Articles written by Michael Ray

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About me - Michael Ray

Born in November 1957, my life as a military brat had me living in Michigan, Washington, Japan, Ohio, New York and Germany. I joined the Air Force in 1978 as a morse code operator and continued moving to places like Texas, Mississippi, England, Florida and

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Education > Primary School (Other) Should the game of tag be banned on school grounds?: 2 of 38
In an age where obese children are constantly in the news there are those who would like to stop the only form of exercise some of these children get. At home, these kids are watching TV, playing games, eating and putting on the pounds. Yet there are those who would ignore this trend and take away the only form of physical ac... More..
Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes Tips for the aspiring karaoke host: 1 of 19
I went to karaoke shows for 3 years and never got up to sing. Finally, one day a friend of mine talked me into singing 'Ring Of Fire' by Johnny Cash with him and the singing bug bit. Soon I was hitting every show I could find, waiting for my chance to sing. That was when I realized that there were a lot of bad karaoke Jockeys... More..
Jobs & Careers > Employers Motivating employees: Is money or recognition more appreciated?: 4 of 39
Motivating employees, the recognition factor. While money has always been a strong motivational factor to work, recognition encourages individuals to do their best work.Why do we work? For the money. When we begin our job or career money is a large motivational factor. What keeps us in that job is knowing our work is apprecia... More..
Computers & Technology > Software (Other) Recommended freeware programs: 1 of 7
For every Windows default application there seems to be a freeware replacement. Why have these programs become so popular? Two reason, Obviously the first reason is because they're free. Secondly, many of them are better programs than the software installed with Windows.I always hated the way Windows Explorer defaults to 'My ... More..
Jobs & Careers > Starting Out Military service is the best option for starting a work career: Agree or disagree?: 3 of 14
I would like to point out that using the military service as a way to start a career doesn't always work. Recruiters may sign you up for a specific career field in whatever branch of service you try for, but the needs of the military not your personal choices, come first. Using myself as an example, we'll illustrate this poin... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Software & Utilities Product reviews: Windows XP SP2 Firewall: 2 of 8
Is the firewall that comes bundled with Windows XP sufficient protection for your computer? First we must understand what the purpose of a firewall is. According to Wikipedia: A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication. Or to put it... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Animal attacks: 4 of 15
We've seen it on the t.v. 'When Animals Attack'. When you mention this most people envision sharks, dogs, alligators, tigers, snakes, bears and chihuahuas trying to turn you into a meal. Hey it happens! But there's another kind of attack that is far more common and much more annoying. These are the love attacks.Love attacks g... More..
Computers & Technology > Phone Technologies & Issues Should hands-free devices be mandatory for drivers?: 9 of 28
Many debates have been made, both pro and con, on the use of hands free devices in automobiles. Both sides have good arguments and it would be easy for someone to be confused when making a decision. Todays technological world makes it impossible for some people to conduct business without a cell phone, PDA, notebook computer ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childhood Development Are children's habits learned from their parents?: 1 of 3
At one time a child's habits, moral values and beliefs were mainly influence by the parents. But as Bob Dylan so wisely put it 'The Times They Are A Changing'.It's early morning and the house is beginning to stir. Both Mom & Dad are getting ready for work, the kids preparing for the school day. Early morning is a hectic t... More..
Health & Fitness > General Health (Other) Tips for surviving the heat: 5 of 10
The sweltering heat of summer is upon us and many of us will be grabbing beer and soft drinks and heading for the old oak tree to cool down. It's not a bad idea, and I do it often myself. There are a few do's and don'ts when it comes to staying cool in the summer though. We get hot, we sweat. It's our body's way of telling us... More..