Lynn Mason
I am a wife and mother to two teenagers, plus a cat and a dog. I have been a special education paraprofessional for over ten years. We live in rural Il. and I love the country. I enjoy gardening and I m an avid, obsessive reader!
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Displaying Results 1 - 117 (of 117) for All Content
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College Recipes: Cheap and Easy Meals for StudentsSimple college recipes and ideas for students -
Bob Ross “The Joy of Painting” More Popular Than EverI have always loved "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross.The artist's soothing voice and tranquil style just make you feel good. Ross is being honored in new video remix and PBS documentary. -
Stay in Touch with Your College StudentIt is important for parents to communicate with their college students while not becoming too overbearing. These are the methods I use with my two college age kids. -
Creative Ways to Use Up a Plethora of ZucchiniHave too many zucchini? Try my zucchini recipes and methods for using up an overabundance of squash. -
How I Saved $278 a Month by RefinancingMy husband and I were having a hard time making ends meet each month. I found help by refinancing our mortgage. -
How to Bring a Love for Books into the GardenCreating a reader's paradise is simple with these ideas. -
Taking a Bite Out of the Asian Carp InvasionAsian Carp are invading US river and lake systems and threatening The Great Lakes. Some entrepreneurs are turning pests into profit. -
A Hot Evening with Trampled Under FootTrampled Under Foot wows the crowd at the 2012 Mississippi Valley Blues Fest in Davenport IA. and Kris Schnebelen talks about the blues, family and their upcoming CD. -
Loop Through History: Travel Tips for the Amana Colonies, IAThe Amana Colonies, IA are a wonderful day trip destination. Eat, drink, shop and soak up the history at this National Historic Landmark on the Iowa prairie. -
5 Fun New Wedding TrendsWedding trends are becoming more personalized and less formal. These memorable ideas add flair and ease to the big day. -
Confessions of a Middle Aged TUF GroupieTrampled Under Foot put on a passionate show at the Bonita Blues Fest. Their energetic and emotional show is winning awards and making life long fans, like me.
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Two Beautifully Written Young Adult NovelsThese two books topping the current YA award lists are perfect picks for adults, young and old, looking for an engrossing tale. -
Why I Love Harlan Coben NovelsHarlan Coben writes good old-fashioned mysteries with thoroughly modern twists. His captivating novels deal with current human issues and emotions. -
Planting Artichokes in the GardenHealthy artichokes are a great benefit to the home garden. Lovely enough for the landscape, these large vegetable plants are a cool season hit in most any home garden. -
When and How to Plant Potatoes by Your Hardiness ZoneNothing can compare to the taste of homegrown vegetables. Planting potatoes is easy when you know your USDA hardiness zone. -
How to Grow Daylilies from Seed for Easy Elegance in the GardenDaylilies are super easy to grow yet super elegant. With proper growing conditions these beauties will add elegance to any spot. -
Are Coffee Grounds Good for My Hostas?Find out the benefits of using coffee grounds in your garden.
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Mother Knows Best: Plant Wildflower Seed in the FallTake a tip from Mother Nature and plant wildflower seed in the fall. Learn how to plant a wildflower meadow in the fall.
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Six Great Young Adult Books for 2011Whether you need a book to read on vacation or while away long hot afternoons, these six young adult books for summer are a great choice. These hot picks include humor, drama, mystery, adventure and an inspiring true story to fill up summer hours.
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Hal Reed and Ellis Kell Teach the BluesHal Reed and Ellis Kell form a partnership between the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and the River Music Experience, Davenport Iowa to teach the history of the blues in Winter Blues and Blues in the Schools programs.
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Tractor Parade Goes to the Mercer County FairMore than 60 tractors participated in a drive to the county fair in Aledo, IL. Local country fun, right outside my window!
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Caylee's Law Petition, Porch Lights for Caylee, and Outrage Sweep the Web: What You Can DoCaylee's Law Petition and Porch Lights for Caylee have thousands of participants looking for a way to help. What can you do?
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2011 Mississippi Valley Blues Fest 4th of July Weekend BlastThe 27th annual MVBF featured a little something for everyone. 28 blues acts filled beautiful LeClaire Park in Davenport, Iowa, with a variety of blues music. It was a great weekend.
