Linda Ann Nickerson
Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.
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- 9,731,170
- Content
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- Contributor since
- 10/9/2008
Education/Experience
B.A., English; M.S., JournalismInterests
animals, beauty, Bible, books, business, crafts, education, faith, family, fashion, foods, gardening, health, holidays, horses, how-to, humor, literature, parenting, pets, photography, poetry, politics, publishing, sewing, veterinary medicineMotto
Read, Write and Ride!Affiliations
Nickers and Ink - poetry and humor, Madison Equestrian Examiner, Heart of a Ready Writer - devotionals, Delightfully Amiss: Berzerkians Gone Amok, Follow me on Twitter, The Mane Point - a haven for horse lovers, Practically at Home - family, home, garden and more, Working in Words - writing & freelancing how-to's, Linked In, National Equestrian Examiner
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Skin Cancer Surgery Turned This Sun Worshipper into an SPF FanI survived skin cancer, but it scarred me for life. I had the Mohs micrographic surgery for deep-tissue basal cell carcinoma. Yeah, that'll leave a mark. -
Flats May Be Stylish Shoes, but I'm Flat-Out Leaving ThemIn footwear for females, flats are the fad, except for me. I’m getting a shoe-vorce, citing irreconcilable differences, I’m tossing at least three pairs of flat shoes into the clothing donation bag. I’m flat-out leaving my flats for six reasons. -
Super Bowl XLVII Word Scramble for Football Fan PartiesSuper Bowl Sunday gives sports fans an opportunity to gather for the NFL’s biggest football game. Are you hosting or attending a Super Bowl party this year? Try this Super Bowl XLVII word scramble game for a great icebreaker. -
Easy Holiday Recipe: Gingerbread Cut-Out CookiesGingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite for kids of all ages – even grownups. These zesty cookies are ideal for rolling and cutting into a multitude of festive shapes. Gingerbread men, toys, holiday trees, and even ponies are fun to decorate and share. -
25 Favorite Quotations on PerseveranceWhat do marathon runners, cross-country cyclists, novelists, and inventors have in common? Perseverance is the key to these and other long-haul endeavors. Here are 25 top quotations on this admirable character quality. -
Black Friday Shopping Hours to Draw Early-bird Bargain-huntersBlack Friday bargain hunters race for shopping malls and big-box retailers on the day after Thanksgiving, and plenty of stores open early to offer special deals. Here are the starting times for Black Friday sales by 80 top retailers nationwide. -
10 ways to sabotage your career onlineNetworking is king in today’s career planning and job hunting. Still, a casual comment can wreak havoc on one’s working status and future employability. What are the most off-putting posts an intentional careerist should avoid? -
10 tips for dog park etiquetteDogs need frequent outdoor exercise. Pet parks offer such options. Still, free play includes certain courtesy guidelines for dogs and their handlers. What etiquette expectations come into play at dog parks? Consider these 10 tips for dog park politeness. -
10 ways to stop your dog from begging at the tableDoes your dog beg for handouts while you eat your own meal? Begging dogs quickly become pests to family members and guests. How can you teach your dog not to beg at the table? Try these 10 training tactics. -
5 tips for worry-free renting with petsLandlords and leases need not spell losses for pet lovers interested in renting with pets. What can pet owners do to accommodate animal friends and building management? Here are five strategies for successful rental arrangements for animal lovers. -
10 things to shoot with a cell phone for savings and securitySomeone stole my purse, and I experienced the nightmare of reconstructing my life on paper. This identity crisis taught me to prepare for such a possibility. Enter the smart phone, a convenient record-keeping device. -
3 of my happiest moments with my catAn abandoned barn kitty has grown into a force of nature in our home, bringing humor and heartwarming memories. What are the happiest moments I’ve shared with my cat?Also published on: -
10 tips for terrific wedding toastsToastmasters know the secrets to offering witty words at weddings and other salutatory events. We have all cringed at inappropriate remarks too. These 10 pointers can keep you out of hot water, as you raise your glass to recognize the guests of honor. -
10 tips for college and university campus visitsProspective students visit college and university campuses to check out educational options. What strategic steps can potential applicants take to make the most of campus visits? These 10 tips can help folks maximize college and university excursions.Also published on: -
Olympic Equestrian Sport: 15 Dressage Terms to KnowWhat key terms should audiences understand about Olympic-level dressage? In Olympic and top competitions, riders and horses perform at the Grand Prix level. Here are 15 key words dressage spectators need to know.Also published on: -
