http://www.artipot.com/authors/1593/ann-knapp/ Latest articles by Ann Knapp from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/243547/the-cigar-in-the-visual-arts.htm Cigar smoking has left its imprint on the world of the visual arts. Pablo Picasso, to name just one, was known to love a good cigar. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:38:05 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/243547/the-cigar-in-the-visual-arts.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/243542/bank-on-it-consumers-discover-the-convenience-of-online-banking.htm According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Internet offers a safe and convenient way to shop for financial services as well as conduct banking business from the comforts of home. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:29:22 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/243542/bank-on-it-consumers-discover-the-convenience-of-online-banking.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242487/is-it-all-greek-to-you-deciphering-internet-banking-and-security-buzzwords.htm The Internet has created a world greater than earlier generations could have ever imagined. At our fingertips lies access to information and entertainment, credit and financial services, and products from every corner of the world. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:52:29 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242487/is-it-all-greek-to-you-deciphering-internet-banking-and-security-buzzwords.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242486/wars-and-stratagems-and-cigars.htm A tobacco tax that has its origins in the rivalry between a king and his courtier? Increased sales due to war? And plague? It's all part of the story of tobacco. Smoking has always been bound up in the history of European politics. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:50:45 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242486/wars-and-stratagems-and-cigars.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242485/what-every-cigar-smoker-ought-to-know-tobacco.htm On the world scale, tobacco smoking is relatively new. Before the Western European Renaissance, it was basically only smoked, as far as anyone can tell, in the Americas--though ancient Americans have kept the habit going for almost four thousand years. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:50:24 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242485/what-every-cigar-smoker-ought-to-know-tobacco.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/240192/tobacco-a-muse-for-writers.htm Ernest Hemingway loved his cigars so much, they named a brand after him. Rudyard Kipling, Hemingway's hero (and fellow poet of machismo), wrote an entire long poem listing the reasons he considered a cigar preferable to a wife. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 20:20:51 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/240192/tobacco-a-muse-for-writers.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/240173/tobacco-patrick-henry-and-the-struggle-for-freedom.htm Picture this: in eighteenth-century Virginia, a common form of payment, in lieu of paper money, was tobacco. After all, it was easy to sell, the basis of the economy of the South (and to some extent of the entire so-called New World, at least the sections that had been forcibly occupied and colonized by white people), and--in effect--as good as paper money. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:54:56 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/240173/tobacco-patrick-henry-and-the-struggle-for-freedom.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/239714/wedding-rings-choosing-your-eternal-symbol-of-love.htm Exchanged as tokens of love and commitment for thousands of years, the tradition of wedding rings has its origins with Egyptian pharaohs who chose the circular ring - with no beginning and no end - as a symbol of eternal love. For the Romans, women wore a ring to which represented her marriage contract to a man. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:23:12 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/239714/wedding-rings-choosing-your-eternal-symbol-of-love.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/239707/extreme-diamonds-fascinate-those-who-behold-them.htm There are diamonds and then there are diamonds. Anyone can appreciate a beautiful diamond mounted in a ring, necklace or bracelet. But there are some diamonds that are so unique they are not the kind found at a local jewelry store. In fact, a few of them are unusual pieces of art or curiosity. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:12:06 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/239707/extreme-diamonds-fascinate-those-who-behold-them.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/238287/the-civil-rights-movement-from-birmingham-to-the-white-house.htm Senator Barack Obama's historical candidacy for the President of the United States has refocused attention on the issue of diversity in America and the dramatic changes that have occurred in our society during the past 30-40 years. His campaign inspired Americans to engage in new discussions of race and its role in our ever changing society. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:28:27 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/238287/the-civil-rights-movement-from-birmingham-to-the-white-house.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/238233/smoke-a-cigar-for-jeffersonian-democracy.htm History is often taught as if people didn't have bodies. As a contest between ideas, some successful and some not, or between Great Persons (perhaps too many of them men), or even between forces: economic, political, ideological, or otherwise. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:49:17 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/238233/smoke-a-cigar-for-jeffersonian-democracy.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/238211/thats-how-we-roll-yall-how-to-roll-a-cigar.htm Everybody has had that one friend: the guy who always, no matter what the inconvenience to himself or the implications for the cleanness of his floors, rolled his own cigarettes. Even if reasonably-priced ones were available, this friend just liked to get (as the saying goes) his fingers dirty. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:12:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/238211/thats-how-we-roll-yall-how-to-roll-a-cigar.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/238013/zip-lining-heli-climbing-and-other-adventures.htm When the hit television series Lost made its debut several years ago, many viewers were exposed for the first time to an idea that's already caught on among travel enthusiasts: Adventure tourism. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:19:58 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/238013/zip-lining-heli-climbing-and-other-adventures.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/237987/building-your-emergency-savings-account-begins-with-the-golden-rule-of-savings.htm Saving money is not something every American likes to think about but it's something the most prudent and prepared consumers know they must do. Saving money doesn't have to be some sort of exercise in torture. In fact, it really comes down to the golden rule of savings: Pay yourself first. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:48:49 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/237987/building-your-emergency-savings-account-begins-with-the-golden-rule-of-savings.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/237923/six-ways-to-cut-credit-card-debt.htm Indications from the Federal Reserve show that in 2007 consumer debt in the U.S. remained fairly steady, averaging at approximately $8,500 per citizen. Roughly 37 percent of that consumer debt, according to the study, is revolving credit - defined as credit that is repeatedly available as periodic repayments are made. The most common type of revolving credit is credit cards. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:17:41 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/237923/six-ways-to-cut-credit-card-debt.