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Images of the 2011 Mississippi Valley Blues Fest - Davenport, IAPhotos of the 2011Mississippi Valley Blues Fest ( MVBF) A glorious weekend, glorious venue , and glorious music along the riverfront
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Illinois Resident Reaction: Blagojevich ConvictedFormer Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has finally been convicted of corruption. Can we, please, move on now? The state is broke and has become a joke.
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27th IH Mississippi Valley Blues Fest Sizzling HotThe 27th MVBF in Davenport, IA will be held July 1-3. Two stages and 28 acts will fill LeClaire Park for 3 days of sizzling fun 4th of July weekend.
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20th Annual Rhubarb Festival in Aledo, ILSlideshow of 2011 rhubarb fest pictures. Family friendly fun fills the small town of Aledo, IL and brings thousands of visitors to town.
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Top Five Yellow Wildflowers for Green Gardening in the MidwestSunny yellow wildflowers add a cost-effective, easy-care touch to the flower garden. These five cheerful varieties of yellow wildflowers make green gardening easy in the Midwest.
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Providing Food for Hummingbirds: How to Make Hummingbird NectarHummingbirds are fascinating little creatures to watch. Learn how to make hummingbird food and draw them to your yard.
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Five Blue Wildflowers for Green Gardening in the MidwestThese five blue wildflowers will add a lovely environmentally-friendly touch to your garden. This article features pictures and information on five lovely wildflowers suitable for Midwest gardens plus sources for seed and more information.
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Illinois Governor Quinn Wisely Ends Death PenaltyIL. Governor Pat Quinn eliminates the death penalty in Illinois ending a system of punishment that Il. can not afford financially or morally.
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My Favorite April Fools Day JokeMy son was just a little boy in footy pajamas when he pulled his first April fools day joke. The memory still makes me laugh.
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Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Causing America's Obesity Epedemic?America has become obese in the last 40 years, but what is the link between high fructose corn syrup and obesity? What is the truth? Read on to find out.
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Steven Tyler Rocks as an American Idol JudgeDespite early doubt and controversy, Steven Tyler has proved to be a great choice as an American Idol judge. He is fun, sweet and outrageous. His colorful comments have made season 10.
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Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult Chapter Summaries: Chapters 1 Through 5Are you reading Nineteen Minutes for class? This article will help you understand the events in the book. Chapter summaries of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult chapters (1) March 6, 2007 through (5) The Day after to use as a study guide.
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Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult Chapter Summaries 6 Through 10Are you reading Nineteen Minutes for class? This article will help you keep the events of the book straight. Chapter summaries of chapters 6 - Six Years Before through 10 - The Month Before of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult to use as a study guide.
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Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult Chapter Summaries: Part 2Are you reading Nineteen Minutes for class? Chapter summaries of Part 2 of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult will help you keep the chapters straight. These summaries are meant to serve as a study guide.
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Home Treatment of Menstrual MigrainesMenstrual migraines can disrupt life. However, I don't like prescription pain killers so I have developed my own treatment strategies to keep the pain at bay.
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SmokeA scary short story.
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Pumpkin Gem CupcakesThese delicous and easy pumpkin cupcakes are the perfect dessert for all your autumn parties from wienie roasts to halloween bashes to the thanksgiving dessert table. Moist and tender these cupcakes are always a hit.
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Good and Easy Apple Crisp and Apple Cake RecipesGrandma's apple crisp recipe is simply the best apple crisp I have ever tasted. Apple cake is another wonderful way to enjoy the season's bounty of apples. This deliciously quick and easy recipe is another family favorite.
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Enchanting Masses of Little Yellow Butterflies Puddle on Country RoadsHave you ever wondered what those enchanting masses of little yellow butterflies that gather around mud puddles on country roads are? Read on to learn about the alfalfa butterfly and the clouded sulphur butterfly!
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Saturated Iowa Suffering More Massive FloodingThe summer of 2010 has brought rain and more rain to Iowa. Three consecutive nights of thunderstorms have caused massive flooding in central and eastern Iowa. Extensive damage, road closures and one death are reported from this latest round of flooding.