Olympic Equestrian Sport: Defining EventingAs the Olympic equestrian cross-country course is constructed for the multi-day eventing competition, with horses and riders gearing up for the outing, spectators may wonder about this high-speed and multi-disciplinary horseback challenge.Also published on:
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Olympic Equestrian Sport: Defining Show JumpingOlympic show jumping is intriguing and aesthetically pleasing to watch. Audiences and TV viewers enjoy seeing riders sending their horses flying over colorful fences inside the impeccably groomed equestrian arena. Here’s a peek at Olympic show jumping.Also published on:
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Olympic Equestrian Sport: Defining DressageOlympic dressage has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with athleticism and finesse. As the world’s top dressage competitors prepare for the Summer Olympic Games, onlookers may ask about this intriguing equestrian discipline.Also published on:
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Celebrities Waxing Eloquent at 2012 Commencement CeremoniesInstitutions of higher education invite authors, business leaders, politicians, popular performers and other notables to participate as commencement speakers on graduation day. Here’s a lineup of nearly 150 top luminaries for 2012 graduations.
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10 Fun Ways to Pick a Kentucky Derby Horse Without Knowing RacingHow can you pick a Kentucky Derby horse? Derby Day is all about fun for everyone, from dyed-in-the-wool racing fans to celebrity fashion plates. For those who wish to take it lightly, here are 10 fun ways to choose a Derby bet.
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Kentucky Derby 138 Post Positions RevealedTwenty Thoroughbreds are set to line up for the 138th Kentucky Derby. Here’s the full lineup of three-year-olds for the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. The listing includes the Derby racehorses' pedigrees, owners, trainers and assigned jockeys.
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Post Positions Listed for Kentucky Oaks 138A full field of fillies is ready to run in the 2012 Kentucky Oaks, racing in front of a pinked-out crowd on the first Friday in May at Kentucky’s Churchill Downs Racetrack. Here’s the full lineup for the 138th running of the Kentucky Oaks.
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2012 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Enter Final StretchWhich horses will enter the paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day? Top prospects are emerging, as Derby prep races continue. The latest winner was Hero of Order, finishing first in the Louisiana Derby on April 1.
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Guinness Lucky Irish PieSimple to make, but filled with traditional Irish ingredients, Guinness Lucky Irish Pie adds a pot of gold of value to a St. Patrick’s Day repast. Here’s how to make it, using a recipe handed down for generations on the Irish side of my family.
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10 Ways to Enjoy Animals Without Actually Owning a PetPets are precious, but owning an animal is usually a lifetime commitment – at least for the life of the animal. What if you’re not ready to take that step? Here are 10 ways to spend time with creatures without signing up for a permanent pet relationship.
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Houston's Haven Restaurant Stung by Beehive BanditsTexas chef and restaurateur Randy Evans has a bee in his bonnet, although the bees in his private restaurant garden are gone. Thieves made off with Haven Restaurant’s 500-pound beehive last weekend. What's the buzz on the missing hive?
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6 smart steps for turning down a job offerSuppose you’re one of the lucky job seekers, landing two job offers. What’s the right way to decline one opportunity without burning future networking bridges? Six simple steps can keep you on-track, as you turn down one offer to accept the job you want.
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After-Birth Abortion Claim Points Instead to Pre-Birth HumanityThe ever-heated abortion debate brings out the beast in both sides. Occasionally, key quotes from one side may actually advance the cause of the other, as the latest controversy suggests. Maybe this one just makes the issues more obvious.
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First Person: Sticking to My Grocery Budget Amid Rising Food PricesCosts are climbing, especially for food and essential family items. What can we do to survive price increases, but still keep our cupboards amply supplied? As a parent, I’ve six simple steps to help to keep grocery spending in check each week.Also published on:
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Book Review: Bubba to the RescueArabian Horses are occasionally tagged stereotypically as fiery, but these intelligent, highly trainable equines may also demonstrate excellent athleticism and loyalty, as author Jennifer Walker portrays in her latest Green Meadow book. Here’s a review.
