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Travel
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Three dangerous driving distractions that may surprise you
By now, almost everyone knows the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone while driving. But phones aren't the only distractions drivers should be aware of. Experts say that anything that draws your attention away from the road can be a potential cause of an accident. That includes actions and situations as innocuou...
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Americans' weekend state of mind [Infographic]
According to a new national survey from Hampton Hotels, most Americans’ more positive, outgoing and friendly personality traits emerge during the weekend. In fact, one-third of respondents claim they are a “completely different person” on the weekends than they are during the week. To help maximize the positive emotional response that the weekend brings to most Americans, Hampton Hotels worked with Dr. Christine Carter, a sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley to identify three simp...
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Must-have gear to help you get back on the road fast
Driving is a responsibility that can present unique challenges. Carrying some extra gear in your vehicle can help ensure you stay safe and are ready to aid others who run into trouble. Even if you have roadside assistance, it can take hours before someone arrives to help. That's why it's important to be self-reliant and ...
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Texting and driving don't mix
Are you like many Americans who make phone calls while they're driving? Or text a friend or family member when you reach a stoplight? Did you know that in doing so you could be breaking the law?
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Getting away from home for the holidays
Holiday travel can be rewarding on many levels, from the enjoyment of being with those you love in a great destination to the pleasure of letting someone else cook holiday meals and clean up after guests. Whether you're a single person looking to celebrate the holidays with friends, a family gathering members together fr...
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How to take the hassle out of holiday travel
While everyone else eagerly anticipates the upcoming holidays, you're feeling like a Grinch because you're stuck organizing the family's travel plans. Whether you're heading over the river, through the woods or completely across the pond, the hassles of holiday travel can make anyone become a Scrooge. But before you utte...
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Boomers and travel: Plan ahead and protect your health
Getting older means being a little more susceptible to a variety of health problems while traveling. However, with a little planning and some caution, baby boomers and seniors can have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip.
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Governments prep for another snowmageddon
While American drivers enjoyed a relatively mild winter last season, this time around the Farmers' Almanac is predicting a heavier than average snowfall for much of the country and adequate preparation for snow removal will be key to avoiding catastrophe.
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The must-see sights for a great Arizona vacation
America's Southwest captures the minds of travelers from around the globe, and Americans themselves are no exception. Its spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and unique culture make it a legendary getaway. For visitors, deciding what to see can be a bit of a challenge - there are just so many choices. With a litt...
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Great destinations to visit over the holidays
For some people, the holidays are meant to be spent at home, surrounded by friends and family. For others, they are a time to escape on vacation. And then there are those remarkable people who manage to work in both. To aid in that pursuit, here are six destinations across the country that are perfect for a quick holiday...
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Finding your wanderlust based on your budget [INFOGRAPHIC]
Finding your wanderlust based on your budget [INFOGRAPHIC]
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Five common mistakes most parents make when using car seats
Four million babies are born in the United States each year and that means more than 4 million new car seats are being installed. While great strides have been made to ensure that every infant rides in a car seat, unfortunately, parents are making five critical, but fixable, mistakes when using car seats.
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national news

Jennifer Tyrrell hugs Pascal Tessier after a resolution passed to allow openly gay scouts in the Boy Scouts in GrapevineBy Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America voted on Thursday to lift a century-old ban on openly gay scouts in a major victory for gay rights activists, but the decision means a sea of change for an organization that depends heavily on faith-based groups. More than 60 percent of the group's National Council, comprised of some 1,400 delegates, voted in favor of ending the ban, effective January 1, 2014, the group said in a statement. A prohibition on openly gay adult leaders remains in place. ...


Thu May 23 21:55:35 UTC 2013

I-5 Bridge Collapses On Skagit River In WashingtonBy Jonathan Kaminsky OLYMPIA, Washington (Reuters) - A colliding truck may have triggered the collapse on Thursday of part of a four-lane freeway bridge that sent vehicles and drivers tumbling into a frigid river in Washington state, officials said. A U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into what led part of the Interstate 5 bridge to fall into the Skagit River 55 miles north of Seattle was expected to continue on Friday. Two of the three people rescued from the river were hospitalized with hypothermia, but no one died, officials said. ...


Fri May 24 04:14:46 UTC 2013
(Reuters) - A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Northern California on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter of the quake was 6 miles northwest of the town of Greenville, and near the smaller community of Canyondam, the USGS said. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Allen Shephard, a hunting and fishing guide at Quail Lodge at Lake Almanor in Canyondam, said the quake knocked him "right off the couch and onto the floor." The floor of the lodge was littered with broken dishware, and cabinets were in disarray, said Shephard, 62. ...
Fri May 24 01:53:09 UTC 2013
[Updated at 6:55 p.m. CT] DALLAS – The Boy Scouts of America, one of the country’s largest and oldest youth organizations, decided on Thursday to break 103 years of tradition by allowing openly gay members into its ranks. The controversial move was approved by more than 60 percent of the approximate 1,400 votes cast by [...]
Thu May 23 18:55:38 UTC 2013