Articles written by Elaine Arthur - Page 6

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About me - Elaine Arthur

I am a native of Long Island, NY, where I came of age somewhere between Sputnik and the first Space Shuttle. After studying Marketing and Advertising at Hofstra University and the City U. of New York, I relocated to the South. I am a Unitarian Universalist

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Personal Finance > Stock Market GM to GUM: Government Union Motors?: 7 of 9
The word "change" is inextricably entwined with the historical realities of the present political and economic climate in the United States. Witness: In July of 2008, Roland Jones of msn.com ran a story describing General Motors' (GM) drop in share price to under $10. Analysts warned that GM stood to burn through its cash re... More..
Relationships & Family > Family Life Tips for improving family life: 22 of 28
Family: How's the Weather? Few of us have perfect families, and when things are consistently wrong, it can keep us unduly preoccupied, holding us back from living life to the fullest. One useful tool in gaining perspective on one's family is to compose a "weather report." The emotional styles we grow up with invariably work ... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) What's the best defense against burglars in your home: Alarm system or dog?: 15 of 18

A dog can certainly give a homeowner an enhanced sense of security, but in my opinion, that should not be the primary reason for adopting one. If security is your sole aim, an alarm system would incur a comparable cost to dog ownership (installation vs. vaccinations; monthly service charges vs. monthly food and vet bills, et... More..
Home & Garden > Home Interior Interior decorating tips for the home: 15 of 18
Today I discovered that decorating one's home can follow principles similar to those on the cooking show "Semi Homemade." My husband and I had discussed the bare appearance of the walls in our hall bathroom. In less than one hour I came up with a satisfactory solution. Browsing in a craft store, I found the inexpensive matte... More..
Jobs & Careers > Professionalism Never being late for work: Tips: 22 of 25
Not long ago I picked up a wonderful book at the library: Never Be Late Again, by Diana DeLonzo. I recommend it heartily. This book describes six personality types that influence people to be late. The rationalizer has a hard time acknowledging responsibility for lateness and tends to blame outside circumstances. The produce... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Advice on the journey of life: 67 of 76
My home life as a child was not terribly structured. My parents both drank heavily, and it tended to aggravate the areas in which they differed. Like most children, I had a keen understanding of my parents' true motivations, even if they didn't want to admit them. My dad craved order; my mom craved chaos. In many ways, it wa... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: My father: 136 of 143
When you came to our house, Dad would usher you in, find you a seat, and immediately begin offering you refreshment. Here was the list: "Coke, ginger ale, 7-Up, club soda." No? Not interested? How about some water? Hot tea? Cold tea - "I could mix some up for you!" Clam juice, right out of the bottle! Still not taking? Hmm. ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ethics Being good vs. being religious: 40 of 41
Like many people, I'm wary of anyone who claims to have "gotten religion" in response to a moral crisis. The crime can be a very public one or a very private one. It's easy to be cynical when a convicted felon suddenly announces that he wants nothing more than to study the Bible day and night. To me, as a humanist, this soun... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) Music and songs of the Vietnam era: 3 of 3
In September of 1965, the first two entries on one Top 20 Hits list were: 1. Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire 2. Hang On Sloopy - The McCoys One song reminded young American soldiers in Vietnam that they were "old enough to kill, but not for votin'" and posed the question, "You don't believe in war, what's that gun you're ... More..
Arts & Humanities > International Writers & Literature Book reviews: The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz: 3 of 3
Mesoamerican shamanism is a subcategory of New Age thought, of which Carlos Castaneda's writings are the best known. However, Don Miguel Ruiz distills this school of thought, softens and considerably demystifies it in his first book, The Four Agreements. This is a practical sort of knowledge that addresses everyday obstacles... More..