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Former Murdoch CEO Rebecca Brooks’ Horsegate Mount was No HackTo an equestrian, hacking refers to casual horseback riding. But to Great Britain’s Rebecca Brooks, saddled with controversy in the Horsegate scandal, the term now carries broader meaning.
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Nine Manners Musts for Dog-friendly Restaurant GuestsPet-friendly dining is popular in many cities, particularly in warm-weather months, as food may be served outdoors. What rules of etiquette apply to dining with dogs? Here are nine manners musts for guests at dog-friendly restaurants.
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12 Packing Tips for Camping with Your DogWhat equipment, supplies, and other items should dog owners grab to ensure their pets are safe, healthy and happy while camping? Here are a dozen tips to help canines and their human companions enjoy the great outdoors, even overnight.
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Ace: An extraordinary pet that made a spectacle out of meFolks claim that their dogs or cats are smart, and maybe they are. Pet hero stories warm our hearts, as we hear of dramatic rescues and human lives saved by animals. My pet hero story is not exactly a near-death experience, but it might as well have been.
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Could the Million Mustache March Give a Leg Up to a GAMS Act?Blame it on the American Mustache Institute, whose hirsute heralds spent much of February 20 on Capitol Hill, twirling their mustaches and urging legislators to endorse a new tax act. Ladies! Are you ready for equal time?
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Early Kentucky Derby Prospects Emerging in Prep RacesThe Kentucky Derby field is shaping up with prep races underway and just 10 weeks to go until the 138th Run for the Roses. Who are the current top contenders for 2012’s first Triple Crown race?
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Who Are the 2012 Celebrity Apprentice Contestants?When Donald Trump’s “The Celebrity Appearance” opens for business on NBC TV on February 19, what headliners will enter the picture? What charities will the 18 contestants play to benefit? Here’s the 2012 lineup for “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
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5 steps for safer dog walksDog walking offers great exercise for pet owners and their furry friends, but a simple stroll can be pleasant or perilous. Scary street crossings, stranger dangers, and pugnacious pooches can ruin a sweet stroll. What steps can make dog walking safer?
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Using Illinois Strip Club Tax to Aid Rape Victims Fits the BillA controversial bill faces the Illinois Senate, which may require X-rated facility operators to pay a new surtax on patrons, with proceeds aiding sex crime victims. Well, it’s about time!
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7 ways to be a good friend on and off the jobHow many real friends do you have at work? Don’t answer that. What’s the secret to forming solid friendships? The recipe for friendship is no mystery. It relies on basic relationship skills. Seven steps can make you a good friend at work and play.
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Chicago Suburb’s Nix of House Church Seems Selective EnforcementThis isn’t mainland China, Indonesia, or parts of Eastern Europe, where churchgoers grow accustomed to religious persecution. A tiny suburban Chicago congregation faces shutdown, as local lawmakers reject the church’s request to meet in a private home.
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10 tips for dog park safetyLocal dog parks offer recreation and socialization for canines and their owners. Although most dogs play pleasantly, a pet park can quickly turn dangerous for humans and hounds. Here are 10 basic tips for safer dog park trips.
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Rose color meanings can trip you up at workFlower lovers enjoy sending and receiving roses for holidays and special occasions, but what do all the different colors of roses suggest to those receiving them? Each tint carries its own significance. What does each popular rose color mean?
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Sizing Up Contested Greenwich Park, London' 2012 Equestrian Olympic VenueWith the 2012 Summer Olympic Games fast approaching, the host city is prepping for action. London’s Greenwich Park has been transformed into a lavish equestrian facility that appears anything but temporary, although it is. Take a look.Also published on:
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Judge's Denial of Student's Grammy Probation Recess Shows ValuesAs an Illinois judge stood her ground February 6, refusing to grant a rich kid on probation permission to attend the Grammy Awards, parents everywhere likely applauded. Firm authoritarian boundaries seem harder to come by these days.
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Google Doodle Adds Dickens to Literary Lauding Line of LogosGoogle honors Victorian literary giant Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday with a whimsical logo on February 7. Paging through Google Doodle history, we find the search engine has highlighted many famous authors. Take a look.
