Friday, December 28, 2012

Grand Magazine's Featured Columnist GRANDmom Extraordinaire!

Well, it's official!

I am now a featured columnist with Grand Magazine, GRANDmom Extraordinaire.

www.grandmagazine.com

Check it out.

You can click on my name and read all my articles.

I welcome your comments.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Before You Begin Direct Sales

Check out the print copy of

The Dollar Stretcher, December 2012 issue

I welcome comments of print copy subscribers.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Salt Lake City, article in News-Gazette, 11/25/12, travel section

Local folks:

Check out my article in the travel section of the Sunday November 25, 2012

Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/travel/2012-11-25/salt-lake-city-genealogy-and-so-much-more.html

about visiting

Salt Lake City

I welcome your comments

Friday, November 23, 2012

Making Money by Blogging

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12nov26c.cfm#.UK_y_ofAe8A

Check out my latest

Dollar Stretcher article

about blogging.

I welcome your comments.

www.stretcher.com

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving from Generation to Generation


A Very Quirky Thanksgiving

A holiday poem by Debra Karplus

Snuggled up, the six of us, In Dad’s gas-guzzling car,

The drive to Aunt Florence’s seemed incredibly far.

 

Grandma was there, and as always, Aunt Rose, too

The routine was the usual and we all knew what to do.

 

When we arrived the windows were steamy, as courses of mediocre cuisine

were served to thirteen of us, chattering about nothing of significance, in between.

 

The radiator clanked, as blue-green parakeet Tipi the bird

Was let out of his tall vertical cage, but no one complained or said a word.

 

Uncle George shared hair-raising tales of his cigar store on Chicago’s south side.

After eating, he’d pop out his dentures, as he smiled real wide.

 

Bessie and her hubby, clumsily but proud, demonstrated the latest dance steps they’d learned.

And a brand new real-to-real tape recorder captured every word.

 

The ride home cozy cuddling against Mom’s thick furry coat was divine.

As Dad navigated traffic along Chicago’s Lake Shore drive.

**

A generation later the event moved up north

To the condo clubhouse in Glenview, hosts Mom and Dad came forth.

 

The younger generation gave a freshness and vitality to turkey day.

More guests yet less work, sharing tasks was a much fairer way.

 

The video cam engraved in time, rap songs that were written, then sung

And of course the family pyramid, the youngest kids balanced on the top rung.

 

There’s now four generations, as the family has grown so much.

Thanksgiving Day celebrations now have a scattered  touch.

 

The newest fifty-somethings with growing families of their own

Are hosting the November holiday in their respective homes.

 

We’ve come full circle with steamy windows and homemade food.

Gathered in a home enjoying the celebratory mood.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Become a Mystery Shopper

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12nov19h.cfm#.UKkl9ofAe8A

The Dollar Stretcher

has just published my article about Becoming a Mystery Shopper

Check it out at www.stretcher.com


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Your Grandchild with a Developmental Disability

Check out my latest article in Grand Magazine

www.grandmagazine.com

about Developmental Disabilities

I welcome your comments.

http://www.grandmagazine.com/news/2012/11/your-grandchild-with-a-developmental-disability/

Friday, November 9, 2012

Genealogy with your Grandchildren

http://www.grandmagazine.com/news/2012/11/climbing-your-family-tree-with-your-grandchildren/

Check out my latest article in Grand Magazine

www.grandmagazine.com

about genealogy with your grandchildren

I welcome your comments.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, travel section, 11/4/12

Local readers:

Check out the travel section (F-6) of the News Gazette, 11/4/12 Sunday.

I hope you enjoy my article about visiting the Lake Superior area.

I welcome your comments.

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/travel/2012-11-06/places-visit-are-just-well-superior.html

Monday, October 22, 2012

Reading on the Cheap!

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12oct22e.cfm

My latest article in

Dollar Stretcher

www.stretcher.com

Check it out!

I welcome your comments.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Online Calculators


Online Calculators
Valuable Financial Decision-Making Tools
By Debra L. Karplus, MS

Financial decisions can be mind-boggling at times.  Whether you are shopping for a mortgage or auto loan with competitive interest rates and affordable monthly payments, checking out insurance quotes with reasonable premiums, trying to select the credit card that works best for your family, putting together a household budget with optimal spending power, or operating a small, hopefully profitable, business, it’s often tough to make the right choices.  But online calculators make these options so much easier to sort through, as you can create different scenarios simply by entering new figures.

Calculating borrowing options just became easier.

Whether you are moving to a new residence or looking to finance or refinance a home, take out a home equity loan or finance a new or used car, online calculators, such as the ones on The Dollar Stretcher website, transforms this seemingly intimidating task this into a simple, sometimes fun, activity.   Some tools are even specific to the state where you live and will obtain your loan.

Selecting the best credit card and controlling debt are just a click away using online calculators. 

Everyone’s credit card usage and needs vary.  Whether you desire low interest rates, no annual fee, cash back rebates, airline mileage, gasoline discounts, merchandise rewards, or balance transfers, you can type in the variables and find a credit card that best suits your lifestyle and spending habits.  It’s that easy!

Growing your nest egg can be planned sensibly with calculators online.

You are trying to become move knowledgeable at investing and saving.  Maybe you are shopping for certificates of deposit (CDs) in your area so that you can have fixed rate returns within a specific time frame.  Or possibly someone in your family is college-bound and you are borrowing money for a student loan or researching 529 college savings plans for you child or grandchild’s education.  Or possibly you are doing retirement planning for yourself and your spouse.  These tools, too, are available and easy to use. 

Operating the financial aspects of your small business is much more manageable.

Your business certified public accountant (CPA) or consultant might as well be speaking Chinese when discussing financial ratios, margins and percentages for your small business. But you can become much savvier with these terms by using one of the many small business online calculators.  Current ratios, quick ratios, debt to assets, return on assets, gross profit margin and operating profit percent are all easily calculated and manipulated using different scenarios, with these simple online tools.
Number-crunching for your home of small business can be intimidating at times.  But, it’s not worth stressing over it.  Get online and play with any of the helpful online calculators and give yourself some peace of mind.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Help with Home Repairs


Government Help with Home Repairs
By Debra L. Karplus, MS

You’ve been living in your home for awhile.  It seems that every time you cross off a task on your to-do list, you notice more things that need fixing.  A loose gutter has created a soft spot in the roof where squirrels have gotten in and chewed electrical wiring; the dining room ceiling now has a wet spot under the upstairs toilet that frequently overflows.   It feels like an uphill battle and can become overwhelming at times, emotionally, financially and time-wise. 

Not to worry!  Your rescuer may be just a click or phone call away. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has numerous programs that provide grant or low-interest or deferred-interest loans to Americans residing in certain locales.  Despite the tough economy of the past few years, many components of these home repair programs are still thriving. Typically managed at the local or state level; the best place to start is to contact city hall.

 A variety of valuable home repair programs are available.

Some programs are income or need-based, in combination with family size.  But, according to the charts that determine eligibility, you may be poorer than you think!  In this situation, that’s very good news.  As many Dollar Stretcher readers know, people can live very comfortably despite being considered “low income.”

Known as target areas, homes in specific neighborhoods are sometimes eligible for government-funded renovation programs.  Many programs bring your home up to local building codes; this is especially helpful with older homes that may have plumbing or electrical systems that are inefficient or outdated, making replacement parts difficult to find.  HUD also has programs designated for senior citizens, typically persons over sixty-two years old, and for people with disabilities.  And the good news is the homeowner usually gets to make choices about where things go, such as electrical outlets, or what colors to use, such as in exterior painting, as well as a choice of approved contractors.

Some home repair programs are more extensive than others.

Emergency home repair programs can help if you have a problem that can damage your house such as a leaky roof or a non-functioning furnace.  Your city may have HUD money available for this program.  Before you call a contractor or head to the home improvement store, see if this program exists in your area.  Perhaps you are eligible!

Full home rehabilitation projects tend to be fairly extensive, involving perhaps twenty-five thousand -dollars worth of renovation in the form of a grant or deferred-interest loan.  These programs will address code issues such as electricity, plumbing, heating, structural problems, as well as problems related to lead-based paint.  Once you get the paperwork started with a specialist employed by the city, they will do a thorough inspection to determine what improvements need to be made.  Separate structures such as detached garages, sheds, and fences, or trees and landscaping, may not be eligible.

First-time homebuyers, seniors or people with disabilities may benefit from free or low-interest government programs, too.

In the past, the federal government has helped first-time home buyers with a tax credit.  This recent tax advantage on your Individual 1040 Tax Form is different than the Homebuyers Assistance Program that may be available where you live.  Call your local Housing Authority, or city hall, to learn more.

