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Ara

Automotive | Bridal | Business And Careers | Community Cares | Education | Family Living | Fashion Beauty Fitness | Food Recipes Entertaining | Gift Ideas | Green Living | Health And Wellness | Home Decorating | Home Improvement | Hot Topics | Kitchen Bed Bath | Lawn And Garden | Money And Finance | Pets | Real Estate | Seasonal | Senior Living | Tech Talk And Innovation | Travel


Automotive
  (top)
Pic The Top 10 Funniest Cars of All Time
(ARA) - Gas topping $4 per gallon, losses and layoffs among American automakers, and guilt over the tons of greenhouse gases our beloved automobiles dump into the atmosphere . . . oh, yeah, American motorists could use a good laugh.
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Pic 10 Cool Weather Coolant Tips
(ARA) - Baby, it may be cold outside, but inside your car's engine it's hot as blazes. Even when temperatures dip, your vehicle's coolant system works hard to keep the engine cool and running smoothly. It's important to take care of your cooling system, whatever the weather.
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Pic Tips for Buying Your First All-terrain Vehicle
(ARA) - First-time buyers account for a third of all-terrain vehicle sales each year. As with any major purchase, a little education can go a long way towards helping you get the best possible deal for your money.
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Pic Windshield Repair: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
(ARA) - Rain, ice and snow all make visibility difficult during the winter months, but if your windshield is damaged, your visibility is compromised no matter what time of year it is, making driving a dangerous activity.
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Pic Is Your Car Ready for Winter?
(ARA) - What's the last thing you want to happen when heading off to school or that mountain getaway you've been looking forward to? If you're driving to your destination, the worst case scenario would be for the flashing "Check Engine" warning light to come on, leading to your car breaking down.
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Pic An Easy Way to Reduce the Price at the Pump
(ARA) - Want to save up to 12 cents a gallon off your gasoline bill? Invest in a tire gauge and make sure your tires are properly inflated.
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Pic This Season's Hot Tech Gift: Navigation
(ARA) - The holidays are fast approaching, and you're probably starting to think about gift ideas for those near and dear to your heart. Whether you're shopping for a teenager, a college student, a friend, spouse or parent, you can't go wrong by giving the gift of technology.
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Pic Auto Health Shares Front Seat with Personal Health for American Drivers
(ARA) - Tire pressure and blood pressure - Americans are equally concerned about both, according to a new survey that compares attitudes about personal health and vehicle maintenance.
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Pic Keep Your Travel Costs Down
(ARA) - Whether you're a "road warrior" whose job involves many hours of driving or a commuter who takes the occasional driving trip for business, it's more important than ever to keep traveling costs down given the state of the economy and still-high gas prices at the pump.
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Pic Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Change of Season
(ARA) - It seems like the kids just started school, but soon you'll be packing up and hitting the road on your next family vacation. And contrary to popular belief, the weeks leading up to the trip are not the time to start getting your vehicle ready.
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Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter Driving Season
(ARA) - With much of the country enjoying unseasonably warm weather, it might be easy to forget that winter -- and the weather challenges that come with the season -- will be here before we know it. Before the weather gets nasty, now is a good time to make sure that your vehicle is ready for Mother Nature's worst outbursts.
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Pic Important Information to Know When Tire Shopping
(ARA) - The mechanic gave you the news at your last oil change. Lincoln's head doesn't hide between the treads anymore, and with the winter season upon us, you really need to get new tires.
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Pic Looking for the Fuel of the Future
(ARA) - Throughout the presidential campaign this year, candidates from both parties have spoken of the urgent need to develop alternative fuels. American interest in alternative fuel technologies stems from concerns about the environment and also from this country's dependence on foreign oil.
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Pic Chrome for the Holidays: Great Gifts for Truck Guys
(ARA) - Some men are just fine getting ties every year for the holidays. Others cherish a new set of clubs or season tickets to their favorite sports team's home games. But your guy is a truck guy . . . and the only gift that will make his holiday season bright is one that celebrates his great vehicular love.
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Pic Gas Savings Tips You Can Implement Today
(ARA) - With the high cost of gas draining many Americans' wallets across the United States, many pickup owners are feeling the burn at the pump. While some consumers may opt to purchase a hybrid vehicle, many drivers depend on their pickup for everyday functionality. Since the majority of truck owners won't be lining up to down size to a hybrid car any time soon, there are several things they can do to start saving gas money today.
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Pic Winter Car Care Tips
(ARA) - In most parts of the country, winter can be the harshest time of year for your vehicle, so it's important to take care of it both inside and out. Freezing temperatures, road salt, slush and snow can wreak havoc on all vehicle parts and systems.
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Pic Choosing Your Next Side-by-Side Utility Vehicle
(ARA) - Side-by-side utility vehicles have become a popular choice for multi-acreage homeowners, farmers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Their cargo boxes, high payloads and towing capacities coupled with seating for multiple people and some vehicles with more than 50 miles-per-hour top speeds, make them a versatile vehicle that can work and play.
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Pic Add More Horsepower on a Budget
(ARA) - If your car feels sluggish, there are ways to up your horsepower without emptying your wallet. Here are a few tips from today's top engine experts on how to get more power from your car on a budget.
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Pic Are We there Yet? Rules for Happy Carpools
(ARA) - Carpooling - It's been done for ages, most notably with the "Soccer Mom" set. But mothers and soccer players aren't the only ones carpooling these days. With gas prices near record highs and traffic congestion making commutes longer, driving alone now costs more than ever, the answer may be carpooling.
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Pic Air in Tires: A Political and Money Issue
(ARA) - Who knew that inflating tires would be such an issue between the presidential candidates? However, when Republican John McCain criticized his Democratic challenger Barack Obama, stating that proper tire inflation wasn't enough for energy independence, it touched off a firestorm of controversy.
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Pic Don't Let a DUI Spoil Tailgating Fun ... or Worse
(ARA) - Football season is back and with it returns the tradition of tailgating. Good food, good friends, a great game and beverages to get you in the spirit. Several hours and several beers later, it's time to head home. Your head's humming, but you think you're okay to drive. Then, a few miles from home you see the flashing lights of a police car.
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Bridal
  (top)
Pic Before Your 'I Do's,' Do Financial Review First
(ARA) - One thing you can definitely say about the current credit crunch - it sure isn't romantic. But for couples about to exchange "I do's," a clear understanding of each other's credit history as singles, and how they will use credit as a couple, is vital to ensure their future wedded bliss.
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Pic Bliss-building Money Tips for Newlyweds
(ARA) - You're finalizing wedding plans and are eager to sip champagne with your guests. But are you and your fiance prepared to marry your financial lives together once the "I do's" are said, and you've returned home from your honeymoon in paradise?
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Pic Packing Right for Your Winter Honeymoon
(ARA) - You made it through the wedding, so now comes the relaxing part -- your romantic honeymoon in a faraway destination. But what do you pack and how much do you need? Gone are the days of multiple suitcases stacked at the doorway to accompany you on your flight. With airlines charging fees for checked luggage, today's friendly skies will only allow you just so much, so you'd better make the most of your checked bag and your carry-on.
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Pic Tips for Putting Your Best Face Forward this Fall
(ARA) - Bathing suits will soon be packed away for another year, but beauty doesn't take a holiday when summer winds down. Women everywhere will need to modify their daily beauty routines to keep pace with autumn's changing demands, and the rapid approach of the holiday season.
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Pic Dream Weddings are Possible, Even on a Budget
(ARA) - Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, one you have probably spent years dreaming about. When color-coordinated linens, a beautiful outdoor tent and elaborate candelabras are your vision, don't let your budget confine your imagination.
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Business And Careers
  (top)
Pic One Solution for Four Resolutions
(ARA) - This year, concerns about the economy and unemployment may influence some people's New Year's resolution choices. In addition to perennial favorites such as lose weight and quit smoking, many of us will resolve to make more money, get ahead professionally, or even change careers.
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Pic Office Politics Center Around Seating Comfort
(ARA) - The hallways, lunchrooms â€- and yes â€- even the water cooler are all buzzing with political chatter. People in offices nationwide are talking about energy plans, healthcare reform, taxes and the war in Iraq. These issues, not to mention the fact the '08 election is only weeks away, have kept U.S. workers from coast to coast debating who will take the next seat in the Oval Office and solve our country's woes -- John McCain or Barack Obama.
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Pic Prevent Data Breaches by Protecting Valuable Work Information
(ARA) - Recent news headlines are causing concern for many Americans as company data breaches are on the rise. From missing laptops containing employee and customer information to stolen passwords that lead to the loss of proprietary records, many are led to believe that a majority of data breaches occur electronically.
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Pic College Seniors Inspire the Future of Science and Technology
(ARA) - For DeVry University students majoring in Information Technology , Electronics Engineering Technology, or Biomedical Engineering Technology, required senior projects are about more than just completing requirements needed to graduate.
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Pic Veterans Finding New Futures in Financial Services Careers
(ARA) - The ability to earn a living after leaving military service may be among the most important debts America owes its veterans. From legislation designed to provide educational and employment opportunities, to grassroots efforts by companies across the country, it seems the nation is committed to ensuring veterans find profitable, meaningful employment.
More of this story

