Articles written by Beth Szczepanski

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About me - Beth Szczepanski

I recently earned my PhD ethnomusicology at The Ohio State University (note the pretentious definine article). I live in Columbus with my husband, son, dog and two cats. I enjoy teaching music classes, reading and writing.

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Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Miss Conception: 1 of 11
The wacky things people do in order to reproduce these days can make for some pretty entertaining cinema. The most recent example is Baby Mama, which might not have been Oscar material but was at least funny. Miss Conception, on the other hand, tries too hard to be funny and falls flat on its fake British bum. In this movie,... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Care tips for long ear dogs: 1 of 9

A cocker spaniel's long, silky ears are cute and fun to play with, but they can also be prone to painful infections. A few simple preventative measures can help keep your floppy-eared friend healthy and happy.Anatomy of the Floppy Ear Dogs with long, heavy ears such as cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles are more susce... More..
Travel > United States Travel destinations: Table Rock Lake, Missouri: 1 of 8

Overexposure to old timey, Western-themed family entertainment is a serious concern for visitors to Branson, Missouri. Those finding themselves using "yahoo" in ordinary conversation might want to visit nearby Table Rock Lake, where fishing, boat rentals, hiking and fish hatchery tours offer an opportunity to reestablish a co... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Dog day care: 1 of 7

Running around playing with toys and chasing dogs sounds like a great way to spend a day. If you enroll him or her in doggy daycare, your dog can enjoy these activities every day when you go to work. Once considered a frivolous extravagance for pet owners with more money than they knew what to do with, these centers are now r... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Poetry analysis: The World is Too Much with Us, by William Wordsworth: 6 of 36
In his 1806 poem "The World is Too Much with Us," William Wordsworth laments that the material progress of the Industrial Revolution comes at the expense of humanity's connection with nature. When economic progress becomes the primary goal, humanity is left grasping for profits, the gaining of which leaves only spiritual bank... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Poetry analysis: The Owl and The Pussycat, by Edward Lear: 2 of 12

Nonsense is powerful stuff. Edward Lear's poem "The Owl and the Pussycat," which makes no literal sense whatsoever, has charmed its way into the hearts of children and adults since it was written in 1871. The cultural influence of this poem has been broad indeed; it has inspired musical compositions by composers such as Strav... More..
Travel > Asia Travel tips for visiting the Great Wall of China: 1 of 6

A visit to the Great Wall of China appears on many a "things to do before I die" list. This popularity is well-deserved-the wall stands as an awe-inspiring monument to human ingenuity, strength and fear of Mongol hordes. Visitors to the wall should, however, be aware that their romantic notions of taking in glorious vistas wh... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics in Asia North Korea diverts food aids to military: 1 of 6

A collision between politics and ecological realities leaves North Korea dependent on international food aid to prevent widespread famine. In the late 1990s, however, suspicions arose that North Korea was diverting food aid intended for the neediest portions of its populace and giving it instead to the military. These suspici... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking The Stairway to Heaven Loop hike in Hewitt, New Jersey: 1 of 6
Most Americans associate New Jersey with squalid urban jungles rather than with gorgeous natural scenery, but this is unfair. Away from its urban centers, the state features beautiful forests, hills and mountains that can best be enjoyed on foot. One of the best places for hiking in New Jersey is the Stairway to Heaven trail,... More..
Sports & Recreation > Hiking & Backpacking Hikes in Kettle Moraine State Park, Wisconsin: 1 of 5
Glacial activity has carved bowl-shaped valleys and scenic lakes into the landscape of Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Park. The park takes its name from the massive moraine, or glacial debris deposit, that provides the area with its hills and mountains. This moraine contained large pockets of ice, or kettles. When those ice... More..