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/237915/jewelry-setting-specifics-styles-and-prongs.htm Securing a diamond, gemstone, pearl or other stone in place on a ring, jewelry settings come in a variety of forms - from functional to decorative. When choosing a jewelry setting it's important to understand the differences in terminology as well styles. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:06:10 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/237915/jewelry-setting-specifics-styles-and-prongs.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/237468/its-cigar-chompin-time-comic-books-and-the-stogie-thing.htm Longtime observers of American pop culture will have noticed by now that the storytelling geniuses at some comic book companies seem to have an overriding obsession. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:11:53 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/237468/its-cigar-chompin-time-comic-books-and-the-stogie-thing.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/237458/diamond-blockbuster-worlds-20th-largest-diamond-discovered.htm In the mountainous highlands of the small kingdom of Lesotho, the Letseng Diamond Mine, operated by Gem Diamonds Limited, has produced some of the world's most notable diamonds. Recently, the company announced the discovery of the world's 20th-largest diamond. Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:57:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/237458/diamond-blockbuster-worlds-20th-largest-diamond-discovered.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234717/how-to-make-solid-investments-during-hard-economic-times.htm The recent wild swings of the stock market have left many doubting the health of their investment portfolio. Although we should concentrate on investing for the long run, during an economic down-turn, it's easy enough for investors to lose focus. The following are ideas and tips for staying the course, regrouping, and perhaps recouping. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:47:42 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234717/how-to-make-solid-investments-during-hard-economic-times.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234494/no-smoking-on-this-stage-an-unintended-side-effect-of-smoking-bans.htm A few weeks ago, at a local production of Richard Greenberg's brilliant play "The Violet Hour," spectators entering the theatre were treated to the following sign:Warning: there is cigarette smoking in this play. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:21:54 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234494/no-smoking-on-this-stage-an-unintended-side-effect-of-smoking-bans.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234462/on-target-maintaining-your-budget-in-a-tight-market.htm Now, more than ever, staying on target with an existing budget is the smart approach to tough times. Tightening up spending may not seem like much fun, but being willing to put off instant gratification for future security will create even greater financial freedom down the road. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:34:21 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234462/on-target-maintaining-your-budget-in-a-tight-market.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234436/electrolyte-imbalance-signs-and-symptoms-of-hyperkalemia.htm Electrolyte imbalances within the body can occur in response to many factors. When a person is dehydrated either from sickness or starvation, their electrolytes can become depleted. Certain medications can cause electrolyte imbalances as well as chronic diseases such as diabetes and renal failure. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:03:09 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234436/electrolyte-imbalance-signs-and-symptoms-of-hyperkalemia.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234086/careful-management-is-key-to-keeping-credit-in-good-standing.htm Credit is a way of life in America. It allows consumers to make improvements on their home, purchase goods, and establish a credit history - a necessity for securing credit in the future. But for those who have chosen to "play now and pay later," a lapse in credit can have adverse effects, making it harder later to secure a mortgage, car loan or business loan. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:42:05 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234086/careful-management-is-key-to-keeping-credit-in-good-standing.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234066/literature-for-lovers-of-cigars.htm Reading and cigars are both contemplative pleasures. They're best undertaken over a table on a balcony--or in a comfortable couch--or on a warm, sunlit porch. They need a bit of concentration, and afford, in return, a little break from the stress of the day. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:17:49 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234066/literature-for-lovers-of-cigars.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233768/the-roles-of-nurses-and-physicians-in-medication-prescribing-guidelines.htm Many of the malpractice suites against doctors and nurses have to do with medication errors. Prescribing is the first point in the drug administration process at which drug error can arise. Hospitals invest millions of dollars in training nurses and doctors to help prevent sentinel events from occurring. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:57:16 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233768/the-roles-of-nurses-and-physicians-in-medication-prescribing-guidelines.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233398/great-quotes-in-the-history-of-cigars.htm Every great pastime inspires its own rich history and lore, including its own library of great sayings - though these are often edited a little by tradition. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:52:09 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233398/great-quotes-in-the-history-of-cigars.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233378/federal-deposit-insurance-confidence-you-can-bank-on.htm Whether selecting a traditional or online bank, it's always wise to ensure that deposits are federally insured. Established in 1933, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an independent agency whose main goal is to promote confidence and stability in the nation's banking system. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:14:48 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233378/federal-deposit-insurance-confidence-you-can-bank-on.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233370/banking-from-home-online-banking-is-secure-and-convenient.htm With approximately 63 million Americans banking online, according to a recent study, it's getting harder to remember what life was like before it. As online banking gains widespread acceptance, more banks are offering web-based products and services to enhance communication and support with their clients. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:56:44 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233370/banking-from-home-online-banking-is-secure-and-convenient.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233364/banking-for-today-live-within-your-means-and-build-savings.htm While the concept of living within in your means may seem pretty straightforward, actually learning to spend less than what you make can be a challenge. Even in light of recent financial turmoil, many Americans today are making solid incomes and yet have less and less to show for it. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:45:18 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233364/banking-for-today-live-within-your-means-and-build-savings.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/232508/cigars-in-hip-hop-culture.htm The association between smoking and creativity is an old one, almost stereotypical. In the nineteenth century the painter Edouard Manet, for example, used the upward drift of cigar smoke in his famous portrait of the celebrated French Symbolist poet Stephane Mallarme to symbolize the wafting elusiveness of the poet's mind and sensibility. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:06:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/232508/cigars-in-hip-hop-culture.htm