'Crying elephant' Raju's pal Mohan freed but elephants still in danger

Elephants are a hot commodity, for their ivory and for work and entertainment value. Minnesota professor Yiwei Zheng faces ivory smuggling charges for illegally importing elephant tusks into the U.S, reported the Associated Press on March 31. In happier news, a captive elephant, Mohan, may be released after 50 years in bondage and horrific cruelty in Lalganj in the district of Raebareli, India.  'Crying elephant' Raju's pal Mohan freed but elephants still in danger

Stray dogs pay respects at animal lover's funeral, dogs honor Margarita Suarez

When stray dogs showed up and paid their respects at animal lover Margarita Suarez's funeral, a few eyebrows were raised. Were the dogs mourning? Did they sense a kindred spirit? Were they sent as ministering angels to comfort the bereaved? Maybe they were just hungry? Whatever the case, Suarez's grieving daughter Patricia Urrutia, chose to accept the dogs visit as tribute and a miracle, reported Good Morning America on March 30.Stray dogs pay respects at animal lover's funeral, dogs honor Margarita Suarez

 

Catholic Lenten fasting for children, almsgiving and giving up for Lent

On Ash Wednesday, Catholic and Orthodox Christians begin the penitential season of Lent. During this 40-day period, we follow Christ’s temptation in the desert. The Lenten season ends with Holy Week, the Easter Triduum of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. During Lent we fast in imitation of Jesus's sufferings. We practice abstinence. Here are tips for Christian parents to teach kids what to give up for Lent, how to fast. and why we do it.Catholic Lenten fasting for children, teach kids why, what to give up for Lent 

 

Best Valentine's Day gifts for women, presents mom, wife, girlfriend will love

 Did you put off Valentine's Day for your gal? Now at the last minute, Feb. 14, you grab chocolates and flowers. Sorry guys, thanks for the thought, but boring. Here are frugal, thoughtful Valentine gifts for women--wife, mom, girlfriend--that will delight. Use for women's birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day gifts.Best Valentine's Day gifts for women, presents mom, wife, girlfriend will love

Elderly woman ditches nursing home for endless holiday cruise, saves money

Lee Wachtstetter is your average 86-year-old in most ways but one. Instead of living out her days in a nursing home, the widowed woman is opting for the road less traveled--a non-stop luxury cruise ! AZ Central said Jan. 20, that she's swapping the AARP card for a dance card and a senior home for endless holiday deluxe aboard her favorite Crystal Serenity liner. And it's not costing her that much more. It's less, probably than upkeep on her upscale Florida home or nursing care, when all the factors are considered.  Elderly woman ditches nursing home for endless holiday cruise, saves money

Advent good deed calendar craft, countdown to Christmas with charitable acts - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

So often we hear how selfish kids are at Christmas. That's not really fair. Marketing bombards them with images of stuff they "must have." KSL shared stories of holiday generosity on Dec. 15. Many kids would love to share like that. They just lack direction. Catholic Advent teaches generosity and giving in preparation for Christmas, says Catholic Online. How about helping kids count down to Christmas with a giving, not getting, Advent calendar? This lesson teaches math, writing, social studies and current events, too.Advent good deed calendar craft, countdown to Christmas with charitable acts

 

Skip ugly sweaters this Christmas and give one warm coat

 The "ugly sweater" shtick has become a popular, if kitschy, holiday tradition. What's an ugly sweater? It's a Christmas sweater with bright cheery holiday patterns. There are ugly sweater parties in which guest try to outdo each other wearing the most decorative, and ostensibly the ugliest, sweater. One woman makes her living designing ugly sweaters, reported the Daily News December 1. Menards sold ugly sweaters on their Black Friday sale. Skip ugly sweaters this Christmas and give one warm coat - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

West Michigan gets blustery Halloween, October 31 trick-or-treat times

West Michigan Halloween trick-or-treaters will be in for blustery weather, this October 31, 2014. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of winds of 20-30 miles an hour, with gust up to 45 mph and 50-mph winds along Lake Michigan. Snow is likely. Kids and parents should take care trick-or-treating, especially in communities along the lakeshore. Here's the run down of October 31 trick-or-treat events and times in the greater Grand Rapids area from WOTV.  West Michigan gets blustery Halloween, October 31 trick-or-treat times - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Free Printable Photo Frame Crafts, Picture Frames Kids Can Make

The holiday season is fast-approaching, with Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Or maybe you celebrate another winter holiday--Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Epiphany? One thing these have in common is that they usually involve gift-giving. Parents, looking for gifts children can make for holiday giving? How about homemade photo frames for school pictures? Here are links for free printable photo frame crafts.Free Printable Photo Frame Crafts, Picture Frames Kids Can Make

 

Dieting, Losing Weight, Eating Less Helps Others, Too

I've lost 100 pounds that I put on in a long-term bout of depression. That's me right at my heaviest in 2010 and right is summer, 2014.  I'm writing a series of +How-I-lost-weight tips. I used an assortment of methods to get the weight off, the biggest being just plain eating less. And I realized that by dieting, counting calories, eating less, I'm not only doing myself a favor, I'm helping others. I have more money to share now that I'm buying less food. Here's a tip on how to eat less.Diet Tip Wait 10 Minutes Before Eating More