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Boarding your four-legged family member
(BPT) - Whether traveling for business or fun, it’s not always practical to take along a four-legged family member. Arranging care of a beloved pet for an extended absence can be daunting. Knowing what to look for in a kennel, and what to look out for, can help you choose wisely. Ask around “Family and friends can be ...
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Travel: cruising 101
(BPT) - If you’re thinking of taking a cruise, there are a lot of options to consider, from the cruise line and style to the destinations, vacation length and types of on-board amenities. Cruising is a fun (and economical) way to see several places in a relatively short amount of time without having to unpack and repack...
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There's more to Girl Scout cookies than what's in the box
The skills a girl develops in the Girl Scout Cookie Program help her to do amazing things. She learns that, by putting her mind and energies into something, she can overcome any challenge. There are no limits to what a girl can do. See what Girl Scouts across the country are achieving through their participation in the Cookie Program. Find your cookies and download the new Girl Scout Cookie App at www.girlscoutcookies.org .
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Who has time for sick days? Tips to fight the cold, cough and flu this year
(BPT) - People who have gotten sick report their cold and flu symptoms lasted up to six days, according to the Vicks Second Annual Global Cough and Cold Survey. While health experts advise sick workers to stay home to avoid spreading germs, few of us can afford to take that many sick days off from work or home life. Fo...
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Medicine cabinet makeover tips for people with high blood pressure
(BPT) - If you’re among the 68 million Americans who have high blood pressure, you may feel that taking your medicine, getting plenty of exercise and eating a healthy diet means you’re doing everything you can to manage your condition. But with cold season in full swing and many areas of the country recording record num...
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Frequent spring allergy questions answered
(BPT) - Spring is in the air – and that means pollen, mold spores and other airborne allergens are going to bring on sneezing and wheezing for an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans. The spring season can be especially bothersome with so much conflicting information on how to find relief. To help you better understand...
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Money advice for expectant and new parents
(BPT) - Have you ever heard the saying that “babies don’t come with owner’s manuals”? It’s true that no matter how many books you read, classes you take, or experienced parents you talk to, you can never be completely prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood. You can, however, prepare yourself for the costs of...
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How to find the right vet for your pet
(BPT) - Pet owners have many responsibilities, and keeping your pet healthy with veterinary care is a significant one. To help make sure your pet receives high quality medical care, several veterinarians offer advice on how to find the right vet for your pet. Ask for recommendations “A good way to begin your search for...
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How classroom technology can benefit your child's education
(BPT) - Historically, the term “digital divide” has referred to the gap in technology levels between developing and first world countries; however, it’s truly the divide between the more affluent and the underprivileged. While the divide has a worldwide reach, it’s important to remember that the gap is growing in Americ...
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Don't let these myths rain on your retirement party
(BPT) - Do you dream of the day you can retire, but aren't sure how to get there? You're not alone. Many people find it easier to avoid reality when it comes to planning for retirement. "That can lead to big mistakes in their retirement income planning ," says Zachary Gipson, vice president of retirement and wealth planning at USAA. Here's a look at five common myths that could derail your expectations for income when you retire. Myth 1: You won't be around long enough to go through your...
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Easy Asian recipes for everyday and entertaining
(BPT) - Preparing a meal that will please everyone at the table is something that every host strives for. The vibrant flavors of Asian food are surprisingly easy to create at home – particularly when you have the right ingredients – and so versatile that they can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. “There’s a pe...
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Grow your tax refund with savings bonds
(BPT) - Expecting a tax refund this tax season? If so, you may be interested in a convenient savings option offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Taxpayers may buy paper Series I Savings Bonds, in amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000, with their annual tax refund by completing the “Allocation of Refund (Includin...
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national news

Outgoing acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller is sworn-in during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Internal Revenue Service targeting conservative groups on Capitol Hill in WashingtonBy Andy Sullivan and Kim Dixon WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The outgoing head of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service angered Republican lawmakers on Friday by resisting their demands that he identify who at the tax-collection agency had inappropriately targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny. But during the first hearing into a growing IRS scandal that could preoccupy Washington for months, Republicans did learn that a top official in President Barack Obama's administration knew that the IRS was looking into targeting by the tax agency nearly a year ago. ...


Fri May 17 19:54:32 UTC 2013

Martos holds a marijuana leaf at the Canna Pi medical marijuana dispensary in SeattleBy Joanne von Alroth SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois Senate on Friday voted to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes, which if signed into law would make it the second-most-populous state in the nation after California to allow the drug's use for medical purposes. The bill, approved by the Illinois House in April, now moves to Governor Pat Quinn's desk to await his signature. Quinn has indicated he is sympathetic to the bill, especially as it would benefit injured veterans. "We fully expect Gov. ...


Fri May 17 15:12:51 UTC 2013

Passengers wait to be picked-up after two commuter trains collided in BridgeportBy Michelle McLoughlin FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (Reuters) - A commuter train traveling eastbound from New York City derailed near the Connecticut suburb of Fairfield during the evening rush hour on Friday and collided with a westbound commuter train, injuring up to 60 people, three critically, officials said. The collision of the two Metro North trains forced Amtrak to shut down service indefinitely between New York and Boston, the national railroad said. Three people were critically injured and 60 people were transported to area hospitals, police said. ...


Fri May 17 22:10:23 UTC 2013
A series of 16 violent tornadoes ransacked north Texas this week, killing six people and flattening entire neighborhoods. Seven people who were reported missing early Friday morning have now been accounted for, but the storms aren't over yet. Severe thunderstorms are expected late Friday in Alabama and Mississippi, and the Plains and the Midwest face [...]
Fri May 17 19:53:22 UTC 2013