Articles written by Marie Brannon
Showing 94 Articles
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Living with an Alcoholic During the Holidays
If somebody you love drinks too much, the Christmas season can be embarrassing, painful and stressful. Here are some tips for coping with someone's excessive drinking.
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How to File Tax Returns for a Deceased Person
In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires both an individual tax return and an estate tax return for persons who died within that calendar year.
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Book Review – Bizarre Books, by Russell Ash
Published in 1998, this softcover was written by Russell Ash and Brian Lake. It makes a delightful gift for those who enjoy having fun with books.
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Odds of Being Audited by the IRS
A mathematical formula called the discriminant function system (DIF) is used by the IRS to rate returns and trigger red flags. Here's a simplified explanation of the DIF
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The Anti-Social or Sociopathic Alcoholic
Some of these individuals achieve success or even prominence in political, legal or religious careers. Others turn to lives of crime, dishonesty and abuse.
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Unusual Gourmet Carrot Recipes
Few vegetables are so economical, versatile and widely liked as carrots. As relish or a side dish, they add a splash of color and nutrition to any plate.
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Four Football-Related Novels
The characters in these football novels range from a Navy pilot to a Texas newspaperwoman and from a journalist to an aging former star.
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Four High-Performing, Low-Priced Coffee Makers
According to Consumer Reports, Kalorik, Mr. Coffee, Michael Graves and Black & Decker are manufacturers of the highest-rated and lowest-priced coffeemakers
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Four Gourmet Recipes for Fresh Mackerel
Recognizable by its silvery-blue markings and firm oily flesh, the mackerel is a migratory fish. It is a flavorful and versatile dish, especially in the springtime
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How to Uncurl and Flatten a Rolled Poster or Map
Paper records such as birth certificates, maps, posters and photographs often get folded or rolled up for long periods of time. Here are directions for uncurling them.
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How Cell Phone Behavior Affects Other People
Compulsive cell phone users leave others feeling confused, trapped, disrespected, and angry. These users are often feeding their own ego at the expense of others.
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Three Novels With a Hoax in the Plot
Fictional characters have been pulling off hoaxes for centuries. Here are three novels with a hoax (or two) as a major part of the plot
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A Christian Scientist Who Sang Opera For Kids
He was born into a family of musicians who attended the Christian Science church, and grew up to champion opera for children all over the world.
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Colonial American Weathervanes and Wind Vanes
American colonists needed practical devices to use in their seafaring ventures as well as their rural farming businesses. Weathervanes were crafted to fill that need.
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Some Unusual Gourmet Recipes for Peanuts
Raw or roasted, creamy or chunky, baked or fried, peanuts can be a versatile ingredient for gourmet cooks who want to add an element of surprise to their dishes.
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Gourmet Gravy and Brown Sauce Recipes
Knowing how to make brown stock, sauce or gravy is a basic element for any gourmet cook. Here are the basic recipes and some tasty variations.
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Living With a Paranoid Alcoholic
Alcoholics who are suspicious, distrustful or jealous are difficult to live with, whether drinking or sober. Here are some tips for surviving in such a household.
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Five Novels With an Earthquake in the Plot
Fictional accounts of earthquakes can be found in many settings, including the future. The following novels explore scientific, spiritual and human aspects of quakes
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Gourmet Recipes for Traditional Dumplings
Generations of Europeans and Americans have enjoyed these plump nuggets of lightness through the years. Here are some variations on a basic recipe for simmered dumplings.
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Gourmet Recipes for Homemade Dumplings
Few dishes can match the warmth and comfort provided by a bowl of plump yet light dumplings. Here are some recipes that add a gourmet touch to their hearty flavor.
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The World's First Encyclopedia
The oversized volume, printed by Koberger shortly after Columbus discovered America, was a history, atlas and almanac with biographies and news items - an encyclopedia
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Living With an Alcoholic Who Constantly Blames
If you live with an alcoholic who constantly finds somebody else to blame for whatever happens, here are some things you can do to help him take personal responsibility.
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Four Gourmet Recipes for Apple Desserts
Applejack Fritters, Stewed Apple Crisp, Turkish Apple Delight Candy and Apple Puffs can be served all year-round but are especially appropriate and tasty at harvest time.
