Articles written by Roland McShane

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About me - Roland McShane

Originally from the southern United States, I now live in central Europe. I specialize in networking resources for the benefit of some of the most despised people in Europe. After several years living outside of the Souther, I had hoped that my accent would

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Religion & Spirituality > Bible Study The Bible should be considered a valid book for real educational purposes: 1 of 23
Without a doubt, the Bible should be considered a valid book for real education purposes. There is no other writing in world history which has been as widely distributed, translated, or read than the Bible. For clarification, by Bible, I mean the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament to Christians) and the Christian New Testament.... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Bring back old-time bartering: 2 of 43
The art of bartering is making a comeback in ways which turn the phrase "cashless society" on its ear. Bartering is when you trade a good you have or service you can provide for something you need. Feeling the pinch of a flat budget and a failing economy, many people are turning to trading their talents to supplement their li... More..
Personal Finance > Taxes Do instant tax refunds exploit low-income earners?: 1 of 12
You should not have to pay to receive what is rightly yours. If you, like millions of Americans, are too intimidated to prepare your own income taxes, then you have probably been offered an "instant refund" by a professional tax preparer. The marketing of instant tax refunds is meant to appeal to our urge for immediate gratif... More..
Personal Finance > Taxes Organizing paperwork for tax time: 2 of 19
The first week in April my favorite client exclaims, "It's tax time! I have to pull my checks!" Rarely is her mad rush necessary. Why make tax time more stressful by entering tax season unprepared? Is there a way to organize a year's worth of paperwork to make filing your taxes simpler for you and your tax preparer? If you fo... More..
Arts & Humanities > Origins & Firsts in History The origin of gypsies: 1 of 8
There are several myths about the origin of the Romany people, commonly but mistakenly called gypsies. The factual truth is that the Roma people can be traced linguistically to modern-day northern India, Pakistan area. For unknown reasons, they began to migrate and have settled throughout the world. First arriving in Europe i... More..
Health & Fitness > Emotional Health & Wellbeing Various daily rituals to give thanks: 2 of 14
Incredibly, after a recent flight on a discount airline, I was missing a gate-checked bag! The ones they take just before you board the plane. The ones which are first off the plane and handed to you as you wait. It wasn't on the plane! I had a speaking engagement in thirteen hours - one night for the airline to track it down... More..
Personal Finance > Financial Planning Tips on managing your household finances: 3 of 20
Managing personal finances by living on a budget has always been a good idea. But during difficult economic times, it is a necessity. Housing is the largest portion of a personal budget - from twenty to forty-five percent of your total spending. Most housing costs are fixed. Fixed costs are those which you cannot easily contr... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Staying in contact with friends made while on vacation: 2 of 13
I will never forget her. I was nine. She was ten. I was on a family vacation in Florida. She was visiting grandparents for the summer and had a summer pass to Disney World. From Space Mountain to Country Bear Jamboree we bounded and bonded. Our true love was confirmed when our hands accidentally touched while riding on the Ma... More..
Relationships & Family > Children & Divorce Tips for helping children deal with divorce: 18 of 101
Withdrawal, depression, acting out or over achieving what kind of child displays these behaviors? Children of divorced parents. What are some signs to watch for in these children and how can you help them?Withdrawal and need for securityChildren of divorced parents long for security. Some will socially and emotionally withdra... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness Make it an earth-friendly holiday season: 6 of 33
The upcoming holiday season provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment. Though many see these holidays as a time to consume more, this year can be especially green if we consider some simple ways to recognize the reality of climate change in our holiday choices.In past holidays, piling into the famil... More..