Online Features
Gift Ideas
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Outside-the-box holiday gifts for inside the home
(BPT) - In the words of a popular Christmas carol, there’s no place like home for the holidays - it’s where family gathers and where long-treasured memories are made. So this year as you begin shopping for those on your list, why not gift something for them and for their abode? There’s something for everyone - for the m...
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Smart credit card use for holiday shoppers
(BPT) - What would holiday shopping be without credit cards? Using credit cards wisely can help you score some good deals, and offers a layer of consumer protection that cash and debit cards can’t. Still, if you get carried away with holiday spending, the season’s “Ho, ho, ho!” can turn into “Oh, oh, oh!” come January w...
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What gadgets top 2012 holiday wish lists?
(BPT) - The holiday shopping season is here and the newest tech gadgets are probably at the top of all your loved ones’ wish lists. This year, touch-enabled Ultrabook convertible and tablet devices offer a refreshing take on mobile computing and are proving themselves worthy of your gift-giving dollars. Have someone on...
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Get crafty with these holiday gift wrap ideas
(BPT) - Make wrapping gifts more fun this holiday season. Get your supplies ready, invite some friends and turn up the holiday music. Before you get started, here are some creative gift wrapping tips from popular crafting blogger, Cindy Hopper, founder of SkipToMyLou.org . “I love wrapping holiday gifts – from little...
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Don't lose sleep over holiday gift buying
(BPT) - Is holiday gift buying causing you stress? Searching for a gift that is practical, yet personal? You are not alone in the struggle to find the “perfect gift.” The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday sales will reach $586 billion this season, with the average consumer spending around $550 on gifts....
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How to simplify holiday gift giving
(BPT) - Overwhelmed by your holiday shopping list and short on time? Not to worry – here are a few tips to cut costs, stay organized and still buy presents that your friends and family will love. 1. Stick to a budget. Arrive at the dollar amount at which you feel comfortable spending and stick with it. Then, decide on ...
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Christmas gifts can change lives for children in need
For many families, the Christmas season is a flutter of present buying, gift wrapping, spreading hints and rumors about the packages under the tree, and finally – on the big day – a whirlwind of bows and torn paper scattered everywhere with much frivolity and laughter. But for children with incarcerated parents, the si...
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Easy money for your holiday shopping lists
(BPT) - How many people do you have on your holiday shopping list? And how much are you planning – or able – to spend on gifts? The average American will spend slightly more than $700 on holiday gifts this year, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer reports. Some people plan ahead and save up during the year for holiday gifts, but for many others, the holiday shopping season can be a huge drain on savings. If you’re ready to start your holiday shopping, you may be surprised to learn that you ha...
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Best picks for your holiday electronics gift list
(BPT) - Americans love their electronics: tablet computers, smartphones, digital cameras, HDTVs, e-book readers, MP3 players, and hearing aids. That’s right - new, modern, sleek, life-altering hearing aids. As contoured and futuristic as the most highly styled electronic device – or  so discreet that they’re virtually ...
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Simple tips to glam up your look
(BPT) - Most women would agree that getting ready for a night out on the town is much more exciting than getting ready for a typical day. Dressing up, adding some shine or a little extra sparkle to your outfit can give your mood a boost whether it’s for a special occasion or a regular day. If you’re concerned that dres...
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Hottest gifts of the 2012 holiday season [Infographic]
There's a trend for most-wanted holiday gifts in 2012 that would lead us to believe that adults want to get away, while kids want to get connected. A recent survey showed that among adults that had a preference, clothing was the No. 1 most-wanted gift this holiday, followed by a vacation, a laptop, and a tablet  to round out the top four. When it comes to kids, both boys and girls desire the latest smartphone or laptop the most. More than three quarters of adults surveyed plan to shop onlin...
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Holiday gift ideas for the DIYer
(BPT) - The holidays are here and for the do-it-yourselfer who always has a list of “to-do” projects to tackle, a new tool makes a great gift. From the weekend warrior to automotive enthusiast, an addition to the tool box is certain to bring a smile to their face. Here are some ideas from Craftsman to get you started f...
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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
Colorado killer's reprieve sharply criticized

Religious leaders from Colorado, from left, Dr. Jim Ryan, Colorado Council of Churches, Dean Peter Eaton, St. John's Cathedral, Rabbi Steven Foster and Catholic Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila listen as Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper announces at a news conference at the Capitol in Denver on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, that he was granting a temporary reprieve to Nathan Dunlap from his death sentence. Dunlap was scheduled to be executed in August for the murders of four people in 1993 at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. Hickenlooper only referred to Dunlap as Offender NO. 89148. He would not use Dunlap's name. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)DENVER (AP) — Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper's decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap for as long as he is governor infuriated victims' relatives and drew quick criticism from Republicans ahead of the 2014 election.


Thu May 23 02:03:56 UTC 2013