Articles written by Vonda Sines - Page 3

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About me - Vonda Sines

I'm a writer and editor by profession. I've done both for more than 30 years. There's simply nothing else I would rather do. I also have a passion for animals and animal rescue.

My specialties include writing about animals, health and medical issues, and

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Education > Distance Learning How to select a distance learning program: 1 of 7
If you're a typical American, you'll find e-mails advertising a distance learning program in your inbox every week. They advertise everything from earning your GED to a graduate degree. Eight years ago, I found myself at the peak of my career but yearning for an early retirement. As a senior procurement official for a Federa... More..
Pets & Animals > Rodents Why guinea pigs make good pets: 2 of 13
If you're looking for a cute pet that won't claw your furniture or eat your sneakers, consider a guinea pig. Contrary to their name, these little guys aren't from New Guinea. And they're not really pigs. According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a guinea pig also known as a cavy - weighs... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Solving the U.S. national debt: 2 of 13
When I first read the figure of $700 billion for a proposed bailout, my eyes played a trick on me. I thought the print said $700 million. I have actually lost track of the final number to which this measure would rocket the national debt if passed. Once I realized I had missed some zeroes, I was puzzled. Then I got mad. I ha... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing & Rating at Helium Tips for organizing writing time: 2 of 12
Prolific writers all have one thing in common. They have more trouble pulling themselves away from their writing than they do getting started each day. When you're just about to kill your heroine or have finally hit on the lead of a non-fiction piece you're pretty sure you can sell, it's awfully hard to remove your hand from... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Summer Camps & Fun Outdoor activities for kids: Easy ways to get your child to spend time outside: 2 of 12
It seemed summers were much longer when I was growing up than they are today. I spent most of each day outside the house, either playing with other neighborhood children or helping relatives in their gardens or on their farms. If I needed to take books back to the public library, I walked the mile and a half each direction d... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Saving money at Costco and Sam's club: 1 of 6
Wondering how much you really save at warehouse clubs? According to an article in the Spring 2007 issue of Consumer Reports Shopsmart magazine, their prices are up to 63 percent less than average prices in supermarkets, drugstores, and other stores. To get the best bargains at stores like Costco and Sam's Club, you have to k... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending Money-saving ideas: Tips for saving money when eating out: 1 of 6
It's a special time that you really want to celebrate. Maybe it's a great report card, a friend's promotion or the birth of a child. Eating out is the first thing that comes to mind, but can you afford it? During an economic crunch, one of the best ways to save money is curbing discretionary food spending. If a family member... More..
Relationships & Family > Marriage & Divorce (Other) Can second marriages work?: 1 of 6
Because the United States has evolved over the last 50 years to a country where serial marriages are common, a better way to pose the questions is, "Do second marriages work?" The short answer: some do, some don't. Although I am happily remarried, it's impossible to overlook the dismal statistics that suggest a second or sub... More..
Sports & Recreation > Sports & Recreation (Other) The most memorable horses in the Kentucky Derby: 1 of 6
She's the National Treasure of American thoroughbred racing. She's 30 years old, heavier than in her racing days. But she's teaching the youngsters headed for the track a thing or two about manners and pecking order. Genuine Risk remains the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner. She was only the second filly to win the Kentuc... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Adoption Should adoption by those over age 50 be permitted?: 1 of 6
The most unselfish answer I could offer to this question is a negative one. As someone who just turned 60, I realize that for every plus associated with adopting beyond the age of 50, there are at least 2 minuses. If you stopped me on the street to ask the question, I would insist that it depends on the prospective parent. O... More..