Articles written by Les Jacobs - Page 2

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About me - Les Jacobs

An experienced reporter and editor who has worked for the Economist Intelligence Unit, Foreign Trade magazine, ChinaOnline.com and several trade publications - including CompuTrade International - I have been freelancing for the past several years, providing

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Arts & Humanities > Fantasy & Science Fiction Has the fantasy genre become stagnant?: 5 of 29
That such a question is even asked speaks to the despair fantasy fans have been experiencing ever since the "golden age" of this genre passed, that of great writers like J.R.R. Tolkien ("Lord of the Rings"), Ursula K. LeGuin (the "Earthsea" series) and Mary Stewart ("The Arthurian Saga"). I experienced this despair myself, a... More..
Arts & Humanities > Helium Dos & Don'ts How to market your Helium article: 2 of 11
You've written what you feel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece and posted it on Helium. After e-mailing friends and family and talking about your article on your blog, what more can you do to boost viewership? Here are a few things I do: CONTACT MANUFACTURERS If you mention any products by name in your articles, be sure and ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > People in the News Controversial radio host Don Imus: Should he be fired for his remarks?: 21 of 110

Don Imus' remarks help create an atmosphere of intolerance. Those of Bernard McGuirk, the executive producer of his show, do too. For that reason, both Imus and McGuirk should be fired. On April 4, 2007, Don Imus referred to members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team as "nappy-headed ho's" on his nationally sy... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Styles (Other) The unique joys and challenges of stay-at-home dads: 3 of 15
For me the challenges far, far outweighed the joys, at least for the first year. I'm a stay-at-home dad of triplet boys who are now two and a half. What made the first year so tough was that we didn't think it would be so difficult to care for triplets. My wife's mother came to stay with us the first month and we thought thr... More..
Entertainment > Television (Other) Is So You Think You can Dance better than American Idol?: 1 of 5
I have watched both "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" for several years now and I find myself growing more bored of the former and more riveted by the latter. Here are 10 reasons why: 1. "So You Think You Can Dance" has better stage performances than "American Idol." The reason for this is simple: there is mus... More..
Computers & Technology > Peripherals & Accessories How to add a second monitor to your PC: 1 of 5
Using two monitors instead of one can save you a lot of time, especially if you find yourself flipping back and forth between two applications. With two screens to work with, you can keep two applications up and running and immediately access both of them, without having to minimize one each time. Here's how to add a second ... More..
Style & Beauty > Makeup Are women more attractive without makeup on?: 16 of 65
Women are almost always more attractive when they wear makeup. Why? Because, when applied properly, makeup accentuates a woman's best facial features and deemphasizes her flaws. This makes a woman more beautiful. A case in point is Cameron Diaz. Compare how she looks in "Something About Mary" (where she wears makeup) and "Be... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) Acquired taste: Learning to appreciate opera: 3 of 12
You already love opera, you just don't know it yet. Some of the most beautiful music you've heard is actually from operas. To learn to appreciate this art form, the first step is to see productions that include pieces you like. Take music you hear in ads, for example. The theme to many British Airways commercials is the beau... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Is the digital divide actually widening?: 2 of 8
The "digital divide" has actually been narrowing, not widening, and for a very simple reason: technology is now cheaper and more widely available than ever before. Remember when a desktop computer cost upwards of US$2000? You can now buy a brand name laptop at Costco for under US$350, and if you don't have a computer you can... More..
Politics, News & Issues > People in the News Why Don Imus show had to be cancelled: 1 of 4

I don't think Don Imus is a racist. I also don't think he meant to be offensive when, on April 4, 2007, he called members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed ho's" on his nationally broadcast radio show. I also give Bernard McGuirk, executive producer of Imus' show, the benefit of the doubt when h... More..