TP woman

I am a writer working on a story about straw bale houses. I already wrote an article using locals who have built straw bale houses, but I need people in other parts of the US in order to submit to national magazines. If you've built a straw bale house, can you tell me why you chose to build a "green" house and did you build it yourself? If so, how long did it take you?

I am a full-time features writer and editor (regional and women's magazines) and I love it, (I write a lot about fashion and food - my two favorite topics) but I know business writers make more money. I would like to take some copywriting courses to boost my income. I'm a quick learner and do well with at-home studies. I taught myself to write as a living after having a career as a celebrity makeup artits.

I heard American Writers and Artist Institute is good. The at-home study course is $507. Any advice?

My husband needs term life insurance. He's 52. What companies do you recommend? How much do you pay in premiums per year?

My husband and I are considering buying a used BMW. A local dealership has a great price on a 2002 model, but my husband is having second thoughts because he said we'll spend a lot of money when it breaks down because parts are so expensive. I said BMW are better made, so we won't have to worry about that so much. Any used BMW owners out there want to comment? (I asked the same question of Mercedes owners because we've looked at both).

My husband and I are considering buying a used Mercedes. A local dealership has a great price on a 2001 model, but my husband is having second thoughts because he said we'll spend a lot of money when it breaks down because parts are so expensive. I said Mercedes are better made, so we won't have to worry about that so much. Any used Mercedes owners out there want to comment?

am a freelance writer who works for magazines but I'm tired of making peanuts and would like to take a course in copywriting. I'm considering sending away for the course offered by the American Writers and Artists Institute. it costs $507 and is said to be excellent. They even claim to help their "graduates" get copywriting jobs afterwards. Anyone out there finished the course and got a job through them? Any other at home copywriting courses you want to recommend? I have my first copywriting job lined up and I have no idea what I'm doing.

I am a freelance writer who works for magazines but I'm tired of making peanuts and would like to take a course in copywriting. I'm considering sending away for the course offered by the American Writers and Artists Institute. it costs $507 and is said to be excellent. They even claim to help their "graduates" get copywriting jobs afterwards. Anyone out there finished the course and got a job through them? Any other at home copywriting courses you want to recommend? I have my first copywriting job lined up and I have no idea what I'm doing.

I'm having the vet microchip my six month old kitten. Has anyone out there had their cat microchipped? Have you lost your kitty and the chip aided in his/her return?

We are looking for an apartment and no one will rent to us because we have a kitten (I think that is evil, but anyway) so now we are faced with the question of getting rid of our pet. My husband really loves the cat and says we keep looking for a place that will welcome him. We have three weeks left to find a place. What would you do?