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Seasonal
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A clean HVAC system is a breath of fresh air for allergy sufferers
(BPT) - Gesundheit! If allergy season has you sneezing and sniffling, you might believe you’re better protected inside your house than outside in the fresh air. Think again. In a typical six-room house, everyday living creates up to 40 pounds of dust every year, according to NADCA: The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance and R...
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Sun safety: How to protect your eyes and vision [Infographic]
As summer approaches, consumers will stock up on sunscreen to help protect against skin cancer. However, what people don’t realize is that prolonged sun exposure without proper UV protection for their eyes may also lead to a variety of vision disorders.
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How to keep your scents light and sensible this summer
(BPT) - The seasons affect everything we wear, eat and feel – including the scents we choose. When weather warms, Americans turn to lighter scents in everything from body lotions and perfumes to clothing fabric softeners. “Annual American perfume sales are around $5.2 billion,” notes Sue Phillips, founder and president...
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Celebrate the dairy days of summer by keeping products cool and fresh
(BPT) - Nothing says summer like dairy products from the number one dairy state, California. From scoops of cold, creamy ice cream to melted cheese atop juicy grilled burgers, dairy and summer menus go together like sweet corn and butter. But nothing spoils the summer fun like spoiled milk, which is why it’s important t...
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Tips and tricks for your next summer soiree
(BPT) - Looking to throw an all-out summer soiree that is bound to be the talk of the neighborhood? Or maybe just an intimate barbecue with some of your friends? Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas for hosting your summer party, showing off your hosting skills to all your friends. Try some of the tips and tricks at a ...
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Bright ideas to get your home guest ready
(BPT) - Summer has arrived and vacation season is underway. With the kids home from school, and family and friends anxious to visit, you can expect the stress of getting your home ready to be in full swing. Here are a few helpful tips that will make you a successful host and give your guests a warm welcome. Create a co...
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Don't let pests invade outdoor spaces
(BPT) - Most of us view lawns, porches, decks and gardens as extensions of our homes and look forward to enjoying these spaces during warm weather. Unfortunately, rising temperatures also bring invasive insects that can lay their claim to these spaces and cause hefty damage. New insect species make their way into the U...
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Cool ways to enjoy your outdoor spaces through the dog days of summer
(BPT) - When warm weather arrives, does your family head outdoors to enjoy your patio or deck? Do they then turn around and head right back into the air-conditioned comfort when summer sun and temperatures make outdoor living spaces too hot to handle? “In many areas of the country, the window of opportunity for enjoyin...
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Create an outdoor space that 'wows'
(BPT) - Whether you own a cozy cottage or mega mansion, as a homeowner, you likely embrace the outdoor living trend. But when you look at your deck or patio, does it leave something to be desired? By taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you can affordably create outdoor spaces that enhance the style and functionality...
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Father's Day gift guide for the outdoorsy dad
Year after year, moms and children are faced with the same question: “What are we going to get dad for Father’s Day?”  Finding the right gift can be stressful and the department stores filled sky-high with matching tie and sock combinations are less than helpful. This Father’s Day, take the guesswork out of gift-giving...
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Living life 'in the front row' provides college students with keys to career success
(BPT) - Location, location, location – it’s an adage real estate professionals live by, but it can also play an important role in an individual’s career success upon graduation from college. The latest unemployment rates still show those with bachelor’s degrees have a leg up when it comes to getting and staying employe...
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Tips for men to look and feel their best all summer long
(BPT) - Let’s face it: summer is the season when everyone wants to look and feel their best. Warm weather and long days mean everyone’s heading outdoors, hanging with friends and enjoying the best of the season. Even the guys are looking great – from relaxing at the beach, to putting down the golf greens, to walking the...
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national news
Lawmaker, university spar over 'control' of Chinese dissident in U.S.

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng speaks to journalists following an appearance in New YorkBy Paul Eckert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. congressman who has been blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng's main champion in Washington said people working for New York University have tried to keep him from meeting Chen, barging into a meeting on Capitol Hill and pulling Chen out on one occasion. U.S. Representative Chris Smith, an outspoken supporter of Chinese dissidents since the 1980s, described repeated instances of various people he says were from NYU interfering in his attempts to meet with Chen. ...


2013-06-20 02:08:46 -0500
Trial of 'Whitey' Bulger returns to evidence of murders

Reporters and television cameras are reflected in the glass doors as J.W. Carney, defense attorney for accused mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger, leaves the U.S. Federal Courthouse at the end of first day of Bulger's trial in BostonBOSTON (Reuters) - The trial of James "Whitey" Bulger on Thursday turns back to evidence of the 19 murders the alleged mob boss is accused of committing or ordering while he ran the ruthless Winter Hill crime gang in the 1970s and '80s. Family members of some of Bulger's alleged victims may take the stand to identify photos of their murdered relatives. Three days of testimony from star witness John Martorano - the first of Bulger's former lieutenants to take the stand - included chilling details of hits the now 72-year-old confessed killer described carrying out with Bulger. ...


2013-06-20 04:11:59 -0500
North Carolina governor signs law aimed at restarting executions

North Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate, former Charlotte Mayor McCrory meets supporters during U.S. presidential election in CharlotteBy Colleen Jenkins WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) - North Carolina's governor, hoping to resume executions in his state, on Wednesday signed the repeal of a law that has allowed death row inmates to seek a reduced sentence if they could prove racial bias affected their punishment. The Racial Justice Act, the only law of its kind in the United States, had led to four inmates getting their sentences changed to life in prison without parole after taking effect in 2009. ...


2013-06-19 20:20:27 -0500
Rocket carrying experiments launched from Va.
WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (AP) — A rocket carrying students' experiments has been launched from NASA's Wallops Island Flight Facility in Virginia.
2013-06-20 07:29:59 -0500