Pic Computer Crime is Here to Stay; So Are Jobs to Combat It
(ARA) - What do a recent global crackdown on Internet child pornography and the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous "BTK" serial killer have in common with the Sept. 11 attacks on America? All are high profile crimes investigated not only by conventional police investigators, but by those specially trained in computer forensics, a new area of crime fighting.
More of this story

Pic Working from Home? So Are the Germs
(ARA) - Working from home may provide many benefits, but a break from germs may not be one of them. Why? A recent workplace study revealed that desktops in home offices harbor more bacteria than desktops in traditional offices.
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Pic Have a Child Graduating in 2009? Talk About the Future Today
(ARA) - Is 2009 the year you look forward to your son or daughter graduating from high school or college? You'll be so proud to see them make such an accomplishment. But what are their plans post-graduation? Even though graduation is still months away, now is a great time for parents to help their young adults plan for their careers and think about how they will manage their salary.
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Pic Legal Filing Online Easy for Entrepreneurs
(ARA) - Janet Long and her family wanted to open their own business. They had an excellent product -- their late mom Elaine's secret toffee recipe.
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Pic Online Videos are Cheaper Training Solution in Slower Economy
(ARA) - The belt-tightening in corporate America is likely to continue in response to the nation's economic woes. But in a slower economy it's more important than ever for business professionals to sharpen their competitive edge through on-going training.
More of this story

Pic Keep Your Travel Costs Down
(ARA) - Whether you're a "road warrior" whose job involves many hours of driving or a commuter who takes the occasional driving trip for business, it's more important than ever to keep traveling costs down given the state of the economy and still-high gas prices at the pump.
More of this story

Pic How Today's Businesswomen Strike a Work-life Balance
(ARA) - Gone are the days when women were expected to stay at home to dote on their children and husbands. Today's women have broken through the glass ceiling and are finding their way to corner offices around the country.
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Pic Looking for a Recession-proof Career?
(ARA) - With the rising cost of gas and food and the crisis in the financial markets, there's no doubt that the economy is on everyone's mind. If you are worried about losing your job, you are not alone. The American economy lost 84,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate rose to 6.1 percent, the highest since 2003.
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Pic Small Business Tips for a Challenging Economy
(ARA) - As the world's economy becomes more and more challenging, small business owners need to find ways to keep their business afloat. Here are some tips to maintaining good customer relations while managing the bottom line:
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Pic How to Recession-proof Your Income
(ARA) - Unless you live in the wilderness, you know the news on the economy is not good. Employers have been cutting workers from their payrolls for six months straight, according to the Labor Department, and economists don't expect the job market to improve any time soon. With all this talk about a recession, it's hard to feel any kind of job security lately. However, starting an online business can be a quick and affordable way to make additional money and, it provides a safe back-up plan if you fear your job might be in jeopardy.
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Pic Franchising Can Lead to Financial Fitness
(ARA) - Is this the year you become a small business owner? Whether your job security is in question because of a shaky economy or you're eager to take the leap into being an entrepreneur, you may be ready to make a New Year's resolution for financial fitness and career satisfaction.
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Pic Not All Vets Treat Pets -- For Some It's About Homeland Security
(ARA) - Anthrax. Biological attacks. Exotic diseases. These and many other issues are making headlines as the world we live in seems to get smaller and smaller. Yet there is a dedicated group of scientists who are confronting these, and many other, threats each and every day.
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Pic A New Twist on Home Economics
(ARA) - Generations of American girls learned how to run a household in high school home economics classes. In the 21st century, girls are learning how to build the house -- and shopping malls, office buildings and virtually every other kind of structure on the American landscape.
More of this story

