Online Features
Family Living
'The Wizard of Oz' - Why this timeless classic continues to capture the hearts of every generation
Dorothy's red slippers, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Cowardly Lion and his quest for "cccccourage"... few films evoke such powerful memories as does the perennial classic, "The Wizard of Oz."
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Program collecting Mother's Day gifts for victims of domestic abuse reaches 27 states
Katherine Gordon, an eighth grader at Canton Charter Academy in Canton, Mich., steps up to the large moving box adorned with a large purple heart. As she begins dumping an assortment of soaps and lotions into the box, her teacher, Charles Lindquist, watches on and marvels at her effort. "This is the third time Katherine...
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Hot wheels vs. smart wheels: How to find a safe car for your teen
When the time comes to purchase a car, your teenagers might be dreaming of hot wheels. They may be thinking sporty, while you're looking for reliability and affordability. Use these tips to help you and your teen settle on a car that fits your budget and offers you peace of mind.
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U.S. foster care population continues to decline
There are more than 400,000 children in foster care across the United States, according to the most recent report released by AFCARS (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System). This is a sobering number. The encouraging news is that this number continues to decline - down more than 8 percent from 2008, and ...
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The secret to a great, low-cost summer vacation: Get outside
Fresh air, sunshine, activities for the whole family, and new sights to see: outdoor vacations offer many advantages, including the opportunity to do more for less money.
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Sites working to inspire real life change
Whether your goal is personal or a desire to change something in society, you have to begin somewhere - otherwise you may never begin at all. It can feel daunting, even paralyzing, to tackle a major project. But the best place to start is at the beginning, and often that means making small changes.
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Breakfast can be exciting: The proof is in the pudding
Breakfast can be exciting: The proof is in the pudding (ARA) - Pancake sandwiches, chicken and waffles, egg casseroles -- breakfast seems to be inspiring creativity and breaking barriers morning, noon and night. The only challenge the most important meal of the day has is its designated time slot. With morning madness, some days pulling together a delicious, satisfying breakfast can be nothing short of impossible. Easy and delicious one-dish breakfast pudding, strata and casseroles can b...
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Love and relationships: Setting expectations essential before unmarried couples commit to living together
Love and relationships: Setting expectations essential before unmarried couples commit to living together (ARA) - It has become the new norm: Unmarried couples deciding to live together. In fact, the number of unmarried, opposite-sex couples who shared the same living quarters jumped by 13 percent, to 7.5 million, in 20...
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Ham: The perfect choice for the summer barbecue
Ham: The perfect choice for the summer barbecue (ARA) - Summer is upon us, and so is the aroma of delicious home-cooked meals prepared for family and friends out on the grill. To keep dishes interesting and to serve something to please a crowd, you'll need just the right recipe and ingredients. Ham is a versatile protei...
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Tips to encourage and help boost your child's growing confidence
Tips to encourage and help boost your child's growing confidence (ARA) - Your growing child needs love and attention to help build confidence to continue to try and succeed at new things. From learning how to read, preparing for summer camp to being able to ride their first two-wheel bike, it's the positivity from Mom a...
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Meningococcal meningitis cases peak in winter months; help protect your children by getting them vaccinated today
Meningococcal meningitis cases peak in winter months; help protect your children by getting them vaccinated today (ARA) - School nurses are urging parents to vaccinate their preteens and teens against meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and take a ...
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Teachers deserve recognition for all their hard work
Teachers touch the lives of thousands of children throughout their careers. A good teacher can help a child who hates math learn to love numbers, a shy child become a social butterfly or enable a child who can't read to learn the wonder of books. If you have children in school, you know firsthand how hard their teacher c...
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national news
Many children among 91 feared dead in tornado-hit Oklahoma

People look at the destruction after a huge tornado struck Moore, OklahomaBy Alice Mannette and Ian Simpson MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - At least 91 people, including 20 children, were feared killed when a 2 mile wide tornado tore through an Oklahoma City suburb, trapping victims beneath the rubble as one elementary school took a direct hit and another was destroyed. President Barack Obama declared a major disaster area in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local efforts in Moore after the deadliest U.S. tornado since one killed 161 people in Joplin, Missouri, two years ago. ...


Tue May 21 01:54:46 UTC 2013
Pentagon to take over some CIA drone operations : sources

A U.S. Marine, who is part of a military honor guard, takes his position before a welcoming ceremony for German Defense Minister de Maiziere at the Pentagon in WashingtonBy Tabassum Zakaria and Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's administration has decided to give the Pentagon control of some drone operations against terrorism suspects overseas that are currently run by the CIA, several U.S. government sources said on Monday. Obama has pledged more transparency on controversial counterterrorism programs, and giving the Pentagon the responsibility for part of the drone program could open it to greater congressional oversight. ...


Mon May 20 20:35:27 UTC 2013
Connecticut rail delays continue, seen repaired by Wednesday

Commuters arrive at the South Norwalk train station to be transferred to buses to Bridgeport to re-board Metro-North trains bound for New HavenBy Richard Weizel WESTPORT, Connecticut (Reuters) - Connecticut rail commuters endured crowded and rerouted rides in to work on Monday, as Metro-North worked to repair the busiest U.S. rail line after a two-train collision and derailment injured more than 70 people late last week. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy said commuters should expect "serious disruptions," and encouraged riders to stay home if possible as repair crews worked to fix or replace more than 2,000 feet of track as well as overhead wires and other equipment. ...


Mon May 20 17:13:49 UTC 2013
Massive tornado rips through Moore, Oklahoma: 51 killed, including 20 children; more feared dead
A devastating, two-mile-wide tornado touched down near Oklahoma City on Monday, killing at least 51 people—including at least 20 children—decimating homes, businesses and a pair of elementary schools in the suburb of Moore. According to the state's medical examiner, the death toll was expected to rise. The schools—Plaza Towers Elementary and Briarwood Elementary—were leveled by [...]
Mon May 20 19:53:06 UTC 2013