Being a senior citizen who is a homeowner has many advantages.  Some municipalities manage government programs to assist older adults with home repairs.  Perhaps you or an elderly neighbor or family member could benefit from this service.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law in the early 1990s by President Bush, sets standards for accessibility.  Rental properties must meet certain specifications. But if you are the occupant of your own home and find yourself with a disability from a fall, injury or illness or medical condition, the government may have some grant or low-interest loan resources to eliminate barriers and modify your home’s layout with simple improvements such as porch railings, or more complex changes such as widening doorways and making bathrooms accessible.  Retro-fitting a house for a disability might make the different between being able to remain in the house versus moving to a different place.  Find out if your household may benefit from these kinds of programs.

Fixing up your home to make it more functional adds to the value of your property when you go to sell it; but perhaps more important, many home improvements contribute to a comfortable standard of living now, and to your physical and emotional well being.  Home repairs can become a major stressor.  But with the assistance of government programs that may be managed by your city, making your home more livable can become an affordable option. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

So Smart with Soybeans

Learn how to use soybeans in my article of the hard copy of

The Dollar Stretcher

October 2012 issue

I welcome your comments.

Finding Lower Airfares

The October 2012 issue of

The Dollar Stretcher

has been mailed

Check out my article entitled

Finding Lower Airfares

I welcome your comments.

(It's published under my pen name Lee Doppelt.)

Monday, October 8, 2012

Your Grandchild & Special Education: Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/10/your-grandchild-who-receives-special-education-services/

Check out grandmagazine.com

for my latest article about

Special Education

I welcome your comments

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Dirt on Composting

The Dollar Stretcher

September issue of newsletter is published

Check out my latest article, The Dirt on Composting

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Home Improvements in Champaign County - SK Service Corp

Fences, roofs, siding, windows and more

SK does great work!

call 217-398-4812

Monday, September 10, 2012

Broken by Hollee Trent

Check out the new novel on amazon.com by emerging author Hollee Trent.

Very impressive writing!

Tree work in Champaign County - Henry Mapson

Need someone to do professional tree work?

I highly recommend

Henry Mapson, 355-1590 or 390-2232

He is thorough, polite, tidy, affordable and fully insured and knowledgeable.



Monday, September 3, 2012

Wedding Planners - a way to save money on a wedding?

Check out my latest Dollar Stretcher article

Could a Wedding Planner Save Money?

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12sep03h.cfm#.UESjnNZlREM

I welcome your comments

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Finding Senior Discounts by Lee Doppelt

Check out the August 2012 issue of

The Dollar Stretcher Magazine

Finding Senior Discounts by Lee Doppelt (aka Debra Karplus)

I welcome your comments.

Working at Home - Dollar Stretcher Magazine, August 2012

The August issue of

The Dollar Stretcher Magazine

has arrived

Look my for article

Working at Home

 on pages 17 - 18

I welcome your comments.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Finding Cheap Airfares by Lee Doppelt

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12aug20g.cfm

Check out my latest article in

The Dollar Stretcher

I welcome your comments.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Pumice

The Many Uses of Pumice
by Debra Karplus
     Materials which occur in the natural world, opposed to man-made synthetics, are truly gifts to all living beings on earth.  Pumice is a type of rock with a wide variety of uses; from construction to cosmetic, the versatility of this stone is truly amazing.  Made from igneous rock, not sedimentary or metamorphic, pumice rock is full of holes and comes from volcanic rock, lava, and gases, and forms during explosive eruptions as it mixes with water and then cools quickly.  Because it is porous, pumice will float on water making it an interesting material to utilize.
     Commercially and in industry, pumice is a resource with a multitude of uses.  Because pumice mixes well with other materials, it is sometimes used to make a lightweight concrete or it can be added to cement.  It is often used as an abrasive in various types of polishes, and is also an ingredient used in the manufacturing of pencil erasers.  Some sources state that as far back as ancient Roman times, innovative uses for pumice rock were discovered.
     Don’t be surprised if you find pumice stone packaged and shelved on a visit to the grocery, pharmacy cosmetic department, or hardware store, also.  Pumice stones are commonly used as exfoliates to assist in shedding excess dry skin. Because it is a mild abrasive, pumice is finely ground as an ingredient in many tooth pastes, and is in heavy-duty hand cleaners often sold commercially as lava soap. Additionally, pumice aids in the production of stone-washed blue jeans, those faded pants that appear to be aged but are purchased as new, never-worn clothing.
     Natural resources must always be treated with respect.  Geologists are working diligently to learn to understand and experiment with more possible applications for lava rock such as pumice; traditional Chinese medicine claims that pumice has many healing qualities.  Perhaps someday, mainstream modern medical practices in America will discover and embrace new uses for pumice to supplement current commonly-used treatments.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Number Two Pencils

Number Two Pencils are the Number One Choice
by Debra Karplus
     For most of the years that a student is in school, from kindergarten through senior year in high school, pencils, specifically number 2 pencils, are on every school supply list each year.  So, why are number 1 or number 3, or some other type of pencil not acknowledged by educators?   The pencil numbering system grades the firmness of the writing part of the pencil.  People assume that pencils are made from lead, but the part of the pencil that makes the mark is actually graphite, a mineral that comes from a rock rich in carbon. 
     There’s a worldwide system that grades the hardness of the pencil, 9H being the hardest; 8H is less hard and so no, down to F, a medium grade pencil.  The pencils get softer on the B scales, with 9B being the softest writing pencil.  In the United States, the grading system is less precise; number 1 pencils are the softest, number 4 are the hardest, with numbers 2, 2 1/2, and number 3 as medium grade softness pencils.
     Number 2 pencils are the most commonly used in everyday life, in offices and schools, and for answering questions on standardized tests that are machine-graded and specifically recognize the marks of number 2 pencils for scoring.   Number 1 pencils are frequently and are used by artists.  Their softness allows for technique, especially utilized by people for sketching, which is difficult to accomplish with the
     Number 4 pencils have their value with engineers, architects and other professionals who perform designing and drafting; the hardness of these pencils allows for very sharp lines.   Though the dissimilarity between the different grades of pencil may appear subtle to the novice, experts can immediately recognize the differences when tending to a task.  If you have the opportunity to experiment with a number 4 or number 1 pencil, you, too, may notice the difference in the hardness and precision of the marks they create.




Museum of Jurassic Technology

Museum that will keep you Wondering
by Debra Karplus
     Is a trip to the Los Angeles area located in scenic and sunny southern California in your plans?  The Getty Museum, Disneyland, Hollywood Bowl, studio tours, and the numerous recreational activities at the expansive stretch of beach, such as swimming and boating, are popular tourist spots.  But, The Museum of Jurassic Technology will spark your curiosity; it’s definitely worth putting at the top of your vacation to-do list.  Easily reached by the city’s public buses, the unassuming, unpretentious museum building on Venice Boulevard is located in a commercial neighborhood beside restaurants and shops.    
     When you ponder what you might discover at a Jurassic museum, you typically imagine dinosaurs or perhaps sites representative of the geologic Jurassic period that existed about one million years ago.  The museum name is perhaps a misnomer.  The museum professes to be one of natural history rather than science or art; but as you saunter through the two-story building you will likely feel challenged to notice a commonality between the many intriguing exhibits.
     The museum’s website claims that it is an educational institution whose mission is to advance knowledge and public appreciation of the lower Jurassic period, by serving as a specialized repository for relics and artifacts.  There are numerous fascinating permanent exhibits such as the fruit-stove carving or the Horn of Mary Davis of Saughall.  The many temporary exhibits like the Floral Stereo radiographs of Albert G. Richards or the exhibit entitled The World is Bound with Secret Knots will captivate your attention.
     You’ll be curious before you attend the Museum of Jurassic Technology, but perhaps more puzzled after your visit to this obscure, off-the-beaten-path treasure.  The arbitrariness of the collections at this relatively unknown Los Angeles resource will stimulate thought-provoking conversation long after you return home from your visit.  It’s enjoyable and satisfying to explore places that are commonly visited, but vacationing in relatively unusual spots can be truly entertaining and guaranteed to create many fine long-lasting memories.

Mobiles

The Wonderment of the Mobile and Alexander Calder 
by Debra Karplus
     You may have noticed an alert and playful infant entertained, amused, and intrigued by a colorful mobile mounted within reach above the baby crib.  The child might have been cooing contentedly while examining, batting at, and manipulating the components of the mobile overhead as they twirled lazily.  Much more than just a baby plaything, the mobile is actually an art form, known as kinetic art, which originated in France around 1913.
      This type of specialized three-dimensional moving sculpture gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s.  The main characteristic of mobiles is their suspended moveable components which seem to float, and must be very carefully balanced to facilitate proper movement. Mobiles can be made from a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.  Air currents from the wind or other source, or motor power such as a fan or blower can be utilized to set their parts in motion; kinetic art is different from other types of sculptures because of this movement.
     American sculptor of the 1930s, Alexander Calder was masterful with his three dimensional artistic masterpieces. Though he produced jewelry, tapestries, painting, lithographs, miniature wire circus figures, non-moving sculptures referred to as stabiles, and art using various materials, the creations that perhaps brought Calder the most fame were his mobiles.  The National Gallery of Art in Maryland displays some of his work; but other museum, such as the American Visionary Art Museum in Boston, also have extensive collections of kinetic art. 
     With supplies you may already have, you can design and assemble your own simple inexpensive mobile by using a metal coat hanger or firm wire to support the mobile, paper for the moving components, and string or yarn to hang these parts.  There are books, websites, and videos that provide specific ideas and instructions for making your own mobile at home.  Mobiles have become more innovative since the early kinetic masterpieces of Alexander Calder and his contemporaries.