Pic Tips for Helping Teens Explore Career Opportunities
(ARA) - "What do I want to do with my life?" For generations, parents of high school and college students have struggled to help their children ponder and answer that million-dollar question. With the school year well under way and New Year's resolution season fast approaching, here are some tips for parents and students taking stock of their future opportunities.
More of this story

Pic Job Interview 2.0 - How Technology is Transforming the Job Hunt
(ARA) - Today's economy is tough for both job-seekers and employers alike. Mistakes are costly and time-consuming for both parties. Employers have tighter budgets for finding and interviewing candidates, and candidates need every tool available to compete for top positions.
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Pic Achieving Your Dream: Writing and Publishing a Book
(ARA) - Many Americans would like to write a book, but think they don't have a prayer of getting published. Admit it, you've got a great story to tell or some expertise to share. Whether it's a dramatic tale from your military service, great stories about your career training golden retrievers, or step-by-step instructions to bake the best homemade bread ever, you know something that other people would pay to learn.
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Pic Advice for Entrepreneurs in an Uncertain Economy
(ARA) - The news ticker on the TV at the gym shows the dollar falling, the morning paper forecasts economic doubt, and the economic outlook appears to be dreary everywhere you turn. While it may seem counter-intuitive, business experts will tell you that now is a great time for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. Often, times like these are when fortunes are made.
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Community Cares
  (top)
Pic Recognizing Women Who Make a Difference
(ARA) - Women are no longer settling for a backseat at the nation's charitable and activist organizations. Today they are taking leadership roles in activism and founding their own outreach organizations, making a difference in the communities where we all live.
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Pic Going 'Green' is a Package Deal
(ARA) - As an environmentally aware consumer, you choose products that are made from natural ingredients and manufactured in eco-conscious ways. Now it's time to take a look at how products are packaged, and how that packaging affects the environment.
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Pic Sea Service Supporters Earn Honors
(ARA) - What do a world class golfer, a U. S. congressman and an international CEO have in common? They all answered the call to public service -- two in uniform and one to elected office. Whatever path they chose, sports legend Arnold Palmer, Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) and A. G. Lafley, chairman and CEO of Proctor and Gamble (P & G), never forgot the values instilled in them through service: love of country, honor, courage and commitment.
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Pic Easy Ways to Give Back During the Holiday Season
(ARA) - Your life is busy any time of the year, but with the holidays comes a longer to-do list and more stress. So, how can you embody the giving spirit of the season in an efficient way without breaking the bank (or your back)?
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Pic Veterans Finding New Futures in Financial Services Careers
(ARA) - The ability to earn a living after leaving military service may be among the most important debts America owes its veterans. From legislation designed to provide educational and employment opportunities, to grassroots efforts by companies across the country, it seems the nation is committed to ensuring veterans find profitable, meaningful employment.
More of this story

Pic Silver Alert Helps Keep Senior Citizens Safe
(ARA) - If you've got a senior citizen in your life suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you probably worry about them wandering away and not being able to find their way home. A new law that addresses this issue is under consideration right now.
More of this story

Pic Boomers Driving Makeover of American Volunteerism
(ARA) - Baby boomers have been rewriting American culture for decades. Now, as the first wave of retiring boomers leaves the work force and the next wave is reaching the 55-plus mark, they are redefining yet another great American institution - volunteerism.
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Pic Simple Ways College Grads Can Give Back to their Alma Maters
(ARA) - A college education does far more than give graduates a competitive edge when entering the working world. For many people, college marked a time when they forged friendships and romances that last a lifetime. Is it any wonder, then, that so many college graduates seek creative ways to nourish their bond with their alma mater years - often decades - after they've left the college's hallowed halls?
More of this story

Pic Don't Let a DUI Spoil Tailgating Fun ... or Worse
(ARA) - Football season is back and with it returns the tradition of tailgating. Good food, good friends, a great game and beverages to get you in the spirit. Several hours and several beers later, it's time to head home. Your head's humming, but you think you're okay to drive. Then, a few miles from home you see the flashing lights of a police car.
More of this story

Pic Tax-exempt Organizations Need to Plan Ahead for Tax Filing Season
(ARA) - When the holiday giving season ends in January, it will be time to start thinking about another season -- tax season -- and how changes to tax laws and filing requirements will affect your charitable organization. But non-profits, local sports leagues, animal rescue groups, fraternal organizations, and other tax-exempt organizations that file the Form 990 with the IRS cannot afford to wait until 2009 to begin filing preparations.
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Pic How to Give Back During Tough Economic Times
(ARA) -- During tough economic times, it can be hard to find money in your budget to donate to charities. But there are many other ways to give back to the community that allow you to support charitable causes throughout the year.
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Education
  (top)
Pic Online Videos are Cheaper Training Solution in Slower Economy
(ARA) - The belt-tightening in corporate America is likely to continue in response to the nation's economic woes. But in a slower economy it's more important than ever for business professionals to sharpen their competitive edge through on-going training.
More of this story

Pic Looking for a Recession-proof Career?
(ARA) - With the rising cost of gas and food and the crisis in the financial markets, there's no doubt that the economy is on everyone's mind. If you are worried about losing your job, you are not alone. The American economy lost 84,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate rose to 6.1 percent, the highest since 2003.
More of this story

Pic One Solution for Four Resolutions
(ARA) - This year, concerns about the economy and unemployment may influence some people's New Year's resolution choices. In addition to perennial favorites such as lose weight and quit smoking, many of us will resolve to make more money, get ahead professionally, or even change careers.
More of this story