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Early American Folding Dual-Purpose Furniture
American colonists were thrifty souls who found it necessary to conserve space by finding furniture that doubled itself in function while remaining attractive
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Grace Simpler Herold, an American Dollmaker
Grace Herold began making dolls after the death of her husband in the 1960s. She painted hair and eyes instead of using the more common hair and glass eyes of the era.
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Four Arson-Related Novels
Fire is one of mankind's greatest friends and one of its greatest enemies. Novelists have used the deliberately-set fire in many exciting tales. Here are just a few.
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The Origins of The Christian Science Monitor
From its very first issue in 1908, The Christian Science Monitor has set a high standard for newspapers all over the world. Mary Baker Eddy envisioned just such a paper.
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Biography of Oscar Franklin Miller 1882-1918
Named as one of the One Hundred Outstanding Heroes of World War I, Oscar F. Miller served his country with honor. He was born in Franklin County, Arkansas in 1882.
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How the Christian Science Healing Process Works
Application of scientific laws of thought set forth by Christ Jesus results in physical healings through spiritual means. Jesus applied these same laws in his healing
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Bubble Letters and Dot Lettering for Scrapbooks
Make your next scrapbook page layout even more unique by learning how to make dot letters, bubble letters, block letters and many others.
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Four Fictional Architects
Architecture is a profession that lends itself to family drama. Many noted writers, including John Galsworthy and Ayn Rand have developed their plots around it.
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Four Unusual Homemade Potato Salad Recipes
The humble potato has been taken for granted for centuries, but few people can ignore it when it is prepared in a tasty salad. Here are four variations of a classic.
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Gourmet Recipe for Homemade Potato Salad
Here are a just a few of many possibilities for this classic menu item. Ditch the store-bought stuff and add excitement to plain potato salad by trying these ideas.
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Make a Scrapbook or Blank Book from Old Placemat
Finding an old 1970s placemat with a funky design or delightful colors can be an opportunity to create an original scrapbook or blank book.
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Mary Baker Eddy Fulfilled Ancient Prophecy
Mary Baker Eddy discovered the scientific principles of healing in 1866. In doing so, she brought the Comforter that Jesus had promised and named it Christian Science.
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Book Review – The Cajun Twelve Days of Christmas
Privately published in the late 1980s or early 1990s, this paperback cookbook contains authentic Cajun recipes with a holiday theme
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The Special Terminology of Christian Science
Mortal mind, substance, error and animal magnetism are just a few of the terms that must be understood in their spiritual significance in the study of Christian Science.
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Four Fictional Antique Dealers
Fictional accounts of antique dealers can sometimes take the reader on a quest for long-lost treasures. In some cases, the search is also for love or honor or adventure.
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Make Gluten-Free Kasha Waffles at Home
Homemade waffles are always a treat for the whole family, and this gluten-free recipe will make it possible for everybody to enjoy crisp, honeycombed pancakes
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Early American Wood Engravers and Their Work
John Foster of Boston is widely recognized as the first American to use a wood design as a printing block. He executed a portrait of Cotton Mather around 1670
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Living With a Dry Drunk
If you live with an alcoholic who has stopped drinking but continues to manipulate, isolate, procrastinate and act in a passive-aggressive manner, you probably need help.
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Four Novels With Arkansas Characters or Settings
From the hills of the Ozarks to a cotton farm in northeast Arkansas, these books take the reader into various parts of the Natural State.
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Old-Fashioned Homemade Popcorn Recipes
Homemade popcorn, prepared over an open flame in a cast-iron skillet, brings back fond memories for many people. Here are basic instructions for popping and some recipes.
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Four Novels With Alaskan Characters or Themes
From the wilds of Alaska's prehistory to the Cold War era of the 1980s, these books take the reader into various parts of the Land of the Midnight Sun.
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Colonial American Glassmakers and Glassmaking
From the first eight "glasse-men" who came to America in 1608 to the dozens of skilled craftsmen who were making glass in 1776, glassmakers never gave up their quest.
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Four Novels With Arizona Characters or Themes
From the wild Arizona Territory of the 19th century to Tucson in the 1980s, these books take the reader into various parts of the Grand Canyon State.
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Rockfish Recipes from Resort Hotels in Bermuda
These delicious fish entrees have been served at Castle Harbour Hotel, the Newport Room in the Fairmont Southampton Hotel and the Whaler Inn, also at the Fairmont.
