Online Features
Home Improvement
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The garage: a guy's refuge
The garage: a guy's refuge (ARA) - The traditional "guy" - broadly defined as a man's man who can take down a tree or change his own oil - faces extinction from threats ranging from reality television to couples' baby showers. Garages are a guy's refuge from these kinds of enemies. Guys' appreciation for garages is f...
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Pitch in and tackle do-it-together home improvement projects
Pitch in and tackle do-it-together home improvement projects (ARA) - Why do-it-yourself (DIY) when you can do-it-together? Now DIYers are teaming up with friends, families or companies to tackle home improvement and spring-cleaning projects. "Tackling home improvement or maintenance projects is a great way to work together with others in your community to accomplish more in less time," says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors. How about tackling a do-it-toge...
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Home improvement for your health
Home improvement for your health (ARA) - When considering home improvements, people tend to choose projects that will improve the value of their home. While this is important for a healthy bottom line, investing in the health of those living inside the home also is a value-added improvement. "I love going to the gym, but there are days when my workout will only happen if I work out at home because I don't have time for the commute," says Chris Freytag, a national health and fitness expert...
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It's a colorful life inside your home
The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help.
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Connect on your patio or porch, enjoy the new view
With temperatures on the rise, it's time to get outside to relax with family and friends. Today's homeowners want their outdoor spaces to be an extension of their homes, with 80 percent saying a patio or front porch are "must haves," according to a survey of residential architects by the National Association of Home Buil...
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Create an upscale deck for less with easy upgrade ideas
Does spending time on your deck "do it for you" - or does your deck simply "do the job?" Now that warm weather has arrived, you'll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to company. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. ...
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Do-it-yourself deck-building tips
Looking for a way to enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space? A deck addition may be the solution. A deck creates a designated area for entertaining and relaxing outdoors, while increasing homeowner satisfaction and home value. If you're a motivated do-it-yourselfer, building your own deck can be a fun and re...
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Considering a pool, spa or hot tub? What you should know before you hire a contractor
Does your dream backyard include a lush lawn, lovely landscaping and - at the heart of the action - a pool, spa or hot tub? If so, you're not alone, and this might be your year to turn that dream into reality.
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national news
Families remember young tornado victims

Marvin Dixon, the grandfather of 8-year-old tornado victim Kyle Davis, glances down at a photo of his grandson while sitting for a portrait in the lobby of a funeral home where his grandson awaits burial, in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Nicknamed "The Wall," Davis loved soccer and going to the Monster Truck exhibitions at the fairgrounds with his grandfather. Kyle was killed Monday, May 20, 2013, when a huge tornado roared through Moore, Okla., flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying his elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)Nine-year-old Sydney loved softball, while eight-year-old Kyle loved soccer.


Thu May 23 01:34:53 UTC 2013
Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births

HOLD FOR RELEASE 12:01 A.M. 05/23/13: Graphic shows the teen birth rate for 15- to -19 year olds for 2011 by stateNEW YORK (AP) — The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report.


Wed May 22 22:23:59 UTC 2013
Building materials blamed in Bangladesh disaster

FILE - In this Sunday, May 12, 2013 file photo, Bangladeshi soldiers stand amid the rubble of the garment factory building that collapsed on April 24 as they continue search operation in Savar, near Dhaka, Bangladesh. A government investigation said poor quality construction materials and building code violations contributed to the collapse of building housing garment factories last month in Bangladesh. (AP Photo/Ismail Ferdous, File)DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A government investigation found that "extremely" poor quality construction materials and a series of violations caused the collapse of a garment factory building in Bangladesh that has been called the worst garment-industry disaster in history, the committee head said Thursday.


Wed May 22 23:18:23 UTC 2013