Pic Saving Spring Break: Less Costly Alternatives to Traditional Destinations
(ARA) - Dwindling student loan resources and shrinking financial aid aren't the only adverse effects the economy is having on college students. Spring break - the annual bacchanalia of shirtless frat brothers and bikini-clad sorority sisters - may be financially challenging for plenty of college kids in 2009.
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Pic Survey Highlights The Importance of Teaching Children Good Social Skills
(ARA) - Your 4-year-old may already know how to tie their own shoelaces and spell out their first and last names. But as preschool looms around the corner, are you worried how well they'll fit in with the rest of the classroom?
More of this story

Pic Buses Start Buckling Up
(ARA) - You bring your newborn baby home from the hospital in a government-approved car seat. Before you know it, she can buckle herself in. So when the first day of school arrives and she boards the school bus, it may come as quite a shock that they don't buckle up.
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Pic Computer Crime is Here to Stay; So Are Jobs to Combat It
(ARA) - What do a recent global crackdown on Internet child pornography and the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous "BTK" serial killer have in common with the Sept. 11 attacks on America? All are high profile crimes investigated not only by conventional police investigators, but by those specially trained in computer forensics, a new area of crime fighting.
More of this story

Pic Ancient History Finds Modern Meaning in Latin Scholar's Works
(ARA) - "It's ancient history" -- the phrase is often used to dismiss information deemed irrelevant to modern life. But Latin scholar and former teacher Rose Williams considers ancient history pertinent to current events. She gives ancient stories a modern twist, emphasizing the meaning important history may have for today's life.
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Pic Latin Learning Through Your iPod
(ARA) - You look at your class schedule and see Latin listed for this semester. Oh the drudgery, opening a textbook and memorizing vocabulary words. Why would you want to have any interest in this ancient language through a textbook?
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Pic Back-to-school Means Homework for Parents Too
(ARA) - As teens head back to the classroom this fall, they'll be assigned a lot of homework in the three "Rs": reading, writing, and arithmetic. Important to students' success will be the homework parents do in teaching two other "Rs": role modeling and responsibility.
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Pic Money and Responsibility: Teach Your Children to Give and to Save
(ARA) - Teaching your children the value of fiscal and social responsibility may seem like a challenge in any economy. There is good news. By financially educating your children early you will empower them and yourself. With the holidays approaching, and your children now in school, this is the perfect time to teach them these important life skills.
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Pic Simple Ways College Grads Can Give Back to their Alma Maters
(ARA) - A college education does far more than give graduates a competitive edge when entering the working world. For many people, college marked a time when they forged friendships and romances that last a lifetime. Is it any wonder, then, that so many college graduates seek creative ways to nourish their bond with their alma mater years - often decades - after they've left the college's hallowed halls?
More of this story

Pic College Seniors Inspire the Future of Science and Technology
(ARA) - For DeVry University students majoring in Information Technology , Electronics Engineering Technology, or Biomedical Engineering Technology, required senior projects are about more than just completing requirements needed to graduate.
More of this story

Pic Tips for Helping Teens Explore Career Opportunities
(ARA) - "What do I want to do with my life?" For generations, parents of high school and college students have struggled to help their children ponder and answer that million-dollar question. With the school year well under way and New Year's resolution season fast approaching, here are some tips for parents and students taking stock of their future opportunities.
More of this story

Pic Advice for Entrepreneurs in an Uncertain Economy
(ARA) - The news ticker on the TV at the gym shows the dollar falling, the morning paper forecasts economic doubt, and the economic outlook appears to be dreary everywhere you turn. While it may seem counter-intuitive, business experts will tell you that now is a great time for entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. Often, times like these are when fortunes are made.
More of this story

Pic Tips for Designing the Perfect Dorm Room on a Budget
(ARA)- With current economic woes putting a damper on spending, parents and students are looking for the best value on everything from clothes to computers. And while saving money is a priority, value and style don't have to contradict each other this school year
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Pic A New Twist on Home Economics
(ARA) - Generations of American girls learned how to run a household in high school home economics classes. In the 21st century, girls are learning how to build the house -- and shopping malls, office buildings and virtually every other kind of structure on the American landscape.
More of this story

Pic Make Smart Spending, Saving a Family Resolution
(ARA) - With the economic crisis hitting everyone in the pocketbook, it's more important than ever for parents to talk to their children about how to manage money. New Year's -- a prime resolution time for millions of Americans -- is a great time for children and their parents to learn better spending and savings practices together.
More of this story

Pic 'Tell a Gal P.A.L.' to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence
(ARA) - Three out of four Americans know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence according to the Allstate Foundation National Poll on Domestic Violence. While it impacts many, few discuss the issue.
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Pic A 'New' New Year's Resolution: Help Your Child Learn to Read
(ARA) - On Jan. 1, thousands of people will challenge themselves to quit smoking, exercise more, eat better or take more pictures. All worthy goals. But there are other worthy goals that get left off the New Years' Resolution list.
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Pic Make College Tuition Less Terrifying
(ARA) - Even in a slowing economy, high school students graduate and go to college. But when your bank account is already strained, adding thousands of dollars in tuition to the mix can be a terrifying thought. Parents and students don't have to shoulder the burden themselves though; financial aid for those who qualify is available if you're persistent and know where to look.
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Family Living
  (top)
Pic Smart Spending Tips Can Help Stretch a Family's Budget
(ARA) - There's no doubt about it, times are tough for many Americans. With today's record-high gas prices and an uncertain economy, families are looking for advice on how to cut unnecessary costs from their daily spending.
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Pic Women's Birth Control Concerns Don't Match Their Behaviors and Routines
(ARA) - Most women who are of reproductive age will at some point in their life use a method of contraception. However, recent findings from the nationwide survey "Contraceptive Habits" reveal that many women in their 20s and 30s are not confident and content with their chosen method. Specifically, 79 percent of women who currently use hormonal contraception have had concerns about their birth control method. Yet despite these concerns, 39 percent of women currently on hormonal birth control have stayed with their chosen method for five or more years.
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Pic Travel: A Gift that Spans Generations
(ARA) - Have you ever returned from a trip anxious to share your stories and pictures with family members, only to be disappointed as you're going through them? It's a common occurrence; photos don't always capture the true essence of your experience.
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Pic The Silver Lining in the Storm Cloud of High Gas Prices
(ARA) - Gas prices go up, gas prices go down, but up or down the per-gallon cost is still a lot more than most of us want to pay. It's likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. There is, however, a silver lining or two in the stormy drama of gas prices, and you don't have to be a cockeyed optimist to find it.
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Pic Silver Alert Helps Keep Senior Citizens Safe
(ARA) - If you've got a senior citizen in your life suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you probably worry about them wandering away and not being able to find their way home. A new law that addresses this issue is under consideration right now.
More of this story

