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AMERICAN TRIVIA: A CAPITAL IDEA

 

May 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.
 
A Capital Idea
 
Ironically, the only president who didn’t live in Washington was Washington. During George Washington’s administration the nation's capital was situated in Philadelphia.

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EARTHTALK®: E - THE ENVIRONMENTAL MAGAZINE

 
 
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss 
 
This week’s topics: 
 
1) The Gulf of Mexico two years after the BP oil spill
2) Lead in aviation fuel

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve seen a lot of warm and fuzzy TV ads, some sponsored by BP Oil, urging me to vacation in the Gulf of Mexico. But are things really “back to normal?”    -- Paul Shea, Dublin, OH

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AMERICAN TRIVIA: THE SUPREME LAW OF OUR LAND

 
May 18, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

 


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EARTH TALK® E - THE ENVIRONMENTAL MAGAZINE

 
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss 
 
 
May 17, 2012  (Escondido) -- Dear EarthTalk: I understand there is an effort underway to allow all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motorbikes, motorboats and other motorized vehicles into wilderness areas, which would overturn a long-standing ban. What’s behind this?                 -- Harry Schilling, Tempe, AZ

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DREAM DOGS: LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES

 
May 16, 2012 (Blossom Valley) -- Coco the Teacup has a chocolate lab look, but I am sure is a Chihuahua mix at only 9 pounds, and is the perfect fun little dog. Coco has wonderful house manners, sleeps quietly in a crate, never shows aggression towards other dogs or kids..but most of all...he is the coolest little guy I have had the pleasure of exiting from the shelter!

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SYLVIA’S SOAPBOX: WHO CHEATS IN ELECTIONS? VOTERS OR MASTERMINDS BEHIND THE MACHINES?

 

By Sylvia  Hampton
 
May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- Thirty states (not California) have enacted laws that require a photo-ID in order to vote. These laws are a violation of the Voting Rights Act and are unconstitutional, so they are always challenged in court. But right now---for this election, meet a woman in South Carolina: an 82 year old black woman who has been a registered voter in South Carolina since the Voting Rights Act was passed into law, has no government issued photo ID because she has always used public transportation and her birth certificate, (tucked into the family Bible) from Mississippi was lost in a fire---so she can’t vote.

 


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PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: CAMPING, MOI?

 
By Sharon Courmousis
 
May 14, 2012 (Boulevard)--“A little dust won't kill you”, said my parents as we packed up for the family camping trip. Being the oldest of four and an obedient child, I did resolve to have a miserable time. My pout lasted all of eight minutes after we arrived. Gosh! The rocks I collected were every one more beautiful than the last. We four kids ran off into the desert with admonitions, "Watch out for the snakes" fading fast. Middle brother muttering, "Why would I want to see snakes?" Oldest brother and I grinning, "Let's find some!". Youngest brother whining, "I'm gonna tell if you touch one!"  

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AMERICAN TRIVIA: OUR NATION'S BIRTHDAY

 

May 11, 2012 (San Diego) --San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

 


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LIFE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: DREAM A BIG DREAM


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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: THE BUCCANEER STOPS HERE


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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: HUNTING HIGH AND LOW


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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: EXPERIMENT IN GENDER


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MARKETING MATTERS: MARKETING WITH EVENTS

 
Tips and Tricks for Business Success and Growth
 
by Rama Beerfas
 
May 4, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –  A powerful marketing tool that can elicit tremendous results when planned correctly, or can cause unexpectedly bad ramifications, is event marketing. This can be anything from an open house to a party to a sponsored stage event to a pop-up sampling and more.

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AMERICAN TRIVIA: IT'S A GRAND OLD FLAG

 
May 4, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

 


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AMERICAN TRIVIA: HOW AMERICA GOT ITS NAME

 
April 27, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

 


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SYLVIA’S SOAPBOX: THE WAR ON POOR AND NEEDY WOMEN ONLY; THE REST OF US ARE FINE

 

By Sylvia Hampton
 
April 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--The current “war on women” is really nothing new. Like all wars, its root causes are money and power. Eve was blamed for the “fall of man” in the Bible so it was easy for the early Church to keep women “in their place” as temptresses and troublemakers. Which meant that it was OK for the men to have all the power and control all the money. But the one thing they could not control was the key to the future---childbirth. And so women are today, as usual, fighting to control when they will become pregnant and have children. Especially if they have little or no money. How dare they.

 


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BIRD TALK: THE DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

 

By Greg Dunne
                                                
April 27, 2012 (Lake Jennings) –The Cormorant is a silly bird. That’s what I named my favorite photograph of the Cormorant, which I  entered in the Lake Jennings photo contest.  My photo received an honorable mention and will receive a ribbon, which I will proudly display on my desk. Before I provide more information on Cormorants—including why they are silly birds-- I would like to mention a few words about the rangers and staff at Lake Jennings. 

