Articles written by Raven Lebeau

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About me - Raven Lebeau

Hi, my name is Raven and I'm a yellow lab.

I have long been pondering the conundrum of whether or not I should "come out" to the internet community. On one paw, I feel compelled to be a spokesbitch (yes, that's the politically correct term) for my species

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Education > Reading & Writing Skills How to encourage your child to read: 1 of 70
Reading is an essential skill for academic, professional, and personal success. Whether analyzing a classic novel for a college term paper or dissecting the details of a job contract, adults use their reading skills to get ahead. The tremendous practical and scholastic importance of reading means that parents and teachers are... More..
Education > Secondary School (Other) Should school districts provide cash rewards for high grades and test scores?: 1 of 67
Providing immediate and tangible rewards for academic achievement only fuels the need for instantaneous gratification that adults are so fond of condemning in young people. A developed intellect and wide knowledge base will have fiscal rewards that amount to far more than pocket change. By dangling the cheap and flashy incent... More..
Relationships & Family > Acquaintances & Co-Workers How to get along with people you dislike: 1 of 61
The doctrine of "love thy enemy" is a hard moral principle to obey, especially when one interprets the word "love" to mean warm fuzzy feelings and good will. Emotions are by definition irrational, visceral responses no more a part of your character than a muscle spasm. You can, however, assume responsibility for your actions.... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Racism We can unlearn prejudice: 1 of 55

"Prejudice doesn't become bigotry until you refuse to correct it."Can we unlearn prejudice? By definition, yes! "Prejudice" is the act of pre-judging something, i.e. forming an opinion before you have information. For example, if you've really only seen African Americans in rap videos, I can't blame you much for having a low ... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending How to plan your grocery list to avoid impulse purchases: 2 of 90
So-called "impulse purchases" can drive up your grocery bill quickly. Impulse purchases are items you didn't plan to buy and may not even need. They are also big money makers for stores, and marketing experts know how to entice unwary shoppers into buying them. Convenient, pre-made deli meals, candy near the checkout stand, a... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Thoughts on teachers: 1 of 45
"They don't teach us anything practical in school! We're never gonna use this! Teachers don't understand what it's like in the real world! They don't teach me anything that helps in life!" whine the students. And I don't mean little children, or even teenagers. Students of all ages, from five to ninety five spout these lines ... More..
Jobs & Careers > Layoffs & Firings Fired: Turning the negative into a positive: 1 of 30
Devastating. Humiliating. Infuriating. Those are all words to describe the experience of being fired, but they don't tell the whole story. How about "liberating"? Chances are, if you were genuinely fired- not laid off- from your job, then your employment situation was not a happy one. Perhaps you were "in over your head" at a... More..
Personal Finance > Credit Cards Common sense advice for credit card use: 1 of 30
When it comes to managing your personal finances, your credit card can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Use it wisely, and it will save you both time and money. However, a credit card mistake can have far-reaching consequences including interest, late fees, and damage to your credit score. Here are some common-sense t... More..
Home & Garden > Home Interior Spring cleaning: Inexpensive tips for gaining new closet space: 1 of 30
Having sufficient storage space is key to keeping a home neat and organized. When you can put things away and still find them again as needed, your home will be a more pleasant place to work, play, and live. However, as we accumulate more possessions, closet space becomes a rare commodity. Here are a few Spring cleaning tips ... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Avoiding impulse spending: 1 of 28
For most people, impulse spending amounts to an occasional lapse in judgment that costs a few dollars. For some, however, impulse purchases become a habit, wreaking financial ruin. Regardless of whether you are an occasional impulse spender or a clinical shop-a-holic, here are a few strategies for avoiding the impulse pur... More..