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	<title>Can&#039;t We All Just Get Along</title>
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	<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org</link>
	<description>Skills to Improve Family Bonding</description>
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		<title>How to Create a Family Budget-And Stick to It</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-create-a-family-budget-and-stick-to-it/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-create-a-family-budget-and-stick-to-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:21:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=390</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sitting down with your spouse to put together a family budget may not sound like a wonderful way to spend the precious hours after the kids are asleep. However, taking the time to put together a realistic and workable budget will create happy moments for the entire family in the coming months. Follow these pointers [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sitting down with your spouse to put together a family budget may not sound like a wonderful way to spend the precious hours after the kids are asleep. However, taking the time to put together a realistic and workable budget will create happy moments for the entire family in the coming months. Follow these pointers to develop a family budget you&#8217;ll like and use.</p>
<h3><strong>Identify Your Monthly Income and Expenses</strong></h3>
<p>Take into account all paychecks and any other regular payments you receive, such as disability or social security checks. On the expense side, start by naming all necessary expenses, such as payments for rent/mortgage, car loans, education loans, utilities, childcare, groceries, gas and so forth. If any of those expenses vary, try to come up with an average that you can use in your budget. Next, list the “extras.” You may have to spend a few weeks jotting down every non-essential transaction to get an idea of what the extras are and how much you spend on them. Extras include restaurant expenses, entertainment expenses, extracurricular activity fees and costs associated with recreational activities. Finally, make note of any money you are already setting aside in savings or for retirement.</p>
<p>You can be as sophisticated as you want in tracking your expenses. Software packages such as Quicken give you advanced budgeting tools, and there are budgeting applications for smartphones. However, some people prefer the convenience of using a pencil and a small notebook that fits in their purse or pocket. Whichever method you use, be sure to track the expenses of the entire family, not just the spending of one person.</p>
<h3><strong>Convert to Cash</strong></h3>
<p>Instead of whipping out your plastic every time you hit the checkout line, reach for the cash. Studies have consistently shown that people spend less when paying with cash. You can even use cash, in a sense, when shopping online. Budgeting with the Reach Card means you have the convenience of a Visa card, but your spending is limited to the money you&#8217;ve put on it. You can load money by having your paycheck directly deposited onto the card or transferring money from your bank account to the card.<br />
<a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/800px-Twenty_dollar_bills.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-391" title="800px-Twenty_dollar_bills" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/800px-Twenty_dollar_bills.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /></a></p>
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<p>Image via Wikimedia Commons<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<h3><strong>Develop a Debt-Reduction Plan</strong></h3>
<p>One popular way to reduce debt is to tackle the smallest single debt first. Then, you take the money you were paying on the smallest debt and apply it to the next biggest debt, while continuing to make the payments you had been making all along. This strategy lets you see results quickly and get aggressive in paying off the money you owe. To get started, identify non-essential expenses you can reduce or eliminate and apply that toward paying off your smallest bill.</p>
<p>Your family&#8217;s budget is the master plan for keeping your finances secure. What has been the hardest part about sticking to a budget, and how have you addressed that challenge?</p>
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		<title>Life Events That Call for Celebration</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/life-events-that-call-for-celebration/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/life-events-that-call-for-celebration/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:30:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The more people age, the more it seems that every tomorrow will be the same as today. Days get repetitive. The problems you face at work or at home are mere derivations of the same problems you&#8217;ve faced for years. One way to combat the duplications of daily life is to plan for and embrace [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The more people age, the more it seems that every tomorrow will be the same as today. Days get repetitive. The problems you face at work or at home are mere derivations of the same problems you&#8217;ve faced for years.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/91147636_ddf67df098.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-372" title="91147636_ddf67df098" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/91147636_ddf67df098.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>One way to combat the duplications of daily life is to plan for and embrace the major events in your life. Some events—weddings, graduations, births, and bachelor or bachelorette parties—only happen a limited number of times, while other events—Super Bowl or New Year&#8217;s Eve—happen annually. Anticipating and remembering such events can make your days more exciting, but they can also put a dent in your bank account.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/3346205311_e955d429f3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-373" title="3346205311_e955d429f3" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/3346205311_e955d429f3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">While it’s important to celebrate these life events, it&#8217;s also equally as important to properly plan for them. The following are some life events that call for celebration and some ideas on how to plan and manage them financially.</p>
<p><strong>Here Comes the Bride</strong></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2450555259_3d182555ec.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-374" title="2450555259_3d182555ec" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2450555259_3d182555ec.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">When most people think of weddings, they think of pretty, white wedding gowns, a band that plays the perfect blend of up-tempo and romantic songs, and four courses of food that leave even your mom&#8217;s overweight, fourth cousin feeling full. But many people do not consider the costs. What do the gown, band, and food cost? What does it cost to rent the wedding hall? What does it cost to fill the wedding hall with flowers?</p>
<p>Here are some ways to plan for wedding expenses:</p>
<ul>
<li>Make a list of your wedding needs. Instead of having a wedding catastrophe, figure out a realistic budget of how much you and your special someone can spend. In case of an emergency, you can always apply for cash loans to cover emergency or last minute expenses.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Once you have a realistic budget, it&#8217;s time to prioritize your wedding needs. What&#8217;s number one on your list? The perfect band or the perfect chef? Or both?</li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/280385493_75ab400bb4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-375" title="280385493_75ab400bb4" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/280385493_75ab400bb4.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>While you make a list and prioritize your needs, it is vital that you constantly communicate with your partner. By working together to plan your big day, you&#8217;ll not only have the wedding of your dreams, but you&#8217;ll make sure that there&#8217;s enough money left for a down payment on a new home or even to start a college tuition fund.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Last Day of Class</strong></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/3573598435_90756952bf.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-376" title="3573598435_90756952bf" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/3573598435_90756952bf.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="339" /></a></p>
<p>Graduation can mean many things. It&#8217;s a time to remember all the teachers and classmates you met along the way. It&#8217;s a time to appreciate the hard work and late-night studies that helped you pass the dozens of midterms and finals that you&#8217;ve taken. And, it&#8217;s a time to look forward to the adventures and experiences that lie beyond the classroom.</p>
<p>How do people recognize an event that has so many different meanings? By celebrating of course!</p>
<p>A graduation party&#8217;s beauty is that it can be almost anything, with almost any price range. Here are a few of the more important factors you must account for when planning a graduation party:</p>
<ul>
<li>Homeward Bound: One way to save some money while still celebrating is to have the graduation party at your house. You can borrow tables, chairs, a sound system, and an extra grill from family members and/or neighbors. With all of that taken care of, the only real cost left is the food, drinks, invitations, thank-yous, and decorations. This list of expenses might seem long, but just remember what you&#8217;re saving by hosting the party at home.</li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/5631936211_342b011c0d.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-377" title="5631936211_342b011c0d" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/5631936211_342b011c0d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="342" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>Big or Small: The size does matter. Whether you have a graduation party with just family members and close friends or a party with dozens of acquaintances depends largely on your preferences. Just remember that as you invite more guests, the costs rise.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>It&#8217;s a Girl!</strong></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/517148389_092fcaaf2b.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-378" title="517148389_092fcaaf2b" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/517148389_092fcaaf2b.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>One of the greatest joys a person can experience is having a child. Obviously, such an event is worthy of a celebration. But how do you celebrate the birth of a child?</p>
<p>Here are some cost-effective suggestions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Take as many pictures as possible without blinding the new-born. Friends, family members, parents and the child (particularly when he or she gets older) will relish the opportunity to see what the child looked like when he or she was born.</li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/181371985_263e3edd31.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-379" title="181371985_263e3edd31" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/181371985_263e3edd31.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="357" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>Make your home baby-ready. Have the crib, baby mobile, stuffed animals, car seat and everything else ready before you return from the hospital to start your lives as a new family. And, it would be nice if your friends bought or made some signs to congratulate the parents and new-born.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Who Hired the Stripper?</strong></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/495409563_7b88cce25a.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-381" title="495409563_7b88cce25a" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/495409563_7b88cce25a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="376" /></a></p>
<p>While the pre-wedding party probably won&#8217;t cost as much as the actual wedding, it&#8217;s usually at least as memorable. Whether you&#8217;re throwing a bachelor or bachelorette party, there are many options with various price ranges to choose from.</p>
<ul>
<li>Stay Local: Having the party at one of the groomsmen&#8217;s or bridesmaids&#8217; homes is an efficient way to save some money. With this option, you&#8217;ll likely be able to spend a little more on a catering service and/or a gift for the bride or groom-to-be.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rent a Venue: Going to a spa, pool, restaurant, or lounge for a bachelor or bachelorette party is a great way to make the event seem like a really big deal. Just be ready to spend a little more and possibly have to cut some people from the guest list.</li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/537076326_91ca1fe9d0.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-382" title="537076326_91ca1fe9d0" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/537076326_91ca1fe9d0.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li>Travel: Vegas baby! Enough said.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>
<p>While these events don&#8217;t happen every day, the memories they offer and the money they cost can be felt for years. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s essential to go into every big day with a big plan. If you prepare and do your research, you&#8217;ll find that your money was well spent and your celebration was superb.<strong> </strong></p>
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		<title>4 Tips to Make Your Road Trip Successful</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/4-tips-to-make-your-road-trip-successful/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/4-tips-to-make-your-road-trip-successful/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:22:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vacations]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A road trip takes careful planning to execute successfully. If you are thinking about taking a road trip, but don&#8217;t know where to start planning, here are 4 ideas for you. Prepare Your Entertainment If you love listening to music while driving, or if you are traveling with small children, prepare your road trip entertainment [...]]]></description>
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<div><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/5714978047_ce8f537111.jpg"><img class="aligncenter" title="Road Trip!" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/5714978047_ce8f537111-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a></div>
<div>A road trip takes careful planning to execute successfully. If you are thinking about taking a road trip, but don&#8217;t know where to start planning, here are 4 ideas for you.</div>
<div>
<h3 dir="ltr"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Prepare Your Entertainment</h3>
<p>If you love listening to music while driving, or if you are traveling with small children, prepare your road trip entertainment before leaving. Prepare an assortment of travel games or a list of ideas for games the entire car can play, such as &#8220;eye spy.&#8221;<br />
In-car DVD players have answered the prayers of many parents for car entertainment. Some newer cars come with preinstalled DVD players fitted into the back of the front seats. Should you drive an older model, you can still find several low-cost portable DVD players that will allow your children movie enjoyment on the road.<br />
If you love listening to music, have all of your CDs at the ready. If plugging your iPod into your stereo, create a long playlist&#8211;this is also a much safer option, as you won&#8217;t be trying to switch CDs as you drive.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Have Your Insurance Sorted</h3>
<p>To avoid the debt of unexpected car accidents, it is smart to prepare with auto insurance. Nothing is more frustrating than having an accident while away from home and not knowing how you are going to pay for it or how you&#8217;ll get back home.<br />
Of course you may already have insurance for your vehicle, but it never hurts to double check that all of your policies are up to date. If you are travelling a long distance, you may want to take out extra insurance that covers the costs of medical expenses.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Have Food On-hand</h3>
<p>If you are travelling along roads you have never been on before, you don&#8217;t want to take your chances and assume there will be plenty of places to stop and get food along the way.<br />
Packing road-friendly snacks will help to avoid any hunger pains that may creep up mid-journey, so make sure you pack them in a convenient place! Packing your own food is also a great way to save money. Most people rely on convenience food when road tripping and that can get expensive.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"></h3>
<h3 dir="ltr">Plan Your Route</h3>
<p>This one is probably the most important. Unless you are planning on taking a road trip wherever the wind takes you, you will no doubt have a destination and a day and perhaps time you want to arrive.<br />
Avoid any frustrations by researching ahead of time the exact route you will need to take. If you are unsure of the area, stick to main roads and highways rather than taking back street short cuts. It may add a few minutes to your trip, but it&#8217;s better than getting lost!<br />
What are some of your tips for making a road trip successful?<a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/5714978047_ce8f537111.jpg"><br />
</a></p>
</div>
</div>
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		<title>Best TV Packages for Families</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/best-tv-packages-for-families/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/best-tv-packages-for-families/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:05:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You want your TV time to be more than just mindless entertainment; especially if you have a family. Instead of meaningless cartoons and reruns, the best direct TV packages for families offer the chance to learn, grow, and expand your horizons—all while being entertained. This means selecting a package based on more than just the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You want your TV time to be more than just mindless entertainment; especially if you have a family. Instead of meaningless cartoons and reruns, the best direct TV packages for families offer the chance to learn, grow, and expand your horizons—all while being entertained.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Channel-Surfing.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-345" title="Channel Surfing" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Channel-Surfing-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> This means selecting a package based on more than just the dollar amount: a family must consider every element of a package before ordering. Included channels, programming information, and your family&#8217;s personal taste and style should all be taken into consideration.</p>
<h3>So Many Choices, So Little Time</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-346" title="image 2" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-2-203x300.jpg" alt="" width="203" height="300" /></a> Take a look at the guide channel on your television and you will be faced with literally hundreds of channels to pick from. There are so many, no one could watch them all—not even in a week. Families are faced with a particularly difficult choice when it comes to television: finding shows that will work for their entire family. Cable or satellite? Sprout TV or ESPN? Starz or HBO Family? There are just so many choices!</p>
<h3>Prices, Prices, Prices</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-347" title="image 3" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-3-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> It always comes down to money, doesn&#8217;t it? When selecting a cable television package, one of the biggest concerns is how much the package will actually cost you. Remember, for the most part the more channels you get, the more expensive the package.</p>
<p>The good news is you can often get great prices on even expensive packages just by asking. New customers often get cut rates for the first few months of service. Adding or deleting extra channels, like movie channels, can also change your bottom line.</p>
<h3>Satellite vs. Cable</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-349" title="image 4" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-4-214x300.jpg" alt="" width="214" height="300" /></a> When you get right down to it, the first thing hurdle to be jumped is a pretty basic question: satellite or cable. While in some areas this may be a no brainer because there isn&#8217;t cable service available, most of us have a choice in the matter. So what really is the difference? Both types of service use radio waves to deliver pictures to your television.</p>
<p>Satellite does it via satellites and cable TV via underground cables. Often, it is cheaper to have cable TV in highly populated areas. Rural areas usually have less expensive satellite services. Unfortunately, storms or even heavy cloud cover can temporarily disrupt satellite service. Still, the choice is often entirely personal.</p>
<h3>Toddler Television</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-350" title="image 5" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-5-300x258.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="258" /></a> If there are kids in the house, it&#8217;s important to ensure that whatever package you select offers programming that is suitable for all ages. Today, there are channels dedicated to just about every age group — including toddlers. Channel availability differs from service to service, but the best TV packages for families include a channel like Sprout or Hub.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sprout: Provides educational but fun programming for toddlers without driving parents insane. Popular choice include <em>Caillou</em> and <em>Bob The Builder.</em></li>
<li>Disney Junior: Previously known as Disney Playhouse, the channel is tailored to toddlers and plays popular shows like <em>Winnie the Pooh</em></li>
</ul>
