Online Features
Home Improvement
378H_16789178_web.jpg
Use luxury and glamour to create an affordable bathroom spa setting
(BPT) - There are showers, and then there are luxurious “showering experiences,” that wake you up in the morning, and refresh you after a long day of work. It’s one thing to enjoy a spa-like setting when actually in a spa, and paying spa prices, and another thing to know you can saunter into a spa each and every day in ...
full story
911E_16141101_web.jpg
Use the winter months to update and beautify your bathroom
(BPT) - Remodeling and refreshing the home is a great way to keep cabin fever at bay during long winter months. Designing a bathroom remodel to incorporate innovative style, comfort and efficiency helps to speed the winter months along, and your family will certainly enjoy the rest of the season with a beautiful new bat...
full story
1MFK_1655811_web.jpg
Ten lucky home decor trends for 2013
(BPT) - Despite its negative reputation, the number 13 doesn’t always have to be unlucky. Take these top 10 decor trends for 2013 from design experts, manufacturers and trend forecasters across the country. They’re fresh, fun and sure to bring good fortune to any home. A splash of color Industry leader Pantone’s annua...
full story
IO31_17007245_web.jpg
Outside-the-box holiday gifts for inside the home
(BPT) - In the words of a popular Christmas carol, there’s no place like home for the holidays - it’s where family gathers and where long-treasured memories are made. So this year as you begin shopping for those on your list, why not gift something for them and for their abode? There’s something for everyone - for the m...
full story
1B1Z_16902555_web.jpg
Kitchen trends for 2013: 'Revamping kits' offer high-end results
(BPT) - If you’re tired of looking at your outdated kitchen, but feel replacement would be impractical, you’re not alone. In 2013, consumers will be trying to find the beauty in the beast. Projects that help the old look new will be the next big makeover trend – especially in the kitchen where remodeling becomes more pr...
full story
AQDG_17082930_web.jpg
Five fast home decor updates with fantastic results
(BPT) - With the fast-paced lives people can lead today, often we strive for instant gratification to fit into our busy schedules. So when it comes to home improvement projects, wouldn’t you love an instant update for boring home decor? Fortunately, there are numerous fast fixes that can produce fantastic results. Try t...
full story
FIDP_17077618_web.jpg
Seven ways to a healthy home: Make wellness a priority this winter
(BPT) - During the winter months, it’s important to take extra care of your home, your family and especially yourself. In addition to taking steps to prevent cold and flu viruses that are common at this time of year, you should also pause to relax and recharge, if only for a few minutes each day.   Luckily, there are a...
full story
CTHE_17047434_web.jpg
Customization trend is changing how we shop, cook and eat
(BPT) - It seems consumers want to customize just about everything these days. Why? Because they can. Advances in online capabilities and a growing desire to make life’s experiences uniquely our own are changing the way we shop, cook and eat. While customization has been around for some time, the accessibility of onlin...
full story
D1JA_17022306_web.jpg
Go with the flow to add flexibility to your home
(BPT) - Talk to any contemporary architect, remodeler, interior designer or homeowner, and you’ll find one of the hot topics these days is “flow.” Gone are the days of floor plans burdened by closed-off, claustrophobic rooms, each designed around specific functions.  “Today’s new homes and home remodeling projects em...
full story
CD9X_16816231_web.jpg
Siding with style adds timeless value
(BPT) - As cooler temperatures approach, more homeowners are turning to value-driven renovation projects that will warm up their space and withstand the test of time. Replacing outdoor siding is the home improvement site’s No. 1 pick for projects that add value to your home, according to HGTV.com. Siding that is in bad...
full story
4KLM_1506712_web.jpg
Living in luxury with the look of stone and slate flooring
You can enjoy the rich, natural beauty and timeless appeal of stone or slate flooring anywhere in your home. The inspiring looks and touchable textures of stone and slate are actually available in an affordable, comfortable-to-walk-on, easy-care floor. The look is so natural, so real that it’ll take more than a first or...
full story
HF7E_16822357_web.jpg
Holiday gift ideas for the DIYer
(BPT) - The holidays are here and for the do-it-yourselfer who always has a list of “to-do” projects to tackle, a new tool makes a great gift. From the weekend warrior to automotive enthusiast, an addition to the tool box is certain to bring a smile to their face. Here are some ideas from Craftsman to get you started f...
full story
national news

People look at the destruction after a huge tornado struck Moore, OklahomaBy Carey Gillam and Ian Simpson MOORE, Oklahoma (Reuters) - Rescuers went building to building in search of victims and thousands of survivors were homeless on Tuesday, a day after a massive tornado tore through a suburb of Oklahoma City, wiping out whole blocks of homes and killing at least 24 people. Nine children were among the dead, including seven who died at Plaza Towers Elementary School, which took a direct hit in the deadliest tornado to hit the United States in two years. ...


Tue May 21 15:03:53 UTC 2013

Jodi Arias addresses the jury during the penalty phase of her murder trial in PhoenixBy Tim Gaynor PHOENIX (Reuters) - Convicted killer Jodi Arias urged jurors on Tuesday to spare her the death penalty and sentence her to life in prison for brutally killing her ex-boyfriend in Arizona five years ago, saying she could lead a productive life behind bars. Arias, 32, was found guilty earlier this month in the premeditated murder of Travis Alexander, whose body was found slumped in the shower of his Phoenix-area home in June 2008. He was stabbed multiple times, had his throat slashed and was shot in the face. ...


Tue May 21 14:51:36 UTC 2013
By Ronnie Cohen SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Thousands of healthcare workers walked off the job at the University of California's five medical centers on Tuesday, delaying surgeries, diagnostic procedures, treatments and emergency care throughout the state. The union representing nearly 13,000 vocational nurses, respiratory therapists and radiology technologists said they staged the strike - scheduled to last two days - to draw attention to staffing shortages that they say undermine patient care at the hospitals in San Francisco, Davis, Los Angeles, San Diego and Irvine. ...
Tue May 21 14:34:07 UTC 2013
Susan and Bob Njoo's destroyed home. They managed to escape from the rubble with minor injuries. (Photo courtesy of Larry Ong) Yahoo News invited Oklahoma City area residents to share their first-hand experiences and observations from Monday’s tornadoes and rescue efforts, and the clean-up that began Tuesday. Below are excerpts from what they’ve written. *** [...]
Tue May 21 15:05:45 UTC 2013