Articles written by Monica Wanat

What is Helium

About me - Monica Wanat

I love to be entertained and I am not shy about my opinions!

I love to read, from classics like "Pride and Prejudice" to modern classics like "The Princess Bride" to pop fiction like "Cry No More" by Linda Howard. I also like to be entertained by witty television

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Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) Guide to finding good books for cheap: 1 of 11
For avid readers on a budget, there are several ways to find inexpensive books. First, create a list of books you want to read. (I normally scroll through the "New and Future Releases" at amazon.com, visit my favorite book discussion groups on the internet for recommendations, and browse through my favorite book store to find... More..
Arts & Humanities > Dance Education How to be your own dance teacher: 1 of 8
Before you decide whether or not you can teach yourself to dance, ask yourself why you want to learn to dance.If you simply want a fun way to exercise, then buy a copy of the New York City Ballet Workout and begin your exercise program. This DVD has the best warm-up and floor bar routine and it is the only exercise video I've... More..
Local Guides > Chicago Best pizza restaurants in Chicago: 1 of 8
Ask ten Chicagoans which restaurant serves the best pizza and you will receive ten different answers. Chicago is a great town for pizza, from deep dish to thin crust or traditional pepperoni to more exotic Hawaiian. My all-time favorite pizza is made by JJ Twiggs, which has locations in the northwest suburbs (Lake Zurich, Pal... More..
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Pride and Prejudice: 2 of 11
For anyone unfamiliar with the basic plot of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," this is a story set in England during the Napoleonic war. Don't get the wrong idea, the war is only vaguely alluded to as all the action takes place on country estates.The opening line of the book is a classic line that sets the tone of the stor... More..
Arts & Humanities > Fantasy & Science Fiction Book reviews: The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood: 2 of 7
Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale takes place in the future, after an extreme political group takes over the United States and nuclear war has occurred, which results in wide-range sterility in women. This sterility motivates the creation of a new society where women are wives, servants, or handmaids. A handmaid is a woma... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) Best romance novels: 4 of 10
Since there are so many subgenres of romance novels, selecting the best romance novel is an impossible task. However, it is possible to select a few novels to provide a sampling of the variety of romances available. So, barring some of the characters' names, these books are well worth the time and money.Dark Historical: "Stor... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness Easy ways your family can "go green": 158 of 319
A household can "go green" without spending a fortune; a few methods may even reduce household expenses.- Limit showers to five minutes. Many people enjoy a nice long shower, but make it a treat rather than a regular occurrence. In addition to reducing the amount of water used, it could also reduce the use of electricity in t... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) Top 10 Supernatural romance novels: 1 of 1
Like any list of favorites or "the best of," it is difficult to select just a few books. However, there are several supernatural (or paranormal/fantasy) romance novels that romance readers, and readers of other genres, will enjoy.1. "Outlander" by Diana Galbadon: The premise behind this story seems a little farfetched at firs... More..
Entertainment > Movie Genres Grimm's Fairy Tales adaptations to the movie format: 1 of 1
Movie adaptations of tales by the Brothers Grimm have come in many formats. There are the obvious Walt Disney movies, the funny contemporary teen movies, and then the out of the ordinary movies that merge a few stories into one movie.Snow WhiteIn this day and age, most children are first exposed to the Brothers Grimm through ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) The benefits of reading the introduction and the foreword in books: 1 of 1
Books often have an introduction or forward and readers must decide whether or not to skip it or read it. I'll admit, if the author appears to be thanking editors, publishers, family, and friends, I skip the introduction. But there have been a few introductions that I was glad I read.My favorite is the introduction to "A Prin... More..