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Colonial American Craftsmen Postage Stamps, 1974
Leonard Everett Fisher of Westport, Connecticut designed all four 8-cent postage stamps and executed them using the scratch board method.
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Living With an Alcoholic Who Procrastinates
If you live in a household where someone frequently breaks promises, avoids taking responsibility or never finds enough time, there are things you can do for yourself.
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Four Novels Set in Alabama
Fictional accounts with characters or settings in various parts of Alabama have produced many memorable characters, plots, dialogs and issues.
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Four Novels With Afghan Characters or Themes
Fictional accounts with Afghan characters or settings are relatively hard to find. Here are four novels to read from the safety of your armchair.
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Gourmet Recipe for Homemade Mayonnaise
Here are some of the many variations found in this thick, creamy emulsion. Try one of these recipes and experience the difference between homemade and store-bought mayo.
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History of Timers and Clocks in Chess Matches
For centuries, players and spectators alike complained about the inordinate length of chess matches. When time limits were established, clocks and timers were invented.
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Gourmet Dinner for Two on Christmas Day
If you are thinking of having a non-traditional Christmas dinner this year, skip the relatives and friends. Share this colorful meal with just one special someone.
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The Early History of Miniature Books
Ancient miniature books were painstakingly inked by monks. Medieval knights carried tiny books into battle. European bookbinders made miniature books for their children.
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Mary Baker Eddy Taught Spiritual Healing
Mary Baker Eddy was a divine messenger. She founded the Christian Science movement and taught metaphysical healing just when the world was ready for a new spirituality.
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19th Century Mass-Produced American Furniture
Detroit Chair Factory and its successor Murphy Chair Company were major players in the transition from hand-made to factory-made furniture in America.
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The Early History of Lace and Lace-Making
Made of fine threads of gold, silver, silk, flax, cotton, hairs and other delicate fabrics, lace has been in use for centuries all over the world.
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Five Novels With Alcoholic Characters and Themes
Fictional accounts of alcoholics and their lives can sometimes provide readers with much-needed insight into the disease. Here are just a few novels to consider.
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The Self-Absorbed and Self-Centered Alcoholic
One of the saddest elements of the disease of alcoholism is the inability of its victims to understand or meet the emotional needs of others.
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Flounder and Spinach Pate en Gelee - Recipe
Strips of flaky flounder hide inside this loaf of spinach and flounder pate. The layers create complementary textures and the egg aspic adds the finishing touch.
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First 50 Years of TCU Horned Frog Football
In spite of two world wars, the Great Depression and other historical events, the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University have played continuously since 1896.
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Antique 100-Drop Telephone Switchboards
Western Telephone Construction Company, Sterling Electric Company and American Electric Company Made 100 and 200-Drop Switch Boards Before 1900
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Are You Being Manipulated by an Alcoholic?
Many alcoholics have the ability to manipulate people and situations to their own advantage. Here are some tips for coping with this emotional trickery.
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Gourmet Cassoulet – White Beans and Pork
This recipe calls for dried flageolets from the Arpajon region of France, but Great Northern or navy beans could easily be substituted.
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Early Years of Arabia Shrine Temple in Houston
A committee of Houston Shriners, headed by John S. Bonner, traveled to Seattle, Washington by train to obtain a charter from the Imperial Council on July 14, 1915.
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Arabia Temple in Houston – History 1941-1965
The events of December 1941 thrust the United States into World War II and started a new chapter in the history of Arabia Temple in Houston, Texas.
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Popular Camera Cases of the 1930s
A protective carrying case was essential for the photographer of the 1930s. Cases were made in a variety of styles and held a myriad of attachments, accessories and film.
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Living With an Alcoholic Who Isolates
If you live in a household where someone isolates himself and neglects important relationships, there are things you can do to minimize your own emotional pain.
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Military and Commercial Camera Guns of the 1930s
Camera Guns were manufactured in two styles in the 1930s. The hand camera gun was commercial and the airplane gunner training camera was sold for military purposes.
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Popular Kodak Brownie Box Cameras of the 1930s
Box cameras marketed to consumers in the 1930s were sturdy, inexpensive, and simple to use. One of the most popular brands was the Brownie by Eastman Kodak.