    

Friday, August 10, 2012

Animal Photography

Animal Photography Tips by Debra Karplus
     The photographs of animals in books and magazines and images of animals in motion on television or in movies are fascinating.  Have you ever wondered how professional photographers capture the beauty of living beings from the animal kingdom? Expert animal photographers have mastered the skills required for some of the most challenging jobs such as photographing active beasts in the wild.  Though a technical or four-year college degree in photography from a university or specialized art school is advantageous, many successful animal photographers have become accomplished artisans without formal training.
     The pros recommend a zoo as the perfect location to observe the habits of animals and practice shooting them with a camera.  Fast shutter speed is essential for taking pictures of animals in motion  Film cameras used by the experts, opposed to digital cameras,  typically provide more options including selection of a quicker shutter speed, and a tripod is necessary for stabilizing the camera.  The pros always use a zoom lens so that the animal’s eyes will appear in every photo; they avoid using a flash as that might frighten the creature.
     Expert animal photographers always plan in advance what they desire to capture on film.  They know that animals are less active between eleven o’clock in the morning and three in the afternoon, so they have the gumption to wake early to capture the most desirable images.  Since they have studied specific animal’s behavior on site, such as an animal that startles easily, they can anticipate the optimal time and place for creating a superb photo. They are willing to be very patient and demonstrate perseverance by taking numerous photos to assure the optimal composition.
     Professional photographers avoid placing their own safety at risk when photographing animals, in any setting.  By becoming familiar with the habits of a living being they can choreograph their movements and position to create the perfect photo composition without danger.  Their tips are apropos for every aspiring animal photographer.

    
    

    
    

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Solar Heating

The Sunny Side of Solar Heating
Can solar heating your home save you money?
By Debra L. Karplus

 “I was too early on solar power—let’s not be too late”, states Robert Redford, well-known actor, director and environmental activist.   Redford appears to have a clear perspective on home heating needs for today.  Solar heating is a concept whose time has perhaps arrived, in this era of the world’s diminishing natural resources and individual’s evaporating savings. 

If you live in an area where the weather can sometimes become uncomfortably hot, you may have heard people joke that “it’s so hot you can fry eggs on the sidewalk”.  Probably you’ve never actually seen or heard of someone trying to prepare food in this seemingly absurd way, but in reality, solar energy, that is, energy from the sun, has been used for centuries.  Your grandmother may have dried the bed sheets on a clothesline on sunny days or possibly dehydrated food to preserve it by using the powerful heat of the sun.  Today the technology is more sophisticated than in the years past.

Passive and active solar heating are the two methods for heating your home from the sun’s energy.

The basic concept of solar heating is simply that solar energy is converted into useful energy that can be used for home heating. Like most any methods for heating your home, it works most efficiently when the home has adequate insulation.  Passive solar heating can be direct or indirect and takes advantage of the local climate, using sunlight without mechanical systems; thus the name “passive”.

Active solar heating captures the sun’s energy, solar radiation, collects it, and absorbs it using a system specifically designed to actively solar heat your home. It uses solar panels called photovoltaic (PV) cells.  You may have noticed these funny-looking large rectangular window-like pieces sitting above the roof of a house in your neighborhood.  There are other components to this mechanical system, some installed outside and some installed inside the house near your current furnace, that heat the liquid or air that is absorbed in solar panels.  Besides these components to the system, you’ll need a thermostat for indoors that is more complex that the device you currently use for your indoor gas heat.  An active solar heating system can provide about forty to eighty percent of your home’s heat.

Your system should be professional installed by experienced experts trained in active solar training.  

You can search the Internet to locate installers in your area.  Some companies that deal in home heating and air conditioning systems also have the materials and the skill to install an active solar heating system in your home.  Or ask someone in your community who uses solar heating, for some recommendations of competent installers.

What specific materials you need for your home varies dependent on you climate, house size and its design.  Expect initial costs to be approximately thirty to eighty dollars per square foot, several thousand dollars for the system, installed with a warranty, perhaps ten years, on labor and parts.

There are some minimal ongoing costs to keep your active solar heating system operating properly.
The yearly cost of maintaining your system should be notably cheaper than your expense to exclusively heat your home with a gas furnace.  The company that installs your system should be able to provide service to inspect it annually.  They should inspect system parts, look for leaks, and carefully scrutinize the condition of your roof.

Before installing an active solar heating system for your home, you should consider a few other logistical issues.

Contact your city or county office to be certain that your solar heating system will be in compliance with local municipal building and zoning codes.  Check to see if your roof has the capacity to handle the heavy load of solar panels.  Also, be certain that the company that manages your home owner’s insurance knows about the system and will insure it.  Finally, peruse the website of the Internal Revenue Service, IRS, at www.irs.gov to see if your solar system will be eligible for any tax credits on IRS form 5695, Residential Energy Credits that is filed with your IRS 1040 income tax form. 

Heating your home using solar energy is something your may want to explore in terms of feasibility and yearly savings.  There are numerous helpful websites that explain how solar heating works.  Or contact an installer in your area.  Solar heat may be the perfect way for you to stretch more dollars.




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Finding Free Firewood - a guide by Lee Doppelt

Now on amazon..com

Feminist's Guide to Finding Free Firewood: How I find Sticks in the City

by Lee Doppelt

check it out!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Fibonacci

Why Fibonacci Matters by Debra Karplus
     Theories by mathematicians typically have applications that are used simply to solve number problems. The Pythagorean Theorem, for example, is widely used by professionals, such as architects and engineers, to find the length of the hypotenuse of a right angle. But, one mathematician stands out for discovering a relationship between numbers that adds a sense of order to the world for living beings and everyday inanimate objects that seemingly appear to be arbitrary in design.
     Leonardo of Pisa, more commonly known as Fibonacci, was the mastermind of the Fibonacci sequence, or Fibonacci spiral.  An Italian living from 1170 to 1250, Fibonacci discovered a number pattern that existed throughout the universe; he discovered that if the last two numbers of the sequence which starts with zero, are added together, there’s a pattern that is present virtually everywhere. Using the Fibonacci sequence, zero plus one equals one, one plus one equals two, one plus two equals three, two plus three equals five, three plus five equals eight.  The sequence continues with thirteen, twenty-one, and to infinity. 
     In math, this number sequence creates what’s called a perfect rectangle; a square of each number such as five-by-five when added to the rectangle continues to make a rectangle.  But, what’s so special about this mathematics sequence is its presence in the natural world.    Examine the scales or the leaves of a pineapple, a pinecone, the petals of a rose, or a head of cauliflower; each of these creates a spiral that follows the numbers of the Fibonacci sequence.
     Beyond food and plants, the Fibonacci spiral can be observed on the length of the bones of the human hand and other human organs including the lungs.  Scientists claim that the planets and the entire galaxy have an inherent order that is explained by the Fibonacci sequence.  It is somewhat surprising that despite the universality of Fibonacci’s relationship of numbers Fibonacci is a relatively unknown name to students of mathematics and science.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Winning a Caldecott Award

Winning a Caldecott Award by Debra Karplus

     What do Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Ugly Duckling, and There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly have in common?  Indeed, they are old familiar tales, but each of these stories has emerged as a picture book over the past seventy-five years, that received a Caldecott medal or honor, a distinguished award with a bronze medal with the name and date of the recipient imprinted on it.  Since 1938, this annual recognition has been granted to well-known stories but mostly to those with far more obscure titles and adored by many children.
    Randolph Caldecott, a popular and quite influential nineteenth century British illustrator, predominantly of books and especially those written for children, was the inspiration for the Caldecott award.  Prior to the inception of the Caldecott award was the Newbery award in 1922, also granted yearly, for children’s literature. The Caldecott is specific to the illustrations of books for their visual excellence, books written for the young audience.
     There is a specific application process and criteria to select winners for this medal or for one of the honors, second place honorees, each year.   The applicant must be an American artist and the book being nominated must have been published during the previous year.  The Caldecott Award Selection Committee, managed by the American Library Association (ALA), is a panel consisting of fifteen members, judges who are also members of the Newbery Medal Committee.  The website for the Caldecott awards lists detailed guidelines for their selection decision.
     To receive a Caldecott medal or honor always gains the attention of schools, libraries, and bookstores; peruse the shelves of reading material at any of these places and you are certain to notice many books which display of Caldecott winner bronze colored emblem quite visibly on the cover.  Librarians and other professionals who regularly purchase books prefer Caldecott winners because of their high standards of excellence.  The status of being a Caldecott winner is clearly well-deserved.
      

