Disney Park Secrets: The Mark Twain Riverboat

After exploring the Hidden Magic of Disney World I decided to start a new recurring column: uncovering secrets of the Disney Parks. Today focuses on a special ride at Disneyland: the Mark Twain Riverboat. The ship sidles its way for twelve minutes around the Rivers of America attraction, taking guests for a short scenic cruise. Horns and bells are used to signify the arrival and departure of the Riverboat, and also to communicate specific messages to other crafts also sluicing through the waters, the Rafts to Pirate’s Lair and Davy Crockett’s Explorer canoes. What’s so special about the Mark Twain … Continue reading

Ask a Pets Blogger: Good Neighbor

I recently moved into a new condo in the same neighborhood, and my new neighbor is not a fan of big dogs. Of course I have two big dogs! My new neighbor has always been very outspoken about how dangerous large dogs are (he owns a small dog). I’m not sure how to keep the peace here, and I don’t want this guy hassling me. You may have a difficult task on your hands — trying to convert a person who doesn’t like big dogs. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to keep the peace between you and your neighbor … Continue reading

Tips for Taking Great eBay Photos—FOCUS

You’ve got the perfect camera now it’s time to point, shoot and get those pictures posted on eBay. After all, if you want to sell your Internet auction items for as much as possible you need to snap to it… and remember to focus. In my previous blog I mentioned the importance of investing in a sound tripod and making sure your pictures are clutter-free. Now, we’re moving on to some solid photography lessons—namely focusing. How many times have you seen fuzzy pictures on eBay? I’m sure the blurred shots didn’t prompt you to place a bid on the item, … Continue reading

Awards, Bodyguards, and Weimaraners: An Interview With Christy Tillery French

Christy Tillery French claims she always loved writing but then “life got in the way (I got married and had two kids) and didn’t begin writing again until I started my own business and during unbusy periods would write to amuse myself. Before I knew it, I had written five novels….” An interesting way to start on a track that has brought her many acclaims, including Who’s Who recognition on lists like Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women (just to name a couple), a 2006 Reviewers’ Choice Award, and a Maxwell Award nomination. Oh, and she’s … Continue reading

Single Moms – Improving the Financial Picture

Most single moms will agree that the number one challenge has to do with money. Unfortunately, studies still show that while the gap of income between men and women is getting closer, men still make more money than women do for the same job. Going from a two-income family down to one, and being the individual who makes less can be tough. Obviously, some compromises have to be made and at first, you might feel discouraged and even defeated. Remember, just because things start out financially bumpy does not mean they have to remain that way. To boost your financial … Continue reading

Homeschooling My Gifted Son. . .When the Others Are Not Part 2

Yesterday I wrote about a conversation in which my oldest asked about whether or not it was okay to not be as smart as her little brother. While the twins are too young really to know what’s going on, the older three are intuitive enough to recognize that Alex is highly intelligent in this specific academic area. Conventional wisdom says that you should talk about how each one is gifted differently. Certainly this is true. My oldest is a very talented artist and considering she’s 7, takes some amazing photographs. My 4 year old speaks Spanish really well; better than … Continue reading

The Marriage Week in Review October 21-27

This was a great week here in the Marriage blog and as always; it’s a pleasure to share the challenge of bringing you marriage news and information with Sherry. Our guest blogger this week was Catherine Ipizcade and I suggest you check out her blogs on celebrating her marriage as well as bridal shower tips. For Sherry and I, the biggest challenge came at the end of the week as the New Jersey Supreme Court handed down their decision on Same-Sex unions. While Sherry and I often come down on opposite sides of this issue, we believe in healthy and … Continue reading

Re-Invest In Your Common Ground

It’s not uncommon for couples that have been married for several years to drift away from the common interests that they shared to begin with. It’s important to keep what’s important to the two of you from fading into the background as they get caught up in the day-to-day living and rat race of obligations, responsibilities and commitments. Don’t Forget You Have a Responsibility to Each Other Rekindling your interest in each other can begin with rediscovering those common interests that brought you together in the first place. Here are some tips to helping you and your spouse rediscover those … Continue reading

Hurricane Sandy’s Halloween Surprise

As if the timing of Hurricane Sandy wasn’t spooky enough, the damage from the storm led to an eerie discovery in New Haven, Connecticut. Downed trees are par for the course during any hurricane. Even trees that have firmly stood their ground for a hundred years or more can sometimes topple if they are dying, weak, or even if the wind hits them just the right way. That is exactly what happened in New Haven, right on the green downtown. A giant oak tree that had been standing there since the early 1900’s fell down, revealing human remains just in … Continue reading

Capturing Constellations

Have you ever stepped outside on a crystal clear night and wished you could capture the moon and the stars with your own camera? It’s not as difficult to accomplish as you might think. Continuing my series on astrophotography, now that you know what type of camera you should be using let’s discuss the best ways to capture constellations. TRIPOD Unless you are part rock and can steady your hands during your entire shoot I would highly suggest placing your camera on a tripod. Once you have your camera attached properly you can begin taking exposures of 10 to 25 … Continue reading