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How to Make a Homemade Donut Costume for HalloweenA homemade donut costume is clever and original. This sweet costume is definitely one of my favorites: fun and cheap what's not to love? Happy Haunting!
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Short Haircuts for Teens: A Smart Back-to-School StyleShort haircuts for back-to-school make a real splash with these up-to-date styles. These unconventional hairdos will please the most fashion savvy teen.
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University of Illinois Arboretum Part II: Walk through the FlowersPart II of slideshow. Stunning images of flower gardens at University of Illinois' Arboretum.
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Walk through University of Illinois Arboretum GardensDuring a recent business trip to Champaign, IL. my husband and I passed an enjoyable evening wondering through the University of Illinois' gardens. These gardens are gorgeous and a lovely way to pass an evening.
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End of Summer Vegetable StewEnd of Summer Vegetable Stew uses up the last remaining garden vegetables and whatever you happen to have on hand. My family loves this tasty and healthy recipe.
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Fall Care for Hardy Fall Blooming MumsFall care of mums is low maintenance; just be aware that the word 'hardy' is used rather loosely in the marketing of these fabulous fall beauties. Easy care chrysanthemums are the most popular choice to add color to a fall garden.
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Blockade Billy by Stephen King: ReviewStephen King's love of baseball, nostalgia, and the dark side of the human psyche all blend together to give us his latest novel, Blockade Billy, released May, 2010.
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Happy Birthday Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling!According to an entry on J.K. Rowling's official internet site Harry Potter's birthday is July 31, the same as the author's. Happy birthday Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling!
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Season Premiere of ICarly Causes Internet Craze with Sweepstakes at Www.Nick.Com/iwinTeens are scrambling to win one of seven sweet iCarly prizes at sweepstakes announced on season premiere show, "iGot a Hot Room" If you can't get through to www.nick.com/iwin keep trying!
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John Lennon's Killer Up for Parole Again: What Would John Want?Thirty years after he shot and killed former Beatle, John Lennon, while clutching a copy of the book Catcher in the Rye, Mark David Chapman is making his sixth plea for parole. What would Lennon think?
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My Entry in Tracie Walker's Word GameI must admit I was feeling a little blue today. This game was fun and has reminded me of the things I need to be thankful for. Thank-you Tracie Walker!
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Extreme Animal Hoarding CasesAnimal hoarding cases are starting to garner the attention of the media and many extreme cases are being documented. Read three of these cases here.
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Lessons Learned from Adopting a GreyhoundAdopting a greyhound is not for everybody but they are great dogs for the right owner. Read what must be taken in to consideration before adopting a retired racer.
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Preparing the Soil for a Fall GardenFall garden prep is easy. Getting the soil ready for a fall garden is a lot like preparing the soil for a spring garden. Weeds must be removed, and the soil must be amended and loosened.
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New Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico After Boat CrashYet another oil well is spilling into the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard has reported that a tug boat and barge crashed into an abandoned wellhead in the early hours of Tuesday morning, July 27 in Barataria Bay, creating a new spill.
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Tips for Fall Tree and Shrub PlantingCooler temperatures make fall the ideal season for planting trees and shrubs for the plants and the gardener.
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2010 Bix 7 ResultsHall wins men's division and Koll takes women's first prize. Tragedy and rain dampen celebration.
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How to Make a Pumpkin Man Decoration for HalloweenThis easy and creative pumpkin man will be the hit of your neighborhood!
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Garden Mildew: Strategies for Control and RemovalThe best garden mildew strategies combine environmental control practices and removal treatments.
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Animal Hoarding Disorder Explained by Animal PlanetThe little understood disorder of animal hoarding syndrome appears to be growing. Animal Planet is addressing the issue on their new series, Confessions: Animal Hoarding, premiering Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 9:00 PM. eastern/pacific time.
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Back to School Budget Relief Programs for Needy FamiliesThe United States guarantee of a free public education is actually quite expensive, especially for budgets already stretched thin.Luckily, many programs exist to provide back to school budget relief to needy families.
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Carnival Ride Tips for Keeping Your Family SafeCarnivals, county fairs and festivals all feature fun amusement rides to entertain the young and old. But all too often entertainment turns into tragedy. Learn how to keep your family safe on carnival rides.
