjoy putting to use or giving as a gift later.
I grew up poor. Actually, most of the town I grew up in was poor. But one family, the owners of the local mill, had a lawn swing in their back yard. How I envied them.
Does a session with your laptop leave you with sore and aching legs? Maybe it's time to invest in a tilt-top table from Carol Wright Gifts.
Most of us really don't want to be diffent, but sometimes things beyond our control set us apart from ordinary people.
Well, I could probably live without my Christian Writers; Market Guide, but it would be a lot harder to write for markets that would be interested in the type of articles I enjoy writing.
Are balance problems causing you to be nervous about getting into and out of the bathtub? Sure-Grip Bath Handles may be the answer for you.
Kids who do not learn to read well at a young age will be fighting an uphill battle for the rest of their lives.
The perfect gift for someone who thinks he or she already has everything.
If you are basically an honest person, being notified that your income tax return is being audited shouldn't conjure up visions of spending the next 20 years in prison.
Every child will spend a large part of his early life sitting in a classroom. That makes it worth putting a little extra effort into making that time pleasant and worthwhile for him rather than allowing it to become something to just be "endured."
Instead of celebrating the day of one's birth, modern birthday parties have become contests to see who can throw the biggest bash. We can put an end to it.
It is natural for children to try different activities in order to find out what really interests them, but should there be a limit on how many of these activities one child is allowed to try?
Getting behind the wheel these days may seem like you are engaging in a game of Russian Roulette, but there are ways to swing the odds a bit in your favor.
Resist the urge to strangle the sender of all that junk mail, by turning it into gorgeous and useful items you will treasure for years to come.
If it seems as though your family has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, maybe it's time for a change.
Planting something and seeing it start to grow allows each of us the opportunity to become a part of the miracle of life.
The secret to choosing appropriate gifts for loved ones confined to a nursing home is to imagine ourselves in their place. What would we need, want, and enjoy, and, equally important, what would we not want, need, or enjoy?
Maybe there should be a "Sister's Day" for us to celebrate the special relationship sisters bring to our lives, and to remind us of the need to show them that they are appreciated.
Being confined to one's bed, doesn't signal the end of one's ability to enjoy life.
Some people look at a homeless shelter as a "Hopeless" Shelter. Caring people can make sure that, in reality, it becomes a shelter offering Hope to all who enter.
I actually wrote an article called, "Stop The Bickering," once. Nanjowe has a better idea.
Too many adults are so busy coming to terms with their own grief they, unfortunately, overlook the fact that there may be children who are grieving, too.
It is past time for the parents of young children to demand answers about the suspected link between autism and vaccines. This affliction is growing at an alarming rate.
Your doctor may not condone the use of magnetic therapy, but even he cannot dispute the end result.
For the first time in many years, the population of Giant Pandas living in the wild has begin to gradually increase. You can help this encouraging sign continue so that these beautiful animals will never vanish from the earth.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the vital components in the survival chances of any cancer victim.
Unless you are interested in showing animals in competitive competition, a pet adopted from your local animal shelter may fit into your family even better than one with papers documenting a fancy pedigree.
Feeling down about the world situation or frazzled with myriad tasks facing you on any given day? Select a soothing, uplifting CD and listen while you go about your daily chores and watch to see what a change it makes in your attitude.
Let's face it, prices seem to get higher every time we purchase something new. To help relieve the budget crunch, each of us needs to work at making each dollar count.
You don't have to avoid discussing subjects you feel inadequate about - here's where you can brush up on them or determine to learn what you need to know about them.
Credit cards, in themselves, are not evil, but the misuse of credit cards can end up being your worst nightmare.
Some of us have made online purchases that left us feeling as though we had really hit the jackpot; occasionally, though, online transactions leave us sadder but much wiser.
Nancy Burpee, not only has a dibilitating physical disease, but also overcame breast cancer which recently threatened her career.
Instead of bemoaning our fate when month after month goes by with no sign of conception, we can use that time to turn ourselves into even better parents than we might normally have been.
Weary of rummage and bake sales? Do something different to raise needed funds for your group.
"Those who begin coercive elimination of dissent soon find themselves exterminating dissenters."
Follow your relaxing soak in famous McKenzie River hot springs with a stroll through gorgeous gardens complete with gazebos, pagodas, and a very special inner garden with streams and fountains.
Anna Jarvis struggled for many years to achieve official recognition for Mother's Day. Unfortunately, her achievement turned bittersweet in the end.
Appearances can be deceiving. That sweet little kitty's innocent face may be disguising dynamite in disguise.
We can choose to remember and dwell upon the bad experiences of our lives, or we can choose to remember the good. I, for one, choose to remember only the good.
The Gila Indian Caves in Silver City, are a perfect complement to any vacation to New Mexico, and offer an experience you will never forget.
Plastic drinking straws have been around for a long time and, although used primarily for drinking, have also been converted to a number of other uses.
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