Friday, July 13, 2012

Vegetarian Grandchildren - Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/07/what-can-your-vegan-grandchildren-eat/

I welcome your comments on my latest Grand Magazine article about

Vegetarian Grandchildren

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sari's latest film

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99PNF2N0lw0

If you enjoyed Little CEO 1, and Little CEO Riskier Business, then you will love Little CEO 3.

Check it out!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Grand Times at the Public Library - Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/07/grand-times-with-your-grandchildren-at-the-public-library/

I welcome your comments about my Grand Magazine article about the public library

Fun in Central Illinois with your Grandchildren - Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/07/fun-in-central-illinois-with-your-grandchildren/

Grand Magazine

my latest article

I welcome your comments

Girls Just Want to Have FUNDS - Grand Magazine

www.grandmagazine.com

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/07/girls-just-want-to-have-funds/

Check out my latest article about money management with your grandchildren.

I welcome your comments

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Much to Gain from a Rain Garden

article by Lee Doppelt

in the July 2012 issue of

The Dollar Stretcher Magazine

Hope you enjoy reading

Much to Gain from a Rain Garden.

Mealtime Magic with Molasses

Subscribers of the hard copy of the Dollar Stretcher Magazine

can read my  article

Mealtime Magic with Molasses

in the July, 2012 issue, just mailed!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Preparing for a Spelling Bee

     Spelling bees have been around since 1925, starting in the United States and spreading worldwide.  In recent years they have experienced a resurgent, in part, due to the media, books and movies about spelling bees.  Spelling bees combine the exciting, competitive spirit of sports with the world of academics.  Preparing for a spelling bee is a serious commitment and involves much training, not unlike preparing for a running marathon, practicing for the football team, giving an oral report from memory to a group, or getting ready for a violin recital.
     The E. W. Scripps National Spelling Bee, operated out of its Cincinnati, Ohio office, and partnered with Merriam-Webster, producers of the dictionary, manages spelling bees around the country.  They work with local public and private schools, and other organizations to standardize the spelling bee process.  A student interested in competing in the spelling bee needs to make sure that the school they attend is officially enrolled in the Scripps programs.  Additionally, Scripps has specific requirements for potential bee contestants regarding their age, grade and school status.
     Students who’ve had greatest success with spelling bees enjoy language and words, are masterful with prefixes and suffixes and are knowledgeable of Latin and Greek root words, and typically know the definitions of these words; they take pride in expanding their vocabulary while experimenting with new words.  They are familiar with Paideia, the list of thirty-six hundred words that are used by the bees for selecting words. Bee winners enjoy reading and word games, popular board games and interactive games online. 
     There are commercial products available that some participants choose for honing their spelling acumen, though there appears to be no correlation between students who utilize these programs and contest success.  Software can be downloaded for additional spelling bee practice.  And there are preparation courses that are offered to assist bee contestants fine-tune their spelling ability.  But perhaps the best preparation for any spelling bee is day-to-day attentiveness to word.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fun Homespun Activities - Grand Magazine

www.grandmagazine.com

Four Free Homespun Activities with your Grandchildren

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/4-fun-free-foxfire-inspired-homespun-adventures-with-your-grandchildren/

I welcome your comments

Introduce your Grandchild to Creative Writing - Grand magazine

I hope you will enjoy my latest article in Grand Magazine

www.grandmagazine.com

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/introducing-your-grandchild-to-creative-writing/

I welcome your comments!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/

Check out my article on grandmagazine.com

about Grandkids using Tools

I welcome your comments.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Save Money with a Motorcycle

Vroooommmmmmm

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jun25d.cfm

I welcome your comments about my Motorcycle article on

stretcher.com

The Dollar Stretcher.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Your Grandchild with Hyperactive Disorder

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/your-grandchild-with-hyperactive-disorder-adhd/

My new article on grandmagazine.com

Your Grandchild with ADHD

I welcome your comments

Your Grandchild with Asperger Syndrome

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/your-grandchild-with-asperger-syndrome/

My latest article on grandmagazine.com

Your Grandchild with Asperger Syndrome

I welcome your comments.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Don't let your Grandchildren Make you Sick - Grand Magazine

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/dont-let-your-grandchildren-make-you-sick/

I welcome your comments about my latest article on grandmagazine.com

Thanks!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Shop on amazon.com

Thank you for checking out my blog!

A new feature is that you can now "window shop" or make purchases on amazon.com, directly from this blogspot.

Just go to the amazon feature on the top right and search your book or other item.

Thanks for shopping at amazon.com

Monday, June 4, 2012

Things to do at Grandma's

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/06/five-fun-free-activities-to-do-at-grandmas-house/

My latest article in Grand Magazine

I welcome your comments!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Creative Concoctions in your own Kitchen

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Concoctions-your-Kitchen-ebook/dp/B0087TN4HW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338552655&sr=8-1

Available now on amazon.com

Turn your kitchen into a food factory.

I welcome your comments.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Seven Habits of Highly Frugal People

Subscribers of the hard copy of

The Dollar Stretcher

The June 2012 issue has just arrived

Seven Habits of Highly Frugal People

is my latest article

I welcome your comments.

Untangling your Jewish Roots: a Guide to Leaving your Legacy

Just published.  Amazon.com

Untangling your Jewish Roots

I hope you will read it

I welcome your comments

http://www.amazon.com/Untangling-your-Jewish-Roots-ebook/dp/B0087D3GJE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338851449&sr=8-1

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Mr. America Mirage, a novella by Lee Doppelt

It's here! Ready to read. See amazon.com for details

Mr. America Mirage


published under the name, author Lee Doppelt

I hope you will read it.

I welcome your comments.

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-America-Mirage-ebook/dp/B0085PH9DI/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337855103&sr=1-1

Friday, May 11, 2012

The Fifty-first State


The Fifty-first State – A Drive to Upper Peninsula Michigan
by Debra Karplus

Driving from the flatlands of Central Illinois to Marquette, Michigan, in the mitten-shaped state’s Upper Peninsula is an unforgettable journey for first-timers. The metamorphosis of landscape as one travels north will make you want to stop frequently to photograph the scenery or write journal entries in your travel diary. You probably won’t need your camera until you have driven beyond the downstate soybean and corn fields, and the traffic and industrial and commercial areas of Chicago and its outlying suburbs.

Crossing into Wisconsin near Kenosha, you’ll immediately notice changes in highway names and terrain, and will be captured by more lush greenery along the road. Stay on Interstate 43 until Green Bay. It’s a great halfway stop and a fine place to get out and stretch. Even in summer, you’ll be well aware that you are in Packers country, the longtime football team that has been the pride of this medium-size city. Wander up the main road and you’ll find ample outdoor shops, in case you don’t have all the attire you might need in Michigan.

Michigan will greet you with breathtaking cliffs that envelop you as you enter the state through Iron Mountain. Turning onto Route 95, you’ll arrive at Ishpeming where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful clear, blue lakes. When you arrive in Marquette and drive through the hilly campus area, you’ll entertain fantasies of what attending college would be like in such a lovely town, situated on Lake Superior.

You may be tempted to spontaneously explore some UP Michigan’s hidden treasures. Venture east on Highway 28, and you’ll be curious as you approach the Lakenenland Scrap Iron Sculpture Park, located just west of Munising, and north of the Hiawatha National Forest. You likely had never heard of this destination, but admission is free and you’ll be awed at this one-man show of sculptures created solely by ironworker turned artist Tom Lakenen. This one-of-a-kind site may be the highlight of your journey.

What Makes Popcorn Pop?


What Makes Popcorn Pop - Properties of Corn for Popping
by Debra Karplus

Corn on the cob, grits, corn flakes, nachos, tortillas, corn bread, and popcorn are a few foods produced from corn that many people enjoy eating. Corn is cultivated in most of the fifty states; its tall stalks can often be easily recognized. Many people don’t realize that the corn used for making popcorn is a different crop than corn on the cob and other edible corn products.

There are several varieties of corn grown both for animal feed and for people to eat. Flint corn is one kind of sweet corn. A type of flint corn is popcorn. Horticulturists refer to it by its Latin name, zea praecox. Grown best in temperate climates, in rich, fertile soil that drains well, popcorn is one of the oldest corn crops, cultivated as early as 3600 B.C. It’s harvested like other varieties of corn, in the autumn when the corn silk, the stringy portion directly covering the cob, turns brown. The cob is picked; the kernels are dried while still on the cob for four to six weeks, and then removed from the cob and ready to use in the kitchen. Though most corn kernels can pop, corn grown specifically for popcorn is optimal for flavor, texture, and popping speed.