<h3>Kids&#8217; Programming</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-351" title="image 6" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-6-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="214" /></a> As much as we might fight it, toddlers grow up to be full-fledged children, and they need programming that is suitable to their ever expanding minds. Most parents don&#8217;t mind a bit of mind-numbing cartoonage for their kiddies, but they also want access to programs that are fun and educational. Check the programming for channels like Discovery Kids, The Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang.</p>
<h3>Family Time</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-352" title="image 7" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-7-300x181.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="181" /></a>Even in today&#8217;s hectic world, we all try to find some family time. If family time means television time, it&#8217;s important your package include channels that are geared towards the whole family. Family games, movies, and shows can be a great way to spend a bit of time together.</p>
<ul>
<li>TV Land: A great family channel addition to any cable package. It combines sitcoms, game shows, and dramas that are oriented towards the entire family.</li>
<li>Hallmark Channel: Home to many original movies, the Hallmark Channel is the benchmark by which all other family movie channels are judged.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Don&#8217;t Forget Mom and Dad</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-353" title="image 8" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-8-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Eventually, the kids have to go to bed, and mom and dad must have something to watch. The best packages for families will offer mom and dad plenty of choices. News, dramas, movies, and documentaries offer mom and dad the perfect opportunity to unwind. Whatever your interest, be sure that your package includes channels like CNN, TLC, The History Channel, and HBO.</p>
<h3>Package Deals</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-354" title="image 9" src="http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image-9-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Now that you know what to look for in a programming package, it&#8217;s time to decide just which package is best for your particular needs. While there are lots of options available, there are a few that really stand out.</p>
<ol start="1">
<li>Dish Network: Dish Network has lots of options, but their America&#8217;s Top 120 package is ideal for families. It offers a little bit of everything at a price ($24.99/month) that makes sense for most families.</li>
<li>Direct TV: Their family package includes 50 channels, plus local channels, for $29.99. All the favorite family channels are included making it perfect for families with children of all ages.</li>
<li>Bundled Packages: As a final option, many families are opting to bundle their television service with their telephone service. Companies like AT&amp;T, Comcast, and Brighthouse, among others, often offer deeply discounted rates on traditional cable television service. Check with your phone provider to determine the prices and packages available.</li>
</ol>
<h3>CONCLUSION</h3>
<p>At the end of the day, picking the best TV packages for families isn&#8217;t hard; it&#8217;s simply a matter of knowing what is important to you and your family. Once you have figured out the answer to the big question, cable or satellite, the choice becomes relatively simple. Family packages in general offer a selection of channels for every age group. The key is actually looking at the specific channels offered by each provider to determine which is best for you.</p>
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		<title>The Warmth and Heat of Poverty</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-warmth-and-heat-of-poverty/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-warmth-and-heat-of-poverty/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:22:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heritage Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poverty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=367</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia The poor are well known to be very loud individuals. While this is a stereotype, but it does have a basis in poverty. As a general rule poverty is a state where warmth and the extreme heat of unbridled passion tend to be the dominant factors in one&#8217;s life. For poor people, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; width: 310px; margin: 1em;"><img style="border: none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Waiting_for_goods.JPG/300px-Waiting_for_goods.JPG" alt="Local citizens from the Janabi Village wait th..." width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>The poor are well known to be very loud individuals. While this is a stereotype, but it does have a basis in poverty. As a general rule poverty is a state where warmth and the extreme heat of unbridled passion tend to be the dominant factors in one&#8217;s life. For poor people, friendships and loves are deeper than in the other classes. Unfortunately, this isn&#8217;t always a good thing.</p>
<p>Often men are taught in poor society that they have to be either lovers or fighters. To be anything else is to be considered unusual and tends to result in a lot of abuse. This reinforces the stereotype and the tendencies of the society as a whole. With a group of men who can love or fight but never simply flow, passions run rampant when they mix with women. The main reason why there are so many single mothers in the ghetto is that the men and women either love or fight one another with everything they have.</p>
<p>As well, poor society is composed of associations due to either blood or personal friendship. Even business relationships among the poor tend to be based on friendship and entertainment instead of business sense or usefulness. While this is a fun way to live, it tends to wreak a lot of hardship on poor people, as they struggle to do what they believe is right despite all of the evidence that it just won&#8217;t work very well. This is just the way they live.</p>
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		<title>The Obsession of the Middle Class</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-obsession-of-the-middle-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-obsession-of-the-middle-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:22:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poverty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Middle class people are all about money, as the stereotypes say. However, class prejudices aside, middle class people tend to be very interested in expanding their economic lot in life. For many of them, this is primarily a matter of upbringing and the desire to do better than their ancestors did. If [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; width: 310px; margin: 1em;"><img style="border: none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Middle_class_woman_by_Brotze.jpg/300px-Middle_class_woman_by_Brotze.jpg" alt="Middle class woman by Brotze" width="300" height="580" /></p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>Middle class people are all about money, as the stereotypes say. However, class prejudices aside, middle class people tend to be very interested in expanding their economic lot in life. For many of them, this is primarily a matter of upbringing and the desire to do better than their ancestors did. If you were raised in a place where money was in short supply, you might also feel the same way. But that doesn&#8217;t make this right.</p>
<p>One very important thing about the middle class concerns how they view other people. Networking is a small concern among many of the middle class, and they tend to view it primarily as a means to receiving a larger paycheck or an immediate infusion of cash from some kind of work to be done. The obsession with money that the middle class typically exhibits often has roots in rising from generational poverty.</p>
<p>Typically this rise is in direct opposition of one&#8217;s family traditions, and it tends to have a lot of emotional underpinnings about it. For one thing, being middle class means associating with people who are interested in delaying gratification at the expense of immediate entertainment. For a person coming from poverty, their family and friends often scoff at such ideas. While poor people tend to admire knowledge in the general sense, the middle class display a deep affection, if not an obsession with it. As the saying goes, no one can take away your education. For the middle class this often becomes a mantra.</p>
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		<title>Wealth and Presentation</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wealth-and-presentation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wealth-and-presentation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:22:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=365</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image via Wikipedia Poor and middle class society tend to both have a lot of material about them. For the poor, life is about entertainment and having fun, while the middle class tend to be far more focused on being highly educated and making a great living. The wealthy, on the other hand, tend to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="float: right; width: 310px; margin: 1em;"><img style="border: none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Cossutia.jpg/300px-Cossutia.jpg" alt="Cossutia was a plebeian girl of wealthy equest..." width="300" height="310" /></p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>Poor and middle class society tend to both have a lot of material about them. For the poor, life is about entertainment and having fun, while the middle class tend to be far more focused on being highly educated and making a great living. The wealthy, on the other hand, tend to be more concerned with how things appear and how things will relate to their family&#8217;s future.</p>
<p>With wealth comes a lot of emotional repression, and it tends to have a resounding impact on how the members relate to one another. While there does tend to be the warmth one usually finds between family members, there is also a sort of coldness that one typically finds among business associates. Wealthy families are about business, not about being close to one another. Appearances are extremely important, as is keeping the mythos of one&#8217;s family supported and protected. As many a wealthy person would say, noblesse oblige.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the tendency of the wealthy to be highly interested in keeping up great appearances is self-destructive to their individual abilities to connect with other people. Traditionally many wealthy people haven&#8217;t even been allowed to marry for love. Typically a marriage between wealthy people is more about connections and eugenics than it is about any particular feelings between the couple themselves. For a lot of people this simply wouldn&#8217;t be acceptable, but it&#8217;s a lifestyle. As time has gone on some of these types of traditions have evaporated to an extent &#8212; but they still exist.</p>
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		<title>Bridging the Generation Gap</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/bridging-the-generation-gap/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/bridging-the-generation-gap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:59:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generation gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grandparent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=268</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image by quinn.anya via Flickr Modern families no longer have multiple generations living under one roof, so bonding between grandparents and grandchildren is even more precious during the time spent together. With such a huge generation gap, it’s important to figure out ways to get closer to children and grandchildren while being able to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 250px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3286019142_249199fa80_m.jpg" alt="Generation gap" width="240" height="160" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by quinn.anya via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Modern families no longer have multiple generations living under one roof, so bonding between grandparents and grandchildren is even more precious during the time spent together. With such a huge generation gap, it’s important to figure out ways to get closer to children and grandchildren while being able to relate to them on some level.</p>
<p>The biggest difference between the generations, even between parent and child, is the technology. Advances in technology are fast-paced and that’s difficult to keep up with, even for a 40-something career parent. Don’t worry about learning everything the kids know about technology, but show interest in one or two things at a time. Ask them to teach you how to play their favorite video game or how to edit photographs with editing software. Even if you walk away feeling more confused than before, at least you had a special moment between the two of you.</p>
<p>Ask the grandchildren to play some of their favorite music for you and, in return, share some of your favorites. You may open them up to a world of music of which they were previously unaware. You can do the same with television shows, movies, or even magazines. Most kids are actually interested in their parents’ and grandparents’ lives, so don’t assume anything you have to say will come across as boring to them.</p>
<p>For grandparents that live far away, plan extended visits and fun activities. Take the kids to some place you frequented as a child, or visit their favorite playground.</p>
<p>Creating positive memories can encourage cross-generational communication and interest.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>A Look At Father&#8217;s Day Shopping</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/a-look-at-fathers-day-shopping/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/a-look-at-fathers-day-shopping/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=255</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Father&#8217;s day is the perfect time for moms to take their kids out shopping for the special man in all of their lives. Father&#8217;s day doesn&#8217;t always mean cologne and golf clubs- over $11,000,000,000 are spent yearly on special Father&#8217;s day gifts . Curious what others are buying?]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Father&#8217;s day is the perfect time for moms to take their kids out shopping for the special man in all of their lives. Father&#8217;s day doesn&#8217;t always  mean cologne and golf clubs- over $11,000,000,000 are spent yearly on special Father&#8217;s day gifts . Curious what others are buying?<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/MUwjH.png width="550" height="439"></p>
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		<title>Upper-Class Teens at Risk</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/upper-class-teens-at-risk/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/upper-class-teens-at-risk/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:59:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upper class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upper middle class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image by kevinliuzzo via Flickr Teenagers of the upper classes are often assumed to be at low risk of developing addictions or rebellious behavior, but new studies suggest that these children face pressures of their own. In affluent neighborhoods, children are often subjected to achievement pressures in academics, sports, and overall lifestyle. These kids [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 172px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/4464049932_0dd4751062_m.jpg" alt="Substance Abuse" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by kevinliuzzo via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Teenagers of the upper classes are often assumed to be at low risk of developing addictions or rebellious behavior, but new studies suggest that these children face pressures of their own.</p>
<p>In affluent neighborhoods, children are often subjected to achievement pressures in academics, sports, and overall lifestyle. These kids often view achievement failures as personal failures, and this can lead to anxiety, bouts of depression, and even substance abuse.</p>
<p>Teens with upper-middle class and upper-class parents are often left alone for several hours each week while parents work or attend social functions. Because of this, affluent children are often emotionally deprived and feel they can only rely on themselves in times of need. Again, this leads to emotional distress and substance abuse.</p>
<p>Regardless of social class, parents need to play an active role in their children’s lives. An action as simple as eating dinner as a family one night a week can vastly improve your teen’s emotional health and family relations. Rebellious behavior should immediately be addressed and any current problems need an intervention, but address the problem as a nurturing parent, not an observer. Parents should also show an interest in their child’s school and keep open communications with teachers. Counselors and educators are often intimidated by affluent parents, so upper-class kids tend to get off the hook much quicker. Keeping the communication lines open with the school will lessen the intimidation factor and increase your chances of being notified in the event of a problem.</p>
<p>Clearly no child, rich or poor, is free from the risks associated with addictions and rebellion. Positive parenting and a strong family structure is the best preventative.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Materialism Leads to Reduced Marital Satisfaction</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/materialism-leads-to-reduced-marital-satisfaction/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/materialism-leads-to-reduced-marital-satisfaction/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:58:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=266</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image by Getty Images via @daylife Dealing with a materialistic spouse can be frustrating, especially when you take into account that materialism is very likely to lead to marriage problems. Husbands or wives who place a high value on material possessions are often at risk of developing financial problems, regardless of social class. Individuals [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 160px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fbVccVgOYeUW/150x107.jpg" alt="NEW YORK - MAY 20:  In this photo illustration..." width="150" height="107" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by Getty Images via @daylife</p>
</div>
<p>Dealing with a materialistic spouse can be frustrating, especially when you take into account that materialism is very likely to lead to marriage problems.</p>
<p>Husbands or wives who place a high value on material possessions are often at risk of developing financial problems, regardless of social class. Individuals who seek out material things to make them happy may overlook values in their spouses that made them fall in love in the first place. It doesn’t take much financial trouble, such as overdue credit card balances, to turn into a huge problem, and martial satisfaction may end up on the line.</p>
<p>If you or your spouse is materialistic by nature, sit down as a couple and talk about separating your needs from your wants. This is a modern consumer culture so you will be drawn to buying the biggest and best, but when you need an affordable cell phone plan opt for a simple, pay-as-you-go plan instead of a smartphone with an outrageous contract. It’s all about assessing your needs, making compromises, and lowering your expectations.</p>
<p>Remember that the most important things in life are not material things. This is a difficult concept to grasp for some people and a spouse may need to be confronted about it. Outrageous spending habits can led to a false sense of entitlement, so be honest with yourself and each other. Focus on the richness in your marriage and count that as a luxury.</p>
<p>Don’t be ashamed of being in a lower class, and don’t spend like you were in a higher class. Focus on what you do have and enjoy it. The gratitude for life will naturally follow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Five Ways to Make your Daughter Feel like a Princess</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/five-ways-to-make-your-daughter-feel-like-a-princess/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/five-ways-to-make-your-daughter-feel-like-a-princess/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:37:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=283</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every parent wants their child to feel special and supported as she moves through the stages of life. While some mothers and fathers fall into the average category, other parents seem born with a knack for making their daughters feel like young princesses. To be a parent that shines where your daughter&#8217;s feelings are concerned, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Every parent wants their child to feel special and supported as she moves through the stages of life. While some mothers and fathers fall into the average category, other parents seem born with a knack for making their daughters feel like young princesses. To be a parent that shines where your daughter&#8217;s feelings are concerned, rather than appearing dull, takes substantial effort. While building a barn to shelter a horse for your daughter because she expressed interest in owning a horse at age four is a bit of a stretch, there are reasonable concessions. Check out the following steps to help ensure that your daughter feels like a member of the royal family:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. Bend the Rules</h3>
<p>Princesses get their way, it&#8217;s that simple. To make your daughter feel like one, you&#8217;ll have to be flexible where your rules are concerned. That means if your daughter wants to eat ice cream at noon, you have to be okay with that. Same goes with her request to precede dinner with a few scoops of chocolate flavored frozen delight.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Dancing is a Must-Do</h3>
