Articles written by Laurie Kaiser

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About me - Laurie Kaiser

A media junkie and consultant, Laurie Kaiser has worked as a a writer and editor for more than 25 years, most recently as founding editor of a successful regional home-remodeling magazine. She has written for newspapers, magazines and academic journals and

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Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Advantages of a recession: 7 of 105
I don't know about you, but this recession has been really good for me. While I might be in less-than-great shape fiscally, the recession is whipping me into shape physically. I'm guessing that, by the end of the recession, I'll have lost the 20 pounds my doctor has been nagging me about for the last 10 years, and I'll fit i... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Babies (Other) Are babysitting fees too high?: 1 of 7
What job is more important than nurturing a child? Those who care for the children of others-babysitters, day-care workers and teachers-are underpaid.Unfortunately, child care is seen as women's work, and what is viewed as women's work has traditionally been devalued. Even now, in this so-called enlightened era-whether men or... More..
Personal Finance > Investing Basics Investing in manufacturing companies: 2 of 8
While manufacturing has failed to grow for 16 consecutive months, hope glimmers on the horizon. In a report issued June 1, the Institute for Supply Management noted that, for the first time since Nov. 2007, the New Orders Index grew in May. New orders are considered a leading indicator of the manufacturing industry's economic... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Should you line dry your clothes or use an electric dryer?: 11 of 38

The clothes dryer is one of the home's biggest electricity consumers, drawing anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 watts of power, according to the US Department of Energy. Project Laundry List, a non-profit organization promoting air-drying laundry, says if Americans would use clotheslines or drying racks, the savings would be enoug... More..
Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Soothing your scalp with massage: 5 of 16
A therapeutic scalp massage is more than just a head rub. As with any massage, its purpose is to relax the muscles to reduce tension. A good scalp massage should create "the sensation that the world has been lifted off the brain," says Jannell Brown, a certified massage therapist.The benefits of such a massage include allevia... More..
Health & Fitness > Healthy Living & Wellness Do-it-yourself baby food: 7 of 19
Making your own baby food can be more economical and healthful than buying store-bought baby food in a jar. What's more, making your own baby food is easy! Your baby can eat some of the same foods you eat, thereby eliminating extra work. Plain whole foods, served mashed or pureed, are best. A blender, food processor or old-fa... More..
Business > Marketing Marketing your small business during the recession: 28 of 73
During recessionary economies, many businesses either eliminate or downsize their advertising budgets. When marketing your small business during a recession, think creatively.Take advantage of free advertising. Public relations should not be overlooked. Anytime your company reaches a milestone, makes a new hire or donates to ... More..
Travel > United States A local's guide to Cape Cod: 2 of 5
The danger in withholding the truth about a destination is that a visitor could be misled into spending hard-earned money traveling to a place that is very different from the one depicted in the brochures and magazines. Case in point: Provincetown on Cape Cod. It is a premier gay destination, and in the high season of summer,... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Common pitfalls to avoid in homeownership: 7 of 15
You've just bought a home - probably the largest investment you'll ever make - and you plan to make it all your own. Before you open your wallet, realize that home improvements generally cost thousands of dollars. Most homeowners often underestimate the cost of property upgrades and maintenance. It's wise to proceed with caut... More..
Home & Garden > Real Estate (Other) Chula Vista, California, real estate guide: 1 of 1
If you felt shut out of San Diego's real estate market, you might now be pleasantly surprised by the area's affordability. Since the economic downturn, San Diego County home prices have fallen within reach of many buyers. Chula Vista, a community just seven miles south of downtown San Diego, offers some of the best deals in t... More..