Pic Your Child's Autism: How to Solve a Piece of the Puzzle
(ARA) - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise, now affecting approximately 1 in 150 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The brain development disorder is mysterious in many ways, with cause, diagnosis and treatment all hotly debated by health care professionals, parents of children with autism and the general public.
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Pic Survey Highlights The Importance of Teaching Children Good Social Skills
(ARA) - Your 4-year-old may already know how to tie their own shoelaces and spell out their first and last names. But as preschool looms around the corner, are you worried how well they'll fit in with the rest of the classroom?
More of this story

Volunteering Together Brings Families Closer
(ARA) - From rising energy costs to escalating prices at the grocery store, Americans are feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks. Traditionally the holiday season can be a time for individuals and families to think of donating to charities, yet some may find it more viable to give of their time.
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Pic How to Select the Best Computer System for Your Home
(ARA) - As more people embrace technology, the number of families who own a home computer continues to grow rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 1984, 8 percent of the nation's households had a computer. In 2003, Census figures on home computer ownership rose to 62 percent, or 70 million homes, with 62 million households claiming Internet access.
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Pic Myth Busting: Some Helpful Tips for a Nutritious Pregnancy
(ARA) - If there ever was a love/hate relationship for the record books, it's the relationship between a pregnant woman and food. On one hand, it's a time when food cravings go on overdrive, and the body shouts "More, more, more!" On the other hand, certain foods can trigger discomforts such as nausea, causing a "Less, less, less!" reaction. Here are some common myth busters about pregnancy and nutrition.
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Pic Asbestos and Mesothelioma: A Younger Generation Now at Risk
(ARA) - Everyone knows the dangers of asbestos. What was once commonplace in factories and the construction industry has caused a slew of health problems to those who have been exposed. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by this exposure, and it's not just people who worked directly with asbestos who now need to be concerned.
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Pic Convenient, Economical Solutions for Mealtime Madness
(ARA) - It's no secret that Americans are busy, and getting together for dinner often seems like an extraordinary task. As food prices continue to increase, families are not only taking hits to their household budgets, they are experiencing long work hours, conflicting schedules and not finding enough time to cook a meal and have dinner together.
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Pic On the Move With a New Breast Cancer Resource
(ARA) - When a woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer, all kinds of questions go through her mind, and not all of them are about the cancer itself. "Will I be able to remain active? What kind of impact will treatment have on my lifestyle? Can I still be intimate with my significant other?"
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Pic Social Networking Online: Is it Safe?
(ARA) - With literally millions of people using social networking sites on the Internet, don't be surprised if you find your coworker on MySpace or even your grandma on Facebook. Social networking isn't just for teens, and adults are joining virtual communities in increasing numbers. If the concept still seems a bit foreign to you, don't worry. Here are some tips to get you started and help ensure you stay safe in the fast-paced world of Internet social networking.
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Pic Retired? Travel Too Expensive?
(ARA) - Given the current economic climate, cutting back has become a way of life for many Americans. Retirees, in particular, are looking at ways to stretch the shrinking dollars in their portfolios. Common techniques for reducing expenditures include eating out less, incorporating energy-saving devices and routines in the home and eliminating or curtailing such things as club memberships and season tickets.
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Pic Santa Helps Young ATV Riders Stay Safe on the Trails
(ARA) - Imagine the excitement on Christmas morning when the kids run into the living room, look out the window and see that Santa brought them exactly what they asked for -- an ATV built especially for them and their skill level.
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Pic Oh Baby! Expert Design Tips for the Little One's First Bedroom
(ARA) -Of all the tasks to complete during pregnancy, decorating the nursery may be the most fun. Now new parents can have designer access to the hottest trends and nursery design tips from the master of good design, Ty Pennington. He is sharing his design expertise through "Ty's Nursery Guide," a step-by-step guide that helps parents identify their nursery design style.
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Pic Lights, Camera, Action at Home!
(ARA) - It seems like everyone is making home movies these days -- and posting them online for all to see (literally). Even if you're not ready to share your videos with the world, creating home movies can capture special moments with the click of a button. Still, there are certain tips that can make your movies more Spielberg and less "Blair Witch."
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Pic How to Know When Mom or Dad Need Long-term Care?
(ARA) - When Jody found her grandmother Florence, a strong, 77-year-old woman affectionately called "Mama", vacuuming the front lawn one day, Jody finally decided it was time to move her to a dependent care facility. The decision was not easy. Having seen her grandmother gradually slip away, five years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the family struggled with the decision of when to seek full-time nursing care for Florence.
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Pic Like Action and Adventure? Travel to Scotland
(ARA) - If the typical tourist experience bores you to tears and you can't take yet another bus tour, adventure travel just might be for you. Among thrill-seeking travelers, Scotland is quickly becoming known as a popular, action-packed destination.
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Pic Time-saving Fixes for Hectic Mornings
(ARA) - From taking the kids to school to packing your husband's bag for his overnight business trip, women often find that they don't have enough time to take care of their own beauty and health needs. With so many things on their plate, it can be easy to let personal hygiene and fashion fall by the wayside. However, despite a jam-packed schedule, there are plenty of time-saving fixes that busy moms and women can incorporate to indulge themselves, while still getting the kids to school on time.
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What a Top Athlete Needs to Succeed
(ARA) - Athletes know that it takes more than talent and dedication to get to the top. It takes a team of people who support you along the way. Even though it's often just the athlete that gets all the glory, the success is equally deserved by all the dedicated people in their lives. And as the world sends their best athletes to Beijing, there is no more appropriate time to recognize this support.
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Pic Seven Common Credit Myths Dispelled
(ARA) - With the economy reeling and home loan rates at a nine-month high, lenders are scrutinizing everyone's credit history like never before. Yet, many Americans don't realize the impact of late payments on their credit score and their finances.
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Pic Underfoot at the Playground -- Smart, Safe Choices
(ARA) - Ask any child about their favorite playground activities and they may mention the swings, slides, bars or various other playground games and equipment. What you are not likely to hear from anyone, though, is anything about the surface they play on. Yet it is the foundation of all safe play on the playground, and something parents need to pay close attention to as their kids trot off to swing, jump and play games.
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Pic Stretching Your Vacation Dollars
(ARA) - We all look forward to vacations -- the precious time to recharge our batteries and spend care-free days and fun-filled nights with family and friends. But visions of vacations may change this year with a recession looming, rising gas prices and basics like food and housing at a premium. Many Americans are on tight budgets that are affecting their travel plans.
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Pic Winter Is Peak Residential Fire Season: Is Your Family Prepared?
