Search Results for: blog how to become a part of popular culture

The Plight of Burma – Part 1

I love Facebook. I have liked certain sites and every once in a while, a status gives me insight into things I either don’t know or haven’t thought of. Yesteday, it was a Mental Floss article about “modern” antiques, i.e. things today’s children have never seen. Boy, did I feel old when I saw #1 was a 45-rpm record adapter! However, today’s “Ah” moment on Facebook was not amusing. United to End Genocide posted that Burma has more child soldiers than any other country in the world. As a citizen of country where the majority of people try to protect … Continue reading →

Celebrity Vegans – Part 1

I have a confession to make – I am a meat lover. I know I need to eat more veggies and fruits, but I honestly don’t ever think I could go totally vegetarian. I love a good steak and burger every once in a while. I am curious about the vegan diet. Obviously if I couldn’t go straight vegetarian, I really couldn’t go straight vegan (give up cheese – gasp!). But, I eat at a local restaurant that serves vegan items and one day, I promise myself I am going to try it. However, there are many celebs who are … Continue reading →

Celebrity Moms Adopt – Part 1

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A few famous celebrity moms have recently adopted children. They are all at different stages in their life – one is married, one is in a same-sex relationship, and one is a single mother. Actress Katherine Heigl said adoption was always a part of her family plan, even as a little girl. Maybe that’s because she came from a family that adopted. Heigl grew up with her sister Meg, who was adopted from Korea three years before Heigl was born. She has said in interviews that she always wanted a family that resembled the one in which she grew up. … Continue reading →

Disco Loses Two Icons – Part 2

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Yesterday, I was talking about how disco fans took a terrible hit this week with Donna Summer and Robin Gibb both dying within a week. Robin Gibb had been having health issues as of late, including a blocked intestine and liver and colon cancer. Earlier this year, he contracted pneumonia and fell into a coma, before regaining consciousness, much to the amazement of his physicians. He died on May 20th, finally succumbing to his cancers. Robin Gibb, along with brothers Maurice and Barry, formed the Bee Gees in the ‘60s and found success with such songs as “Massachusetts,” “Words,” “Lonely … Continue reading →

When Reality TV Becomes Too Real

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I’ve never watched the reality show “Swamp People,” but I’ve heard about it. This week, one of the guys on the show died. Mitchell Guist, an alligator hunter, died Monday, just four days shy of turning 49. Someone reportedly saw him fall into the water after having what they described as a seizure, although the cause of death hasn’t been officially released. “Swamp People” has been showing on the History channel since 2010 and is currently in its third season. It covers the activities of several Louisianans who hunt alligators for a living. Mitchell and his brother Glenn have been … Continue reading →

Charlie Sheen’s Not the Only One to Lose His Mind – Part 1

Remember the good old days when Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan were what you talked about around the water cooler? Yes, we thought they were as low as a celebrity could go, but just when you think that, someone else comes along to lower the bar. Right now, that person is Charlie Sheen. As my husband said the other day, Sheen’s gone so whacko that he wouldn’t be surprised if Sheen showed up with a swastika carved into his forehead, a la another infamous Charlie (Manson for those who don’t get the joke). In case you missed the Sheen meltdown … Continue reading →

Most popular surnames in the United States

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Having a popular surname has it’s disadvantages when it comes to genealogy. As you put together your family tree, it can become difficult to discern between someone who is your relative, and someone who is not your relative, but does have the same last name as you do. This can be especially difficult if you happen to have one of the most common surnames in the United States of America. What are those names? According to census data from 1990, the tenth most popular surname in the United States is Taylor. This last name comes from English origin. It means … Continue reading →

What is Urban Agriculture? Part 2

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The other day, I was talking about urban agriculture in America through World War I. When the Great Depression hit in the U.S. in 1929, it hit hard and lasted about 10 years. During that time, many cities instituted what became known as relief gardens. These gardens, also called welfare garden plots, were used to not only feed people, but also take their minds off desperate times. In places like Detroit, city employees who still had jobs donated money to help finance the gardens. Soon, organizations such as the Family Welfare Society and Employment Relief Commission were formed to help … Continue reading →

What is Urban Agriculture? Part 1

When you think of farms, you usually think of rural areas, but urban farms are becoming much more popular. Urban agriculture, or urban farms, can involve growing, processing, and distributing food as well as raising and breeding livestock, aquafarming, agro-forestry, and horticulture. Why have urban farms? Well, for one, it offers city folks locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Some people also do it as a way to earn income and some even do it as a form of relaxation. Urban agriculture isn’t a new thing. As far back as 1893, vacant city lots were turned into urban farms. Such … Continue reading →

Popular Weight Loss Methods: Part Two

A diet that works is only successful as what you put into it. For different people different methods of weight loss plans work differently. The key to being successful on a weight loss program is all up to you. You have to find what works best for you and stick with it. Below are a few details of some more popular weight loss methods: • Atkins: Since 1972 the Atkins diet has been thriving. This diet is based on low carbohydrates. It is approximately 66 percent protein. There are four phases to the Atkins nutritional programs. • South Beach: This … Continue reading →