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Gift Ideas
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Smart credit card use for holiday shoppers
(BPT) - What would holiday shopping be without credit cards? Using credit cards wisely can help you score some good deals, and offers a layer of consumer protection that cash and debit cards can’t. Still, if you get carried away with holiday spending, the season’s “Ho, ho, ho!” can turn into “Oh, oh, oh!” come January w...
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Get crafty with these holiday gift wrap ideas
(BPT) - Make wrapping gifts more fun this holiday season. Get your supplies ready, invite some friends and turn up the holiday music. Before you get started, here are some creative gift wrapping tips from popular crafting blogger, Cindy Hopper, founder of SkipToMyLou.org . “I love wrapping holiday gifts – from little...
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What gadgets top 2012 holiday wish lists?
(BPT) - The holiday shopping season is here and the newest tech gadgets are probably at the top of all your loved ones’ wish lists. This year, touch-enabled Ultrabook convertible and tablet devices offer a refreshing take on mobile computing and are proving themselves worthy of your gift-giving dollars. Have someone on...
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Don't lose sleep over holiday gift buying
(BPT) - Is holiday gift buying causing you stress? Searching for a gift that is practical, yet personal? You are not alone in the struggle to find the “perfect gift.” The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday sales will reach $586 billion this season, with the average consumer spending around $550 on gifts....
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How to simplify holiday gift giving
(BPT) - Overwhelmed by your holiday shopping list and short on time? Not to worry – here are a few tips to cut costs, stay organized and still buy presents that your friends and family will love. 1. Stick to a budget. Arrive at the dollar amount at which you feel comfortable spending and stick with it. Then, decide on ...
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Christmas gifts can change lives for children in need
For many families, the Christmas season is a flutter of present buying, gift wrapping, spreading hints and rumors about the packages under the tree, and finally – on the big day – a whirlwind of bows and torn paper scattered everywhere with much frivolity and laughter. But for children with incarcerated parents, the si...
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Easy money for your holiday shopping lists
(BPT) - How many people do you have on your holiday shopping list? And how much are you planning – or able – to spend on gifts? The average American will spend slightly more than $700 on holiday gifts this year, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer reports. Some people plan ahead and save up during the year for holiday gifts, but for many others, the holiday shopping season can be a huge drain on savings. If you’re ready to start your holiday shopping, you may be surprised to learn that you ha...
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Simple tips to glam up your look
(BPT) - Most women would agree that getting ready for a night out on the town is much more exciting than getting ready for a typical day. Dressing up, adding some shine or a little extra sparkle to your outfit can give your mood a boost whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular day. If you’re concerned that dres...
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Hottest gifts of the 2012 holiday season [Infographic]
There's a trend for most-wanted holiday gifts in 2012 that would lead us to believe that adults want to get away, while kids want to get connected. A recent survey showed that among adults that had a preference, clothing was the No. 1 most-wanted gift this holiday, followed by a vacation, a laptop, and a tablet  to round out the top four. When it comes to kids, both boys and girls desire the latest smartphone or laptop the most. More than three quarters of adults surveyed plan to shop onlin...
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Best picks for your holiday electronics gift list
(BPT) - Americans love their electronics: tablet computers, smartphones, digital cameras, HDTVs, e-book readers, MP3 players, and hearing aids. That’s right - new, modern, sleek, life-altering hearing aids. As contoured and futuristic as the most highly styled electronic device – or  so discreet that they’re virtually ...
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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...
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Find affordable gifts to say congratulations
Acknowledge your friends' and family's accomplishments from promotions, team wins, engagements, straight-A report cards and everyday victories. There is no better way to say "congrats!" than with gourmet gift baskets, gift cards, personalized gifts and affordable accessories.
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national news
Monster tornado devastates area near Oklahoma City

Monster Twisters Caught on TapeBy Lindsay Morris TULSA, Oklahoma (Reuters) - A huge tornado flattened an area near Oklahoma City on Monday, tearing up at least two schools and leaving a wake of tangled wreckage as a dangerous storm system threatened as many as 10 U.S. states. Television video showed homes destroyed, cars tossed and at least one building on fire. Rescue workers were pulling third-graders from a damaged school in Moore, Oklahoma, a KFOR television reporter said from the scene. "I have never seen anything like this in my 18 years covering tornadoes here in Oklahoma City. ...


Mon May 20 17:27:48 UTC 2013
Supreme Court to hear case of disgruntled frequent flyer
By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to weigh whether federal law prevented a customer from suing an airline for kicking him out of its frequent flyer program for allegedly complaining too frequently about the service. Rabbi Binyomin Ginsberg sued Northwest Airlines Corp, which ceased operations in 2010 after merging with Delta Air Lines Inc, for breach of contract after the airline said he had abused the program. Ginsberg, who is from Minnesota, said he and his wife were thrown out in 2008 for filing too many service complaints. ...
Mon May 20 16:19:44 UTC 2013
US names envoy to combat anti-Semitism, warns of rising incidents

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry talks to the media at the State Department in WashingtonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday appointed a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism as a new State Department report warned about incidents in Venezuela, Egypt and Iran. Secretary of State John Kerry named Ira Forman, a long time director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, as special envoy citing a "troubling trend" of anti-Semitism around the world. Forman succeeds Hannah Rosenthal, who stepped down last year. The 2012 report on religious freedom said an increase worldwide in anti-Semitism was "of great concern. ...


Mon May 20 17:26:36 UTC 2013
Videos: Massive tornado rips through Oklahoma
A massive tornado about a mile wide has torn through Oklahoma, flattening homes and schools and causing widespread destruction in the Oklahoma City area. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. Videos of the twister show a giant funnel cloud powering across the landscape. "Oh my god, that thing is getting huge!" A [...]
Mon May 20 16:59:49 UTC 2013