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Super Bowl XLVI Word Scramble for Football Fan PartiesSuper Bowl Sunday gives athletes and athletic supporters an opportunity to gather for the NFL’s biggest football game. Are you hosting or attending a Super Bowl party this year? Try this Super Bowl XLVI word scramble game for a great icebreaker.
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Pet training: 10 ways to keep your dog from diggingDogs dig digging. We love our dogs, but the digging send humans howling. How can you stop your dog from destroying your yard by digging? Try these 10 tips to keep your Weimaraner, Westie or Wolfhound from wrecking your yard.
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Could Colorado’s Animal Abuse Registry Killing Lead to Violence?Colorado legislators may value cost savings over preventing animal abuse, or at least over alerting residents about those who have harmed God’s creatures.
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10 great ways to beat the winter bluesHow can you battle the winter blues and stay upbeat until spring finally appears? Here are 10 constructive ways to keep spirits, bodies and attitudes lighter while warmer seasons tarry.
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Crazy Canines: Five Reasons Dogs Chase Their TailsWhy do dogs run in circles and chase their own tails? This dizzying behavior makes dog lovers curious. Tail chasing is a common habit for dogs, even if it confounds humans. At least five causes may lead canines to trail their own tails.
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A Parent Puzzles at 12 Planking AlternativesPlanking isn’t the first fad to come and go. In fact, it’s not nearly the funniest or cleverest. Take a look at a dozen forms of planking. What’s next? A parent has to ask.
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NY Racing Board Sticks Trainer with Verbal Abuse FineThoroughbred horse racing trainer Diane Balsamo is $500 poorer. The New York Racing and Wagering Board unanimously upheld a fine imposed for a temper flare in 2011, in which she supposedly snapped at the Belmont Park track vet and disrupted drug testing.Also published on:
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11-year-old Michigan Kid Left Alone for Two Weeks Raises QuestionsWhere does the buck stop, when an 11-year-old child is forgotten at home for two weeks, while her mom sits in jail? The 19,000-plus residents of Wayne, Michigan, are asking this very question. Perhaps we all are.
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10 tips for preparing for a mammogramEarly detection saves lives, when it comes to many kinds of cancers. What can you do to make your breast x-rays as easy as possible.
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Chicago Heart Grows: Proposed Free Car Tags for Purple Heart VetsMaybe big-city politics aren’t always just the stuff of scandals, even in the Windy City. Chicago’s city clerk and two aldermen are proposing to waive vehicle sticker fees for local American veterans who have received Purple Hearts. Well, finally!
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5 reasons your dog barks ... and probably shouldNeighbors may tag him a nuisance, but a barking dog is not always a bad thing. Often, canine vocalization is quite normal, or even helpful. Each breed has its own bark. Why do dogs bark?
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Has the Flu Fizzled in the U.S.?Here we are in mid-January, with winter winds blowing by and snow piling up in many regions of the United States. Where’s the dreaded winter flu, and how can you claim sick leave now?
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Horse of the Year Havre De Grace Completes Trio of Top GirlsHavre de Grace, translated “Haven of Grace,” zoomed to the top of the Thoroughbred horse racing world for 2011, winning the Horse of the Year Eclipse Award.Also published on:
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Steffen Peters Wins Record Third USEF Equestrian of the Year TitleDressage star Steffen Peters earned top honors in American equestrian sports, winning the USEF Equestrian of the Year title for the third time. The 47-year-old German-born Californian won the same USEF honors in 2008 and 2009.Also published on:
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10 tips for bathing your own dogDirty dogs need baths, but this process can be pricey. Professional pet grooming can cost anywhere from $30 to $60 more per visit. How can you give your own dog a bath? Here are 10 steps to help you bathe your own pet.
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Rahab's wonder: Our pet adoption taleRahab simply showed up one day, but the lovely Golden Retriever quickly became the Catalog Dog, or just what we might have ordered. We like to say this cherished canine was dropped off straight from Heaven for our family. Maybe she was.
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Business card etiquette: 10 tips for recipientsHow many business cards do you actually keep, out of the many you collect each week? What’s the proper protocol for dealing with the bounty of business cards we seem to collect? Here are 10 tips I try to use when folks hand me their professional cards.