<p>Horses and dancing are two staples of a life well lived. If horses are out of the question financially, aim for dance lessons, a few outfits, and sparkle ballerina shoes. Your daughter&#8217;s resultant grace and poise will benefit her throughout her life, whether she marries a prince or not.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">3. Tell Her She&#8217;s Important</h3>
<p>Tell your daughter how special she makes you feel. Reminisce often about the months surrounding her birth, which are often a magical time. As she ages into her pre-teen and teen years, update the reminiscences to include more recent events. Every princess likes to be reminded how happy they make those around them.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">4. Create a Happy Environment</h3>
<p>Laugh, often, both around and with your daughter. It doesn&#8217;t matter if you&#8217;ve got the royal budget to spend in life or a real-world budget provided by a regular job. Making your daughter feel princess-like revolves around more than just material possessions; it revolves around peace of mind and joy. Never forget that a happy princess is a content, joyous princess!</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">5. Sparkle, Shine, and Color</h3>
<p>Add sparkle, shine, and color to your daughter&#8217;s life and room. Beige is not a royal color, for good reason – it&#8217;s drab! Paint the walls in your house with interesting colors, and ask for your daughter&#8217;s input on color selection. If it&#8217;s a pale lime green that your daughter suggests – and you find that a disturbing color &#8211; don&#8217;t dismiss it out of hand, but rather, search for places where that would add charm to the house.</p>
<p>In all, making your daughter feel like a princess in her sparkle ballerina shoes is mostly about how you interact with her. While it never hurts to live in a palace, the fact is that most people don&#8217;t. But your home is your haven, and making your daughter feel like a princess can be done on an ordinary budget!</p>
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		<title>6 Relaxing Ways to Celebrate Summer</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/6-relaxing-ways-to-celebrate-summer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/6-relaxing-ways-to-celebrate-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2011 14:10:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vacations]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=287</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone knows that summer is the perfect time to kick back and relax. There are so many fun ways to celebrate summer, and of course, most of them do require relaxation. Start your summer fun with the tips below. 1. Have a Barbecue This is one of the most common summer celebrations. Getting friends and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>Everyone knows that summer is the perfect time to kick back and relax. There are so many fun ways to celebrate summer, and of course, most of them do require relaxation. Start your summer fun with the tips below.</div>
<h3>1. Have a Barbecue</h3>
<div class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img title="spare ribs on the barbeque" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Spareribs_bbq.jpg/300px-Spareribs_bbq.jpg" alt="spare ribs on the barbeque" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<div>This is one of the most common summer celebrations. Getting friends and family together for an amazing barbecue is a fun way to relax. Sure, you have to grill up the food, but that&#8217;s all there is for working! After that, sit around under the palm tree decorations that you chose for this get together, and eat, drink and be merry. You can&#8217;t go wrong with some hot dogs, hamburgers or steaks on the grill.</div>
<h3>2. Drink Something Cold</h3>
<div>What says summer more than an iced drink? Whether you choose something fruity or chocolaty, or whether it&#8217;s alcoholic or non, a frozen drink screams summer. Not only will it cool you down, it will help you kick back and relax.</div>
<h3>3. Take a Dip</h3>
<div>Whether heading to the ocean or the local swimming pool, going for a swim is a great way to relax. Not only do you get to cool off in the water, you can also have some great fun with friends. Splash around, play water volleyball and more while having fun in the water.</div>
<h3>4. Game Night</h3>
<div>Get your friends together for a good old fashioned game night. There are so many options when choosing to do a game night that you may not even get to everything that you want to do. With options ranging from tag outside, to trivia games inside, you can never go wrong. Once it starts to cool down in the evening, you can have tons of fun outside, running around like you did when you were a kid. Or, stay inside with the air conditioning and show everyone else how much trivia you know!</div>
<h3>5. Have a Picnic</h3>
<div>Pack a lunch and head to the park. If you have kids, they will relish the opportunity to play at the park after you eat. If you don&#8217;t, just lay back and relax on the grass. Have a great picnic, then lay back and enjoy the day.</div>
<h3>6. Pick Some Fruit</h3>
<div>If you have fruit planted, you will soon find that it is growing, and getting ready to eat. If you don&#8217;t have some planted, you can generally find farms or orchards that will allow you to come in and get some fruit. Having fresh fruit off the vine or a tree can help anyone feel like summer really is a time to celebrate.There are so many fun things to do in the summer time. Many people start to get outside more as the weather warms up. Whether your activities involve you and the kids, or you invite over the whole neighborhood, remember that summer is a time for fun! What relaxing ways do you celebrate the summer season?</p>
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		<title>The Lower Class</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-lower-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-lower-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 13:21:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lower class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=246</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia There are different levels of social class in the United States. The lowest class is the lower class. In general, the lower class are the people who have low paying jobs and rely on government transfers. These people may or may not have a high school education. There are also different [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 310px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e5/Class_US.svg/300px-Class_US.svg.png" alt="Vector image of User:BrendelSignature's breakd..." width="300" height="300" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>There are different levels of social class in the United States. The lowest class is the lower class. In general, the lower class are the people who have low paying jobs and rely on government transfers. These people may or may not have a high school education. There are also different levels. The lowest level of the lower class is called the lower lower class. The people who are categorized in this class are the homeless or permanently unemployed. The working poor are in this class as well. The working poor usually have some high school education and work as service workers. They have risk of poverty.</p>
<p>The upper lower class, also known as the working class, are the manual laborers. The people in the working class will generally have a high school education and have low job security. These people are usually pink and blue-collar workers. The poor are the people who live below the poverty line and usually do not have a job.</p>
<p>In the lower class, it is common to not have finished high school, work many part time jobs, and are often unemployed. It is not uncommon for people in the lower class to go into poverty. Many people in this class will rely on government transfers. These people usually do not depend on a steady employment and often have to work many underpaying jobs. There are also people called the semi-poor and the “bottom.” The semi-poor are people who have finished high school and work as a laborer. The bottom are the people who are unemployed or rely on welfare.</p>
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		<title>Sacrificing Time for the Family</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/sacrificing-time-for-the-family/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/sacrificing-time-for-the-family/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 15:41:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[generations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lower class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[materialistic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upper class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=234</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; As a parent, free time can become increasingly sparse. The time required to make a living, take care of the needs of the family, as well as other issues, can remove all sense of free time or quality time with the family. However, it is very important to make time for both areas. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 170px"><img title="Family Portrait" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/128259700_af8829dd2d_m.jpg" alt="Family Portrait" width="160" height="240" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image by Gideon Tsang via Flickr</p></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As a parent, free time can become increasingly sparse. The time required to make a living, take care of the needs of the family, as well as other issues, can remove all sense of free time or quality time with the family. However, it is very important to make time for both areas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Look for ways to dedicate time for the family. Perhaps you can do something fun on the weekend, whether it is going to the park or staying in and playing some games. While you may not have enough time, if you make an attempt to dedicate periods of time to important things, it may all work out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Time for yourself may seem even less possible. Again, this may require a balancing act of sorts. Even if you only have a few minutes, you could do something you enjoy. Using anonline casino bonus or enjoying a good book are options that can be done in very short blocks of time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps you can work with your spouse, if applicable, to make time for the family while still stealing a few minutes for yourself. There is nothing wrong with one parent taking the kids out to the park while giving the other parent some free time every now and then. Or you could find time to devote to the whole family, such as having family game night or watching the children favorite movie.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Time must be sacrificed for the well-being of the family. Find ways to do so for your family, but do not forget about your personal needs, as well.</p>
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		<title>4 Activities to Strengthen the Family Unit</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/4-activities-to-strengthen-the-family-unit/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/4-activities-to-strengthen-the-family-unit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 07:38:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wikipedia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=232</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Video games, smart phones and computers aren&#8217;t necessarily incompatible with family activities. Instead of mandating a ban on the electronic devices that are an inextricable part of most kids&#8217; lives, try these fun and enriching pursuits that will have everyone smiling together. 1. Plan a dream vacation. Give everyone 10 minutes to pick a country [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Video games, smart phones and computers aren&#8217;t necessarily incompatible with family activities. Instead of mandating a ban on the electronic devices that are an inextricable part of most kids&#8217; lives, try these fun and enriching pursuits that will have everyone smiling together.</p>
<p><strong>1. Plan a dream vacation.</strong> Give everyone 10 minutes to pick a country and surf the web for information on how to get there, where to stay and what sights to see. Make expenses no object and see what intriguing destinations everyone comes up with! Sites such as Canada 411 are helpful starting places.</p>
<p><strong>2. Hold a family game night.</strong> Expand your options beyond Pictionary and let younger family members pick their favorite video games that everyone must agree to play, at least for one round or level. They&#8217;ll get a kick out of watching Mom, Dad or Grandpa try to work the controllers (it&#8217;s good to be humbled once in a while).</p>
<p><strong>3. Wrap your brain around backwards speech.</strong> A free app for the iPhone called iReverseSpeech lets you record yourself saying a sentence or singing a line of a song, and then plays it backwards for you. You then try to record the <strong>backwards</strong> version and see how close you come to your original phrase! This is truly hilarious fun.</p>
<p><strong>4. Run Wikiraces.</strong> You&#8217;ll need at least two computers. The referee picks two unrelated terms (like &#8220;refrigerator&#8221; and &#8220;postmodernism&#8221;). Players start by looking up the first term on Wikipedia; they then have to click links that take them through related articles until they reach the second term. Fastest surfer wins!</p>
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		<title>Making Sports Betting Simply Enjoyable</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/making-sports-betting-simply-enjoyable/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/making-sports-betting-simply-enjoyable/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 13:17:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports betting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=245</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image courtesy: http://drrobbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/coach-yelling-at-athlete-716268.jpg There are many ways to make betting in sports attractive to people. One way is to make a strong case that in these recession years, you can always use some extra cash if you are lucky or have prior experience in sports betting. Another good reason is that betting in sports can be a good use of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://drrobbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/coach-yelling-at-athlete-716268.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Image courtesy: http://drrobbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/coach-yelling-at-athlete-716268.jpg</p>
<p>There are many ways to make betting in sports attractive to people. One way is to make a strong case that in these recession years, you can always use some extra cash if you are lucky or have prior experience in sports betting. Another good reason is that betting in sports can be a good use of spending time if you have finished all your work and there is nothing else left to do for the day other than watching television.</p>
<p>Betting in sports can also be enjoyable if you follow that sport really well and spend considerable period of time during the week following the famous teams, promising and established players and knowing the evolution of the game and the expertise of the coaches.</p>
<p>Whether you are interested in baseball, football, basketball or hockey, if you want a good return on investment, it is always a good idea to study the game and bet well. Start with studying all the teams, the players in them, the coach, the past performance of each player, and their recent record to gauge their momentum and chances of success. Sports betting is as much a game of analysis as it is a development of instinct and intuition.</p>
<p>A combination of deep and meaningful analysis in combination with the right instinct might lead to fabulous return on investment in the betting process. Involve your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend by asking him or her which team will likely win, and he or she might give you an instinctive answer. Maybe this could be an activity that you can do together.</p>
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		<title>The Middle Class</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-middle-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-middle-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2011 13:17:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia There are different levels of social class in the United States. The most common is the middle class. The people in the middle class are usually managers, small business owners, lower status professionals such as teachers, and sales workers. These people have a high school education and generally some college. There [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 310px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Class_distribution_US.svg/300px-Class_distribution_US.svg.png" alt="America's middle class" width="300" height="252" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>There are different levels of social class in the United States. The most common is the middle class. The people in the middle class are usually managers, small business owners, lower status professionals such as teachers, and sales workers. These people have a high school education and generally some college.</p>
<p>There are also different levels in the middle class. The lowest level of the middle class is the lower middle class. These people are the lower paid white color workers. However, they are not manual laborers. They usually have a college education. Some people in the lower middle class include police officers, teachers, nurses, office workers, etc. These people have a standard living.</p>
<p>The other level of the middle class is the upper middle class. These people are usually professionals who have a college education. They also usually have a postgraduate degree as well. These people are doctors, lawyers, dentists, bankers, professors, etc. These people are highly educated.</p>
<p>The working class can also be categorized in the middle class, however, it is close to the lower class. The working class are the higher blue collar workers such as truck drivers and low paid sales workers. Some pink collar workers can also be in this category. Anyone in the middle class will most likely at least have a high school education. Most will also go on to college or graduate school. People in the middle class have a pretty standard lifestyle. They are above the poverty line, but are not rich.</p>
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		<title>Money Management Skills for Families</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/money-management-skills-for-families/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/money-management-skills-for-families/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2011 15:48:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=223</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today’s economy, managing your money is extremely important. Savvy money management skills for families can be instilled within one’s youth, but can also be learned along the way. Luckily for many individuals, a number of financial institutions and advisors exist to help families plan for the long run, whether it be accommodating for a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In today’s economy, managing your money is extremely important. Savvy money management skills for families can be instilled within one’s youth, but can also be learned along the way. Luckily for many individuals, a number of financial institutions and advisors exist to help families plan for the long run, whether it be accommodating for a growing family, managing a mortgage or saving for college. As many advisors point out, money management skills are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and can lead to a richer and more enjoyable life in both the short and long term.</p>
<p>It is important when acquiring money management skills that become part of a family tradition; this is the easiest way to instill safe financial practices within one’s family and provide them with a significant advantage for the long run and for future generations. While there exist a number of financial tips and tricks for managing family finances responsibly, there do exist a few instrumental skills every individual should be aware of. The first skill all families should acquire is spending less than what is earned. Budgeting is a second essential money management skill; without a budget many families fail to reach their financial goals and are inadequately prepared for the long run.</p>
<p>Additionally, work to pay of all credit card debt. A large amount of credit card debt can significantly impair a family’s financial stability. Finally, be diligent about contributing to a savings account and sticking with a savings plan. By staying on track and increasing one’s savings, however incremental, you can place your family on a better path to future financial stability.</p>
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		<title>The Upper Class</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-upper-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-upper-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 13:17:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upper class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upper middle class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=243</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia There are different levels of social class in the United States. The highest class is the upper class. There are also different levels of the upper class. The upper middle class can be a part of the upper class, however, it is more a part of the middle class. These people [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; width: 204px;"><img style="border: medium none;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b8/Ivy_League_logo.svg/194px-Ivy_League_logo.svg.png" alt="Ivy League logo" width="194" height="127" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>There are different levels of social class in the United States. The highest class is the upper class. There are also different levels of the upper class. The upper middle class can be a part of the upper class, however, it is more a part of the middle class. These people are professionals with a graduate degree. These people are doctors, lawyers, dentists, bankers, etc.</p>
<p>The next level of the upper class is the lower upper class. These people are top professionals who have graduated from the best colleges. The people in the lower upper class have what is called “new money.” This means they have become rich in their own lifetime. These people will usually entrepreneurs, top professionals, movie stars, and famous athletes.</p>