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Helping the Needy Without Spending a DimeWith the tough economy many people are stressed out and in need of a helping hand. Find ideas here to help others for free and make your town a brighter place.
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True Ghost Story: Jack-In-The-BoxIt was the summer before my thirteenth birthday when the unexplained happened. I can't explain these incidents, but I can bear witness, I was there in the beginning. This is a true ghost story except for the names have been changed.
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2010 Hottest First Six Months on RecordThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released the monthly analysis for June 2010. Worldwide land surface temperature averages for June show the month to be the hottest on record and the warmest Jan. - June period ever.
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Burgers and Beans: Recipes for a Perfect Summer BBQBacon-Stuffed Burgers on the grill and Zesty Baked Beans are the perfect meal for a summer BBQ.
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My Blue Heeler EddiePictures of my very smart Blue Heeler
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Christmas KittyLong-hair black and white cat Christmas photos
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Mel Gibson's Rage Could End His CareerThe audio tapes released by Radaronline.com are now joined by photos. Gibson has a long history of bad behavior, can his career survive?
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Bumper Crop Tomato RecipesCherry Tomato Salad and Broccoli Stuffed Tomato recipes. These tasty tomato recipes will help you use up your garden's bounty.
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Summer Recipes: Frozen Fruit SlushI have made this refreshing salad for years and it is always a summer hit. My family loves this salad that combines pineapple, bananas, grapes, peaches and lemonade and orange juice.
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How to Decorate with Children's ItemsDecorating with children's cast-off items can add a cute touch of whimsy to your home. Nostalgic pieces from your own childhood or saved souvenirs from your children can provide wonderful memories of days gone by.
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Dr. Demento Leaving Radio After Nearly 40 YearsDr. Demento's classic Sunday night radio show is leaving the airwaves after nearly forty years of playing such zany classics as "Purple People Eater", "Fish Heads" and "Dead Puppies".
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Circle Contact Lenses Craze Inspired by Lady GagaLady Gaga's doe-like look in her "Bad Romance" video has set off a craze for illegally sold circle contact lenses.
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Summer Recipes: Mandarin Chicken SaladWhen the weather becomes hot and steamy during the summer, I often lose my appetite, and coming up with dinner ideas can be a real chore. One recipe I always enjoy when it is too hot to think about food is Mandarin Chicken Salad.
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Common Tomato Problems: Gray Leaf SpotGray leaf spot is a common tomato fungus prevalent in the southeastern U.S. and all warm areas of the world.
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Israeli Scientist Invents First Male Birth Control PillProfessor Haim Breitbart has created a male birth control pill which appears to be 100% effective.
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Peace and Sex on Dirty CarDirty car with peace sign and silver sex.
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Homework Help: AdjectivesEasy to understand language arts homework help with lots of examples.
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Homework Help: Hard Working AdverbsEasy and fun homework help for language arts. Adverbs totally rock!
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Yahoo and AC, a Purple Haiku AccoladeMy purple haiku for the contest!
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Common Tomato Problems: Blossom End RotMost tomato gardeners are all too familiar with blossom end rot. Blossom end rot affects both home gardeners and commercial growers and is caused by a lack of calcium in the plant that is usually the result of fluctuating water supply.
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Sunset through Bare TreesBare trees silhouetted by stunning pink, yellow, and orange sunset make a striking view.
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Bluebells in a Blue VaseThese lovely spring wildflowers beautifully dress up a corner.
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Old Apple Tree and Barn Make a Picture Perfect Country SceneLoads of fruit weigh down the branches.
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Gulf Oil Spill Dramatically Depicted at National Mississippi River Museum & AquariumThe National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium will open an empty aquarium as a dramatic depiction of the effects of the oil spill.
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Old Apple Tree in Full BloomThis beautiful tree blanketed with white blooms has supplied apples to generations of people in rural Illinois.
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Tips and Tricks for Beautiful Potted FlowersPlanting your own flower pots greatly reduces the cost of dressing up your porch or patio. These are my best tips for success.