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Should you pay when friends offer sports or theater tickets?Season pass holders and theater patrons often pass along tickets, even at the last minute, if they have extras or cannot attend. What can you say, when you receive a ticket offer or invitation? Here are four ways a budget-minded person might respond.
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21 Olympic Equestrian Teams Lined Up so Far for London 2012With fewer than 200 days remaining, 21 of the world’s nations have already qualified as entries in equestrian sports for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games. The final list will be announced after March 1.Also published on:
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12 ways to live more deliberately in the coming yearDid you make New Year’s resolutions? Don’t worry. They were made to be broken. But a fresh calendar offers us the opportunity to pick areas for more purposeful living. I’ve picked 12 ways I want to live more intentionally this year. Who’s in?
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'X Factor' Could Grab 'Idol' Emcee Seacrest for a Song ... Or $15 MillionHey, Simon Cowell! Are you listening? Fox says Ryan Seacrest’s costly contract as the popular emcee of “American Idol” is coming to an end and may not be matched again. Could Seacrest replace Steve Jones on “X Factor”?
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7 Human Manners Musts for Approaching Service AnimalsWhat is a service animal? A service animal is trained to offer special assistance to an individual living with a disability. How ought we to interact with these creatures? These seven etiquette tips can guide us, when we see service animals out and about.
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25 Top Worst Christmas Songs Ever – so FarChristmas tunes may delight us … or cause us to cringe. Amid all the Christmas spirit, a few harmonic heartbreaks and melodic mishaps seem to creep through every year. Here are my top 25 worst Christmas song choices.
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10 tips for taking a family road trip with your dogPacking up the family for a cross-country jaunt? Dog-loving families often take canine companions on vacations and long-distance visits. What pointers are most important for those who transport pups? Here are 10 considerations family road trips with dogs.
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10 thrifty and terrific New Year’s Eve party decorationsHow can you deck the halls for a festive and glitzy New Year’s Eve shindig without spending a king’s fortune on supplies? Try these 10 thrifty tips for your December 31 blast.
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10 nifty ways to wrap holiday presents without boxes or gift bagsLast-minute gift wrapping leaves Christmas shoppers a-whirl. Odd-shaped gifts are challenging to wrap without boxes or bags. What’s a gift wrapper to do? Here are 10 creative ways to package holiday gifts, often using items you may already have.
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Expect to Spend $1,800 on Your Christmas PuppyPaws down, a puppy is the classic Christmas surprise for children. What does a puppy cost to buy, and what does it cost to keep the young dog? Here are some of the estimated expenses a new puppy owner should anticipate.
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10 spots to hang Christmas stockings in a home with no fireplaceHow can you hang up Christmas stockings, if your home has no mantle? Here are 10 spots you can put stockings, where Santa Claus is sure to spot them.
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Five Actresses We'd Love to See Playing Mrs. Santa ClausMrs. Santa Claus is the force behind the jolly holiday hero known as St. Nick or Kris Kringle, It takes a special woman to play this popular persona effectively. Here are our top favorites (listed alphabetically) for a Mrs. Claus casting call.
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Shopping Guide: Five Fun & Furry Animal Hats Under $25Fun and furry animal prints are turning up all over this winter. Here are five of our favorites. Tie one on just for fun, and laugh out loud at the winter chill.
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10 Steps to Take when You Find a Lost DogA confused and tag-less Australian Cattle Dog showed up on our lawn not long ago. With a few simple steps and some good fortune, we reunited the errant pup with his anxious owner in under an hour. What can you do, if a lost dog crosses your path?
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Christmas Traditions: Will St. Nick Come to Your House December 6?Christmas may be coming on December 24, but St. Nick comes a lot earlier in many homes. What is St. Nick's Day, and why is it celebrated on December 6?
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Holiday Crafting: Make a Christmas Tree from an Old Paperback BookDo you love Christmas crafts? Are you a book lover? If you answered “Yes” to both, you’ll love this creative holiday project. Kids of all ages can participate in making festive home-crafted Christmas tree gifts and decorations from old soft-covered books.
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Five Ways to Deal with a Snoring Dog.Does your dog snore? Usually, snoring does not harm a dog, although it may impact the sleep of those around him. As a loving pet owner, how can you keep your dog from snoring and keeping you awake? Try these five pointers to silence a snoring pooch.