 


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HOME VIDEO HERALD: ...TICK...TICK...TICK... (DVD)


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HOME VIDEO HERALD: MONEYBALL (DVD)


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REVAMPING THE RADIO DIAL: MORE LOCAL PROGRAMMING ON THE HORIZON

San Diego Community Radio Project also gets set to launch from Descanso; seeks funds and volunteers
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
April 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –“Every once in a while, government does something that is not only good news, but refreshing,” local author and former public radio producer Walter Carlin said of last month’s decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open the airwaves up for community radio stations, rather than reserving that space for mega-networks with concentrated ownership and opinion-shaping power.
 
The decision, however, presents a new challenge, Carlin notes. “Can and will local radio respond?”

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KELLY'S TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PACKING

 
A color-coordinated wardrobe with pieces that mix and match, allows each item in your suitcase to do double duty. Dress in layers so you can adapt to changing temperature. Utilize accessories! 

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DREAM DOGS:LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES

 
April 16, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Our little Australian Terrier is doing great learning "On Your Bed". He needs  a best friend to play ball and cuddle with. He's a 10 pound, 2 years old sturdy little guy. He is neutered and has all his shots. Another fun little guy! He would love to be the center of your universe! His goal in life is to stay as close to you as he can to his owner. This little guy seems to almost be able to read my mind. He knows what is right and wrong and does everything he can to please his owner.

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ON THE SILVER SCREEN: "CABIN" FEVER

By Brian Lafferty

 

April 13, 2012 (San Diego) – The plot synopsis is the easiest part of writing film criticism. It’s also my least favorite. It puts a crimp on word counts; far too often I’ve had to jettison entire paragraphs of criticism to begrudgingly accommodate it.

 


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WILL POWER COLUMNIST WILLIAM SCHWENT FOUND DEAD

"Will Power `Bill' would be the first one to say, `Never, never, never give up the fight." -- Robert Schwent

April 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- It is with a heavy heart that we must inform our readers that William "Bill" Gerald Schwent has died of a "circulatory event", his family has informed ECM. 

Known to our readers as author of the acerbic and insightful "Will Power Report"  column, Will was found by his wife, Jan, around 3 a.m. this morning. 


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THE DOG BLOG: PRODUCTS THAT MAY HELP WHEN EXERCISING WITH FIDO

 

By Dawn Celapino
 
April 11, 2012 (San Diego)--Do you run with your dog?  How about kayak or surf?  I know that you don’t leave Fido at home while you are out having fun!  There is no reason not to include Fido into most of your outdoor exercise routines.  Exercising with your dog is not only fun but it creates a great bonding experience!

 


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AMERICAN TRIVIA

 
by Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh
 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diegans Richard Lederer and Caroline McCullagh are the proud parents of a bouncing baby book, American Trivia: What We All Should Know About U.S. History, Culture & Geography (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 2012). Over a span of a year, the co-authors will share with you their journey through American history. You can order inscribed and signed copies of the book by writing to richard.lederer@pobox.com.

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THE WILL POWER REPORT: SUPREME COURT SAYS “TAKE IT OFF!”

 
Nothing but the truth!
 
By Will Schwent
 
April 5, 2012 (San Diego)--Forget your license?  Have a misdemeanor warrant for unpaid parking tickets?  Make sure you have clean underwear. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that anyone arrested, even if in error, must be strip-searched. 

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MARKETING MATTERS: WHEN MORE IS NOT MERRIER

 
Tips and tricks for business success and growth
 
By Rama Beerfas
 
March 30, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –  I know a few business owners and sales people out there who seem to be addicted to the "expert" marketing or sales guru. They have made almost a religion out of following several different coaches or consultants through personal interaction and/or seminar attendance and/or reading of their books. Every piece of advice these experts dole out is absorbed like a sponge. While I applaud the enthusiasm behind this adulation, I have to wonder if these businesspeople are getting any positive benefit out of this approach. It seems to me that this is another case of too many cooks spoil the broth syndrome. 

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BIRD TALK: THE AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN

 
By Greg Dunne
                                                
March 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--  You might ask what a Pelican is doing inland at any of these East County Lakes: Lake Murray, Lake Jennings, Santee Lakes and Lindo Lake.  Most people associate Pelicans with the sea coast, as do I.  When I see Pelicans at La Jolla Cove it seems perfectly natural and there are always plenty of them to be seen.  Of the two species of Pelicans in our area, The Brown Pelican and the American White Pelican, it’s the American White Pelican that is frequently seen at and around our lakes in the East County.  

 


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THE DOG BLOG: RATTLESNAKE SEASON HAS BEGUN….

 
By Dawn Celapino
 
March 23, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Do you live in a rural area? Do you hike or camp with your dog?  If so, you have to be aware that there could be rattlesnakes or other poisonous snakes on and off of the trails and could even come into your yard or neighborhood. Do you know what your dog would do if he/she saw a rattlesnake? Many dogs inadvertently get bit by just sniffing in the bushes. Some are more curious when they see one and try to get closer to get a better look. Others are completely unaware and step right over top of them.

 


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