(ARA) - The winter months between November and February are the peak months for home fires, representing nearly 37 percent of all residential fires annually. According to the U.S. Fire Administration winter fires are more deadly and cause more damage, resulting in over 6,900 injuries and more than 1,700 deaths each year. Experts agree that advance preparation and planning are key factors in increasing your chances of a good outcome should fire strike this winter.
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Pic A Good Rummage Sale Brings in Extra Cash
(ARA) - As the dog days of summer pass and cooler weather begins to settle in, you may begin to notice a lot of unwanted items around your house. Perhaps that vase you bought for a summer party is collecting dust in your pantry, or gardening tools you once used to landscape are blocking space you will soon need for winter boots.
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Pic Working from Home? So Are the Germs
(ARA) - Working from home may provide many benefits, but a break from germs may not be one of them. Why? A recent workplace study revealed that desktops in home offices harbor more bacteria than desktops in traditional offices.
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Pic Money and Responsibility: Teach Your Children to Give and to Save
(ARA) - Teaching your children the value of fiscal and social responsibility may seem like a challenge in any economy. There is good news. By financially educating your children early you will empower them and yourself. With the holidays approaching, and your children now in school, this is the perfect time to teach them these important life skills.
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Pic Have a Child Graduating in 2009? Talk About the Future Today
(ARA) - Is 2009 the year you look forward to your son or daughter graduating from high school or college? You'll be so proud to see them make such an accomplishment. But what are their plans post-graduation? Even though graduation is still months away, now is a great time for parents to help their young adults plan for their careers and think about how they will manage their salary.
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Fashion Beauty Fitness
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Taking the First Steps toward Better Health
(ARA) - Taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle can seem overwhelming. The American Medical Association (AMA) suggests that one way to start might be with small changes that can lead to big health benefits.
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Pic Infuse 'Parisian Chic' Into Your Everyday Life
(ARA) - With the cooler weather approaching, it's time to start thinking about a new look for the fall/winter season. While this can suggest shopping for new clothes, it can also mean updating your personal style and extending that style to other aspects of your life.
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Pic Day-to-night Fashion Solutions for the Holidays
(ARA) - We all know the holiday season is hectic. From finding the perfect gifts for family and friends to preparing that special dish, we run around scrambling to get everything together -- including ourselves -- at the last minute.
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Pic Pointers for Pampering Yourself in Just 30 Minutes a Week
(ARA) - Work, children, spouses, school and friends - your life is hectic. It's hard to find time to do it all, let alone a half hour of quiet time for yourself. Yet setting aside just 30 minutes of "me time" each week can help you look refreshed and feel beautiful for days. Here are some tips for making the most of your weekly pampering routine.
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Pic Pollution's Impact on an American Icon
(ARA) - Disappearing plant species, endangered wildlife and adverse health effects for humans - all grab headlines whenever talk turns to the impact pollution has on our world. But pollution also affects production of pearls, the gem American pop culture has made an icon of exemplary womanhood.
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Pic Add Glamour to Your Holiday Party Look
(ARA) - It's the season of family gatherings and holiday parties. The decor is sparkling and you should be too. But, rather than buying a whole new look for your holiday festivities, save the money and dress it up with glamorous accessories!
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Pic Tips to Earn Extra Money and Stretch Your Dollar
(ARA) - With items like gas and groceries at record highs, it seems that virtually everyone is feeling the crunch from the increased cost of living. Many American families have been re-evaluating their budgets and contemplating ways to increase cash flow and still enjoy time with their nearest and dearest. As the cost of living increases and the holiday season draws near, it is worth looking at entrepreneurial ways to help ensure that your cash flow doesn't fall short.
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Pic Tips for Putting Your Best Face Forward this Fall
(ARA) - Bathing suits will soon be packed away for another year, but beauty doesn't take a holiday when summer winds down. Women everywhere will need to modify their daily beauty routines to keep pace with autumn's changing demands, and the rapid approach of the holiday season.
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Pic Fashion Forward Into Fall With New Accessories
(ARA) - New seasons bring about the latest in fashion trends and styles. Most women want to update their look without the cost of couture or the difficulty of understanding how to wear what they see on the runway.
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Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
(ARA) - Our faces are our calling cards. They identify us, they show our emotions and they are connected with three of the five senses bringing outside information to our brains. But what happens when our identity starts to droop and turn us into someone else? Or eye and nose restoration is needed to help us look younger? It may be time to research facial plastic surgery and find a facial plastic surgeon you would trust working on your face.
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Pic A 'Well-being Routine' - the Real Key to Health
(ARA) - As important as a fitness routine is to your physical health, it's just as vital to have a "well-being routine" that focuses on your mental health. Being well-rounded physically and mentally can foster balance between your work and personal lives, and help reduce everyday stress.
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Pic Five Jewelry Gifts That Won't Break the Budget
(ARA) - When last-minute-gift panic sets in, it's easy to blow your budget in your haste to purchase that perfect present. When the clock is ticking because the holidays are right around the corner, take a breath; consider the recipient and you can find great gifts that won't break the budget.
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Pic Five Tips for Looking Red-carpet Ready at Home
(ARA) - Women often look to red carpet events to see the latest trends in fashion and beauty brought to life. Unlike celebrities, most of us don't have access to the stylists and makeup artists usually required to pull off these looks. But with the right beauty tricks and products, emulating red-carpet looks can be easy.
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Pic How to Stay Motivated and Keep Your Workouts Fresh
(ARA) - Whether it's walking the dog every day or getting to the gym three times a week, sometimes your exercise routine can feel like just that â€- routine. There are simple ways to keep your workouts fresh and renew your motivation to get moving for health and fitness.
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Pic Easy Tips for Busy Women to Stay Beautiful
(ARA) - Every woman has the desire for a great figure, radiant skin and a beautiful Hollywood smile. But the demands of work and family life often get in the way of maintaining a healthy beauty and fitness routine.
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Pic Packing Right for Your Winter Honeymoon
(ARA) - You made it through the wedding, so now comes the relaxing part -- your romantic honeymoon in a faraway destination. But what do you pack and how much do you need? Gone are the days of multiple suitcases stacked at the doorway to accompany you on your flight. With airlines charging fees for checked luggage, today's friendly skies will only allow you just so much, so you'd better make the most of your checked bag and your carry-on.
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Pic Coping with Allergies: How World Champion Gymnast Shannon Miller Manages her Allergy Symptoms
(ARA) - As host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing will introduce thousands of spectators and athletes from around the world to an array of new customs and sights, but many of these visitors may also experience allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes as they explore this new environment.
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Pic Myth Busting: Some Helpful Tips for a Nutritious Pregnancy
