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Lawn & Garden
Basic maintenance can keep your lawn equipment running longer
(BPT) - Spring is just around the corner, so it’s not too soon to begin thinking about getting your lawn equipment ready. From lawn mowers to hedge and weed trimmers, you want to make sure those items are in good working order before you are ready to tackle the lawn for the first time. Taking the time for seasonal maint...
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What to look for when buying a zero-turn mower
(BPT) - Ever wonder how those lawn-care guys get so much done in a day? They use zero-turn radius mowers that can significantly trim the time and effort involved in cutting grass. If you have a large yard to cut, a zero-turn mower can make your task quicker and easier. These mowers offer the ability to cut tight contou...
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Backyard trends: Save money installing your own vinyl fence
(BPT) - If you want the maintenance-free benefits of a vinyl fence but are intimidated by the price tag, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are initially surprised at the cost of a vinyl fence, particularly since the installation costs are generally as much as the materials. Recent trends show that more and more homeowne...
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Four ways to drought-proof your yard
(BPT) - The past few years have not been kind to lawns and gardens across the country. The summer of 2012 brought severe drought to much of the Midwest and a good portion of the country continues to experience drought conditions . Homeowners have two choices in dealing with drought: try to water enough to keep grass an...
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Expanding outdoor living space adds value to your home
(BPT) - Even during a challenging economy, the outdoor living trend remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outd...
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Well-built decks marry personality and functionality
(BPT) - As temperatures increase, your thoughts may wander to spending time outside sharing conversation, drinks and meals with friends and family. For many homeowners, that can mean renovating an existing gathering spot or replacing it with a new deck. A well-planned deck can increase a home’s value and usable space. ...
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A simple 12-month lawn-care plan for 2013
(BPT) - You may think having golf-course green grass requires hours of work each day, but if you want the best lawn on the block, it’s as easy as coming up with a plan. The secret? When it comes to lawn maintenance, it’s never too early to prepare your course of action. Starting now and focusing on specific to-do’s each...
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How to truly make your patio an extension of your home
(BPT) - If you’re like many homeowners, you consider the patio an extension of your home. So it’s fair to ask: Would you be just as comfortable nestled in with your favorite book or preparing a meal in your outdoor space as you would in your living room or your kitchen? As you contemplate ways to improve your outdoor ar...
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Holiday gifting guide for the bird enthusiast
With the birding hobby’s growing audience of 60 million Americans and counting, you’re sure to have someone on your holiday list looking to attract more feathered friends to his or her yard. Online shopping has made checking people off your list easier than ever, and with flash deals and various holiday promotions ava...
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Lawn mower care - it's time to winterize
Winter is here in many parts of the country, and even if your region is still experiencing relatively warm temperatures, you know Old Man Winter is on his way. Your thoughts may already be on preparing the snow blower for a long, hard winter, but before you break out the ice melt, don't overlook the importance of winteri...
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What you need to know about composite decking
Although composite decking is not new, lack of familiarity with the product may lead you to be confused when making a decision about the type of product you should choose for your deck. To make this decision-making process easier, it often helps to go back to the basics.
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Year-round backyard safety tips for families
Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality time with your family - from running around with your kids in the fall leaves to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow. It's a place to escape, but remember accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to ensure y...
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(Reuters) - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called sexual assault a "scourge" on Saturday as he addressed graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where a sergeant stands accused of videotaping female cadets in the showers. "Sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military are a profound betrayal - a profound betrayal - of sacred oaths and sacred trusts," Hagel said. "This scourge must be stamped out." His comments came a day after President Barack Obama delivered a similar message to graduates at the U.S. ...
By Malia Mattoch McManus HONOLULU (Reuters) - The city of Detroit may be facing a deepening financial crisis but that hasn't stopped four trustees of its public pension funds from spending $22,000 of retirement system funds to attend a conference in Hawaii this week. The trip 4,500 miles west to a four-star resort on the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu doesn't sit well with the top officials now running Detroit's finances under an emergency order from the state of Michigan. ...