<p>The upper upper class are the people with “old money.” Old money meaning they were born into a family with wealth. These people will also often have a college degree from an Ivy League school.</p>
<p>People in the upper class can also be called the rich. These are people who live in a household with a net worth of at least one million dollars. They will also most likely have a college degree. There is also the capitalist class, which consists of top-level executives, politicians, and heirs. They will usually have an Ivy League education. The super-rich are multi-millionaires. Celebrities and some of the most powerful politicians and executives are usually in this group. It is also common for them to have an Ivy League education.</p>
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		<title>Planning a Family Hiking Trip</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/planning-a-family-hiking-trip/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/planning-a-family-hiking-trip/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 May 2011 15:02:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hiking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outdoor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trail mix]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/?p=221</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Planning a family hiking trip could be part of a family reunion, a new tradition, or a way for family members to come together. This is also a fantastic idea for getting your family outdoors to experience nature. Some may need to be sold on the idea first, and that is where proper planning and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Planning a family hiking trip could be part of a family reunion, a new tradition, or a way for family members to come together. This is also a fantastic idea for getting your family outdoors to experience nature. Some may need to be sold on the idea first, and that is where proper planning and notification can help.</p>
<p><strong>Presenting Your Ideas</strong></p>
<p>When you present the idea of a family hiking trip, go beyond just talking about it. Consider putting together brochures that will detail the hike, provide a map, and list some of the sights that participants can enjoy during the hike. This might take a little research on your part, but it will be well worth it when you have a group of family members who are eager to join you on this adventure.</p>
<p><strong>Planning the Perfect Hike</strong></p>
<p>Putting together the perfect hike can be a challenge, especially when it involves a large group. Be aware of those who may need special accommodations or extra provisions. Finding a trail that offers amazing sights but is still considered appropriate for beginners is the best option for this type of outing.</p>
<p>Plan to include fun games such as a &#8220;best trail mix&#8221; competition or give an award to the person who is most knowledgeable about the vegetation. This is a great way to rebuild relationships with family members, and enjoy the time spent with them. The best thing about this type of outing is that all aspects of lifestyle, materialism and even status are removed, and people can get back to the roots of their family bond.</p>
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		<title>This Generations Technology Explosion</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/this-generations-technology-explosion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/this-generations-technology-explosion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:50:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barcode reader]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mobile phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=190</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; Image by johnmuk via Flickr Throughout many generations that are currently living in today&#8217;s world, the burst of new technology just seems to keep on growing. There are so many advancements in technology that we have yet to discover which will change how we live within even just one generation. &#160; Today, cell [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 250px;"><img style="border: medium none; display: block;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/68/182322238_e194f11f8e_m.jpg" alt="Mobile Phone showing multimedia options" width="240" height="180" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by johnmuk via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Throughout many generations that are currently living in today&#8217;s world, the burst of new technology just seems to keep on growing. There are so many advancements in technology that we have yet to discover which will change how we live within even just one generation.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, cell phones are considered a necessity. Cell phones can do just about anything&#8230; except cook your meals for you. Too bad for that, but there are number of other handy things that the cell phone can do. You can have conference calls, email, and even compare prices as you shop in stores with built-in barcode scanners. This is a huge leap compared to just a mere few decades ago where cell phones were almost non-existent.</p>
<p>Cars are constantly being created with more and more features that let the driver do a little bit less work. There are even some cars that drive themselves. This may seem a bit scary to some people who would prefer to have control of the steering wheel, but it is the direction in which technology has taken us. Creations such as these are surprisingly common these days.</p>
<p>Video games are another piece of technology which we all can say have advanced way beyond what we could imagine. Yes, you still need to put a game in a game console, but there really isn&#8217;t much of use for controllers anymore. Now your body becomes the controller – all within a span of a several years!</p>
<p>There is no limit to the amount of technology that is being created today in this generation, but we are sure to see many more creations of technological advancements in the future.</p>
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		<title>Teaching Our Children to be Less Materialistic</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/teaching-our-children-to-be-less-materialistic/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/teaching-our-children-to-be-less-materialistic/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:18:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video game]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=169</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The definition of materialistic is said to be a preoccupation with material things. This is sometimes echoed by many elderly people when asked their opinion of today&#8217;s family&#8217;s. Owning as many material items as possible has become a normal lifestyle for many. Unfortunately, this way of thinking cannot truly bring happiness. Most children growing up now have almost forgotten the art [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;">The definition of materialistic is said to be a  preoccupation with material things. This is sometimes echoed by many elderly  people when asked their opinion of today&#8217;s family&#8217;s. Owning as many material  items as possible has become a normal lifestyle for many. Unfortunately, this  way of thinking cannot truly bring happiness.</span><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Most children growing up now have almost forgotten the  art of simply playing outside. Although parents have to be much more vigilant  about safety issues then in the past, the average child spends much more time  playing video games then they do outdoors. One way to teach your child the  importance of simply playing and using their imagination, is to start by showing  them how to play a few of the games that you played when you were a child.  Hopscotch, jump rope, tag and even catching lightning bugs has sadly become a  thing of the past. Yet all of these activities offer several positive aspects,  such as fulfilling the need for exercise, natural vitamin intake from the sun  and the learned ability to cooperate as a team member. </span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Another way to practice being less materialistic is for  the whole family to be involved in working with some kind of charity that helps  those less fortunate. Sometimes actually seeing how few things other children  have, is enough to make even the youngest child think twice about demanding a  new gaming system or cell phone. Teaching the child to be charitable and  encouraging them to give away toys they no longer play with, not only makes the  child feel good about him or herself, but it also stresses that owning too many  things doesn&#8217;t always make you happy.</span></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Cool Mobile Apps for Moms-to-Be</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/cool-mobile-apps-for-moms-to-be/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/cool-mobile-apps-for-moms-to-be/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:29:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pregnancy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want the latest and greatest in mobile apps as they relate to pregnant or soon to be pregnant moms? Look no further. These fantastic mobile apps for moms or moms-to-be will keep you safer, happier, and more knowledgeable than you ever thought possible. Get the help you need with this app list: iPhones include: The ability to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Want the latest and greatest in mobile apps as they relate to pregnant or soon to be pregnant moms? Look no further. These fantastic mobile apps for moms or moms-to-be will keep you safer, happier, and more knowledgeable than you ever thought possible.</p>
<p>Get the help you need with this app list:</p>
<ul>
<li>iPhones include:</li>
</ul>
<p>The ability to calculate your baby’s due date, learn about the development of your child, receive regular updates, and be a part of forums and chat rooms with others who are expecting. Integrate with Facebook and Twitter, and learn about pregnancy and lactation. See pictures, videos and get healthy recipes.</p>
<ul>
<li>For the Blackberry get:</li>
</ul>
<p>Pregnancy period monitoring including calculation of the movement of your baby, and calculate fetal ages. Download the pregnancy application from the Pregnancy Wheel Official Website and get started in learning more about your growing baby. Learning about your baby keeps him healthy as well as yourself. And keeping in tune with your pregnancy week by week will safeguard you against those unknown surprises.</p>
<ul>
<li>Android apps provide:</li>
</ul>
<p>The use of the WomanLog Calendar. Keep track of your life whether you’re already pregnant or wanting to be pregnant. Let your Android app count your contractions, tell you about your baby’s development, and more.</p>
<ul>
<li>Windows Phone7 lets you:</li>
</ul>
<p>Know about your baby as well as your body through this smart app. Start and keep a journal of your pregnancy and record what you ate and how much you weigh through the Pregnancy Tracker.</p>
<p>Whatever your choice, be assured you will know more about you and your baby including safety measures, pertinent questions and up to the minute information—all for just a push of a few buttons.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Natural Beauty Remedies</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/natural-beauty-remedies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/natural-beauty-remedies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:50:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alternative medicine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural product]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=189</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; &#160; Image by Luke Lai via Flickr Why spend on expensive chemical based beauty products when you can get longer lasting results with natural remedies. Not only do chemical based personal care products cost more but your skin tends to deteriorate once you stop using them. However, with natural products, you don’t have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="zemanta-img zemanta-action-dragged" style="float: right; width: 250px; margin: 1em;"><img style="border: none;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3334588968_733db40c0b_m.jpg" alt="Hello Kitty Personal Care Products" width="240" height="180" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image by Luke Lai via Flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Why spend on expensive chemical based beauty products when you can get longer lasting results with natural remedies. Not only do chemical based personal care products cost more but your skin tends to deteriorate once you stop using them. However, with natural products, you don’t have to worry about your skin reacting badly!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are some tips on how you can include natural remedies as part of your personal care and beauty <a href="/Users/Afshan/Desktop/Articles/blueglass/April2011/23%20-%2027%20Apr/skillsforfamilies.org">lifestyle</a> habits:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li>Take a look around the kitchen. You will be surprised how products that are commonly found in kitchen’s can be used for beauty treatments! For example, cucumber pulp applied over the skin and rinsed can be an excellent rehydration therapy. Yoghurt applied to the face works as a natural bleach and provides natural moisturizing too!</li>
<li>Start eating healthier. You should cut back on fried and oily foods. These have excessive amounts of fats that not only make you gain a lot of weight but can cause skin ailments like pimples and acne too. Instead, follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. These are filling, delicious and highly nutritious. You will have naturally  glowing skin within days!</li>
<li>Try a hand at yoga and meditation. These forms of fitness don’t put a lot of strain on your body. Your muscles get worked without draining you of your energy. Instead, you end up feeling fresh and energized. Yoga is also a great way to boost blood circulation. This enables toxins to get flushed out of your body. It helps in preventing heart ailments as well as neurological diseases and gives you great skin too!</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Raising Less Materialistic Kids</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/raising-less-materialistic-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/raising-less-materialistic-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[British Journal of Social Psychology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elton John]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=168</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia In today&#8217;s world there are so many gizmos, gadgets and toys for kids, they seem to be growing up faster and faster and at much younger ages than in past years. Having all these new technologies and advancements may be beneficial in some ways but in other ways it is making [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 310px;"><img style="border: medium none; display: block;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Little_kids.JPG/300px-Little_kids.JPG" alt="&quot;Little Kids&quot; Children's Zoo, St. Lo..." width="300" height="200" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>In today&#8217;s world there are so many gizmos, gadgets and toys for kids, they seem to be growing up faster and faster and at much younger ages than in past years. Having all these new technologies and advancements may be beneficial in some ways but in other ways it is making our kids more materialistic. Here are some tips on how to help raise less materialistic kids.</p>
<h3>Encourage Them to Give</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to raise less materialistic kids is to encourage them to give. Whether it be their own possessions or even just their time and friendship, encouraging kids to give is an excellent way to instill good values in them. Start with young children and have them go through their toys and clothes and explain to them that you are going to be donating some to children who do not have as much. Let them pick out a few things of their own to give. Starting out at a young age is a great way to get them started!</p>
<h3>Buy Less</h3>
<p>It can be very tempting at times to try and give our children everything they want and ask for. But the reality is is that half of what they want, they truly do not need. When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, ask them for a list of a couple of things they want and narrow it down to that. Giving them less and less often will not only make them less materialistic but it will also make them appreciate everything they are given a lot more.</p>
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		<title>Making a Good Impression Like a man Should</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/making-a-good-impression-like-a-man-should/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/making-a-good-impression-like-a-man-should/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:21:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=201</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a man it’s easy to forget about the traditions of the past. While the art of being a man is constantly evolving there are a number things in the past that aren’t being done today. There are good practices and manners that aren’t  considered the norm today that could set you apart from others [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a man it’s easy to forget about the traditions of the past. While  the art of being a man is constantly evolving there are a number things  in the past that aren’t being done today. There are good practices and  manners that aren’t  considered the norm today that could set you apart  from others that you meet. In a world where you should always be trying  to make a good impression here are some tips to help set you apart.</p>
<p>Dressing well is the first thing. Sure, it sounds cliché but there  are a number of men who don’t take the time to groom themselves properly  and to dress their best. This means clean clothes that are  multi-functional (button down, business casual attire). The way you  dress, even if it’s just the cleanliness of your clothes, say a lot about you.</p>
<p>Good manners are something else that men have let fall by the  wayside. It doesn’t take much to let your manners set you apart from the  rest of your peers. Simply standing for a lady when they walk in the  room, making sure to not touch your cellphone while in the presence of  company or simply remembering to say please and thank you.</p>
<p>Taking care of the things you own, whether it be poker tables or your car. Keeping the things that represent us in good condition  says a lot about the man you are and how you view things. Just taking  time to put things away properly or repairing them says a lot.</p>
<p>You don’t have to do a lot to make a good first impression. Just remember the lost art of men.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Using Technology to Teach Compassion</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/using-technology-to-teach-compassion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/using-technology-to-teach-compassion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:18:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Future]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World History]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=167</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; &#160; Never before in our world history have we had the ability to teach world compassion literally right at our fingertips as we have today. Knowledge of world events that are occurring around the globe are virtually known within seconds and or minutes due to the abilities we now have through the advanced [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Never before in our world history have we had the ability to teach world compassion literally right at our fingertips as we have today. Knowledge of world events that are occurring around the globe are virtually known within seconds and or minutes due to the abilities we now have through the advanced technologically systems we have available to us right in our own homes.</p>
<p>The internet technology we have today offers us the opportunity to teach this generation and future generations the importance of helping others who are in need or have suffered tragedy regardless if they are in the next state or across the world in another country.</p>
<p>We can teach that division of classes and materialism is destructive and leads to poverty of finances and depletes the human spirit.</p>
<p>We can learn about the traditions and cultures through out our world and adopt them into our own, in order to create a global understanding of people everywhere.</p>
<p>The advantages we have should not debilitate us but they should elevate us.</p>
<p>When we are so focused on our own wants we can not possibly comprehend the needs of a world and people in pain.</p>
<p>Not that we need to ruminate in tragedy but nor should we close our eyes to it either.</p>
<p>If we teach the value and worth of the person, maybe we can change the tide and widen our understanding of how unimportant it is or where we fit in regards to lower, middle or upper class.</p>
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		<title>When Do Children Need to File Taxes?</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/when-do-children-need-to-file-taxes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/when-do-children-need-to-file-taxes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:40:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TurboTax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=177</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A good skill to have to help your family and extended family is to know about taxes and how to file them. You are especially helpful when you can spew forth all the deductions which might make a refund check grow! So when do children get in on the tax scene? Let’s explore that a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A good skill to have to help your family and extended family is to know  about taxes and how to file them. You are especially helpful when you can spew  forth all the deductions which might make a refund check grow! So when do  children get in on the tax scene? Let’s explore that a bit further.</p>