The unique qualities of popcorn seed provide it with its ability to pop. It has a hard outer shell and inside contains moisture from the horny endosperm, tough, stretchy material that can resist the pressure of steam. Popping corn has more of this starchy inside than other corn varieties. When heated, steam is created inside the kernel. Pressure from this steam causes the popcorn to essentially turn itself inside out and “explode’ or pop.

Popcorn comes in different shapes; Pearl is the smooth variety, rice popcorn is elongated. Additionally, popcorn grows in different colors. It’s commonly grown as white or yellow popcorn. But, don’t be surprised to discover red, pink, blue or multicolored varieties. The appearance of these crops growing in the field is similar, as is the taste of the popped kernels.

Immigration through Castle Garden

Immigration through Castle Garden, by Debra Karplus

Your ancestors may have been enticed to immigrate to America from Europe and other continents because of the plethora of opportunities that evolved, resulting from the American Industrial Revolution and the emerging technology during that era. People who arrived in the United States during the second half of the nineteenth century, were likely onboard a ship that docked at Castle Garden, a busy port located at the tip of Manhattan Island in New York. Originally called Castle Clinton, it was first a fort, then in 1824 was renamed Castle Garden and became a desirable resort area, and ultimately transformed into a popular immigration center.

The Potato Famine of 1845 to 1850 motivated approximately 500,000 people from Ireland to embark on the rigorous four-to-six week voyage from their homeland to America. Starting in 1849, people from China set foot on American soil, attracted by the California Gold Rush. In 1855, Castle Garden was leased by The New York Commissioners of Emigration to officially become a receiving area for immigrants. From 1855 to 1890, several million immigrants, mostly from Germany and Ireland, came through Castle Garden. They originated from European ports in Germany (Bremen and Hamburg), and from and Southampton, England, travelling on such ships as the Furst Bismarck, the Atlantic, and the Virginia.

Concerns existed about the management of Castle Garden. Some insisted that the port was not large enough to accommodate the large number of immigrants. Others said that services and funds were abused. The final immigrants entered Castle Garden in April 1890, when it was permanently closed as a port. In 1892 comprehensive national immigration laws were enacted.

The Statue of Liberty, a gift to America from France in 1886, found a new home near Castle Garden on Ellis Island. On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened as a New Immigration Center, replacing Castle Garden. Today, Castle Garden has reclaimed is former name of Castle Clinton and is located near Battery Park. It is a national monument managed by the National Park Service.

Your Grandchild with a Disability

http://grandmagazine.com/news/2012/05/your-grandchild-with-a-physical-disability/

I hope you will read and comment on my article in

Grand Magazine

Your Child with a Physical Disability

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pallets (skids) and some uses

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12may07h.cfm

I hope you will read my latest Dollar Stretcher article about

Uses for Pallets

I welcome your comments.

www.stretcher.com

Monday, April 30, 2012

Income from Direct Sales

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30h.cfm

Visit the Dollar Stretcher

www.stretcher.com

Income from Direct Sales

I welcome your comments.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Co-op buying

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr23m.cfm

Read about Co-op buying under my pen name Lee Doppelt

I welcome your comments.

stretcher.com

Monday, April 16, 2012

Mulching

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr16b.cfm

Check out my latest Dollar Stretcher article about

Mulching

I welcome your comments.

www.stretcher.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Teen Entrepreneur - a summer camp

Get Ready Now!
Money-Making Idea for the Enterprising Teen or Pre-teen

By Debra L. Karplus, MS

It’s frustrating being too old for summer camp, but too young to drive and have a real job. Gathering together with friends at the mall, every day, stops being fun after awhile. A summer with some structure and meaningful activity can be more satisfying.

You probably had a lemonade stand when you were old enough to differentiate a quarter from a dime. Maybe some neighbors paid you for lawn mowing. Possibly you did some babysitting and enjoyed being around little kids. There are some other ways that teens can earn money.

Think bigger. Think entrepreneur. If you live an area with young children and are a bit enterprising, you may be a natural for starting a summer camp for preschoolers and young elementary-age neighborhood children. Many mothers work or need some time away from their little ones to buy groceries, run errands, or have doctor or personal appointments. The opportunity for their tots to attend your camp will give parents a needed break.

Getting started involves a few simple decisions.

Being prepared before the summer begins will assure greater success at your enterprise. You’ll want to do some initial planning before you inform your let your community that their children have a new opportunity for summer fun. Consider the who, what, where, when, and why of starting a camp.

Who will attend your camp is an important first decision. What ages will you include? Most three year olds have been potty-trained for awhile, and can verbalize needs; many have attended preschool and interact well with peers. You probably don’t want to include children younger than that in your camp. Determine a maximum age, too.

Some children have special needs and possibly language or behavior issues because of disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Autism. With some, the problems are obvious and may be more than you can handle. But many children with these issues do fine and will thrive in your summer program. Remember that disability is different from illness. Kids with colds or other health issues shouldn’t be allowed to attend. It’s simply unfair to the other children.

Additionally, you’ll want to get an initial idea of which neighborhood children might attend your program, with names, ages, and parent contact information; then parents decide on a daily basis if their children will be coming. They’ll appreciate your flexibility and your camp will gain an excellent reputation.

What to name your camp and how much to charge are a few logistical issues to be considered. Frankly, it’s okay not to have any name for your camp. Or, it might be fun to give your camp some clever name.

Having an assistant, such as a friend, cousin or sibling, will determine the maximum number of campers you can handle each day. It’ll also help calculate a reasonable price to charge. This can be tricky, so solicit the advice of some adults. How often will you get paid by parents? Will they pay in advance or at the end of each day? Since you probably know these families, it’s acceptable to accept checks as well as cash.

Deciding where to hold camp is essential. You can have camp at a nearby park. Or, if your backyard seems relatively distraction-free, that’s a good place, if the weather cooperates. Possibly your garage appears safe to host campers occasional rainy days. You’ll need to decide if you’ll walk around the neighborhood and pick- up campers, or if parents will deliver them to your location.

When camp is being held is a question that parents will ask. Two hours in the morning should accommodate the attention span of even the youngest campers. You’ll have to decide if you want to have camp two, three, or fine days a week. You also need to determine how many weeks to hold camp and which week to start.

Informing parents why you have camp is what marketing is all about. You can design a flyer for distributing to potential camper families that discusses logistics about time and place as well as activities. You may also want to create a website to describe camp.

Planning day- to- day matters is important.

How will you entertain a bunch of little kids for two hours for several days during the summer? Simple inexpensive activities such as singing and games, and arts and crafts, making masks from paper plates, for example, or puppets from paper bags, are fun. Affordable snacks can include crackers and juice served in small cups.

A perfect summer job for an enterprising preteen or teen, starting a summer camp has the potential to earn hundreds of dollars for the two or three years before you’re old enough for employment. Talk to your parents to get their support.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Rain Gardens by Lee Doppelt

Check out my latest Dollar Stretcher article, under the pen name, Lee Doppelt

about

Rain Gardens

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12mar26h.cfm

or www.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Expiration

Expiration Dates on Products

Why you probably won’t expire if you ingest expired food and medications

By Debra L. Karplus, MS

“The US generates more trash. 34 million tons of food waste each year. Food waste is more than 14% of the total municipal solid waste stream”, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov). Many mainstream American families live by the adage if in doubt, throw it out. One might wonder exactly what food is going into those landfills.

Most people who stretch their dollars are absolutely disgusted with the idea of throwing out food; that attitude seems to be universal among frugal people. Before discarding food they ask themselves if it is a food that has a little more life left in it to serve one more time. They ponder whether “old” food has potential to be safely disguised in leftovers? They wonder if throw-away food could at least be transformed into garden compost.

Expiration dates on medications and packaged food are more about full potency than about safety.

In 1979, the federal government passed legislation that required expiration dates on specific products sold. These “sell by” dates were intended to provide retailers with guidelines for putting food and drugs on store shelves. The dates were not supposed to scare consumers out of using these items. Examine some of the packaged foods on your kitchen cupboard shelves or over-the-counter vitamins and nutritional supplements, and drugs in the bathroom medicine cabinet and you will notice these dates.

According to webMd.com, expressions such as “best if used by”, “use by” or “pack date” are more about the quality of the product and not really about their safety. “Expiration date” is the last day recommended to eat the product for optimal flavor or potency. Prescriptions medications require more attention to expiration dates, since potency is crucial to their safe and effective use. Call your pharmacist and ask about your specific “aged” prescription. These professionals are quite knowledgeable about the pharmaceuticals they sell and will give you information with honesty and integrity about the safety of their products.