(ARA) - If there ever was a love/hate relationship for the record books, it's the relationship between a pregnant woman and food. On one hand, it's a time when food cravings go on overdrive, and the body shouts "More, more, more!" On the other hand, certain foods can trigger discomforts such as nausea, causing a "Less, less, less!" reaction. Here are some common myth busters about pregnancy and nutrition.
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Pic Beauty Tips for All Maintenance Levels
(ARA) - While the beauty routine of some women consists of little more than a hairbrush and moisturizer, others spend hours in front of the mirror mastering the latest beauty trends. But no matter how high- or low-maintenance you may be, the right beauty tricks will have you looking your best in no time.
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Food Recipes Entertaining
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Pic Family Dinnertime Benefits Too Tempting to Pass Up
(ARA) - The benefits of the family dinner hour are more than nutritional. Children in families who spend dinnertime together gain dietary, educational and behavioral benefits, as well.
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Pic A Kernel of Truth: New Study Reveals Health Benefits of Corn Products
(ARA) - For generations, children have been told to eat their carrots because it was good for their eyes. A new study may have moms saying the same about corn bread, corn flakes and other breakfast cereals.
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Pic Chef-inspired Recipes for Cooking at Home
(ARA) - The popularity of food-focused TV, devoted "foodie" bloggers and countless epicurean magazines have encouraged Americans to develop palates that desire lavish gourmet adventures. Dining out on extravagant cuisine is not always an option, but you don't have to break the bank for a haute culinary experience -- channel your inner chef and find inspiration in your own kitchen.
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Pic Simple Tips Add Sparkle to Holiday Entertaining
(ARA) - This holiday season make all your festive get-togethers sparkle by using simple and innovative ways to entertain friends and family. Being creative with items you already own and a few extras will make your parties shine.
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Pic Spice Up the Holiday Meal with New Food Traditions
(ARA) - When one thinks of the traditional holiday feast, visions of turkey overflowing with stuffing, rich green bean casserole and heaping helpings of mashed potatoes slathered in rich brown gravy likely come to mind. While it's hard to shake a fork at the traditional holiday feast, it's easy to get stuck in a rut after 20 years of basting good ol' Tom Turkey and cracking open the annual can of cranberry sauce.
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Pic Shopping for Affordable Organic Foods Has Never Been Easier
(ARA) - Providing a family with nutritious, well-balanced meals is hard enough for busy consumers, but in today's changing economy, affordability is also a factor. While it may seem like the cost of everything from gas to groceries is on the rise, the good news is that you can feed your entire family organic and natural foods at a lower cost without having to make an extra trip to a specialty health food store. Now you can find a variety of organic and natural products at your local supermarket, for a lot less than you might expect.
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Pic Smart Tips for Healthy Eating
(ARA) - Food can make you healthier -- if you make good choices. It can seem hard to make healthy food choices, particularly if you are on a budget and short on time. But there are some simple steps you can take to help you and your family eat healthier.
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Pic Chocolate - a True American Tradition
(ARA) - You've probably heard the saying, "As American as baseball, mom and apple pie." Well, the original author of that famous phrase left something out. Chocolate is all-American too. So as you celebrate Thanksgiving over a meal with friends and family this year, take a moment to consider how chocolate has helped to shape the American experience for more than three centuries.
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Pic Water Coolers - Not Just for the Office Anymore
(ARA) - Water coolers -- the machines with a bottle on top that dispense water -- are typically associated with offices. But drinking water is beneficial for everyone, not just office workers, and having a home water cooler is convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
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Pic Healthy Habits for a Happy Family
(ARA) - If you're the parent of a toddler, whether he is in preschool, daycare, or at home, it is important to incorporate healthy habits at an early age. Between hectic work schedules, school, play dates and activities, health and nutrition can sometimes take a backseat to convenience for busy parents.
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Pic The Recipe for Cool Weather Comfort Foods
(ARA) - As the weather gets brisk and the sun sets earlier, we find ourselves yearning for food and beverages that are simple, familiar and home-made. Comfort food is as soothing as a warm sweater, but it doesn't have to be boring if you add a little creativity.
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Pic Ten Solutions for Guiltless Gobbling
(ARA) - For most Americans, Thanksgiving without turkey is like the Fourth of July without fireworks. That's why it's important not to deprive yourself during holiday meals. The holidays are full of temptations and an occasional treat is fine as long as you make sure to keep short- and long-term health goals in mind.
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Pic Hints for Less Hectic Holidays
(ARA) - Does the thought of lugging dusty boxes of Christmas decorations from the basement or attic make you say, "Bah, humbug?" Or, perhaps you are just starting out and don't have many decorations yet. Don't fret - instead of "overdecking" the halls, adding just a few selective touches to each room will create a beautiful and festive home for the holidays without the stress and mess.
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Pic Stay Safe While Preparing the Holiday Meals
(ARA) - The holiday season will be here before we know it, which means preparing for yummy feasting, the gathering of friends and family and shopping for all the food. Turkeys, hams, homemade salads and fruity desserts are all waiting to be whipped up and consumed.
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Pic Vanilla Spices Up Holiday Dishes
(ARA) - Pro chefs and casual cooks alike will soon create confections for the holiday season. The best-loved delicacies will have one of the world's most popular flavors in common -- vanilla, with its heady, aromatic taste combined with sweet, fruity and floral scents.
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Pic Drinks to Warm Up Your Holidays
(ARA) - Hand off a hot beverage -- to dinner guests, neighbors who drop by or kids during story time -- and you instantly warm both tummies and hearts. Make sure you treat yourself too; wrapping your hands around a warm mug in the midst of a cold day can help you unwind!
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Pic Glam, Gorgeous and Green Entertaining
(ARA) - So you've made the environmentally conscious choice to be green this year ... but with the holidays just around the corner, how will this decision impact your entertaining?
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Pic Bring Out the Silver and Add Class to Your Party
(ARA) - Whatever happened to the silver table service items you received for your wedding? The silver bowls, platters, serviceware and flatware are probably sitting in the china cabinet becoming tarnished because who has time to polish silver? And no one actually uses them, do they?
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Pic The Brown Bag is Back
(ARA) - While the days of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches may be a distant childhood memory, the "brown bag" lunch is once again becoming a popular fixture on the office desk. With recent economic factors influencing food purchases, America is looking to the brown bag to save a few bucks. According to a new study from the market research firm NPD Group, weekday packed lunches among adults reached a new high in 2007, and this trend is expected to continue.
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Pic Rice Helps the Heart, and the Wallet
(ARA) - With the rising cost of groceries, families are trying to make their hard-earned dollars go farther. Buying staples -- as opposed to manufactured mixes -- and using them in several different recipes is one way to reduce costs and yet provide a healthy meal for the entire family.
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Pic Convenient, Economical Solutions for Mealtime Madness
(ARA) - It's no secret that Americans are busy, and getting together for dinner often seems like an extraordinary task. As food prices continue to increase, families are not only taking hits to their household budgets, they are experiencing long work hours, conflicting schedules and not finding enough time to cook a meal and have dinner together.
More of this story

