Online Features
Home Improvement
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Tips for making your spring cleaning a breeze
(BPT) - A long winter season can leave you and your family longing for outdoor activities. Before you head for some fresh air fun, you need to get your home in order for the spring and summer months ahead. Spring cleaning can be a drawn-out chore, but that can change this year. The key to a quick and painless deep clea...
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Set yourself up for the perfect season of outdoor entertaining
(BPT) - As temperatures warm, many of us can’t wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces. There are a few spring cleaning projects that benef...
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Color, texture and more: Vinyl continues to be America's most-installed siding
(BPT) - While vinyl siding has historically been the most-used siding material in the U.S., its continuing advancements are allowing even more choice when it comes to two critical qualities desired by homeowners: outstanding curb appeal and low maintenance. Add to this to the growing interest by homeowners to save energ...
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Spruce up your home for spring in just a weekend
(BPT) - As the weather gets warmer, everything outside becomes fresh and new – so why not make your home as nice inside as the weather is outside? In just a weekend, you can complete a few quick, easy projects that will make a big difference in your space. Get inspired to give your home a spring spruce-up with these han...
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Bathroom upgrades that boost livability for anyone aging in place
(BPT) - Staying safely in their own home as they grow older is a major concern for many Americans. In a 2012 survey by AARP, 70 percent of surveyed members said they were “extremely or very concerned about aging in place.” Even if you maintain an active lifestyle and good health, growing older often requires you to mana...
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Renew yourself and your home in four easy steps
(BPT) - As spring approaches, other New Year’s resolutions may be a distant memory but the urge to improve your home can find new life when the weather warms. The transition of seasons is a perfect opportunity to refocus on improving yourself and your space. Repaint and refresh One of the easiest and quickest ways to ...
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Give your home a true green cleaning this spring
(BPT) - When you clean your house in the spring, you really want it to be clean. Dirt, dust and germs are banned, and all appliances, floors and walls are scrubbed clean. But is your house really clean, or have you traded dirt and germs for caustic and toxic chemicals found in most conventional cleaning products? Even ...
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Top technology trends for 2013 that make your life easier
(BPT) - Whether you are a college student, working parent or empty-nester, modern life has never been busier. Luckily, a variety of technology innovations are dramatically affecting the way we live, helping us streamline our routines, reduce stress and maximize each minute of the day. Which new technologies are provin...
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Easy DIY cures for common concrete problems
(BPT) - Have you ever seen a house with a beautiful lawn, lush landscaping, a tasteful and well-maintained exterior – and an ugly cracked concrete driveway? Why is it that even seasoned, proficient do-it-yourselfers sometimes balk at taking care of concrete? “Concrete can be intimidating,” says Bob Schmidt, national pr...
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Mix and match trend revolutionizing deck design
(BPT) - When it comes to fashion faux pas, the only thing worse than clashing patterns is overly matching every item. Mixing and matching creates exciting contrast – and not just when you dress yourself, but also when you “dress up” your home. The trend toward mixing colors and materials has made its way outdoors, with ...
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Soul-lifting home improvements that are good for your wallet, too
(BPT) - No matter how value conscious a homeowner may be, few people ever make a home improvement simply to increase their house’s resale value. People also undertake home improvements to enhance their enjoyment of their home – or to fix a problem, which, in its own way, is good for the soul, too. When it comes to deci...
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Today's dream home utilizes modern technology for increased functionality
(BPT) - The number of improving housing markets expanded for a sixth consecutive month in January 2013 according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American. With this positive sign, it’s an interesting time for homeowners to consider investing in high-tech home upgrades that not only increase their home...
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national news
How to fix college

Graduate watches through rain-soaked glasses as U.S. President Obama delivers commencement address at Morehouse College in AtlantaTen things Washington, and you, could do to make college cheaper.


Thu May 23 03:39:26 UTC 2013
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
Brave woman tried to reason with London attackers

Police and forensic officers near the scene of an attack which has left one man confirmed dead and two people wounded near Woolwich barracks in London Wednesday, May, 22, 2013. Scotland Yard said officers responded to reports of an assault Wednesday afternoon in the London neighbourhood of Woolwich. London Ambulance service said one man was found dead at the scene and two other men were taken to the hospital, with one in serious condition.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)LONDON (AP) — A brave scout leader who may have prevented further violence has emerged as an unlikely hero in the apparent terror attack that left one man dead on the streets of London.


Thu May 23 05:21:23 UTC 2013