Many food items may have more life left in them than you might imagine.

Canning and freezing are methods of storing preserving foods to increase theirs shelf life; though sometimes flavor is compromised. Canned food, such as peas and corn, will be safe to eat within five years; the exception on canned foods is acidic foods such as tomatoes and tomato products which are best eaten within eighteen months. The National Center for Home Food Preservation (nchfp.uga.edu) recommends that frozen foods can be safely stored in your home freezer at zero degrees for one to twelve months depending on the type of food; frozen meats have a short storage life, frozen fruits and vegetables can be stored for up to a year,

Fresh food stored in your refrigerator has a shorter shelf life than those canned or frozen. Eggs should be used within three to five weeks of their sell date; after that date, they lose potency. Dairy foods such as milk and yogurt are acceptable to use within a week of their sell date. Note that yogurt that contains fruit typically has a shorter shelf life. Fresh meats should be either cooked or frozen within a week for safety reasons.

Dollar stretching families often wonder if it is safe to eat foods with a little bit of mold on them such as moldy bread or cheese. Medical experts encourage consumers to beware. Ingesting moldy foods may exacerbate the mold allergies that affect a surprisingly large percentage of the population. Additionally, foods containing mold can put dangerous toxins in the body. Eating a slice of bread with mold on it to avoid discarding twenty cents worth of food and ending up in a hospital emergency ward is simply not a prudent choice. Be cautious!

You can develop a system for purchasing and storing your foods and medications for optimizing their flavor, potency and safety

Take your time when shopping and get into the habit of checking dates on over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, and on food items such as yogurt. Items near the back of the grocery shelf are likely to be newer and thus have a longer shelf life. There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t purchase these newer goods. In your own kitchen, organize products so that you have the older ones within easy reach to use first. Finally, rely on your good sense of intuition; if it looks and smells okay and you are only concerned about the date, then it’s probably safe to eat. Bon appetite!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Composting

Check out my latest Dollar Stretcher article about

Composting

I welcome your comments!


www.stretcher.com

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Motorcycles

My latest article in the March 2012 print copy is about Motorcycles.

Subscribers, please check it out!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Nursing Home Insurance

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12feb06f.cfm

Check out my latest article on Dollar Stretcher

Nursing Home Insurance

I welcome your comments.

222.stretcher.com

Friday, January 27, 2012

Selling at the Farmers Market

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jan30d.cfm

Check out my latest Dollar Stretcher article

Selling at the Farmers Market, under the pen name Lee Doppelt

www.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Senior Discounts

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jan23g.cfm

I hope you enjoy my recent Dollar Stretcher article about Senior Discounts

www.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments

Senior Discounts

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jan23g.cfm

I hope you enjoy my recent Dollar Stretcher article about Senior Discounts

ww.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Habitat Re-Store

I hope you will enjoy my recent article about the Habitat Re-Store on the Dollar Stretcher website, www.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments.

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jan16m.cfm

Saving with Soybeans

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12jan16c.cfm

Saving with Soybeans

My latest article on the Dollar Stretcher website, www.stretcher.com

I welcome your comments.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Wood Heat

Check out the Dollar Stretcher for an article by me about

Wood Heat

www.stretcher.com

Buying New Tires

Check out the Dollar Stretcher for an article by me about Buying new Tires

www.stretcher.com

WRITING about WRITING

  • Freelancewriting.com, 2014, 08/01, Magazine Writing Business
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2014, 12/01, Writing Opportunities
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 01/16, Teaching Writing Classes
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 03/01, Query letters
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 04/01, Marketing Agent
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 05/06, New Markets
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 07/20, Growing an Idea Bank
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2015, 07/20, Online Presence
  • Freelancewriting.com, 2016, 07/18, SEO-Friendly Writing

HISTORY & RESEARCH

  • Ancestry Magazine, September 2008, Still No Bill
  • Champaign County Historical Museum Newsletter, Summer 2007, House with a Life of its Own
  • Champaign County, spring 2021, Mom a Big Sister
  • Family Chronicle Magazine, Mar/Apr 2014, Canadian Jewish Genealogy
  • Grand Magazine, Nov 9, 2012, Genealogy with your Grandchildren
  • Inside Glenview Magazine, December 2013, Genealogy Glenview Style
  • Prime Life Times, November 2013, Getting Started in Genealogy
  • Untangling your Jewish Roots, on amazon.com

EDITORIALS

  • Business Week Magazine, 2006, 10/09, Launching a Career
  • Fortune Magazine, 2008, 07/21, Hoist by our own Petard
  • Mosaic: Stories that Changed Lives 2019, 07, Walking Matters
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 05/05, Porches
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 06/02, Co-exist
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 06/23, Family tree
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 07/14, Journeys & destinations
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 09/14, Pet memory lane
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 10/19, Famous people
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 11/09, No place like home
  • News-Gazette, 2019, 12/01, Downsizing
  • News-Gazette, 2020, 03/01, Blanketed by Parents love
  • News-Gazette, 2020, 06/07, Lemons into lemonade
  • News-Gazette, 2020, 08/23, Joy in Pandemic
  • News-Gazette, 2020, 11/08, Accepting what is
  • News-Gazette, 2020, 12/12, Zooming thru Pandemic
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 01/03, Pandemic pastimes
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 01/24, Substitute teaching
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 02/21. Road trip
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 03/05, Public health
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 03/28, Yearning for yarn
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 04/11, Friendly skies
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 05/30, Making luck
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 07/11, More with Less
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 08/08, It's 1966!
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 08/29, Misusing info
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 09/12, Live music
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 09/26, Driver's seat
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 10/31, Things that didn't kill us
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 11/28, Arguing
  • News-Gazette, 2021, 12/19, Enough?
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 01/02, Recharge battery
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 02/20, Letter writing
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 03/20, Mary Jane
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 04/24, Bring home bacon
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 06/19, Reflections from 69 y/o orphan
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 07/17, Your birthday
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 08/21, Comfort zone
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 09/18, Awe of a child
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 10/23, Tattoo taboo
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 12/11, Healthcare
  • News-Gazette, 2022, 12/31, Something to chew on
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 01/29, What's up w/shopping?
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 02/19, When life gives lemons
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 04/09, Postcard from anywhere
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 05/28, If I ruled the word
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 06/18, They serve & protect
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 07/23, Busyness
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 10/01, Skeletons
  • News-Gazette, 2023, 11/19, Plant-based diet
  • News-Gazette, 2024, 01/07, Dear family
  • News-Gazette, 2024, 02/11, Date bars
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 05/15, Bat Mitzvah
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 06/26, Jewish mystique?
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 07/16, Sit with Deceased
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 08/19, Chavurah
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 08/26, Practicing Jew
  • Reform Judaism, 2019, 10/16, Family tree

TRAVEL

  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 06, Roadside assistance
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 03, Save Money with a Motorcycle
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 10, Cheap airfares
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 03, Discount airlines
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 06, Car rental free
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 06, Out of town wedding
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2013, 01/24, Meals while travelling
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2013, 05/03, Trip insurance
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2013, 10/21, Lighthouse lodging
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2014, 05/19, Flying with baby
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2014, 10/02, Luggage
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2015, 03/23, Group travel
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2015, 04/20, National parks
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2016, 06/16, Transporting your Pet
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2017, 01/09, Cruise ship deals
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2017, 04/17, Train travel
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2018, 02/26, Cruise ship jobs
  • News-Gazette, 2012, 06/12, Destination Lake Superior
  • News-Gazette, 2012, 11/25, Destination Salt Lake City
  • News-Gazette, 2013, 06/23, Destination Hamilton Co IN
  • News-Gazette, 2013, 08/25, Destination Traverse City MI
  • News-Gazette, 2014, 05/25, Destination Boulder CO
  • News-Gazette, 2015, 06/19, Destination St Paul MN
  • News-Gazette, 2015, 09/20, Destination Galesburg IL
  • News-Gazette, 2015, 11/15, Destination Lincoln Highway
  • News-Gazette, 2015, 12/21, Destination Great River Road IL
  • News-Gazette, 2015. 10/18, Destination Omaha NE
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 09, Destination Nashville TN
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 10, Travel styles
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 11, Uber or Lyft
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 01, Destination Denver
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 03, Destination Vermont
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 06, Destination Arkansas
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 07, Destination Springfield
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 08, Destination St. Louis
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 10, Destination Niagara Falls
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 12, Destination Door County
  • Prime Life Times, 2024, 03, Destination Mackinac Island