<p>As usual, there are a myriad of situations in which people ask, &#8220;Does  my child need to file a return?&#8221; Or sometimes they want to claim the  income of the child on their return. The rules differ depending on where the  income is generated. One rule applies if it is earned income, another if it is  unearned or investment income. By going online you can find free  tax filing programs which can help answer many of your questions. Not only  will the programs let you file free of charge, in many cases, but they will  answer your questions, and guide you through the program. They will also give  you helpful strategies to plan for the future.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-179" title="tax2" src="http://skillsforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/tax2-300x220.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="176" /></p>
<p>You and your child need to be aware if taxes were withheld from income. If  so, they will want to file anyway  to receive a refund of those holdings if they are not subject to any tax.  Another good idea is to help older children begin learning the wise investment  techniques available for them to use in the future.</p>
<p>With as technologically savvy as most children and teens are today, why not  use the technology to help them plan wisely?<img src="file:///C|/Users/inder/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Dreamweaver CS5/en_US/OfficeImageTemp/clip_image003_0002.gif" border="0" alt="Description: http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=cc42e367-bb6d-47b9-a5f9-af2892089be3" width="1" height="1" /></p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=6ee08dc6-f483-479e-aa6b-ad64ac82affb" alt="" /></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Building Credit the Safe Way</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/building-credit-the-safe-way/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/building-credit-the-safe-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:09:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stored-value card]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Understanding how to build credit safely without taking any risks is all part of the process of learning about money management. People often get into trouble with credit when they are unable to make payments or are only making small payments at a time. In order to build credit, there must be an effort on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Understanding how to build credit safely without taking any risks is all part of the process of learning about money management. People often get into trouble with credit when they are unable to make payments or are only making small payments at a time. In order to build credit, there must be an effort on the part of the card holder or bill payer to show that they can effectively pay for their expenditures every month. However, there are ways that credit can be built easily without the risk of hurting a credit score.</p>
<p>One of the easiest ways to take the risk out of building credit is through a Vision prepaid card. This card allows for the card holder to put money on a debit card. When this card is used to pay a bill, a certain amount of percentage points will be added to the card holder&#8217;s credit rating, which over time will build the cardholder&#8217;s credit without the risk of losing credit points due to overspending.</p>
<p>The advantage of a Vision prepaid card is that it protects your credit score. But, as a card holder you have the power to also control the amount of money spent, pay any bills that need to be paid, and build credit the right way without having to worry about hurting a credit score because of mental lapses or missed bills.</p>
<p>Prepaid debit cards are a great choice for people looking to build their credit without having to pay a bill at the end of every month.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=c4e8afdd-4dc7-43e7-b490-2cac89b8b852" alt="" /></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beautiful Links to American History</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/beautiful-links-to-american-history/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/beautiful-links-to-american-history/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:47:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Girl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=135</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[American history is like a beautiful quilted fabric, with many different views, styles and peoples all forming a single tapestry._ This variety and diversity is celebrated by people in many different ways. American Girl dolls are a beautiful and meaningful way that many people choose to honor America&#8217;s rich heritage and history. The American Girl [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>American history is like a beautiful quilted fabric, with many different views, styles and peoples all forming a single tapestry._ This variety and diversity is celebrated by people in many different ways. American Girl dolls are a beautiful and meaningful way that many people choose to honor America&#8217;s rich heritage and history.</p>
<p>The American Girl line includes a wide variety of dolls, each with a story of who they were and where and when they were &#8220;living.&#8221; To showcase the era, each doll comes with doll clothes that replicate its era.  The story behind each American Girl is different depending on its era and setting. Dolls such as Kaya, the Nez Perce Native American, and Felicity Merriman, the young Virginian girl, are both from the pre-Revolutionary War colonies. Other American Girls, such as Ivy Ling, the gymnast, and Julie Albright, the free-spirit Californian, are experiencing life in 1970&#8242;s San Francisco.</p>
<p>Each American Girl doll comes with a variety of accessories, furniture, books, clothes and shoes, but what many people like most about the American Girl dolls is the sense of the American Girls coming straight out of another time in the history of the United States of America. The American Girl dolls each have several books describing the hardships, adventures and shenanigans that the girls endured. These stories include wonderful details about the times in which the girls lived.</p>
<p>While each American Girl is representative of a different time, place and lifestyle, they all represent the entirety of the history and culture of the United States of America.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=e0322d48-a7b0-4e5f-b248-5283a6611385" alt="" /></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>We Are a Class System</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/we-are-a-class-system/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/we-are-a-class-system/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:18:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Darkfall]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gym]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=166</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; &#160; &#160; We live in a class system divided into upper, middle and lower classes. This system has largely been created by our society and influenced by an even larger degree by our government. And even though the differences are supposed to only reflect our socio-economic world it actually defines the way we consciously [...]]]></description>
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" alt="" width="245" height="194" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We live in a class system divided into upper, middle and lower classes. This system has largely been created by our society and influenced by an even larger degree by our government.</p>
<p>And even though the differences are supposed to only reflect our socio-economic world it actually defines the way we consciously or even more so subconsciously view each other. We judge and categorize each other by the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and the homes we live in. In a perfect world this would not matter, but we live in this world that has been built on materialistic attitudes that are perpetuated from birth.</p>
<p>If we want our future generations to learn to be tolerant and eliminate violence in school that is largely due to this very system then we need to look at the real questions and answer them honestly. Questions like, how can we establish better lines of awareness and acceptance that are based on integrity, honesty, generosity and a wide open world view?</p>
<p>Looking back through the generations that have gone before us we can see how we arrived where we are today both economically and socially.</p>
<p>But if we want the generations that will be here in the future to respect their fellow citizens and be willing to lend a hand then we need to begin now by teaching our children a tradition of compassion and acceptance regardless of a person’s possessions or how large their bank account is.</p>
<p>Technology is a valuable tool that can help teach future generation’s world awareness.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=03af832d-e204-4278-838d-fbad0d7cc3df" alt="" /></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/we-are-a-class-system/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How Spring Cleaning Helps Others</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-spring-cleaning-helps-others/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-spring-cleaning-helps-others/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:02:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salvation Army]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=133</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When spring comes, it’s a time to get rid of your old items. Many individuals tend to throw away the items that they don’t need any more instead of donating them. There are a lot of people who would benefit from your used items. You can donate your used clothing to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When spring comes, it’s a time to get rid of your old items. Many individuals tend to throw away the items that they don’t need any more instead of donating them. There are a lot of people who would benefit from your used items.</p>
<p>You can donate your used clothing to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or any other thrift store in your area. However, it’s not a bad idea to clean the clothing before donating them.</p>
<p>If you have any used cars that are sitting in your driveway, you can get a tax deduction by donating it to Kars for Kids. They will send someone to pick up your vehicle and you will receive a vacation voucher that you can use to a limited number of places in the United States. The good thing about donating your vehicle is that it doesn’t have to be in good running order. Just by donating the car, you will help a lot of unfortunate children.</p>
<p>When you upgrade to a new computer, donate your used computer to a school or community center. There are a lot of community organizations that lack funding and would benefit from having a used computer. You also may know a child who doesn’t have a computer who could use one. It would mean a lot to the child’s parents that you were able to give their child something that they weren’t able to afford.</p>
<p>Don’t place your old furniture out on the street. Contact the Salvation Army and they will pick it up for you. The furniture can be given to a family who has been displaced by a fire or other disaster.</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="border: medium none; float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=15f13d36-fa18-4c50-854e-f208a969665c" alt="" /></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-spring-cleaning-helps-others/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Dependence on Technology by Younger Generations</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-dependence-on-technology-by-younger-generations/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-dependence-on-technology-by-younger-generations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:18:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mobile phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nintendo Entertainment System]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=165</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Image via Wikipedia For many people who live in our demanding and technologically driven society, it can be difficult to imagine life without their favorite mobile device, particularly a cell phone. People in today&#8217;s society are busy and always on the go. Additionally, they always want to stay connected with their own little network [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: right; display: block; width: 157px;"><img style="border: medium none; display: block;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/Motorola_L7.jpg/300px-Motorola_L7.jpg" alt="Motorola L71" width="147" height="188" />&nbsp;</p>
<p class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via Wikipedia</p>
</div>
<p>For many people who live in our demanding and technologically driven society, it can be difficult to imagine life without their favorite mobile device, particularly a cell phone. People in today&#8217;s society are busy and always on the go. Additionally, they always want to stay connected with their own little network of friends and family, constantly keeping everyone in the loop via their favorite social networking service. However, as surprising as it may be to those who have grown up over the past 15 years, it has not always been this way.</p>
<p>Generations who grew up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while on the brink of a technological revolution, did not have access to all of the unique and highly efficient computerized products that are readily available and seemingly standard today. Televisions were boxes with less than adequate color pictures, video game consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System had cutting edge 8-bit graphics, cell phones were larger than most wireless phone receivers in the household today and movies were still motion pictures, a seemingly stone-age concept when compared to graphically intense 3-D movies.</p>
<p>While in fact technology has been a welcomed commodity in our culture and society around the world, people fear that new generations are becoming too &#8220;plugged in&#8220;. Instead of spending time outside, scraping knees and playing with friends, they are chatting with friends via text message while simultaneously playing 3-D computer games. In many cases, it is difficult to image what might happen if electricity was stripped from the grid for a few weeks, resulting in no Internet access and loss of cell phone charging.</p>
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		<title>Up Your Dating Success Rates!</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/up-your-dating-success-rates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/up-your-dating-success-rates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Apr 2011 09:30:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online dating service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s that crucial time that can make or break an online dating relationship – the first date. From picking a venue to bringing along gifts, it seems that a million little things go into the perfect first date. The truth is, many &#8216;first daters&#8217; are far too nervous about the event itself and often forget [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s that crucial time that can make or break an online dating relationship – the first date. From picking a venue to bringing along gifts, it seems that a million little things go into the perfect first date. The truth is, many &#8216;first daters&#8217; are far too nervous about the event itself and often forget that a little bit of planning can help ensure that a first date is as successful as possible.</p>
<h2>Location, Location, Location</h2>
<p>Picking the perfect venue is perplexing for those using online dating services. Instead of the old standard dinner and a movie, consider picking a venue that will allow you and your date to interact. Picnic and putt-putt golf, or drinks and an art lesson will offer you both an opportunity to interact and to showcase that you are.</p>
<h2>Talking Points</h2>
<p>Let&#8217;s face it; we&#8217;ve all experienced that awkward moment of silence on a first date &#8211; especially in the case of online dating. Instead of suffering in silence, prepare a list of talking points for emergencies. Ideas include education, background and family, although for those who are a bit more adventurous, topics such as politics, current affairs and public figures may be the perfect opportunity to debate.</p>
<h2>Good, Bad or Ugly</h2>
<p>No matter how well planned the date is, in the end, you&#8217;ve got to decide if it was a success or a flop. Most of us can base this on one very simple, little concept: when the date ended, did you want more?</p>
<p>Take some time to really plan that first date – it will make a difference.</p>
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		<title>Good Communication Skills in Relationships</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/good-communication-skills-in-relationships/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/good-communication-skills-in-relationships/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:01:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conversation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Being unable to communicate well is one of the biggest problems that many married people complain of. There are several tips that can be applied to try to better the situation, especially if both parties are able and willing to try. Communicating well is an art, and good communication takes two. It&#8217;s hard for a single person [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;">Being unable to communicate well is one of the biggest problems that many married people complain of. There are several tips that can be applied to try to better the situation, especially if both parties are able and willing to try. Communicating well is an art, and good communication takes two. It&#8217;s hard for a single person to carry on a decent conversation alone! Improving communication skills involve both partners having to first embrace the fact that there is a problem, and secondly, agree to make an effort to work on solving it together. </span></p>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">One way to develop better communication skills is to try to find combined interests. In this way you can have conversations about things that you are both equally interested in, which usually makes the flow of conversation flow smoothly and without much effort. Try to remember what you talked about when you were dating. </span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Most couples that are in a lasting relationship find that communication skills may start to wane after a few years because time is more limited with a growing family or longer hours at work. Sharing jobs at home at the end of the day can help make more time available for both partners to be able to sit down and discuss whatever events they feel are important. Taking time to be with each other, even if it&#8217;s only for a short while, can increase the quality of conversation and communication. Truly listening to your partner is one key to having better communication skills in the marriage.</span></div>
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		<title>Enjoying Poker Night Despite the Recession</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/enjoying-poker-night-despite-the-recession/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/enjoying-poker-night-despite-the-recession/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:56:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Casino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poker]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The recession has hit everyone hard. People are being forced to give up their own interests in an effort to try and save money during this rough period of time. Chances are if you and your friends enjoyed heading out to the casinos and having a poker night, you have had to give that up [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The recession has hit everyone hard. People are being forced to give up their own interests in an effort to try and save money during this rough period of time. Chances are if you and your friends enjoyed heading out to the casinos and having a poker night, you have had to give that up because a night at the casino can be very expensive.</p>
<p>If you have had to recently give up casino night with the guys, there is a solution out there for you. You and your friends can purchase poker tables for your home and create your own poker gaming night. Self-made poker gaming nights can come with many benefits that will help you enjoy the game of poker and not spend as much as you would in a casino.</p>
<h3>Placing Your Own Bets</h3>
<p>Many casinos have a minimum buy-in option for the poker tables. No matter how small the buy-in is, it can still be a major hit to your wallet. When you have your own poker night you can create your own buy-ins and make it as low as you want. You can even create a whole poker game that only allows you to play with nickels and dimes if you wish! This is a great way to save money and still enjoy the game of poker.</p>
<h3>Your Own Food and Drinks</h3>
<p>The high cost of casinos doesn&#8217;t just come from the poker game, it can also come from the food and drinks you purchase. During your own poker nights, you are providing your own food and drinks. This allows you to save money and make sure you have food and drinks everyone enjoys!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t allow the recession to make you miss hanging out with your friends. Create your own poker nights and save money while enjoying the game of poker with your friends!</p>
