Articles written by Chris Messner - Page 4

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About me - Chris Messner

Hi,

My name is Chris Messner. I'm a native New Yorker (Let's Go Mets!), married with 2 adult children, retired military, currently working in hi-tech manufacturing.

I often daydream about writing short stories but I never seem to be able to recall the ideas

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Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes Motown's greatest artists: 4 of 11
I grew up in the biggest radio market in America: New York City. Back in the golden years of rock 'n roll, the early to mid-1960s, when the genre was still a fairly new musical phenomenon and the Beatles were fresh and hot, paving the way for dozens of British bands to hit it big in the US, it wasn't unusual for them to have... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 Do Obama's ideas signal new hope or are they the same old Democratic ideas in a different package?: 7 of 17
There's nothing novel about candidates for high public office promising all kinds of new, regardless of party. New ideas, new opportunities, new ways of operating, on and on and on, and everyone will be better off. It's a promise, right? So, believe it, and vote with confidence. Still, in the world of the Democratic party, "... More..
Health & Fitness > Diet & Weight Loss Pros and cons of the Atkins diet: 6 of 14
Atkins was right: Weight gain is largely the result of over-intake of carbohydrates. A high-protein diet, which is, unfortunately, also a high-fat diet, may lead to other problems if not properly managed, but it won't pack on the pounds. I'm not a doctor, but I know this: The body stores carbs, but not fat or protein. The At... More..
Health & Fitness > Fitness Basics A new you: The benefits of exercise: 16 of 33
I hate those seemingly endless TV drug commercials. To me, they're shouting: Hey! When something, real or imagined, is bothering you, then a pill or two will make it all better. And although the announcer details side effects and warns about interaction with other medications, the overall message is clear: You'll be happy if... More..
Home & Garden > Weeds & Pests True gardening stories: The worst pest experience: 33 of 66
My first gardening success happened the summer of 1979 when I was stationed in Omaha. The humidity and, I guess, just the good old Nebraska air made it seem easy to grow things I could actually eat! I was thrilled! I grew corn, cabbage, tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers in a patch right in the middle of a weed field in m... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Are parents always parents or should they learn to let go as their children age?: 17 of 34
Any relationship between two or more people is a product of the interaction between their individual personalities. One could say that parents have a huge role in developing their children's personalities, but, as children grow, their own innate qualities and interaction with others outside their immediate families are also ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Antiques & Collecting (Other) Record collecting: Who is keeping vinyl alive and why?: 10 of 20
A recurring theme in these articles seems to be that vinyl is alive and well, and preferred by many over the sterile sound of CDs and computer sound files. I'm not so sure. I started buying records in 1966, back when they were the only game in town. I still have most of the vinyl I bought since then. Many items are of sentim... More..
Personal Finance > Taxes As an American taxpayer, are you getting your money's worth from government?: 1 of 2
My answer is a resounding "No!" And I'm not just referring to the federal government. Hard-working, taxpaying Americans are getting hammered at the state and local levels as well. Here's our scenario: My wife and I work hard at full-time jobs. I also receive a military pension. Add it all up and we still gross well under $10... More..
Food & Drink > Fruits & Vegetables How to enjoy the versatile tomato: 1 of 2
THE JOY OF TOMATOES Once also known as a "love apple" (were tomatoes believed to be an aphrodisiac?), tomatoes are truly one of God's greatest gifts to man. I'm nowhere near an expert on tomatoes, but I've loved them, and been eating and drinking all kinds of things made from tomatoes, as far back as I can recall. Tomatoes a... More..
Sports & Recreation > Baseball (Other) Major-League Baseball's greatest all-deceased team: 1 of 1
THE GREATEST MAJOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-DECEASED TEAM. Major-league baseball has never been more popular. Baseball is catching on around the world and is played professionally in Europe, the Far East, and Australia, as well as Central and South America. My Dad taught me to play ball when I was 7, and at 9 I became interested ... More..