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A Sensible Life
Can common sense, logic, responsibility and practicallity be overdone? When is the right time to take a chance? Billy took his sensible philosophy to the extreme and lived a very boring life.
- 23
Hornitos California: A Hidden Gold Rush Town
Hornitos, California, was a rough-and-tumble town during the California gold rush of the mid-1800s. It is pretty quiet now, but ruins and remnants hint at its former glory and inspire visions of historic times.
- 11
Seven Easy Superfood Strategies to Improve Your Diet
What foods can you easily add to regular meals to improve your health? You don't have to change your menu much to make your diet better. Adding a few “superfoods” to your daily fare can boost your nutritional score and help you feel energized.
- 9
Twelve Days of Tulips: Buds, Blooms and Beyond
My tulips surprised me this year with a beautiful spring bouquet. Despite my neglect, these sturdy flowers put on a display that was hard to ignore. April weather can be very unpredictable. Are the tulips strong enough to survive rain, hail and snow?
- 18
Valentine Poems for People You Secretly Dislike
Think outside of the Valentine (box) and send some “love” verses to people you really don’t like. They need love, too.
- 40
6 Reasons to Keep a Rooster in Your Yard
If I want a few hens to provide eggs, do I need a rooster? Why should I have a rooster? Aren't they mean noisy birds?
- 24
Lunar Eclipse Stuffed Mushrooms With Spaghetti
A rare lunar event inspires a stuffed mushroom recipe that eclipses an ordinary spaghetti and meatball dinner entree.
- 24
Homage to the Nonsense Poetry Muse or Writing Poppycock
A dedication to the Nonsence Poetry Muse, in hopes that she will leave me alone for a bit.
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How to Roast a Chicken for Several Meals
Compared to other meats, chicken can be a real bargain. Roasting a whole chicken can be a meal for several people or, with planning, several meals for a few.
- 6
Butterfly Creek, a California Winery Off the Beaten Path
A small winery with a lot of heart, Butterfly Creek is located in the heart of California gold country near Yosemite National Park.
- 23
How to Choose a New Refrigerator
Is your refrigerator aging or expired? Choosing a new one needs some careful consideration.
- 6
Meat and Potatoes Italian Style
This is a quick and easy meal for leftover beef, that looks and tastes terrific. Meat and potatoes can have an Italian accent, too.
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Additional Accolade Badges Needed
Basically for HubPages writers, these are suggestions that should not be taken too seriously. Please reserve judgement and engage your sense of humor.
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The Best Ways to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Vehicle
It can be challenging to get rid of a rodent infestation in your car or truck, but there are several remedies that can solve the problem.
- 40
Basal Cell Carcinoma Excision - What Can You Expect?
Basal Cell lesions are generally considered to be the least dangerous of all skin cancers. Though unlikely to spread, simple surgical removal is often the recommended treatment.
- 32
A Road Trip Across the USA in 1960: My Family's Adventures
Road-tripping across the USA in 1960 was an adventure. It's impossible to see all of America in three weeks, but during that time we got a feeling of what the country was really like.
- 48
Freestyle Embroidery - Doodle Art With Thread
If you like to embroider, but can't find patterns you like, why not try freestyle? Making up your own designs as you stitch is as easy as doodling with pen on paper. So gather up a few sewing items, a piece of clothing, and let's get started.
- 18
Mission San Juan Bautista: A Step Back in Time
San Juan Bautista is one of the lesser-known but also the largest of 21 California missions. Built in 1797 and still active today, this well-preserved church evokes a feeling of life in earlier days. The plaza and surrounding structures are part of a state park that is well worth a visit.
- 30
Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, California has a fantastic aquarium, great restaurants, wine tasting, shopping, and accommodations all in a small area, making this a perfect mini-vacation spot.
- 22
Manzanita - A Source of Fire, Cider, and Art
Manzanita Shrubs are common in the California foothills and chaparrel areas of the Pacific Northwest. Native Americans made good use of the unique qualities of this plant, and it is still appreciated today for its special attributes.
- 34
Grace Note Chimes: Inside a Small Manufacturing Business
A small factory in California's Gold Country turns out musically tuned wind chimes that are shipped all over the world.