FOR & about SENIORS

  • Chambana Seniors, 2019, 11/15, Election judge
  • Chambana Seniors, 2019, 11/22, Holiday experience
  • Chambana Seniors: 2019, 10/22, Libraries
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 02, Senior discounts
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 06, Care management for elderly
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2016, 01/01, Silver Sneakers
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2017, 07/03, Age in place
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2018, 07/30, Retirement community
  • Dollar Stretcher online, 2018, 09/10, Medicare
  • Prime Life Time, 2022, 04, Travel places far
  • Prime Life Times, 2013, 12, Museums in Champaign County
  • Prime Life Times, 2014, 01, Mahomet, Illinois
  • Prime Life Times, 2014, 02, Resale shops
  • Prime Life Times, 2015, 08, Choral Union
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 01 Mahjong
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 07, Silver Sneakers
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 08, Swimming
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 09, Train travel
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 10, Visit grandchildren
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 11, Genealogy
  • Prime Life Times, 2018, 12, Salvation Army bellringers
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 01, Pickleball
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 02, Dabbling in Dating
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 03, The Illinois Club
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 04, Little Free Library
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 05, Group travel
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 06, Volunteering
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 07, National Parks
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 09, Hearing aids
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 10, Election judge
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 11, Ballroom dance
  • Prime Life Times, 2019, 12, Special Christmas
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 01, Ramps
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 03, Cruises
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 04, Massage
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 05, Santa Barbara
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 06, Riverboat cruise
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 07, Pandemic preparedness
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 09, Online shopping
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 10, More on TV
  • Prime Life Times, 2020, 12, Travel in uncertain times
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 01, New year's resolutions
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 02, New car purchase
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 03, Tax prep
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 04, Back in the saddle
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 05, Visit an apothecary
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 07, Online dating
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 08, Relocate near grandchildren?
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 10, Dinner theater
  • Prime Life Times, 2021, 11, Train travel tips
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 01, Home health
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 02, Trivia time
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 03, Chiropractic
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 04, Travel places far
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 05, Savvy snowbird
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 06, Learn music
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 07, Games
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 08, Life coach
  • Prime Life Times, 2022, 12, Hanukkah
  • Prime Life Times, 2023, 05, Distant doctors
  • Prime Life Times, 2024, 01, Personal trainers
  • Prime Life Times, 2024, 02, Housing as you age
  • Prime Life Times, 2024, 03, Wheelchairs

FOR & about CHILDREN

  • Essay writing for a major national testing organization
  • Fun for Kidz Magazine, Friends with Disabilities, the visually impaired student at school, July 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Debbie's Secret Diary, Feb 25, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Fun in Hamilton County Indiana, Jun 11, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Fun in Hamilton County Indiana, Jun 11, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Letter Writing, Jan 23, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Mothers & Daughters, Mar 29, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Nursing Grandchild, Apr 29, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Poem for my Grandson, Feb 27, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Safety at Grandma's, Feb 25, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Volunteering, Jan 23, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Bullying, Jan 3, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Children's Museums: Jan, 3, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Creative Writing w/your Grandchildren, June 27, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Don't let your Grandchild Make you Sick, June 7, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Fun in Central Illinois w/Grandkids, July 7, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Fun things to do at Grandma's, June 4, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Genealogy with your Grandchildren, November 9, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Gift that keeps on Giving, June 26, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Girls Just Want to Have Funds, July 7, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Grand Times at the Public Library, July 7, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: Homespun Activities w/your Grandchild, June 27, 2012
  • Grand Magazine: School Pictures, Jan 4, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Substitute teaching, Feb, 20, 2013
  • Grand Magazine: Vegetarian Grandchidlren, July 13, 2012
  • on amazon.com: Creative Writing Class for Children

THERAPY publications by Debra Karplus

  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2004, 09/06, OT Bedside Manner Could Use Improvement
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 01/16, OT: Then & Now
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 01/20, Why Occupational Therapy?
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 01/27, Yoga & OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 02/04, Wheelchair Wonders
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 02/10, Home visit safety
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 02/17, Cursive writing
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 02/21, Grandmotherly advice
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 02/28, Mainstreaming for Special Ed
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 03/10, Disability Etiquette
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 03/17, Equestrian Therapy
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 03/24, Advertising OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 03/31, Lessons Learned
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 04/08, President with a Disability
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 04/14, Wheelchair Evolution
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 04/21, Favorite Patients
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 04/28, Rural OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 05/05, Bipolar Disorder
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 05/12, Splints
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 05/19, Willard and Spackman
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 05/27, Industrial Evaluations,
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/02, Presentations to Students
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/09, Insurance rules!
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/12, Working vacation for OTs
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/16, Drivers Ed and OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/23, Male OTs
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 06/30, Recruiters
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 07/07, Tattoos
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 07/14, Eleanor Clarke Slagle
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 07/21, The ADA
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 07/28, PhD in OT?
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 08/04, Handicapped parking
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 08/11, Squeamish OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 08/18, Gardening (tomatoes)
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 08/25, Manual Muscle Test
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 09/02, Medical Marijuana
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 09/08, Defining OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 09/15, Dress code
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 09/22, OT training?
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 09/29, Travelling OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 10/06, ADHD & OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 10/13, Stigma of Little School Bus
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 10/20, Malpractice
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 10/27, Disability Resource Expo
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 11/03, Voting & disability
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 11/10, PRN work & holidays
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 11/17, Staying well at work
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2014, 11/24, Service Dogs
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 03/18, Confidentiality
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 04/09, Disability & Mr Magoo
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 05/19, OT and Wii
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 05/26, COPD & OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 06/16, Singing & OT
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 06/23, Father's Day reminder
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 06/30, Online OT?
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 07/07, Choose health career & debt
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 07/13, Lou Gehrig's Disease
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 07/20, Backpacks
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 07/28, Fishing & ADA
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 08/04, Give credit
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 08/10, Getting along
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 08/17, Mindfulness
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 08/26, Aquatics
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 08/31, Fall prevention
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 09/09, Mom's advice
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 09/16, Respecting disabled
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 09/22, Laughter Yoga
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 09/30, Bike helmets
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 10/16, Joint pain & baby boomers
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 10/27, Helmets for falls
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 10/30, ALS eliminated
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2015, 11/10, Wheelchair sports
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 01/12, English Learners
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 01/18, Therapy on wheels
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 01/26, Body mechanics
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 02/01, Chair yoga
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 02/08, Stroke & memory
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 02/17, Spinal stenosis
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 02/22, Explaining disability
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2016, 03/03, Health fairs
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2017, 01/05, OT for daily tasks
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2017, 01/09, Aging in place
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2017, 01/20, Reflections one-handed
  • Advance for OT Practitioners, 2017, 01/26, Dog OT
  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy, February 1994, Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities
  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy, June, 1989, Activites Handbook and Instructor's Guide
  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 1994, ADL Evaluations in Long Term Care Facilities
  • Grand Magazine, June 12, 2012, Your Grandchild with ADHD
  • Grand Magazine, June 12, 2012, Your Grandchild with Asperger Syndrome
  • Grand Magazine, May 11, 2012, Your Grandchild with a Physical Disability
  • Grand Magazine, November 12, 2012, Grandchild with Developmental Disability
  • Grand Magazine, October 8, 2012, Your Grandchild & Special Education
  • Item writing for a therapy testing organization
  • Journal of Rehabilitation, July 1994, Invaluable Guide to Life after Stroke
  • Occupational Therapy Forum, April 3,1989, Wheelchair Accessibility
  • Occupational Therapy Forum, July 22,1994, Psychosocial Impact of Stroke on the Family
  • Occupational Therapy Forum, May 29,1989, The Self-Employed Occupational Therapist
  • Prime Life Times, 2014, 03, Working with an OT
  • Prime Life Times, 2016, 03, Bathroom Safety at Home
  • Prime Life Times, 2017, 02, Tasks One-handed
  • Prime Life Times, 2017, 05, Aging in Place
  • Prime Life Times, 2017, 06, Preparing for Hip Surgery
  • The Therapist in Business: an Introduction to Private Practice, a book published by Cross Country, 2005
  • writer for National Board Certifying Occupational Therapists (NBCOT)

