Free Online Watercolor Instruction

Don’t have the time or money to attend a formal art school? According to professional watercolor painter Beth Woessner, there are many different, and free, ways to educate oneself off and online...Read more at Suite101

Tips for Buying Paint Art Supplies

For new artists, buying art supplies, especially paint, can be overwhelming. With hundreds of brands, sizes and qualities to choose from, many wonder where to begin. Follow the tips in this article to jump-start an art education...Read more at Suite101

Quick and Healthy Hummus Recipe

Though the exact origins of hummus are unknown, this spicy, tangy dip has been a staple of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Elsewhere, hummus has steadily grown in popularity and can now be found in many American grocery stores and supermarkets.

But why buy expensive, mass-produced products when healthy, scratch-made recipes can be made for pennies on the dollar? Save money and eat better with this quick hummus recipe...Read more at Suite101

Is America the Next Greece? Investment Advice for a Bad Economy

After the latest whirlwind of government stimulus spending in the United States and Europe, taxpayers across the globe may be struck with a grim reality. With Greece, Spain and Portugal’s economies in the veritable toilet, some experts believe it is only a matter of time before America follows suit...Read more at Suite101

5 Simple Ways to Save Money on Art Supplies

Buying professional quality art supplies can be expensive. Purchasing the finest brushes, paints and canvas is unjustifiable except for established artists with consistent sales. Fortunately, artists of all abilities can find great deals on art supplies in a number of easy ways...Read more at Suite101

How to Save Money When Buying a House

With the 2009 home tax credit deadline quickly approaching, many first time and repeat home buyers are scrambling to take advantage of thousands of dollars in government subsidies. But don’t rush out to buy the first house you see. Regardless of government incentives, savvy home buyers should always do their research before purchasing a new home...Read more at Suite101

Work from Home Online: How to Sell Arts and Crafts on Etsy.com

Many dream of escaping the daily grind, setting their own schedule and becoming their own boss by starting an online, home-based business. Others are simply looking for a legitimate work-from-home opportunity to make extra cash.

For those who want a simple, cheap way to start selling online, there is an answer. Discover how thousands have turned their dreams into a reality by opening an Etsy Storefront...Read more at Suite101

How to Encourage Creativity in Children

For some, a child's education should be rigid and structured, devoted to the pragmatic study of traditional subjects. However, sacrificing artistic, creative learning techniques for structured study can be detrimental to not only the child’s education, but also the economy...Read more at Suite101

Trying to Lose Weight? Learn Why Traditional Dieting Isn't Enough

Studies show that, though numbers appear to be declining, obesity, especially childhood obesity, continues to be a major problem in the United States. For some, simply cutting calories doesn't work. Hopefully those struggling with obesity will finally understand the causes of and solutions to persistent weight gain...Read more at Suite101

Grilling Recipes - Best Barbecue Marinade

Marinades are a great way to add unique, subtle flavors to any dish. Marinades typically contain an acid for absorption (in this case, vinegar and lemon juice), a flavorful liquid (barbecue sauce and soy sauce) and cooking oil to help balance the acidity.

There are no set rules on marinade times. Just keep in mind that the longer the food marinades, the more flavorful it becomes. Marinade for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight in the fridge...Read more at Suite101

Essential Tips for the First Time Car Buyer

As federal regulations tighten around mortgage and credit card lenders, some worry the absence of auto industry supervision could hurt consumers. According to Jessica Silver-Greenberg's Bloomberg BusinessWeek article, "A Green Light for Car Dealers to Rip Off Buyers?," published December 17, 2009, car salesmen will occasionally take advantage of unsuspecting, "financially unsophisticated" buyers by pushing higher interest car loans to boost profits for struggling dealerships.

To avoid falling prey to unscrupulous dealers, car buyers need to educate themselves. Buying a used car can be an unnerving and expensive process for those who neglect to do simple research beforehand. Follow these tips to take the stress out of buying a car...Read more at Suite101

How to Provide Great Customer Service

As business markets expand across state and national lines, great customer service becomes more important than ever. Businesses that do not actively encourage customer loyalty will not survive. Learn how to earn customers’ trust by providing the best customer service possible...Read more at Suite101

Hell, I'd vote for him

We're Better Than That, Too!!!!  w/ Dale Peterson - watch more funny videos

Why Layoffs May be Good for Job Seekers

Though some experts believe the economy is recovering, the national unemployment rate continues to rise and many hardworking American families still find themselves in financial crises. But even during this time of economic uncertainty, there are still great job opportunities for those who know where to look...Read more at Suite101

"Death by Caffeine"

Let's see...I'll die if I down 143 cans of Red Bull.  Death by caffeine is so expensive.

Is Google Street View an Invasion of Privacy?

Launched three years ago this May, Google Street View is taking the world by storm. At least parts of it. In the age of satellite photography, traffic cameras and video surveillance, many people worldwide consider their privacy already violated by Big Brother and wonder if the search engine titan is taking things too far...Read more at Suite101

How to Write Humor

There are many ways to write humor. "Poorly" is an example. I, however, recommend the opposite. "Try doing things well," I'm always telling people.

Next, study the great satirists of our time: Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Socrates. What do they have in common? That's right, they're all dead. But rejoice, many of these successful writers were alive once too. See, you already have something in common.

Before you can write humorously, you need to assess how funny you are. Fortunately, this is easily tested. Ask yourself the following:

1. Are you a:

• Lawyer?
• Blond?
• Celebrity?
• Priest/Rabbi/Minister?

