Articles written by Melissa Rapp

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About me - Melissa Rapp

I played French Horn for many years and got my degree
in German. I look forward to writing on Helium.

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Sports & Recreation > Sports & Recreation (Other) Getting started with parachuting: 1 of 6
The decision to throw yourself from an airplane is usually an impulsive decision,even if it is something you have wanted to do all your life. People just don't understand what skydiving entails. When I refer to skydiving, I am speaking about the static line jump, which involves much more thought and preparation than then Tand... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Racism Talking to your kids about racial stereotypes: 14 of 43
If you don't talk to your kids about racial stereotypes, then they will learn about them on their own. In fact, they will learn about them on their own whether you talk to them or not, and they will formulate their own opinions. Here's where Mom and Dad can however play a role, by giving their children some insight and guidan... More..
Food & Drink > Beer (Other) Guide to German beers: 2 of 5
I didn't appreciate the fine art of German Beer Brauerei(brewery) until I first went to Germany. I was lucky enough to work in the storybook like Black Forest where they served a beer called Rothauspilz. I remember it was quite a tasty beer, not too strong and it had a little red insignia on its label. Soon I learned just fro... More..
Travel > Hotel Reviews Hotel chain reviews: Comfort Inn hotels: 4 of 9
I have always had good luck with my "Choice Hotel", the Comfort Inn. The rooms are usually quite nice, spacious and equipped with the basics and often a little more. Some of the amenities offered at Comfort Inns are free Internet access, AAA and AARP discounts, continental breakfast and pet friendliness. My favorite Comfort I... More..
Food & Drink > Food & Drink (Other) How to choose a grocery store: 22 of 46
The days of the local family owned market where people knew you by name are long gone. Oh sure, you can still find smaller stores scattered throughout large cities for example, but for most of America, it becomes a choice of which corporate food chain to shop at. Let's see, where I live, I can choose the Kroger Corporation, t... More..
Travel > Bus & Train Travel Traveling by bus: 13 of 26
Having been a devoted tour director for seven years, I think I might be able to share my knowledge on some of what an international tour guest might expect while traveling by motor coach in the United States.My tour clientele was usually from England and we traveled mostly on the Eastern Seaboard, throughout Canada and in the... More..
Relationships & Family > New & Old Friends Harsh realities: Outgrowing friendships: 76 of 124
Just as immediate family members outgrow each other, so do close friends.If our parents told us that one day we might not have any more contact or relationship with our brothers and sisters, we would be heart-broken and the very thought of life without them would be unfathomable. If our parents told us as children that our be... More..
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss How to help a grieving co-worker: 23 of 36
When a co-worker suffers the loss of a loved one, we should take the same approach to helping them as we would if they were a family member. Because in fact, they are a family member, a work family member. We are the people they see every day and who are tuned into their daily lives, routines, likes, dislikes and problems. We... More..
Education > Homework & Testing How to help your child with writing: 26 of 39
"You don't understand your own language, until you have studied another."Now if you have studied a foreign language in any sort of depth, you will agree with this quote will most assuredly resonate with youI am a German and English tutor to people of all ages including children. The reason I can look at an English essay and r... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Judaism Jewish: Personal identity and roots: 9 of 13
Growing Up Mischling....Yes when I begin to reflect on my Jewish personality and roots, I quite frankly feel overwhelmed. It is hard to actually know where to begin. How about with a brief auto-biography, my Jewish auto-biography.I was born in Riverside, California . My mother was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her Father came f... More..