- 46
Designer Bottled Air - The Next Big Thing?
Bottled water has become big business around the world. So why not bottle air for individual users? It could be a real moneymaker!
- 60
Pre-Packaged Produce: Fresh Foods Get a "Bad Wrap" for Sustainability
Pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables are considered to be convenient time-savers for many consumers and a profit-maker for supermarkets. Are they good or bad?
- 62
Spinning President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches ever given. Would we remember it if it had been shorter?... or longer??
- 51
Fall Color in California
Signaling the start of Autumn, colorful leaves appear with a sudden dip in temperature. Many trees that lose their leaves every year, put on their best show just before going to sleep for the Winter.
- 33
Shibaraku: Experiencing World War II in Japan
Born into an Armenian family living in pre-war Japan, the author and her family led a comfortable and pleasant life until December of 1941. As their adopted country entered WW II, everything changed for non- Japanese residents and they were forced to live in a tiny remote village where they...
- 94
Things to Know When the Economy Falls Apart
What information will you need if the economy collapses? Do you have basic helpful knowledge for survival in hard economic times? Now is the time to learn a few old-fashioned skills.
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EVACUATION!! What You Need to Grab in an Emergency
A sudden disaster might mean you have to evacuate quickly. What can you grab to save yourself some trouble and heartache?
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Fifteen Ways to Save on Fuel, While Being a General Nuisance and Road Menace.
If you haven't already heard enough silly ways to use less gasoline, here are a few more. Don't try these at home . . . or on the road.
- 54
Food With Chemical Additives - What's in it For You?
What if we had to speak the ingredient list every time we talked about food? Would it make us think about what additives we are really eating?
- 33
Winter Power Outage Tips for Cooking, Heating, and Lighting
A snowy winter may bring power outages. Having a few simple supplies at home can keep you comfortable even if the electricity is off for a few days.
- 25
Letters of a Gold Rush Pioneer
A 23 year- old gold seeker arrived in San Francisco from Massachusetts in 1854. His observations and opinions of the California Gold Rush are recorded in well preserved letters.
- 41
Kerbyville Inn : Bed, Breakfast and Beyond in Cave Junction, Oregon
Bed and Breakfast inns can be a pleasant surprise. This one near Cave Junction Oregon suited us fine with many unexpected features.
- 25
Cheap and Easy Storage Ideas for Your Home or RV
Here's a quick, easy, and organized way to increase cupboard storage in your RV. For just a few dollars and a few minutes of time, you can easily create a practical and adaptable storage system.
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Dealing With Rude, Tactless, Messy, Dirty, Uneducated People
Despite their impolite behavior and sloppy habits these people will steal your heart if you are not careful.
- 109
5 Freelance Writing Tips for Your Best Feature Articles
Following a few guidelines when researching and writing freelance articles can increase the chances that your submissions will be accepted by editors. The tips in this article apply to common situations that most freelance writers and journalists encounter regularly.
- 89
How to Invest in Yourself and Make it Pay Off
Even if you don't have money, there are things you can invest in which will pay off later.
- 90
How to Eat Well at a Buffet: A Sensible Guide
Restaurants with an "all you can eat" buffet meal at a set price can be a good value for diners. Here are some tips on how to eat a lot at a buffet and get the best value.
- 33
The Case for Same Sox Legislation
How many years of our lives must we waste on sorting socks? We need some laws to make this easier for everyone.
- 44
A Future President Explains "Beneficial Control"
How will the future government try to control us the USA? It may be subtle, or it might be a variation on a familiar theme.
- 16
The American County Fair Tradition
County fair time in Mariposa County, California arrives in late summer. It's a small fair, but has all of the elements that make it nostalgic for everyone who has lived in the country... or wanted to.
- 19
Tenaya Lodge: Luxury in the Sierra Wilderness
If you want to enjoy the wonders of Yosemite, but would rather not camp out, Tenaya Lodge may be the place you are looking for. Close to nature, this hotel offers the comforts you expect at a quality hotel.
- 52
Living in the Forest
Walking the dog in a wooded area can offer some surprises.
- 106
You Can Win a Poetry Contest
If you want to win a poetry contest, you can always start your own. It will be hard to chose between the finalists, but it doesn't really matter.