2. Do you have:

• Two or more first names?
• More cars than teeth?
• A four-legged pet that isn't a cat or dog?

3. Is your name "George W. Bush"?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are funny. Congratulations! You're already very popular with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live and Jeff Foxworthy. You may now start writing humorously about yourself and people like you.

Humor Writing Tips:

• Be self-deprecating. Readers love an author who pokes fun at himself. Hint: this will work especially well if you're a fairly unpopular celebrity. Hitler, for instance.

• Do the unexpected. Lead people in one direction, then quickly another. Right: "You're beautiful...NOT!" Wrong: "You're beautiful...Officer."

• Use inappropriate words and expressions. Mad Libs and George Carlin were great at this.

• Know your audience. If you're writing an article for a Catholic newsletter: The Pope, Priests, Child Molestation - Off limits. However, Jews, Lutherans, Tom Cruise - OK.

Finally, be confident with your writing. Not everyone will think it's funny. Just look at how many people, causes and groups I may have offended in this article. Stick to your guns. The minute you start compromising your principles and kowtow to some whiny activist or celebrity, you lose all of your integrity. And that's exactly what I'm going to tell my humorless lawyers at that libel hearing next month.

Beginner's Guide to Forex Trading

What is Forex?  Simply put, forex (foreign exchange) is a global currency trading market. To make money, forex traders try to predict whether the value of one currency will rise or fall when compared with another currency. Whereas stock traders buy shares of companies, forex traders, by purchasing currencies, essentially buy “shares” of a country’s economy.

Trading Forex is Not a Get Rich Quick Scheme  Many dream of becoming a forex trader, but are unprepared for the stresses of live trading. Do not jump in hoping to make millions overnight. Learning just the basics of currency trading can take months or even years...Read more at Suite101

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

For the first time home buyer, house hunting can be a scary, stressful process. But it doesn’t have to be. Experienced or not, all home buyers should ask the following questions to ensure they get the most house for their dollar...Read more at Suite101

Double Wide? Double Awesome!

"Save the neck for me, Clark"

If you are Italian, and living in Italy, but speak English (because the article was written in it), then no doubt you've read in the Times Online that renowned chef, Beppe Bigazzi, known to his friends as "Beppe le Pew", landed himself in hot water (HA!) with a public endorsement of a recipe for stewed cat.

What is the world coming to when you can't stand up proudly and say in a clear, steady voice, "What ho there Italy, how 'bout some fricasseed feline?"  Just makes me sick.  I'll lay 100 to 8 that Chef Beppe knows exactly how Jonathan Swift felt after he published A Modest Proposal.  I mean, you let slip that a plump infant is a "delicious, nourishing and wholesome food" and everybody's got an opinion.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm not comparing babies to cats.  It'd be like comparing dolphins to puppies, and we all know that the preparation and cooking times vary greatly for each.  I'm just saying that Beppe could be endorsing a far more controversial dish.  Tastier, undoubtedly, but far more inappropriate.

So before you cast the first stone, consider your own lives.  Is killing a cat for food morally any different than slaughtering cows, lambs, pigs, manatees, fish, prisoners, chickens or pandas?  I rest my case.

Tasty Vegan Recipes? The Heck You Say!

Easy Banana Bread Recipe 

Eating healthily is getting tougher than ever. Prepackaged, mass-produced foods are plentiful, cheap and easy to prepare, but at what cost? In order to provide shelf-stable products, many companies add preservatives and other manufactured chemicals and dyes to your food.

For the health conscious and those with dietary restrictions, like allergies to dairy and eggs, reading food labels can be a daunting and frustrating process. So simplify. Preparing healthy snacks at home gives you the control to provide safe, balanced and nutritious food to your family...Read more at Suite101

Healthy Recipes:  Quick Low Fat Veggie Burrito Wraps 

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), one third of American adults are obese. However, recent data suggests the obesity rate is tapering off. People are becoming more aware of health risks associated with a poor diet. Following a vegetarian or vegan diet can significantly reduce cholesterol and fat intake, and may help you lose weight faster...Read more at Suite101

Grilled Head Cheese

An Open Letter to the Hardee's Marketing Department:

I was watching your commercial for your grilled cheese bacon thickburger last night and was dumbfounded. I mean, slapped-in-the-face-with-a-herring dumbfounded. (See dramatic video clip).  This idea is so idiotic, such a monumental head-scratcher, that, in the pantheon of bone-headed product releases, I'd group it with, dare I say, New Coke and the Edsel.

Sadly, I think your marketing department might be confused about what constitutes a grilled cheese sandwich. For most of us, it's grilled cheese. Maybe a nice, ripe tomato. Bacon slices? Ok, you're pushing it. But what you've got a hold of, I'm afraid, is a cheeseburger. A burger with cheese, as it were.

If you're trying to sell a grilled cheese sandwich, here's an idea, start by making it without a burger. If your customers want a cheeseburger, they'll order one. And since you're trying to market a grilled cheese to sensitive, yet ruggedly attractive grownups (as your commercial suggests), then you might want to consider why they're ordering it. I'm guessing it's because they don't want meat in their sandwich. I hear many vegetarians feel this way too.

So there you go, a unique marketing angle. Fast food for vegetarians. If you like my ideas and want to hear more, I'm available for freelance marketing consultations. You can pay me in grilled cheese.

Doomed From the Start: Why Most Small Businesses Fail

Many dream of starting a small business, lured by the freedom to control their financial destiny. A truly great dream indeed. But in the midst of the great recession, as it’s being called, many entrepreneurs continue to make the same fiscal mistakes in all-new ways...Read more at Suite101