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Tea's Many Health BenefitsIt has been proven that tea is good for you and there doesn't seem to be a downside. Incorporating tea into your diet is a great idea full of healthy benefits and countless flavors.
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How Tea is Grown and HarvestedLegend has it tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor when tea leaves blew into a pot of boiling water nearly 5000 years ago. Today, most commercial tea is produced in Asia, Australia, and Africa. Find out how tea is grown.
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Spicy and Sweet ChaiChai is a spicy-sweet milky tea beverage extremely popular in India. This centuries old beverage has been discovered by western nations and they are making it their own.
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Teas of AfricaAfrica might not be the first place to come to mind when one thinks of tea, but tea has become an important crop there.
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Black Tea is the World FavoriteBlack tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and its good for you too!
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Tea, a Healthy BeverageThe Chinese and African Aborigines have used tea as medicine for thousands of years. Turns out they were right; tea is very beneficial to your health. Different varieties offer different health benefits to varying degrees.
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Growing Native Plants in the Illinois LandscapeGrowing native plants in the Illinois garden is an easy, cost-effective way to be a steward to the environment. The many benefits include saving money and labor in the garden.
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How to Plant Garden Potatoes with Newspaper MulchPlanting potatoes is easy when you use a newspaper mulch.
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Going Bovine by Libba Bray Book ReviewGoing Bovine by Libba Bray,winner 2010 Printz Award, is a remarkable book. Both outrageously funny and heart-breakingly sad, this is a meaty, multi-layered book to sink your teeth into.
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A Quiet Belief in Angels by R.J. Ellory - Book ReviewA Quiet Belief in Angels is the winner of Strand Magazine's Best Thriller of 2009 and other awards. This masterfully well-crafted murder mystery is a gem of a book.
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Fire, by Kristin Cashore - Book ReviewFire is the companion book to Kristin Cashore's Graceling, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. You needn't have read Graceling to love Fire.
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Breathless, by Dean Koontz - Book ReviewBreathless by master wordsmith Dean Koontz is a page-turning novel of suspense, mystery and adventure.
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Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich - Book ReviewFinger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich is a typical Stephanie Plum series novel with few surprises. Although the story gets a little weak among all the hilarity, this is an enjoyable read with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
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Under the Dome by Stephen King - Book ReviewStephen King's novel Under the Dome is a fast-paced suspense guaranteed to keep you up all night. Good faces evil when a small Maine town becomes separated from the rest of the world under a mysterious impenetrable dome.
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How to Clean Stinky Football EquipmentFootball equipment can stink. Here are a few tips on keeping the gear smelling fresh.
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The Principles of a XeriscapeLandscaping does not have to be a drain on the pocketbook or natural resources. A water efficient xeriscape is an environmentally friendly form of landscaping which can save time, money and resources.
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Flash Fiction Entry - NeonA short story about the fear of being alone.
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How to Grow Junipers in the YardJunipers have been cultivated for years for their berries. They are an easy care shrub for sunny, well-drained spots in the landscape.
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How to Grow ViburnumsViburnums are easy care shrubs for the sunny, well drained spot. Flowers, berries and fall color make Viburnums a good choice for the landscape.
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Perennials and Annuals Serve Different Purposes in the LandscapePerennials and annuals have different requirements and fill different needs in the garden. A blend of both types of plants can be a beautiful investment.
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The Benefits of VolunteeringVolunteering is not only good for society but also the individual volunteer. Community service is a great way to reach your goals.
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Help Control Weeds in the Garden with NewspapersNewspapers are a good way to naturally prevent the growth of weeds in the garden. Newspaper is an organic alternative to harsh chemical weed killers and seed preventers.
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How To Make Pressed Flower Gifts from the GardenFor fun handmade gifts I like to press flowers and arrange them in pictures. This easy craft allows you to share a little of your garden.
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Kasi's Root Beer Float Cake RecipeThis is one of my most requested recipes. The hint of root beer in the batter and sweet root beer frosting make this cake a deliciously different treat and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream it is an unforgettable taste of summer any time of year.
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The Money TreePosy finds a tree bearing money fruit deep in the forest.
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Preventing Youth ViolenceSchool shootings and youth violence have become a growing concern. This paper explores causes and possible solutions.