- 47
1947 Hudson: I Fell Out of a Classic Car
The 47 Hudson was a great car, at least until I fell out of it. This classic car was the first vehicle my family owned after WW II...
- 60
The Emperor's New Clothes and Student Poetry
Someone says they see brilliance in your poetry, but it may not really be there. The Emperor had no clothes, though many people claimed he did.
- 31
A California Gold Rush Store Sold Everything in General
The General Store was often the first real business in a gold rush town of the American West. Yes, there were tents set up as bars and gambling parlors but miners needed tools, clothing, food and other necessities. The General Store happily accepted gold dust to supply the needs of prospectors.
- 20
Trying to Get a Children's ABC Book Published
A rhyming alphabet book may not be at the top of a publisher's list right now, but it might still be published someday.
- 11
Mariposa County Courthouse: Historic Justice in the West
History and justice are still alive in the old courthouse of Mariposa, California. For more than a century and a half, this venerable building has been an icon dating from gold rush days.
- 16
Bridal Shower Gift and Poem With Tools for the Bride
Every bride needs her own set of tools. A poem and a pretty wrapping makes it memorable.
- 57
My (Very) Brief Film Scene Career
Becoming a full-fledged child star was not in the cards for me, but I did get a brief opportunity to work at a major movie studio.
- 17
How to Write for a Sleazy Tabloid Newspaper
Tabloid newspapers near the Supermarktet checkout make us want to grab them when we see an outrageous headline. What attracts us to such outlandish stories? Can't we just make themselves up them ourselves?
- 26
The Art of the Kiss: How Rodin, Picasso and Others Did It
The kiss is one of the most meaningful human gestures. Many artists have depicted the act throughout history, and these are some of the best interpretations.
- 6
Phishing Trip: Avoid the Scammer's Net
If you have been targeted by a phishing scam, you are not alone. These types of internet deceptions seeking tidbits of information, are sent out by the millions.
- 19
Finding Pinocchio in the Bible
Do the wooden headed puppet and Adam have something in common? The author of Pinoccio must have thought so.
- 52
Do Supermarket Grocery Stores Have Too Many Items?
My local supermarket, recently underwent a reorganization. That means a "change of heart", but since supermarkets have no heart, it really means that everything is just a lot harder to find.
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Processed Foods You Should Have in Your Home Pantry
Canned and packaged foods are not all bad. There are some you should keep in your pantry even if you are trying to use all fresh and natural foods in your home kitchen.
- 38
Dinner for Two Can Be Special
Cooking for two can be a challenge, but it can still be appetizing and attractive. Here are a few tips to make it that way.
- 39
The Wild Merced River Canyon: Gateway to Yosemite National Park
The scenic and wild Merced River flows out of Yosemite National Park between steep canyon walls. In springtime, wildflowers can make it as spectacular as the park itself.
- 45
Cream Pitcher People - A Collection
People and pitchers come in different sizes, colors and shapes. They might be attractive or homely, but they can be also be practical and useful. Collecting pitchers reminds me of the people who owned them . . .
- 42
A Declaration of Out-dependence - What Happened to Self-reliance?
Self-reliance made this country great, but when the USA's founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence they knew that their lives were about to change forever.
- 19
Using Fresh Parsley as a Garnish
Using parsley as a simple garnish can add a lot to your plate as an eye-pleasing detail and a nutritional perk.
- 27
Sociopath Murderers I Have Known That Were Not Famous
How can a young man plan to murder his parents? I've had a passing acquaintance with two young men who did, and the reasons are unclear.
- 53
Being a Good Father
You don't have to be religious to be a good dad, but a lot of the same principles apply.
- 36
Is It Possible to Travel the World With Health Insurance Savings?
Health insurance was expensive for a small businessman, but this one found a way to cover the doctor bills and still have enough left over to travel the world...
- 70
Sprouting Seeds for Big Nutrition or a Classroom Activity
By sprouting vegetable seeds and beans, you can harvest a crop in only four or five days. You don't even have to deal with dirt, soil, or growing medium to get a fresh, edible, nutritious crop.
- 27
Historic California Earthquakes in Long Beach and San Francisco
Californians are used to earthquakes, but once in a while, a seismic event gets everyone's attention. Long Beach and San Francisco each had historic quakes.