HOME & LIFESTYLE by Debra Karplus or Lee Doppelt

  • Amazon.com, Finding Free Firewood
  • Back Home Magazine, November 2008, Scavenge for Firewood
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2009, 09, Your Kitchen: a Food Factory
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 02, Food plus Family plus Friends
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 03, Avoiding Layoffs
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 04, Benefits of Volunteering
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 09, Free Firewood
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 10, Dumpster Diving with Panache
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 11, Home Safe Home
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2010, 12, Bartering
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 01,Those Who Can,Teach
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 02, Tots & Tools
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 03, IRA or Roth
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 04, Resale Shops
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 05, Get Paid for Research
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 08, Managing your Banking
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 09, Cutting Back on Tree Trimming
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 10, Should You Be Alarmed?
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 11, Non-Traditional Housing
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2011, 11, Opting for Co-ops
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 01, Be a Smarter Patient
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 04, Farmers Market Selling
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 05, Habitat Store
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 05, Mulching
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 06, Seven Habits of Frugal People
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 07, Magic with Molasses
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 07, Rain Gardens
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 08, Work at Home
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 09, Composting
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 10, Soybeans
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2012, 12, Income from Direct Sales
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 02, Mattresses
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 09, Baby Toys to Make
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 10, Affordable Fences
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 10, Buying a Chainsaw
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2013, 11, Cast Iron Cookware
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 01, Carpeting purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 02, Community College
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 02, Home Safety Improvements
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 03, Income Tax Preparation
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 03, Kale
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 04, Lawn mower purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 05, Pet Sitters
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 07, Selling Stuff Online
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 08, Services at Reduced Cost
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 08, Zoo & Garden Membership
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 09, Washing Machines
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 10, Catering Cheap
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2014, 12, Flowers sent
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 01, Auto loans
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 03, Buying smart
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 03, String trimmers
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 06, Who pays?
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 07, Driveways
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 08, Lottery playing
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 09, Rent-free living
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 10, Frugal or cheap?
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 10, Winter clothes
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 12, Dental scams
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2015, 12, Housing for adult kids
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 01, Frugal not Poor
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 02, Free college
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 02, Retirement employment
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 04, Self employment
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 09, Lottery
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 09, Moving experience
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2016, 11, Drapes & Curtains
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 02, House for sale
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 03, Garden labor-free
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 03, House purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 04, Bicycle Maintenance
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 04, Refrigerators
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 05, Homeowner's associations
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 06, House Won't Sell
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 06, Rain Barrels
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 07, Dehumidifiers
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 08, Blenders/food processors
  • Dollar Stretcher Magazine, 2017, 10, Rent out rooms
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 12/31, Things v. Memories
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2009, 12, Simplify Your Financial Life
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2010, 06, Special Breaks for Aspiring Teachers
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 05/11, Essential Appliances
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 07/04, Water Problems
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 08/22, Vegetarian Diet
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2011, 11,11, Gutter Cleaning
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 01/10, Buying Tires
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 01/10, Wood Heat
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 02/06, Nursing Home Insurance
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 05/07, Uses for Palletts
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 09/03, Wedding Planners
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 10/22, Reading Cheap
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 11/18, Mystery Shopping
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2012, 11/23, Make Money by Blogging
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 02/13, Auto advertising
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 02/25, Vacuum Cleaners
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 05/06, Breastfeeding
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/05, Spices & Health
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/20, Emergency room visits
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/23, Bicycle Shopping
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/23, Home Project Management
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/23, Kitchen Stoves
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 07/23, Lawn Alternatives
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 08/16, Sorghum sweetener
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 08/19, Generosity & Frugality
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 10/10, Raising Backyard Hens
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 12/06, Bed & Breakfast at your Home
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2013, 12/16, Gym Membership
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 01/15, Bed & Breakfast, your home
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 01/29, Grow Sprouts
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 02/20, Garden plot rented
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 03/28, Baby Food Homemade
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 04/04, A New Roof
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 04/11, TV Studio Audience Participant
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 05/19, Flying with Babies
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 06/09, Home Inspections
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 06/16, Baby Boomer Financial Timeline
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 08/04, Childcare
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 09/12, Chimney Care
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 09/29, Service Auctions
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 10/14, Grocery savings
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 10/17, Sell your home
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 12/08, Back to the Land
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2014, 12/16, Baby strollers
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 01/15, Mobile Homes
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 03/01, Basements kept Dry
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 03/30, Shoes purchased
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 04/13, Millionaires
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 05/04, Foraging
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 06/01, Home mobility equipment
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 06/22. Funerals
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 07/06, Car sharing
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 10/19, SAD Light Boxes
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 10/19, Snow removal
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 11/09, Rewiring an Old House
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2015, 12/28, Gym equip at home
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 01/18, Quit stressful job
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 03/07, Estate sale income
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 03/21, Disability-friendly home
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 04/06, Class action suits
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 05/23, Backpacks
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 10/03, Arthritis Devices
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 11/07, Crawl space
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 11/28, Malt
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2016, 12/11, Television purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 01/30, Beekeeping
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 02/20, Piano tuned
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 03/06, Transport Motor Homes
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 03/20, Garage door
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 04/24, Asbestos removal
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 05/29, Sofa purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 06/05, Friends & financial advice
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 06/05, Heating ducts cleaned
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 06/12, Power washing
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 06/26, House won't sell
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 07/10, Dehumidifiers
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 08/01, Injury prep
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 08/21, Dog walker
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 09/18, Car seats
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 09/25, Radon
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 10/02, Goose control
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 10/09, Car purchase
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 10/16, Lists to save money
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 10/16, Mold solutions
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 10/30, Money-smart preschoolers
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 11/06, Golf cart transport
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2017, 11/17, Pet for family
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 01/29, Frugal in suburbia
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 02/12, College online
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 02/19, Tutoring service
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 04/02, Sunglasses
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 04/09, Extra income
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 05/14, Sibling disparity
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 05/21, Cookers in kitcher
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 05/28, Roommates
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 06/18, Retreats reduce stress
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 06/25, Selling creations
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 09/03, Ladders
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 09/24, Buying a freezer
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/01, Cohousing
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/08, Vaporizers and humidifiers
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/15, Driving ups income
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/15, Electric toothbrush
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/22, Bed sheet basics
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 10/29, New bike
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 11/05, Toilets
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2018, 11/19, Sales resistance
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2019, 05/23, Hiking essentials
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2019, 06/23, Dental insurance
  • Dollar Stretcher, 2019, 09/06, Furnace replacement
  • Inside Glenview Magazine, 2014, 01, Going Vegetarian
  • Inside Glenview Magazine, 2014, 03, Finding the Right Firewood
  • Inside Glenview Magazine, 2014, 04, Growing Sprouts
  • Inside Glenview Magazine, 2014, 05, Bake your own Bread

FICTION by Lee Doppelt

  • Mr. America Mirage, novella by Lee Doppelt, available on amazon.com

ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEWS

  • Young Money, 2010, 03/30, Amos Winbush of CyberSynchs
  • Young Money, 2010, 03/23, Rob Carpenter of Friendgiftr

MONEY & BUSINESS

  • Entrepreneur Briefing, available on amazon.com
  • Forbes: 2012, April, Sell at the Farmer's Market
  • Young Money Magazine, 2009, Spring,Getting the Government to Pay for College
  • Young Money Magazine, 2009, Summer, Business of Loan Forgiveness
  • Young Money, 2008, 11/19, Is Being an Entrepreneur Right for you?
  • Young Money, 2008, 12/10, The ABCs of Substitute Teaching
  • Young Money, 2008, 12/11, The Election, Change and You
  • Young Money, 2008, 12/24, Six Ways to Avoid those Extra Baggage Charges
  • Young Money, 2008, 12/29, Who will Prepare your Taxes this Year?
  • Young Money, 2009, 01/05, The Basics of Stock Market Investing
  • Young Money, 2009, 01/14, Find a Stock Broker
  • Young Money, 2009, 01/21, What's the Best Credit Card for You
  • Young Money, 2009, 01/28, Community College or University?
  • Young Money, 2009, 02/03, Study Abroad
  • Young Money, 2009, 02/18, Fix, replace or repair
  • Young Money, 2009, 03/18, Six Ways to Raise Money Savvy Kids
  • Young Money, 2009, 03/25, Job Benefits
  • Young Money, 2009, 04/08, Worried About the Future? Get Covered
  • Young Money, 2009, 04/16, Beginners Guide to Dividends
  • Young Money, 2009, 04/23, Find a Government Internship
  • Young Money, 2009, 04/29, FDIC
  • Young Money, 2009, 06/03, Investing in Gold
  • Young Money, 2009, 06/11, Beyond Student Loans
  • Young Money, 2009, 07/01, Filling out a W4 Form
  • Young Money, 2009, 07/02, Being an Occupational Therapist
  • Young Money, 2009, 09/09, Background Checks
  • Young Money, 2009, 09/16, Obama health reform
  • Young Money, 2009, 11/16, Funds for Online College
  • Young Money, 2010, 01/06, Guide to Getting into Politics
  • Young Money, 2010, 02/24, Live & Work in your College Town
  • Young Money, 2010, 03/24, Career & Personality Tests
  • Young Money, 2010, 05/28, Travel Destinations
  • Young Money, 2010, 06/08, Work & Travel
  • Young Money, 2010, 06/23, Become a Certified Coach
  • Young MOney, 2010, 07/01, Become a Better Public Speaker
  • Young Money, 2010, 07/06, Career in Law
  • Young Money, 2010, 07/08, Your Credit Score
  • Young Money, 2010, 07/10, Choosing the Right Checking Account

National Gallery of Writing Publications

  • #1501828 A Career in Law
  • #1501106 Adapting to Adaptive Equipment
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