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		<title>Bettering Your Marriage or Partnership</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/bettering-your-marriage-or-partnership/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/bettering-your-marriage-or-partnership/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:01:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=144</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nearly all couples at some time or another, seek ways to better their relationships. Over time, couples may find that they are drifting apart and rarely have time to spend together or to have a decent conversation. There are a few tips that can be applied that may help, if both partners are willing. One of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Nearly all couples at some time or another, seek ways to better their relationships. Over time, couples may find that they are drifting apart and rarely have time to spend together or to have a decent conversation. There are a few tips that can be applied that may help, if both partners are willing.</span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">One of the first suggestion&#8217;s that is most commonly given is to make sure your partner knows that you are completely committed to making the relationship work. By doing this, both will feel like the marriage or partnership is always worth the extra effort. Commitment also means being able to trust one another, and it is always good to keep in mind that once trust is lost, it may be very hard to gain back. By being open and honest with your partner, you will ensure that the lines of communication stay free.</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Realizing that your partner needs a bit of time alone, even if it&#8217;s just a few moments a day, allows the person to stay independent and can strengthen the relationship. It also allows each person to better enjoy that time that you get to spend together. </span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Showing respect for each other is a great way to strengthen a partnership. This involves many things, but most importantly it means you should try your best to never embarrass your loved one. This is particularly important when you are in a social situation. No one wants to feel belittled in front of others.<br />
</span></div>
</div>
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		<title>Ethnic Marriage Ceremony Traditions</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/ethnic-marriage-ceremony-traditions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/ethnic-marriage-ceremony-traditions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:01:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bride]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Couples that are planning their wedding ceremony&#8217;s seem to be more and more interested in having old fashioned traditions take place during the ceremony. Reaching back into the past for ideas is becoming very popular, as it makes for a more unique wedding and allows the couple to show respect to the ways of their ancestors. There [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000080; font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></p>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Couples that are planning their wedding ceremony&#8217;s seem to be more and more interested in having old fashioned traditions take place during the ceremony. Reaching back into the past for ideas is becoming very popular, as it makes for a more unique wedding and allows the couple to show respect to the ways of their ancestors. There are some wedding traditions that have gotten lost through the years and some that no one is even quite sure how they got started, or what the meaning behind them signifies, but there are plenty that are available that can make a wedding day an even more unusual and unforgettable event.</span></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">For those with Irish ancestry, one tradition is quite fun to have in a wedding ceremony. This traditional Irish custom deals with good luck. Since Leprechauns that grant wishes are in short supply, the bride can add luck to her big day by inserting a penny or other monetary coin into her shoe. This is said to not only bring luck on the wedding day, but for all the years of the marriage. An even older Irish custom is for the bride to carry a horse shoe in one hand, then give it to her bridesmaid as she reaches the alter. </span></div>
<div></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Women of Indian heritage may wish to follow the tradition of having delicate henna designs temporarily drawn onto the skin of their feet and hands for the wedding ceremony. It is said that the bride should not have to do any household chores until the designs wear off.</span></div>
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		<title>Fun Ethnic Wedding Traditions</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/fun-ethnic-wedding-traditions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/fun-ethnic-wedding-traditions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:01:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chuppah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mazel Tov]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Celebrating your wedding day can also be a day in which you celebrate your ancestry and heritage. There are many ethnic wedding traditions that are once again becoming very popular for modern day ceremony&#8217;s. For those of African American heritage, the tradition of jumping over a broom can be added to the ceremony. This unique tradition [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;">Celebrating your wedding day can also be a day in which you celebrate your ancestry and heritage. There are many ethnic wedding traditions that are once again becoming very popular for modern day ceremony&#8217;s.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">For those of African American heritage, the tradition of jumping over a broom can be added to the ceremony. This unique tradition is believed to have originated in Africa and represents jumping into a marriage with both feet, proving that you are totally committed to the union. During the time of slavery, this tradition was commonly a large part of the wedding ceremony.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">In many Jewish ceremony&#8217;s, several men hold up a canopy over the couple that is called a Chuppah. This is done to symbolize the deep spiritual meaning of becoming man and wife. Another popular Jewish tradition comes at the end of the ceremony where the groom breaks a glass with his foot. Afterwards, the wedding guests will shout  &#8220;Mazel Tov&#8221;, which means good luck. </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">In many Japanese wedding ceremony&#8217;s,  the bride wears a beautiful kimono and a white head piece or veil. Origami cranes are made and hung up for the reception. Cranes are birds that mate for life, thus signifying everlasting love and commitment. One of the oldest of the Japanese wedding traditions is to have a pair of geese be part of the procession as the bride and groom leave the place of the ceremony. A male and female goose is said to bring extraordinary good luck to the couple. </span></p>
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		<title>Passing on the Gift of Family Information Via Genealogy</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/passing-on-the-gift-of-family-information-via-genealogy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/passing-on-the-gift-of-family-information-via-genealogy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:01:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What better gift can be given to a young person than information on their ancestors? Making a family tree with a child or grand child can be a great way to spend quality time with them, and better yet, pass on information that they may in turn, pass on to future generations. The importance of knowing [...]]]></description>
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<div><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">What better gift can be given to a young person than information on their ancestors? Making a family tree with a child or grand child can be a great way to spend quality time with them, and better yet, pass on information that they may in turn, pass on to future generations.</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">The importance of knowing about ones ancestors can be life-changing. Being able to see in print that their G-G-Grandfather was a physician or a tradesman, or whether he came from Ireland, Africa or Europe, can be extremely interesting for a young person to know. It may give them a sense of worth and pride that they can share with others. Often times making up a family tree is part of a child&#8217;s school work, and by having the information on hand, it will make their project much easier to finish.</span></div>
<div></div>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">As adults, it is in a way, a duty to pass on family information to the younger generations. Besides the fact that it is interesting to know about your heritage, it can also play an important role as far as health issues are concerned. Some illnesses, disease&#8217;s and conditions are often times much more prominent in certain ethnic groups. Therefore, by knowing the family background, the child can also keep track of any specific health problems that may have been passed on from one generation to another, such as heart disease or diabetes, which are two ailments that tend to run in families.</span></div>
<div></div>
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		<title>Find the Best Costume for Your Pet</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/find-the-best-costume-for-your-pet/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/find-the-best-costume-for-your-pet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:23:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Costume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Halloween costume]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pet store]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=76</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You recently got a new pet, and now it is holiday time.  This is the perfect time to show off your darling in creative pet costume. There are many choices out there, but which is the best for you and your pet? Popular Costumes You might want to take the traditional route for a holiday, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You recently got a new pet, and now it is holiday time.  This is the perfect time to show off your darling in creative pet costume. There are many choices out there, but which is the best for you and your pet?</p>
<p><strong>Popular Costumes</strong></p>
<p>You might want to take the traditional route for a holiday, such as by dressing up your pet in popular pet costumes such as a bumblebee costume or a butler costume. Then again, you might prefer the frog. When considering your options, take your pet&#8217;s comfort into account. In regards to comfort, you don&#8217;t want to restrict the pet in any way, and you also don&#8217;t want your pet experiencing discomfort.</p>
<p>You might also want to consider your pet&#8217;s personality. You can use this in one of two ways. You can emphasize a personality trait such as dressing up a bouncy pet in a Jack-in-the-box costume. Or, you can use a costume that&#8217;s dramatically opposite from your pet&#8217;s personality such as dressing up your shy pet in a dragon costume for Halloween.</p>
<p><strong>Creative Costumes</strong></p>
<p>Some people enjoy pulling out all the stops when it comes to creative costumes for pets. Imagine how fun it could be to traipse down the street with your dressed-up children and a pet who matches them in costume detail. You don&#8217;t have to put a ton of work into making the perfect creative pet costume. Sometimes, simplicity is best. Put a ribbon hat and a scarf around your pet and add some glasses (if your pet doesn&#8217;t mind) for a great granny costume.</p>
<p>You can find costumes for your pet in online stores, in pet shops, at yard sales and in thrift shops. Whatever you choose, make sure it&#8217;s all in good fun — for both you and your pet. And don&#8217;t forget to take a lot of pictures.</p>
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		<title>Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Your Health and Emotional Well Being</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle-changes-that-may-improve-your-health-and-emotional-well-being/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle-changes-that-may-improve-your-health-and-emotional-well-being/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:01:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Style of life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most everyone wishes to have a healthier lifestyle, be it in the physical sense or the emotional. Although most lifestyle changes may simply come down to changing your habits, this may not be as easy as it sounds. There are a few tips that can help nearly everyone start living a better, happier and healthier [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #000080; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Most everyone wishes to have a healthier lifestyle, be it in the physical sense or the emotional. Although most lifestyle changes may simply come down to changing your habits, this may not be as easy as it sounds. There are a few tips that can help nearly everyone start living a better, happier and healthier style of life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><span style="color: #000000;">Stress. The word itself may bring on a feeling of panic for some that have a bit too much of it in their life. Although life continually throws stressful situations at most of us, the way we handle stress can be the key as to how we feel about it, physically and emotionally as well. Stress can affect both. Not only can it make your body tired, but your heart rate may increase, your blood pressure may rise and it can cause you to have stomach pains. It can also leave you with the feeling of being emotionally worn out. You may have trouble sleeping or suffer from racing thoughts. Learning to deal with stress means learning to step back from the situation, even if it&#8217;s just for a few moments, so you can thoroughly think it through. </span><span style="color: #000000;">Nearly everyone knows that diet and exercise play a big part in living a healthy lifestyle. In the fast paced world we currently live in, it may be quite hard to eat healthy foods and get enough exercise. </span></div>
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		<title>Rights and Rules: Divorce is Defined by States</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/rights-and-rules-divorce-is-defined-by-states/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/rights-and-rules-divorce-is-defined-by-states/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:39:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child custody]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Divorce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=79</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s meant to be an easy misfortune: a marriage has crumbled, a divorce is sought, and a couple wishes to sever all connections, choosing to reclaim their independence and seek separate lives. The process should be quick. The effects should be immediate. They linger, however: with no individual able to be satisfied and no agreement [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s meant to be an easy misfortune: a marriage has crumbled, a divorce is sought, and a couple wishes to sever all connections, choosing to reclaim their independence and seek separate lives. The process should be quick. The effects should be immediate. They linger, however: with no individual able to be satisfied and no agreement to be reached.</p>
<p>The act of dissolving a union is hindered, and it’s simply because the laws of a state are complicated.</p>
<p>Divorce is not a simple procedure. It demands time, compromise and an understanding of legalities. Such legalities are not universal, however. They are instead defined by specific states, are kept within small boundaries, and individuals may find themselves battling for issues in one city that would not even be <em>considered</em> in another. Location shapes expediency.</p>
<p>It becomes imperative therefore to recognize the issues of divorce within each hometown—even before a petition is filed. Examine judicial rules, learning which are the most complex and how to maneuver through them. Realize that certain laws will not apply and others may instead be vital. Relevancy is determined by proximity.</p>
<p>A contested divorce, for example, may call for different procedures between states, or even counties. Individual laws may determine whether the grounds of a divorce can be stalled or how child custody must be decided, whether alimony must be paid or how property must be divided. The differences can be subtle or immense; and couples must understand how to use them.</p>
<p>Finding the appropriate aids is necessary then. Choose to consult with more than a mere attorney (though this should still be understood as important). Let online sources instead provide an easier examination of all laws. Have sites detail divorces by state and city. Have the language shaped to simpler definitions. The virtual world can make legalities a decipherable thing, rather than the mess of terms and too vague meanings.</p>
<p>Understand all rights by understanding all states.</p>
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		<title>Technology’s Biggest Invention – Computer</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/technology%e2%80%99s-biggest-invention-%e2%80%93-computer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/technology%e2%80%99s-biggest-invention-%e2%80%93-computer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:37:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal computer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=91</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Technology’s biggest gift to mankind and the mother of all inventions is so far undoubtedly – computer!  Imagine what our world would be without computers. Consider the amount of manual work you would have to do or the pain of walking to each store to browse for information that you need or imagine how dull [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Technology’s biggest gift to mankind and the mother of all inventions is so far undoubtedly – computer!  Imagine what our world would be without computers. Consider the amount of manual work you would have to do or the pain of walking to each store to browse for information that you need or imagine how dull our lives would become  if we have to live without e-mails, chats or the social networking sites that almost everybody has got so accustomed of.</p>
<p>The use of computers has reduced the manual work across all industries. It has reduced overhead expenses &#8211; papers, personnel etc. Nowadays, one of the criteria to apply for a job is that you should have good computer knowledge. Computer is used extensively in schools, hospitals, at all government sectors, banks, departmental stores etc. It is a storehouse of information and it is precisely for this reason that it is used everywhere. You can save and store huge volumes of data for your future reference. There are companies that manufacture software that you can use for various purposes. For e.g. human resources and finance departments can install payroll software, insurance companies can install software to manage different portfolios and their daily administration system etc. All this is possible because of computers.</p>
<p>Computer is a storehouse of information. You can browse for any kind of information on travel, lifestyle, politics, news, sports etc. Technology is always changing and to keep up with the new trends of technology, in terms of the computer, some schools have made it mandatory to introduce computers as part of the education. Basic education on computers is imparted to children in school as early as fourth standard.</p>
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		<title>Plights Of A Lower Class Indian Family</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/plights-of-a-lower-class-indian-family/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/plights-of-a-lower-class-indian-family/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 04:49:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=90</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The entire Indian society is divided into upper class, middle class and the lower class. What divides the Indian society into these stratums? MONEY – the sole reason. Money is what the lower class is deprived of and because of this, there is no end to the woes faced by a lower class family. Education [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The entire Indian society is divided into upper class, middle class and the lower class. What divides the Indian society into these stratums? MONEY – the sole reason. Money is what the lower class is deprived of and because of this, there is no end to the woes faced by a lower class family.</p>
<p>Education – Children of lower class families are deprived of proper basic education. This leads to unawareness and illiteracy among them. Although the government has provided them free education in the municipality schools but these schools suffer from lack of proper, trained staff. So, there is education missing at the root level itself.</p>
<p>Unemployment- Due to the lack of education, the youth in the Indian lower class families face rampant unemployment. Government has provided opportunities to these youths by relaxing rules of employment in the government sectors and increasing the number of seats for the scheduled castes and backwards castes and tribes but the ratio of the number of unemployed is much higher than the number of job vacancies available.</p>
<p>Poverty and family planning – Due to unemployment, many lower class families live in extreme poverty. They may lack the basic resources like food, shelter and clothing. This lack of unawareness leads to poor family planning which in turn leads to feeding many mouths on a meager salary. Because of this, apart from the breadwinners of the family, children are pushed into work to help fulfill the basic needs of the family.</p>
<p>Unhygienic and malnutrition conditions &#8211; Unemployment and extreme poverty are not conducive for a good physical and mental development of an individual. This leads to high mortality rate in a state or country.</p>
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		<title>Things to Consider When Looking for New Cell Phone Contracts</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/things-to-consider-when-looking-for-new-cell-phone-contracts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/things-to-consider-when-looking-for-new-cell-phone-contracts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:03:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mobile phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prepaid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science and Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone knows how lost they would be without their mobile phone. A cell phone is a modern day essential for all family members. So, it can make sense in a home with multiple cell phones to look at investing in a family plan to save money and ensure that everyone is on an equal footing. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Everyone knows how lost they would be without their mobile phone. A cell phone is a modern day essential for all family members. So, it can make sense in a home with multiple cell phones to look at investing in a family plan to save money and ensure that everyone is on an equal footing.</p>