- 65
Why Deer and Wild Animals Don't Make Good Pets
Wild animals do not make good pets. Though "rescuing" a squirrel, fawn, raccoon or other wild critter may seem humane, it often has negative consequences for both the animal and the human.
- 32
My Wild Pet Ground Squirrel
I didn't know I shouldn't catch a baby ground squirrel in the woods. He became a much loved pet, but I wouldn't do it again...
- 28
The Words Sound Write, What's the Madder?
Words that sound alike, but have different meanings, are one of the difficult aspects of the English language but homophones can be conquered with practice and a few memory tricks.
- 21
Moving to a New Neighborhood: Are You a Newcomer?
Living in the country brings a lot of changes for a former city-dweller. Are you a country newcomer?
- 9
Taking Back Classroom Control
When children are out of control in the classroom, you had better have a plan to put yourself back in charge.
- 61
Gold Rush Medicine: Swamp Root, Snake Oil and More
Mass marketing and advertising of patent medicines in the USA began at about the same time as the California Gold Rush. These "cure-alls" made outrageous claims, and some were a recipe for disaster.
- 28
Advice for Health and Happiness from a Therapy Dog
Petey, the therapy dog, was a good friend to everyone he met. He brought joy and also gave good advice for health and happiness.
- 19
Tour of a California Gold Rush Museum
A tour of a gold rush museum can be boring or interesting, but seeing the humor in history is always fun.
- 24
How to Capture a Saw-Whet Owl in a Children's Book)
Incredible photos of a tiny Saw-Whet Owl became the inspiration for a childrens book which is both entertaining and educational
- 25
A Dozen Useful Recipe Ingredients Beyond the Basics
Any good cook keeps basic ingredients on hand. Even when you cook with mostly fresh foods, a few canned ingredients are often useful. Here are a dozen items you should have for variety and flavor.
- 135
America Will NEVER Switch to the Metric System
Is the U. S. is economically and scientifically doomed because we cannot get metric ideas like Celsius and milligram into our heads?There are reasons that Americans continue to resist metrification. Silly reasons...
- 19
Carving a Cement Stone Into a Post-Funky Tiki Owl Sculpture
The "cast-stone sculpture class", sponsored by a local Arts Council, put me in a new world. Creativity emerged from ordinary people . . .
- 33
Best Things About Being Sixty and Over
Aging is almost unavoidable, but there are some good things about turning 60. It's all in how you look at it.
- 47
President Kennedy Murdered, Sixty Years Ago
President John F. Kennedy was shot while riding in an open car as his motorcade drove through Dallas, Texas. It was before the time of 24-hour news stations and the internet, but news traveled quickly...
- 31
One Way to Self-Publish A Children's Book
Like many good things, it started as a happy accident, and took a lot of work to bring into being. It required some resources, but most of all it required belief.
- 80
Hair Salon Names - Funny, Catchy, and Hairbrained Ideas
Naming your hair salon or nail salon is a big deal. Here are some suggestions for silly, clever, and quirky attention-getting names.
- 34
Garage Sale Junkies Are the New Hunter-Gatherers
Yard sales, garage sales and flea markets offer a blinding array of bargains among the discards. You may find just the treasure you are seeking . . .
- 25
Do You Want to be a Substitute Teacher?
Where do substitute teachers come from? No one knows. There are some ways to make this job easier for yourself..
- 43
Defensive Grocery Shopping, A Supermarket Strategy
Supermarket shopping is an adversarial situation which requires strategy, commando tactics and a sense of humor.
- 9
Do Calories Really Exist? What's the Truth?
Can you prove that a calorie exists? Maybe it is an elaborate hoax. As in many of my articles, I advise you to take the suggestions with a grain of salt.
- 34
What I Learned from Blind Children at Age 50
Turning fifty is a milestone. Interacting with blind children made it a very memorable one for me, because of the insight they gave . . .
- 24
What Are Those Processed Ingredients in Your Salad Dressing?
Healthful green salads with lots of fresh vegetables are a good nutritional choice—but if you look at the ingredients list on the bottle of your favorite dressing, you may be in for a big surprise.
