Articles written by Francis Jock

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About me - Francis Jock

Since retiring four years ago, I have been freelance writing for two and doing home owner's maintenance for the other two. Previously, I once worked in Housing and Maintenance Management, economic development, and government. I also have over 22 years experience

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Personal Finance > Spending & Saving (Other) Federal government economic stimulus deal: How will you spend your rebate check?: 1 of 52
Your share of the economics stimulus package is coming to your mailbox soon. The intent of the forthcoming gift from the micro economic wizards in Washington is to spur conspicuous consumer consumption. The theory here is that consumption is off because of the fear of recession, and if we are given the gift of a tax rebate, w... More..
Home & Garden > Buying & Selling Homes How to add curb appeal to your home: 1 of 45
One important aspect of marketing a home for sale is something commonly referred to a home's curb appeal. Curb appeal refers to the emotional attractiveness of a home when it is first seen by a potential home buyer. Curb appeal could be regarded as a sort of sex appeal, but it is much more than that. The curb appeal, or first... More..
Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: Fantasy: 9 of 387
The Watchlight - Part IIMarcus closed the door to his uncle's cottage behind him. Over his head, the moon gave an eerie luminescence to the surrounding fog. The vacant twinkle of endless numbers of stars crowded his vision, shouting their silence into his consciousness.A brilliant flash caught his eye, and he shot his gaze we... More..
Politics, News & Issues > News Industry Internet as a threat to newspapers: 1 of 31
Every weekend, for the past year or so, my wife takes a small vacation by going to visit her elderly cousins that live in a nearby city. I opt to stay at home, being a country bumpkin and no interest in attending late night card games, going to church and watching movies on the Hallmark Channel. It's a small thing, a coupl... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Losing a pet: 1 of 31
Tears for My Friend of Seven YearsI once had a friend who sat with meGiving a warm nudge whenever I felt sadShe stayed beside me all through the nightWelcoming me always with each morning's light.My Friend has great ears for hearingWhere mine fail, her ears protected me.Going for quiet walks together outsideSharing a cuddle o... More..
Home & Garden > Rental Properties Property managers: Top 10 warning signs of potential bad renters: 1 of 27
If we were lucky enough every potential renter would come with a sign attached. It might be a good sign: Pleasant Skies and Smooth Sailing. Or it could be a warning sign: Beware of Bad Renter. But, unfortunately for Property Managers, people don't come with signs attached, they only come with applications.Here are ten importa... More..
Society & Lifestyle > North American Culture Does casino gambling on reservations help or hurt Native Americans?: 1 of 23
In framing an argument over whether or not casino gambling hurts some undefined aspect of what it means to be a Native American, it must be stated that Native American issues are for Native Americans to worry about. Anyone that thinks that they know what is best for Native people is misinformed, misguided, paternalistic, or a... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Valentine's Day How to write your own Valentine's Day card: 1 of 22
Has the thought of sending your loved one an over-the-counter Valentine's Day card just not enough any more? Has finding just the right card with the perfect combination of charm and romance become impossible? Are your ideas of Valentine's Day passion and romantic evenings left flat because you can't find the card that sends ... More..
Business > General Management The importance of communication skills in businesses: 1 of 22
In the dynamic business world of today, employer communication skills can make the difference between business success and business failure. Today's global marketplace is a market of many cultures, languages, customs and traditions. Rising stars on the economic horizon include India, Indonesia, China, and Pakistan and Peru. B... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Leaders (Other) Should former US presidents speak out against a current president?: 2 of 43
Speaking out against the policies and actions of a current president by a former president, regardless of political party, should not only be considered right and ethical, it should also be considered an obligation if those actions are clearly not in the best interest of the security, economic well-being and sovereignty of th... More..