Pic The Super Snack Couple: Pretzels and Chocolate
(ARA) - Quick -- what packs antioxidants, nutrients like magnesium, calcium and copper, fiber and grains while satisfying sweet and salty cravings and serving as a convenient, portable treat? It's a match made in snacking heaven: the pairing of pretzels and chocolate.
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Pic Quick and Easy Meals on a Back-to-school Schedule
(ARA) - The start of a new school year means increasingly busy days are here. When your schedule suddenly fills with juggling work, soccer practice, PTA and carpool, the urge to grab dinner on the fly becomes more and more enticing. A few easy tips will help you get simple, delicious and healthy homemade meals on the table in no time.
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Pic Dream Weddings are Possible, Even on a Budget
(ARA) - Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, one you have probably spent years dreaming about. When color-coordinated linens, a beautiful outdoor tent and elaborate candelabras are your vision, don't let your budget confine your imagination.
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Pic Easy, Portable Breakfast Ideas
(ARA) - After eight hours of sleep, our bodies feel refreshed, but dehydration and low sugar levels from hours of not eating can leave us dragging. That's why eating breakfast is such an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Even if your mornings are rushed, there are easy ways to make sure you get your breakfast and enjoy it.
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Pic Myth Busting: Some Helpful Tips for a Nutritious Pregnancy
(ARA) - If there ever was a love/hate relationship for the record books, it's the relationship between a pregnant woman and food. On one hand, it's a time when food cravings go on overdrive, and the body shouts "More, more, more!" On the other hand, certain foods can trigger discomforts such as nausea, causing a "Less, less, less!" reaction. Here are some common myth busters about pregnancy and nutrition.
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Pic Holiday Appetizers 101
(ARA) - When holiday entertaining has you scrambling for new ideas to make your guests feel jolly, think appetizers. A traditional menu like baked ham or smoked turkey, served with classic favorites, can be made into a more festive experience by easily selecting a variety of mouthwatering appetizers to complement the meal.
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Pic Ways to Ward Off Holiday Weight Gain
(ARA) - Each year we see it coming. As the holidays head our way, we brace for the weight gain that often results from the traditional sweets of the season. Many of us gain a pound or two between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What's more, we rarely lose the extra weight during the spring and summer, the New England Journal of Medicine reports.
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Pic Prepare Yourself and Your Home for the Holidays
(ARA) - Holidays are the quintessential time for entertaining, but the hustle and bustle to create a welcoming home also invites a lot of stress.
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Pic Five Smart Ways to Save Money at the Supermarket
(ARA) - What's a shopper to do when the prices of grocery staples are going through the roof? Erin Gifford, grocery savings expert with Shortcuts.com, offers five ways to save serious money at the supermarket this week.
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Gift Ideas
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Pic Affordable Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
(ARA) - There is nothing better than seeing a child's face light up while opening a gift during the holidays. But with the economy slowing and people reining in their spending, many are worried about saving enough to buy gifts for the little ones this holiday season. With a little creative shopping, however, it's possible to make the kids' holidays merry and bright, even on a budget.
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Pic Holiday Patterns Help Create Timeless Family Traditions
(ARA) - Iris Poppell looks forward to the magic of the holiday season all year long. She can hardly wait for family and friends to gather around the dinner table reminiscing about times past and making new memories. One of her most cherished family traditions starts Thanksgiving Day, when she lovingly sets the table with her special china she only uses during the holidays, "Merry Christmas" by Johnson Brothers.
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Pic Holiday Gift Ideas for the Football Fan on Your List
(ARA) - Nearly everyone has a football fan on their holiday list. Instead of going with yet another T-shirt or a tie with a team logo, get creative this season and give a gift that anyone with a passion for the pigskin can appreciate.
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Pic Gift Ideas for the Techie on Your List
(ARA) - If you have a techie in your life, you know it. Because they're often on top of the cutting edge in technological advances, the techies on your list can be difficult and expensive to buy for. But there are affordable and creative gift options to delight even the most wired (or wireless) people on your list.
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