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Enhance your wedding with memorable aromas
Weddings are a feast for the senses. Anyone who's been part of planning a wedding knows that every detail of the sights, sounds and tastes of the event are given attention. But what about the aromas? You can make your special day even more memorable by using the clean, natural scents of pure essential oils to create the ...
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Make food prep easy this summer by going raw
The hot days of summer are the perfect time to relax with friends in the backyard and sample delicious fruits and salads while sipping chilled drinks. Serve and enjoy the fruits and veggies grown in the garden. Serve these foods raw, because cooked vegetables can lose many nutrients throughout the cooking process.
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Could acorns lead to an up 'tick' in Lyme disease?
Oak trees produced an extremely high number of acorns in 2010, which led to an increase in the white-footed mouse population in 2011. In turn, the deer tick (or black-legged tick), had ample supply of its preferred food source. Here's how you can avoid ticks when outdoors.
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Three must-have conversations about online child safety
Academic performance expectations, attendance at school functions, and balancing extra-curricular activities with time for homework - parents and children have a lot to talk about at the beginning of the school year. Few conversations, however, will be as important - or as fraught with tension - as discussing how childre...
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The secrets to successful outdoor entertaining
When friends and family gather at your place for a party this summer, what will they remember most about your backyard? The lovely landscaping and delicious food you served, or uncompromising weeds and stinging bugs? Make that lasting impression a positive one by creating an outdoor environment that's both comfortable an...
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How to stay naturally cool this summer
It's easy to overexert yourself during the inevitable summertime heat wave. Any common outdoor activity - such as gardening, sports, entertaining or vacationing - can quickly turn you into a sweaty mess when temperatures soar. Simple precautions can help you deal with heat and humidity.
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Tips to make the most out of summer
No matter what your summer plans are, everyone is looking to have a great time with friends and family. Keep the summer exciting with new activities and snacks. Trying new adventures in good company makes for lasting memories. Here are some ideas to make the most out of your summer.
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How cheese can take your grilling from average to amazing
The sun is shining and the smell of charcoal is in the air - it's officially grilling season. Eighty-five percent of consumers will take to the tongs for some outdoor grilling this summer, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. So what's on the menu? Try these smokin' tips and juicy recipes that will ma...
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Seize the summer with fun and good times wherever you go
The official start of summer is upon us and with it comes school breaks, longer days, vacations and social soirees galore. Summertime only comes around once a year, so make a pledge to make this summer the best you've ever had by planning ahead and staying in the loop about the season's hottest activities.
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Summer survival tips: the medicine cabinet edition
You can't avoid it: Summer activities mean bites, bumps, burns and bruises. Make sure you're ready by stocking up on these medicine-cabinet basics.
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Creating super summer snacks with grapes is a breeze
Early summer marks the beginning of the California grape season. These bite-size treats are the perfect snack - crisp, sweet and only 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving. Grapes are also very juicy, making them a welcome source of hydration as outdoor activities and temperatures increase.
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Four common photography mistakes to avoid
If your photos seem too bright, cluttered or ordinary, you can take simple steps to avoid these and other common photography mistakes.
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national news

Boy Scouts statue titled Trail to Manhood outside the National Scouting Museum in IrvingGRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America approved a proposal on Thursday to end a ban on openly gay scouts that has been in place throughout the organization's 103-year history, the group said in a statement. The vote by more than 1,400 members of the group's National Council came amid intense lobbying by gay-rights activists and members of conservative organizations. The change does not remove the organization's ban on gay adult leaders. (Reporting by Marice Richter; Editing by Cynthia Johnston)


Thu May 23 17:19:53 UTC 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama pauses during speech at the National Defense University in WashingtonBy Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he directed Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct a review of Department of Justice guidelines for investigations that involve journalists and report back by early July. Obama has come under criticism for his administration's pursuit of journalists who have reported leaked material. In recent weeks, it emerged that the Justice Department seized Associated Press phone records as part of a probe into leaks about a 2012 Yemen-based plot to bomb a U.S. ...


Thu May 23 17:52:12 UTC 2013

FBI personnel walk through the complex surrounding the apartment, where Ibragim Todashev was shot and killed by FBI, in OrlandoGROZNY, Russia (Reuters) - The father of a Chechen immigrant killed during questioning over his links with one of the Boston Marathon bombings suspects said on Thursday he plans to travel to the United States where he thinks his son was tortured and killed. Ibragim Todashev, 27, was killed by a federal agent in his apartment complex when he became violent during questioning over his ties to Tamerlan Tsarnaev, the older of two brothers suspected of planting two bombs at the marathon on April 15. ...


Thu May 23 16:23:25 UTC 2013
[Updated at 6:00 p.m. CT] DALLAS – The Boy Scouts of America, one of the country’s largest and oldest youth organizations, decided Thursday to break 103 years of tradition by allowing openly gay members into its ranks. The controversial move was approved by more than 60 percent of the approximate 1,400 votes cast by the [...]
Thu May 23 17:14:38 UTC 2013