Beach House in the Burbs

Well, thank goodness I've got plenty of freelance work to repost 'cause I'm ignoring the rest of the days of the week on this poor blog. This week, let's look at the kind of diet you might try if you have arthritis. Arthritis is near and dear to my heart, unfortunately. It runs rampant through my family and is creeping its way around my body now, too. So, if you're looking for ways to feel better with arthritis, check out Healthy Eating for Osteoarthritis . Thanks for reading and happy weekend!

I've worked off and on for retail companies--including one GREAT BIG ORANGE BOX retailer with HQ here in Atlanta. In fact, I spent a year writing buying guides and project guides in the electrical category. Go ahead, ask me how to rewire your house. I can tell you how to do it without killing yourself or burning your house down. Not that I'm going to do any rewiring myself. I'm not stupid. But I can tell you how. Anyway, if you need to wire a whole-house network , you know, with the interwebs and intercoms and intercourse (oh, wait, that's a whole other topic) here's where you can learn how. Happy reading and happy Friday!

I was a kid growing up in Alabama. I'd never seen New York, much less streets clogged with trucks. And I had to look at the illustrations to know exactly what a pushcart was. But none of that mattered. The Pushcart War, by Jean Merrill, was one of my favorite books--and it still is. I've read it as an adult and still love the story of underdog pushcart vendors taking on the trucks--and winning--with nothing more than brains, determination and peashooters. This is the cover I remember from my childhood. Jean Merrill died last week at the age of 89. But she will live in my heart forever. If you're looking for a great book for yourself or your kids, give The Pushcart War a try. The book was published in 1964, but is still relevant today. Her obit appeared in the NY Times, here .

As a beach lover, I can't help but be awed by what these sculptors are able to do with what I consider merely the perfect spot for a beach chair and a cold drink. Not only do I love the sculpture , but I've never been to any of these beaches. That needs to change--and soon. Image: JaseMan Which one's your favorite? I love the pirate at South Padre Island and the dogs playing poker--really--in Spain. That would be perfect if they'd somehow gotten the black velvet background in it! Enjoy your virtual weekend trip to the beach!

One of the best things about being a writer in Georgia is writing for Georgia Trend magazine--a publication about business, politics and economic development in the state. The people who work at there are great to work with. I've traveled around the state, seeing things and meeting people I never would have come in contact with. And I've learned so much about the state I live in--some good, some not so good. But, so it goes. Last spring my article about the economy in Central Georgia appeared in the Economic Yearbook section of the magazine and online. Take a look at the Georgia company that's saving lives in Africa or the pet food company that makes human-worthy food in Feeding A Recovery .

1. I read and write mysteries. I don't write really violent ones, but I read 'em. And I like 'em. 2. I'm fascinated by weird things that can happen to the human body. I don't want anything weird to happen to mine. But I like to know about these bits of weirdnesses. 3. I love the fact that other people also are fascinated enough to compile a list of 9 Ridiculously Creepy Medical Museums Open to the Public ! 4. I love that my sister (a physical anthropology professor) would go with me to any and all of these. I'm looking into plane tickets now! What about you? Does this list of weird, creepy museums appeal to you or just make you a little queasy?

My dad, who's hardly ever been sick a day in his life, recently started suffering from migraines. So, I was glad to write an article for HowStuffWorks.com called Can perfumes trigger migraines? Turns out they can. My dad hasn't found his trigger yet, but since he doesn't wear perfume (and neither does my mom) I don't think this is his. It was still interesting to consider. Maybe it will help you or someone you love!

As if 5 cats and a lethargic pomeranian aren't enough, now I want a Nigerian Pygmy goat!