<p>But with so many different cell phone plans available, how can customers narrow down the options to find those that best suit their needs? The answer is to evaluate carefully the family’s needs and expectations before beginning to shop. At www.mycricket.com, advisors are on hand to help answer all these questions and any others that may arise.</p>
<p>Areas that should be assessed before beginning to shop for a cell phone plan include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Type and Level of Usage-How do different members of the      family use their phones? Are handsets primarily for making calls and      sending messages or do users need them to access the Internet on the go as      well? It is also important to be realistic about how much time each family      member spends using his or her cell phone since the cumulative use will      play an important role in plan selection.</li>
<li>Coverage-What networks work best in the area where your      family lives, works, studies and socializes? There is no point in opting      for a plan with a company whose coverage is sparse, meaning family members      cannot take advantage of the available services. If anyone in the family      travels regularly, look at the coverage limits on each plan. Otherwise,      you may end up paying expensive roaming fees to stay in touch.</li>
<li>Contracts-Should each family member be responsible for      his or her own usage? If so, maybe pre-paid phones are the way to go. If      the bill is to be paid by the head of the household, for what length of      time are you willing to commit to a certain contract?</li>
</ul>
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		<title>PC Health</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/pc-health/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/pc-health/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AntiVirus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Security]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=46</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have had a long day, and you want nothing more than to sit at your computer and check your email, surf the net, read the news, or listen to music. You sit, get ready to push the &#8220;on&#8221; button and you notice something sticky on the power button, crayons on the keyboard, a juice [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img title="GNOME Terminal running Clam AV 0.95.2, identif..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/ClamAV0.95.2.png/300px-ClamAV0.95.2.png" alt="GNOME Terminal running Clam AV 0.95.2, identif..." width="300" height="209" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>You have had a long day, and you want nothing more than to sit at your computer and check your email, surf the net, read the news, or listen to music. You sit, get ready to push the &#8220;on&#8221; button and you notice something sticky on the power button, crayons on the keyboard, a juice box laying against the monitor, and it does not take long before you realize that this has &#8220;kids&#8221; written all over it. To make things worse, the booting on your system seems to take forever, and everything runs slow, There is no hope for your outmatched computer, right? Wrong! Chances are that there are numerous additional downloads that make a computer run slower than normal.</p>
<p>Have no fear, frustrated and non-computer savvy parent! A user can do an Internet search and find a plethora of help. This would include the location of registry software. Registry software can protect a computer from unwanted programs, cookies and downloads. If you are not sure what this means, just chock it up to stuff that makes computers slow. Anti-virus software is also another great solution. This will help provide a security for a computer that not only protects but also works in conjunction with the registry software. The registry software will help to clean out unnecessary information, while an anti-virus software will ensure that malware, spyware, and viruses are not embedded into a computer.</p>
<p>There is peace of mind knowing that there things that can be done to protect a computer and help it to run smoothly. Completing a basic Internet search can help a user find registry software and anti-virus protection. Different sites offer programs such as PC Tools Registry Software that have many different options available and can help direct a user to the proper software needed. This is one more way to help eliminate stress and ensure that computers remain functioning in proper order.</p>
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		<title>Research Suggests Building Relationship Takes Time And Effort</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/research-suggests-building-relationship-takes-time-and-effort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/research-suggests-building-relationship-takes-time-and-effort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Feb 2011 04:37:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=89</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a saying that whatever a person spends his time, energy and money on that’s where his heart is. But now-a-days this is rarely true in relationship as people concentrates more on their career than on relationship. Research suggests that building relationship takes time and effort. With people spending almost ten to twelve hours [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a saying that whatever a person spends his time, energy and money on that’s where his heart is. But now-a-days this is rarely true in relationship as people concentrates more on their career than on relationship. Research suggests that building relationship takes time and effort. With people spending almost ten to twelve hours on their job, the worst neglected are the family relationship. Parents do not get time with their children, husband do not get time for his wife and children. This has resulted in many families falling apart. If one has to analyze why family relationship fails and there are so many divorces these days. The answer would primarily circle around lack of time to build relationship and times spend with the spouse.</p>
<p>Children are the worst affected if it’s a nuclear family and both the parents are working. Though it’s an undeniable fact with rising cost to maintain a comfortable life both parent need to work, they should take out time for their children. Children without parental guidance can develop psychological problems and can get into bad company. Many husbands’ do not take time or do not consider spending time with their spouse as a necessity. So a wonderful loving family withers and ends up in a divorce.  One of the reasons is lack of communication in the relationship and the major reason for this is lack of time and another reason is ignorance on the part of couples that it takes time and effort to build the marriage and family. Broken marital relationship affects the children worst and they grow feeling insecure and guilty most of the time.</p>
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		<title>Drunk Driving Effects Many Lives</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/drunk-driving-effects-many-lives/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/drunk-driving-effects-many-lives/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:30:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Driving under the influence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=38</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Death is something that everyone will have to experience, but it is sad when someone’s life is taken too early. This is the case, however, for many who get involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Drunk drivers are responsible for an overwhelming amount of deaths each year. And, DWIs are listed as one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; display: block;">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img title="A Honda Accord which crashed into a small guar..." src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Crashed_Honda_Accord.jpg/300px-Crashed_Honda_Accord.jpg" alt="A Honda Accord which crashed into a small guar..." width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
</div>
<p>Death is something that everyone will have to experience, but it is sad when someone’s life is taken too early. This is the case, however, for many who get involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Drunk drivers are responsible for an overwhelming amount of deaths each year. And, DWIs are listed as one of the top crimes reported by traffic officers. This means people need to learn about the dangerous effects of driving while under the influence of alcohol.</p>
<p>When the death of a loved one is caused by a drunk driver, the emotional effects extend to more than just the victim. The entire family and community becomes mournful. Yes, the victim&#8217;s family will probably suffer the hardest, but the drunk driver’s family will also be emotionally strained, as well as anyone who knows the victim. This means that you should think twice before driving a car while intoxicated, because you could potentially bring suffering to a lot of people.</p>
<p>There are very severe financial consequences for getting a DWI offense. The crime can cost upwards of $8,000 in fines, not to mention any other money demanded in a lawsuit. It will also stain your record, which could prevent you from getting a job or owning a driver’s license and car insurance so you can get to work.</p>
<p>If you care about your financial future, then don’t get behind the wheel after you have been drinking – take public transit, call a cab, or get a friend to take you home. These plans should be made before you even take your first drink. Avoiding a DWI will help you stay afloat financially and maybe even save money for college, a home, or any other goal you have in mind. Tell others to stay out from behind the wheel, too. It’ll make the world a safer place.</p>
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		<title>People In Lower Class The Worst Affected Due To Recession</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/people-in-lower-class-the-worst-affected-due-to-recession/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/people-in-lower-class-the-worst-affected-due-to-recession/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:37:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=88</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recession which started in the end of 2007, resulted in an economic meltdown by the mid of 2008. It affected almost all countries and many companies were shut down. Banks reported huge losses and declared bankrupt. Millions of people lost jobs and their investments. But the worst affected were the people in the lower class [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recession which started in the end of 2007, resulted in an economic meltdown by the mid of 2008. It affected almost all countries and many companies were shut down. Banks reported huge losses and declared bankrupt. Millions of people lost jobs and their investments. But the worst affected were the people in the lower class and below poverty line. In each country, there is a socio economic standard to measure or classify people in the lower class. People who are the low end in the socio economic ladder are usually termed as lower class. They are usually employed in the low tier and their income, standard of living, education are usually less than people in the middle class.</p>
<p>These are the people who were worst affected by recession as many lost their jobs. As they are already in the lower end of socio economic hierarchy they were pushed even down to below the poverty line. With no income and rising debts, their situation worsened even more. Even after couple of years, many countries are still recovering from the economic meltdown. People are more cautious in spending and companies are also going slowly on recruiting. Millions of people were forced to give up their homes as they were not able to pay the mortgage and became homeless. There are many people in the lower class who have not yet got jobs and are struggling to meet ends and mainly depend on government aid.</p>
<p>Few countries though affected by recession have recovered fast and are on the way to recovery. However, high food inflation has left people in the lower class struggling to meet the staggering food cost. Increasing prices on oil, diesel and petrol has also affected people across all walks of life. Government aid or schemes to create jobs for millions of people below poverty line and lower class has not helped much as the inflation is increasing steadily. Unless Government takes concrete steps to control inflation, people in lower class will continue to suffer even if they are employed.</p>
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		<title>How to Host a Murder-Mystery Party</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-host-a-murder-mystery-party/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-host-a-murder-mystery-party/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:57:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Murder]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=28</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whodunit? Was it the professor in the library with the gun? Or was it the maid in the living room using poison? Consider hosting a murder-mystery party for your next get-together and it will be full of betrayal, murder, deceit, and so much fun! Imagine how much fun the partygoers will have after one of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Whodunit? Was it the professor in the library with the gun? Or was it the maid in the living room using poison? Consider hosting a murder-mystery party for your next get-together and it will be full of betrayal, murder, deceit, and so much fun! Imagine how much fun the partygoers will have after one of them is inexplicably &#8220;murdered&#8221; and now the remaining guests must solve the mystery.</p>
<p>You may be thinking that planning this type of party may be as difficult as solving a murder, but it’s easy and fun. Here are a few tips on making your murder-mystery party a success.</p>
<p>Find a murder-mystery game either online, a bookstore or a party store. These games will provide all the parts you will need, such as clues and information.</p>
<p>Prepare the guest list. Once you have your game, decide how many characters will be involved and which people on your guest list will best suit each character. Send them individual invitations outlining their character and ask them to dress in costume. Let them know about sites like costumeexpress.com that can help them dress the part.</p>
<p>When your guests arrive at the appointed time, provide them with their personalized scripts and ask that they play their character’s style. The game should begin the minute your guests arrive. Tell them not to share their scripts or secrets with any of the others.</p>
<p>You can serve just about anything you like as far as food. You can make it an elaborate sit-down dinner to enhance the mystery or simple finger food to be served while they try to solve the mystery. Just make sure there&#8217;s plenty of food and drink.</p>
<p>Once the murder has been discovered, let the fun begin! You’ll be amazed at how much fun your guests will have staying in character while trying to solve the mystery.</p>
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		<title>How Short Term Loans Benefit the Middle Class</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-short-term-loans-benefit-the-middle-class/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-short-term-loans-benefit-the-middle-class/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:56:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=44</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you remember what it used to be like, heading to the bank to get a loan, then you know it wasn&#8217;t always easy. Just watch the old movies and you can see. You dressed up in your best clothes, talked earnestly with a bank employee who looked over your paperwork with a slightly condescending [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you remember what it used to be like, heading to the bank to get a loan, then you know it wasn&#8217;t always easy. Just watch the old movies and you can see. You dressed up in your best clothes, talked earnestly with a bank employee who looked over your paperwork with a slightly condescending attitude, and made you wait until you heard the good news or the bad. Thank goodness times are changing. No longer is getting a loan the agony it once was. Now, more than ever, short term lending services are available to the public.</p>
<p>If you are like the average American middle class family, your money and budgeting are generally under control, but sometimes things come up. Your pet might become ill, or a close friend or family member might need to borrow some money, but you don&#8217;t have the cash on hand to help them out. What if you have some bills you couldn&#8217;t cover, or you want to make a large purchase for an item you know will be a solid investment in the long run? That&#8217;s the time to turn to short term loans. Get the power of capital back in the hands of the middle class people.</p>
<p>A short term loan is a specific type of loan that is paid back within a year. It&#8217;s better than borrowing from a credit card because it generally saves you more overall in regards to interest. Because it is short term, you&#8217;ll find yourself paying it off as quickly as possible. Whether you get your loan from a company such as GreatPlainsLending or some other place, you can negotiate how you pay off the loan. Some companies will set you up with monthly payments while others take payments every time you receive a paycheck. Most people dream of living a debt-free life, but it isn&#8217;t always possible. Short-term loans help middle class individuals stand on their feet financially once again.</p>
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		<title>Technology A Boon Or A Bane</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/technology-a-boon-or-a-bane/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/technology-a-boon-or-a-bane/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:37:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mobile phone]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=87</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When internet and mobile phones became a part of every one’s life, everyone appreciated the advancement in technology. When tasks became easier with computerization in almost all services and sectors people were happy. But the flip side of the coin is with technology advancement comes with it a lot of health problems. People are so [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When internet and mobile phones became a part of every one’s life, everyone appreciated the advancement in technology. When tasks became easier with computerization in almost all services and sectors people were happy. But the flip side of the coin is with technology advancement comes with it a lot of health problems. People are so busy it has made their like mechanical and have paved way to lose touch with other people.</p>
<p>Recent studies have shown that too much usage of mobile phones causes health problems. Watching television and working on computer for long hour’s cause’s eye problem. Technology in household appliance has made people’s life easier, which is good. But people have also become lazy and this has paved way for health problems like obesity. Children have become couch potatoes sitting in front of television or video games. The habit of mingling with other kids and playing outdoor games is reducing in urban areas. Logically as almost all the work has been computerized, people should have more time for family and friends.</p>
<p>However, with networking sites ruling the roost, unfortunately people prefer to keep in touch with family and friends through the net rather than a personal visit or outing. People are hooked to such sites and the time at home is also spending in front of computer or television. Technology does help in making tasks simpler and easier.  However, in another way is cutting off people from social interactions. Virtually every task can be accomplished sitting at home through phone or internet. But surprisingly, people do not have time for their neighbors or friends. People don’t even know who is on the other side of their home.<br />
Research suggests that a healthy social life is needed for every human being. It is especially bad for children to be isolated and watching television all the time. A lot of negative traits develop through such activities. Technology with all its advancement cannot replace human beings. And every thing was invented to make our lives easier so that we can enjoy life with friends and family.</p>
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		<title>Wedding Budgeting 101</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wedding-budgeting-101/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/wedding-budgeting-101/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 11:26:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=26</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Budgeting appropriately for your wedding sounds like something that might have passed for an easy class to attend in college. But the harsh reality is that it&#8217;s a real struggle to pull off a wedding that fits anywhere near within your initial estimate of total costs. In fact, over half of all marriage ceremonies end [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Budgeting appropriately for your wedding sounds like something that might have passed for an easy class to attend in college. But the harsh reality is that it&#8217;s a real struggle to pull off a wedding that fits anywhere near within your initial estimate of total costs. In fact, over half of all marriage ceremonies end up going over budget. To avoid becoming yet another statistic, employ a few solid ideas when it comes your turn to stand in front of a licensed marriage practitioner.</p>
<p>Either shorten your guest list, or set a firm, and small, number of guests to start out with. Exploit the differences in pricing that are available to off-season events. A sunny day in summer is a beautiful thing, but few occur when most people choose to get married&#8211;on the weekend. This fact drives up the prices on those days, so aim for a fall or winter ceremony instead. Stick to the style of the hall, which will keep your design costs down – just be sure to visit the hall in person beforehand to ensure that it matches your tastes. Draw on the talents of people that you know.</p>