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Popular Agfa Ansco Box Cameras of the 1930s
Box cameras on the market in the 1930s were rugged, inexpensive, and easy to use. Some had built-in accessories, others had attachments, but consumers liked them all.
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Lamb Kidneys and Red Cabbage with Juniper Sauce
For a sweet yet spicy meal, combine these two unique and unusual dishes. Add some bread and salad, set the table and wait for the accolades to begin.
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Clean Your Own Paintings or Hire a Professional?
So you have an old oil painting. Or maybe it's an old family print that hung in your grandmother's house for decades. What are the benefits of a Do-It-Yourself approach?
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Wayne Rudmose and His Audiometry Equipment
Harvard-trained physicist Wayne Rudmose was a pioneer in the field of acoustics who developed instruments for measuring sound, including the first automatic audiometer.
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What Edgar Cayce Taught About Dreaming and Dreams
Edgar Cayce gave more than 14,000 readings over a period of forty-three years. Yet each time he discussed dreams or dream interpretation; he was remarkably consistent.
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Vintage Bell & Howell Movie Equipment
The founders of Bell & Howell knew that unless all projector equipment was designed and constructed by the same company, it would be difficult to obtain good results.
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Stadium for Rice Institute, nee Houston Stadium
Briefly known as Houston Stadium, Rice Stadium was built in the short span of only nine months. It sits unassumingly on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas.
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Christmas Stamps Issued by Postal Service 1973
Needlepoint artist Dolli Tingle and Italian painter Raphael were honored by having their work chosen for 1973 Christmas commemorative stamps.
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Two Unique and Unusual Recipes for Tomatoes
Whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable, the lowly tomato can be prepared in many ways. Here are a couple of uncommon recipes for bringing out its versatility.
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Remove Burnt-On Grease From Your Cookie Sheets
No matter what you call it, most folks agree it needs to come off the cookie sheet (or baking pan if you prefer). Here's yet another method for getting rid of it.
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Using a Vintage Singer Buttonhole Attachment
In the late 1940s, The Singer Manufacturing Company introduced a new attachment for its line of sewing machines, one that had five templates and a Stripper Foot.
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Twenty-Two Years Sober in Alcoholics Anonymous
The son of an alcoholic minister, Jim B. recounts two decades as a social drinker, two decades of problem drinking and two decades of sobriety.
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Rutabaga Recipes for Gourmet Cooks
Although rutabagas are commonly thought of as members of turnip family, they actually belong to the cabbage clan and can be prepared to bring out their distinctive flavor
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How to Greet a Minister After Church Services
Here are some tips for acknowledging your minister appropriately in the receiving line after church services.
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How to Set Boundaries with an Alcoholic
Millions of people live their everyday lives in a household with at least one alcoholic. If you do, here are some suggestions for setting healthy boundaries.
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Display Your Junk Drawer Stuff as Artwork
Sunday school pins, Girl Scout patches, name tags, handmade pom-pom necklaces and ID cards are just a few of the items typically found in the family junk drawer.
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Book Review – Discovering Choices by Al-Anon
Published in 2008, this softcover volume contains sixteen chapters and 335 pages. It is fully indexed, a plus for those who are seeking insight on a certain topic.
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Colonial American Fireplace Tools
In Colonial America, the kitchen was the heart of every home, and every kitchen had a fireplace. It was the only source of heat for the house and the means of cooking.
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San Jacinto Day – A Texas Holiday
A ragged bunch of frontiersmen outsmarted Santa Anna's Mexican Army by taking advantage of an afternoon siesta. Their courage and quick thinking forever benefited Texas.
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Thomas Sterry Hunt, 1826-1892
Thomas Sterry Hunt made extensive contributions to American science, choosing two rapidly-advancing fields in which to distinguish himself.
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Colorado Silver Bullets History
Excitement ran high in 1994 when Atlanta Braves vice-president Robert C. "Bob" Hope convinced Coors Brewing Company to sponsor a female-only baseball team.
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Sugar Cane Expedition to Papua New Guinea, 1929
Dr. E.W. Brandes and his team ventured into unexplored jungles of New Guinea in 1929 on an expedition to find new disease-resistant varieties of sugar cane.
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What to Expect at Your First Al-Anon Meeting
If you've been encouraged by a therapist, minister, friend or family member to try Al-Anon, you might be wondering what will happen when you get there.
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