- 9
Freezing Credit Cards Can Have Chilling Consequences
Maxed out credit cards can bring on a big financial chill. Here are a few sane and silly ways to make sure you are not overdrawn.
- 22
Authority in the Classroom: A Tale of Two Teachers
Why did this tiny woman have more authority and control in the classroom than the wrestling coach?
- 28
I Am (Sort of) Ready for a Power Failure
When the power goes off suddenly, you will wish you had prepared ahead. How will you see in the dark? How will you keep warm or cook?
- 24
Cement Dinosaurs May be Attracting Asteroids
Some roadside attractions never become extinct, but could cement dinosaurs be an asteroid magnet?
- 124
How to Use Garden Gnomes for Self-Defense
Garden gnomes are not useless. They can be effective for protection and self-defense. Instead of pepper spray or firearms, a well aimed gnome can easily stop someone trying to do you harm.
- 395
How to Keep Mice, Rats, and Other Rodents out of Your Car Engine
Mice, rats, and other rodents can do surprising damage to your car engine and other automotive parts. Learn how to keep rats away from your car with this article.
- 25
Mariposa: John C. Fremont's Town Survived the Gold Rush
Many gold rush "boom towns" grew up quickly and disappeared almost as fast. Mariposa, California, is one that survived from its 1850 beginning, keeping much of the local historic flavor intact.
- 22
Life Lessons from a Bubble-Exploding Game
An innocent, diversionary "bubble-exploding game", can teach some life lessons... if you force the issue a bit.
- 95
How to Write Humor: What Makes Something so Funny?
Can humor writing be taught, or is "funniness'" an inborn trait? Can you learn how to write humor? There might be something to learn if we examine what makes us laugh.
- 98
What Animals Do You Keep in Your Bra, Ladies?
Keeping small animals in your bra could lead to some distressing events.
- 91
Purseless and Proud: Why You Should Stop Carrying a Handbag
Why do women carry handbags? There are circumstances when you might need to have a purse, but you should try purselessness for a taste of freedom.
- 5
What Foods Should You Have in Your Pantry?
A storable stash of foods in your home pantry saves you time, money, and stress. How do you decide what to store?
- 4
How to Help Settle Playground Arguments
As a sub teacher I had a common problem: WANTING to be sensitive and fair while NEEDING to be decisive and firm. It is not impossible when you give a direct limited choice.
- 6
Dealing With Minor Misbehavior in School
Keep minor classroom misbehavior from becoming a distraction or escalating, by using the right words at the right time.
- 9
The Big Bang and Creationist Theories of Housekeeping
Housekeeping and cleaning philosophies can vary widely. Whether you believe in the "big bang theory" or the creationist approach, it all needs to be done.
- 13
A New Floor Mop Has Me Wringing My Hands
My "self-wringing" mop isn't all I expected, but I have learned some dance steps. . .
- 18
The Defiant Child "He's on the Roof!"
Sub teachers hope to keep kids from climbing the walls, but when one actually ends up on the roof . . . it is a little embarrassing.
- 7
How to Reduce The Amount of Trash You Toss Out
Landfills are a modern and problematic phenomenon. A few years back no one ever had trash to toss out. Here's why . . .
- 16
Easy Cran-Bran Muffin Recipe With "Super" Ingredients
Healthy superfood ingredients are the key to making this tasty muffin a guilt-free treat. This easy-to-make snack is even easier to eat.
- 21
Are There Egyptian Hippo Guts in Your Toothpaste?
How do you choose your perfect toothpaste when there are too many choices? Do you want whitening, tartar control, healthy gums, plaque abatement, or total health, happiness, serenity and world peace?
- 22
Moving to the Country Could You "Head for the Hills"
Country living is attractive to many who are tired of city life. This can be a major life change with some surprised you never expected. Is it for you?
- 26
A Funny Thing About Feng Shui (Humor)
The positive energy of feng shui can be completely misunderstood, if you only try hard enough.
- 51
"Damn! What's Your Problem?" Defiant Kid vs. Substitute Teacher
While sub teaching, you are bound to be confronted by a defiant child. Dealing with such a student requires special tactics.
- 11
Lessons From the Blind Children
Working with blind children in the classroom was an experience that educated this teacher in new ways. . .