<p>Not every single detail of a wedding need be handled by a professional who will no doubt be willing, but can charge fairly outrageous sums for even mundane details. Many women know how to make dresses, and you can save a small fortune by employing their skills rather than shopping for a dress at a wedding gown shop. While the wedding itself is ultimately a party whose budget can be trimmed, shopping for diamond engagement rings is not a place to scrimp. The ring is the sign of your love, so let it be as large as you can afford. Save your budgeting efforts for the people you won&#8217;t be sharing your life with for years to come!</p>
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		<title>Lifestyle Change Is Recommended For A Lifelong Fitness</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle-change-is-recommended-for-a-lifelong-fitness/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle-change-is-recommended-for-a-lifelong-fitness/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:37:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[After School Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=86</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone wants to be fit and be in good health. For years, there has been a lot of debate on health, exercise and proper nutrition. But experts strongly recommend a stand alone diet or exercise by itself cannot promote health. It’s believed that a lifestyle change is what would bring about a lasting impact on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Everyone wants to be fit and be in good health. For years, there has been a lot of debate on health, exercise and proper nutrition. But experts strongly recommend a stand alone diet or exercise by itself cannot promote health. It’s believed that a lifestyle change is what would bring about a lasting impact on health. For years people have been on crash diets or different types of diet to look slim. Off late there are many fitness centers and personal trainers which have become popular with all age groups.  However, what is recommended now is a change in lifestyle which primarily involves a positive thinking and cultivating good habits.</p>
<p>A wholesome approach to body and mind is what is recommended in having a lifelong fitness. Lifestyle changes can impact a person positively or negatively. For example a good job can along with it bring stress and tension and can affect a person’s health. Now-a-days people do not have time to even take care of their own health as they are busy with their work. So a stand alone diet cannot help to keep a person in good health. A person has to accommodate his or her time for exercise. Exercise is not only for people who are overweight or people with health problems and in need to reduce weight. But it is rather an important lifestyle change and has become a necessity these days to avoid a lot of health problems in future.</p>
<p>People should concentrate fitness in its totality and not on one aspect of fitness. Good habits like not smoking and consuming alcohol, avoiding junk food or eating out too often should be inculcated. A balanced diet should be followed. And these are the lifestyle changes which should be held on to as the name suggests for our entire life. A positive approach and will power is what is usually needed. Encouragement from family and friends is also a huge motivation to stick to the regimen. Lifestyle changes as these will only bring about a positive impact on health.</p>
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		<title>First Home for Newlyweds</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/first-home-for-newlyweds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/first-home-for-newlyweds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:55:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bride]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Weddings are about emotions and optimism. The blushing bride and the handsome groom can seemingly do no wrong, but in an era where more than half of marriages end in divorce, couples need to think about some of the practical parts of living together. Living together with someone for the first time is a lot [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Weddings are about emotions and optimism. The blushing bride and the handsome groom can seemingly do no wrong, but in an era where more than half of marriages end in divorce, couples need to think about some of the practical parts of living together. Living together with someone for the first time is a lot different than dating. Even though it might not sound romantic, couples need to plan for their lives after the wedding day. Even though a wedding might only be about romance, a marriage needs to be based on more than just emotions.</p>
<p>One of the most difficult decisions to make after getting married is deciding where to live. Having the new bride crash in the same old apartment with roommates is probably not going to cut it. Buying a dream house in this market might not be in the cards at first. Even though the housing market might not be ideal, new couples still need a place to live. Instead of worrying about saving up for a down payment while still paying off the bills from the wedding, consider looking at Las Vegas apartments.</p>
<p>An apartment is a combination of practicality with romance. The stress of paying for a down payment on a house might create financial problems in fresh marriages. An apartment might not be the ideal location, but it can create a bond through shared experience. The location or size of the apartment does not matter as much as the fact that it is shared. A first home will hold a special place in the hearts of the bride and groom. It might not be perfect, but it belongs to the both of you.</p>
<p>Choosing the right place to live might be the most important decision that young married couples face. Relationships are difficult enough. Do not complicate them by making the wrong choice when looking for a first home.</p>
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		<title>How To Make Your Long Distance Relationship Everlasting?</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-make-your-long-distance-relationship-everlasting/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/how-to-make-your-long-distance-relationship-everlasting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 04:37:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Long Distance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Long-distance relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nicole Scherzinger]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=85</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You can certainly make your long distance relationship everlasting and defy the statement that long distance relationships do not survive. This can happen if you and your partner decide to work it out based on certain parameters. Long distance relationships are the most difficult to maintain and sustain but if your relationship survives, nothing like [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You can certainly make your long distance relationship everlasting and defy the statement that long distance relationships do not survive. This can happen if you and your partner decide to work it out based on certain parameters. Long distance relationships are the most difficult to maintain and sustain but if your relationship survives, nothing like it.</p>
<p>It is important for you and your partner to have complete trust and faith in each other. Loyalty is another important factor. Don’t think that since your partner’s not around, you can cheat and your partner won’t know about it. Remember, the truth finally comes out. Be honest and discuss everything, else it could create barriers in your relationship. Have trust in your partner’s actions, do not interrogate unnecessarily, this will only create a lot of suspicion in your mind and can mess up the relationship.</p>
<p>Try and visit each other as often as possible. Since you won’t be meeting and seeing each other, it is necessary to try and make as many visits so that you can spend a lot of time together. Absence makes the heart fonder. Try and do things together like watch a movie, go on a holiday, shop etc. These are moments to cherish together and looked upon fondly later.</p>
<p>It is very important to communicate in this type of relationship. Since you cannot meet your partner, make it a point to talk to him/her every day. It could be via the phone, chat or video chat. Share all your thoughts, advice each other when needed and discuss. Sort out all your fights amicably, do not carry it over till the next day. Small gestures mean a world to everybody. Send gifts, flowers, e-cards on special occasions and whatever your partner likes. Love can nurture and bloom your relationship into a strong, everlasting one.</p>
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		<title>Making College More Affordable</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-rise-of-the-online-university/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/the-rise-of-the-online-university/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:22:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[College]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online degrees]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=10</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you set your mind to go to college, a lot of things pop into your head.  Will you be able to handle the course load? Will you have to retake classes?  Will you get a good professor?  But, as depressing as it is, a lot of us think about whether we can even afford to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you set your mind to go to college, a lot of things pop into your head.  Will you be able to handle the course load? Will you have to retake classes?  Will you get a good professor?  But, as depressing as it is, a lot of us think about whether we can even afford to attend college or not. Sadly, the answer is sometimes no, especially when it comes to going to a traditional university. Fortunately, there are options available for people who do not have the financial means to attend a traditional college. By going to an online school, you can not only save a small fortune, you can also change the course of your life and become part of a powerful, educated workforce.</p>
<p>It is important to consider that college is not just about your tuition and your books. While those are certainly reasonable expenses, they are often only about half of what you end up paying for in terms of your education related expenses. There are also moving expenses, room and board costs, transportation, and entertainment expenses to consider when you go to a traditional university. To put it simply, not living at home when you are in school is a huge set of additional expenses that you do not need.</p>
<p>However, nowadays you don’t have to spend this extra money or let it stop you from leaping into higher learning! You can go to an online school, where they offer all kinds of online degrees in a variety of disciplines. While some people think that online schools are inferior, this is simply not true. Online schools provide a quality education. The only big differences are that they don’t make you commute (which gives you a lot of additional opportunities for the school you choose), they allow you to live at home, and overall, they make education more affordable and accessible to everyone.</p>
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		<title>Lifestyle</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/lifestyle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:37:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle (sociology)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United States]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=84</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The meaning of lifestyle is the kind of life where we have money and the time to spend that money. Lifestyles of rich and famous always make us envy. But we don&#8217;t know that how much hard work is done to achieve that kind of lifestyle. It is well said that before being a millionaire [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The meaning of lifestyle is the kind of life where we have money and the time to spend that money. Lifestyles of rich and famous always make us envy. But we don&#8217;t know that how much hard work is done to achieve that kind of lifestyle. It is well said that before being a millionaire we should learn how to live like a millionaire. Rich people spend their money in a very lavish way. They love expensive wines, Cars, Private jets and they love to travel. The life’s of rich and famous are quite different from our lifestyle. People are crazy for them and everybody wants to become like them. Besides the fabulous lifestyles of riches they also fear from the threats people give them becoming jealous from their lifestyles.</p>
<p>That is why rich people keep bodyguards to keep dangerous people away from them. Also rich people keep their money invested at safe places so that they can keep on living the lifestyle they are living now. Lifestyle is totally related to the kind of thinking we have. We can clearly see that the only millionaires don&#8217;t live in lavish lifestyle but famous professional players also opt for the lifestyles like rich people. This happens because later, the top players charge huge money for advertising top brands and also they charge huge money if somebody wants to hire them for their team.</p>
<p>Lifestyle can be made good if we be happy in our life. People don&#8217;t enjoy what they have but they want to enjoy what they don&#8217;t have. This brings instauration in our lifestyle. Lifestyle is not always associated with money. Even a poor person can have good lifestyle if he is positive in his mind. A person can be happy if he has no worries and is always enthusiastic in his works. People can have good lifestyle if they enjoy their life.</p>
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		<title>Generation Gap No Longer A Problem In The Modern Society</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/generation-gap-no-longer-a-problem-in-the-modern-society/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/generation-gap-no-longer-a-problem-in-the-modern-society/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:37:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generation gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=83</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Generation gap was a much talked about debate couple of years back. However, with developing countries adopting a much more modern view, the generation gap is shrinking among urban population. Generation gap was usually termed for the differences which exited between children and their parents or grand parents. The differences between this two or three [...]]]></description>
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<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img title="The Generation Gap" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ed/Thegenerationgap.jpg/300px-Thegenerationgap.jpg" alt="The Generation Gap" width="300" height="203" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image via Wikipedia</p></div>
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<p>Generation gap was a much talked about debate couple of years back. However, with developing countries adopting a much more modern view, the generation gap is shrinking among urban population. Generation gap was usually termed for the differences which exited between children and their parents or grand parents. The differences between this two or three generation were huge in the early 1970’s and even till the late 1990. However, with modernization and invading of western culture in developing countries this gap is shrinking at least among the urban population.</p>
<p>Now-a-days, parents are asked to treat their children as friends after a certain age and give them liberty in lot of areas. Issues which were a big problem with previous generations such as dating, wearing modern outfit and love marriages are no longer a major issue among upper and even to some extend in the middle class families. Parties have become a norm and a social symbol. Parents have become much more fashion conscious and allow children to wear dresses to suit their taste. Career is also become a choice of children and most importantly marriages between different castes or religions are widely accepted in the urban areas. But this is not the case with the conservative groups.</p>
<p>Generation gap still exists with the conservative groups. Love marriages and marriages between different religions are strictly prohibited. It is usually considered as social stigma and in many areas girls are not even given education. Honor killing has become widespread in developing countries especially in rural areas. Wide difference still exists in the culture between urban and rural area. However, as western culture sets in and people grow in socio economic hierarchy, the differences between generations come down.  We can though safely say generation gap is no longer a major problem in majority of the urban areas.</p>
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		<title>Are Traditions Valued These Days?</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/are-traditions-valued-these-days/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/are-traditions-valued-these-days/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:37:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Traditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tradition]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Traditions are beliefs or customs or rituals followed by our ancestors and handed down from one generation to another. Initially, our ancestors valued these traditions and maintained it solemnly without even asking questions on them. Usually, tradition was handed down to the next generation orally and by demonstration. However, as years went by, people started [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Traditions are beliefs or customs or rituals followed by our ancestors and handed down from one generation to another. Initially, our ancestors valued these traditions and maintained it solemnly without even asking questions on them. Usually, tradition was handed down to the next generation orally and by demonstration. However, as years went by, people started writing down their family or religious traditions so that the future generation will know about it and can practice it. Examples of tradition can be religious celebrations, recipes, clothing or accessories such as lawyers dress or wig a judge wears.</p>
<p>Over a period of time some of the impractical traditions have been absolved. But many traditions such as ways to celebrate religious functions and recipes handed down by ancestors are still followed. Younger generation should be taught the importance of these as many of these are still practical and are actually good for your health. For example, food was given much importance in olden days and prepared at home taking into consideration the different nutritive value of ingredients. However, now-a-days , in most homes people go in for ready to eat foods and junk foods which does not give much nutritive value and adds on lot of weight. Traditions pertaining to holidays in which parents spend time with children and take time out for huge family gatherings which supported and encouraged families.</p>
<p>The younger generation confuses some of the good tradition with conservatism which is wrong. Traditions which are no longer practical to be followed can be ignored. However, there are lot of wisdom and rich value in some of the tradition and advice given by ancestors. These traditions needs to be followed with care and preserved for the future generations to come. Basic understanding should be that following some of the good traditions is not against modernism. Each can have its own place and compliment.</p>
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		<title>Car Insurance and Middle-Class Mobility</title>
		<link>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/car-insurance-and-middle-class-mobility/</link>
		<comments>http://www.skillsforfamilies.org/car-insurance-and-middle-class-mobility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:09:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guidance & Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vehicle insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://skillsforfamilies.org/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With wheels came carriages, and with carriages came cars, soon enough. Obviously, cars were faster and more versatile than horse-drawn carriages, and with these added features, increased speed was soon to follow. The first automobiles were, for their time, extremely expensive and thus only able to be afforded by the aristocrats. However, as the production [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With wheels came carriages, and with carriages came cars, soon enough. Obviously, cars were faster and more versatile than horse-drawn carriages, and with these added features, increased speed was soon to follow. The first automobiles were, for their time, extremely expensive and thus only able to be afforded by the aristocrats. However, as the production of the automobile increased, so too did its accessibility.</p>
<p>And with more cars on the road and machines moving faster, accidents came quickly. Even though there were such things as home, health, and life insurance during the dawn of the automobile, cars were still innovative and thus outside the realm of insurance. Those who did get in accidents were already able to afford a car, so paying for repairs and doctor’s visits wasn’t a problem.</p>
<p>Automobiles became more affordable still, and because of the number of accidents and deaths causes by these horseless carriages, car insurance came along. The advent of car insurance opened up the possibility of automobile ownership for those middle-class folks who had the money to purchase a car, but not enough extra income to pay for any damage caused by accidents. Thus, insurance was one of the greatest agents for amplifying the prevalence of the automobile industry and lending itself to the development and lateral mobility of the middle class. Cars were no longer only for the rich.</p>
<p>These days, you can’t own a car without also owning insurance. Insurance helps protect you in case of almost any type of accident, whether it happens to you or by you. Different states offer different car insurance options, due mostly to statistics, road types, and state laws. Arizona car insurance will offer different types of rates compared to insurance in California or Nevada. However, no matter what you’re driving, it’s important to be insured. It’s how you get around.</p>
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