Tag Archives: marriage law

The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids

The Old Farmer’s Almanac website is a wealth of fun and information for kids. The bright colors, fun animation and easy-to-use interface makes this site a winner with adults, as well as curious kids. One of my favorite features is the calendar. All of the holidays and important dates for the month are highlighted on the calendar. Mousing over a date will reveal some great animation, such as King Kamehameha of Hawaii beating at his breast, or Dad giving visitors a wave for Father’s Day. My daughter loved the jumping strawberries. Along with the animation are fun facts about the … Continue reading →

Clandestine Marriage & Bigamy

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When we talked about What Are Secret Marriages? yesterday, Beth McHugh asked a fantastic question, one that I found I really wasn’t prepared to answer. So I went back to work on my research and now I have some answers to her question Heather, did you notice in your research whether there is any record outside of a judge’s secret box? If you wanted to commit bigamy, this sounds like a foolproof way! Secret Marriages In 1972, Time Magazine published an article on secret love in California. Like Beth asked yesterday, they were concerned with the dangerous liaisons that could … Continue reading →

What Are Secret Marriages?

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As you may know, I’ve been working on a series covering marriage laws throughout the 50 United States. Interestingly enough, as I was looking up laws in Michigan, I found out they have had a law on the books since 1897 governing secret marriages. So what is a secret marriage? So glad you asked, because I was curious and went to do some digging. Secret Marriages Secret marriages are just that – a marriage that occurs in secret. They are civil ceremonies that allow a couple to get married without there being an open record of the marriage. Prince Albert … Continue reading →

That’s Just My Opinion: Is Bigotry the Problem?

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This will probably be inflammatory and I apologize ahead of time if I tick anyone off. First and foremost, understand that I respect the rights of everyone to have an opinion and a position. After all, the beauty of freedom of speech and freedom of religion is that I would defend your right to your speech and your religion as long as it injured no one and it made you happy. That being said, I have to question a world where we are celebrating limiting freedom and the application of bigotry that is being cheered on. We can dress it … Continue reading →

March Comes in Like a Lion

I’m posting this now, since I could not keep an internet connection very well this morning due to the weather. In fact, I awoke to a tornado warning first thing this morning. Ah, it brings me back to just a few months ago when another day started out that way and my husband and I almost drove right into a tornado. We seem to get our share of wicked weather around here! I haven’t even gotten around to telling you about the new car (well, it’s a crossover) that we bought yesterday. Good thing the dealer put gas in it, … Continue reading →

Six More Weeks of Winter or an Early Spring?: Punxsutawney Phil’s 2007 Prediction

He’s kind of like Santa Claus. There’s only one day a year when Punxsutawney Phil, the “prognosticating groundhog,” is called upon to do his job and today was it. This morning, amidst much pomp and circumstance in front of thousands on Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle members John Griffiths and Ben Hughes pulled Phil from his burrow. If he saw his shadow and made a dash back to his hovel, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. If he didn’t and instead lingered outside, Spring’s on the way. So what happened? Did he dash or loiter? According … Continue reading →

Sites You Might Not Normally Think to Visit for Pet Info: The Weather Channel

When I was gathering sites together for places that let you post pet photos, one I stumbled across was not one that would have first come to mind: The Weather Channel/Weather.com. Under their Around the Home tab they have a Pets section. What a neat resource! In addition to sharing your cute pet pics, you can find a lot of helpful info. Starting with the main feature, their Personal Pet Cast. You select what kind of pet you have (dog or cat), their size, hair length, and age, then you type in your zip code, your pet’s name, and hit … Continue reading →

Are You Prone to Heat-Related Illnesses?

During a summer heat wave, you have to be extra careful. Both environmental conditions (the weather) and physical conditions (your health) have an impact on your body’s ability to stay cool. Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses. Drinking caffeine and alcohol can actually increase your risk of dehydration, so make sure that for every cup of coffee you drink, you have two glasses of water. Are you exercising at the right times? Don’t work out during the hottest part of the day! Schedule your exercise for early morning, before it gets too hot, or late … Continue reading →

Heat-Related Conditions

Man oh man was it a hot one today! Across the country — on the east coast, throughout the Midwest, and over on the west coast — temperatures soared. On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Las Vegas, Chicago, Saint Louis, Philly, Tulsa, and parts of New York and New Jersey, expecting today’s temperatures to reach a hundred degrees or more. With temperatures like these, you need to be watchful for heat-related illnesses. Under normal conditions, your nervous system maintains a healthy body temperature through sweating and thermoregulation — the blood flow to your skin. If … Continue reading →

Cool Fun in Hot Weather

It’s hot out there! In many parts of the country, it’s hot enough to see headlines like “Heat Wave.” So, how can you and your kids have fun, stay safe, and stay cool? *First, apply waterproof sun block and then find ways to limit the time spent outdoors without cutting out all the fun. Set a timer if necessary to avoid lengthy exposure to the sun and heat. Make a Fountain You and your kids can construct your own fountain. It’s interesting and you can of course get wet while trying to build your work of art. Stack buckets, clean … Continue reading →