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First Person: Controlling My Urge to OverspendWhat’s the secret to smart spending? I’ve found a simple strategy: trimming temptations to purchase extra stuff. Take a look at these 10 ways I keep spending in check, while keeping multitudinous marketers at bay.
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10 most offensive things I've seen folks do on airplanesWhat’s the most repulsive thing you’ve seen a fellow passenger do on a plane? I’m no world traveler, but I’ve seen hosts of disgusting deeds on airplanes. Here are the top 10 most offensive practices fellow travelers have done in the air.
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Halloween costumes for grownups: What's your get-up to go?Trick or treat! It's almost Halloween. Have you chosen a costume? Made up your masquerade?
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National Greasy Food Day: Who's biting into a bazillion calorie burger today?Fast food's calling! It's National Greasy Food Day in the United States on October 25 th .
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Facebook etiquette: Is it rude to reveal loved ones' health concerns?Facebook and other social networking sites allow us to interact candidly with family, friends and others. We can even share intimate details of a loved one’s medical condition. What etiquette rules apply to posting others’ news of sickness, surgery or injury?
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Down-under Wonder Horse Black Caviar Can’t Be Beat at 15-0Australia’s 2001 Horse of the Year, super turf sprinter Black Caviar leapt into the record books October 21, winning the Schweppes Stakes and beating Phar Lap’s longstanding 14-0 racing record with her 15th win in a row.
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Five Pretty Patent Leather Peep-Toe Shoes Under $70You don’t have to be a tap dancer or a high roller to kick up your heels in perky patent leather shoes this season. Take a peek at these five fashionable feminine footwear picks, all priced under $70, with peep-toe flair to show off a pretty pedicure.
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Pet Owners: Six Essentials to Leave with Dog SittersPet sitters can be lifesavers, both literally and theoretically. Ask any traveling dog owner that’s ever left her prized pet home with a visiting caretaker. Be sure to leave these six important items with your dog sitter.
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5 key questions to ask your new vetCaring pet owners come up with countless questions for their veterinarians, particularly when visiting new animal doctors for the first time. Here are five questions you should definitely ask your new vet, whether you have a cat, a dog, or even an exotic pet.
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5 tips for choosing the perfect pet for your familyWhat is the best pet for your pack? Our family has taken in a veritable menagerie of pets over the years. Before obtaining a pet, check out these five tips for pet selection, presented by this pet-friendly acronym: “LEASH.”
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World Clydesdale Show Rumbles into Wisconsin October 20-23Thundering hoof beats are descending upon Wisconsin’s capital city for the World Clydesdale Show, beginning October 20. Some 600 Clydesdale draft horses are expected to participate in the global equestrian extravaganza, which runs through October 23.
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News Flash! Hot Flash! October 18 is World Menopause DayThe 18th of October is World Menopause Day, an annual occasion for focusing on mature female health.
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Cupcake-Tossing Woman's Domestic Battery Charges Sound Half-BakedSometimes a little batter at home can lead to domestic battery charges. Dawn Montesdeoca was arrested after apparently tossing cupcakes at her husband during a spat in their Chicago kitchen. Domestic violence is serious, do cupcakes count?
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DIY Halloween Costume: Super-Simple SpiderEek! Is that a spider? Nope! It’s just a Halloween trick or treater in a clever do-it-yourself costume. Have some arachnophobia fun, and spin your own super-simple Halloween spider outfit with stuff you already have.
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Seven Ways to Fill Your Freelance Writing Beat PipelineIf you are a writer, how do you find subjects for upcoming articles? What do you do with ideas, while you prepare to write about them? Try these seven ways to fill and file your freelance writing beat idea pipeline and streamline your composition process.
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Dutrow's 10-year drug-related NY racing ban sullies training legacyRichard E. Dutrow, Jr., is unwelcome in New York racing, based on a ruling banning the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner for 10 years from state racetracks. Dutrow comes from a top horse racing family, whose reputation has now been tarnished.
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Business card etiquette: 10 tips for giving out contact informationBusiness cards are critical components in business and social contexts, as “What do you do?” has virtually replaced “How do you do?” in interpersonal introductions. Try these 10 tips for business card etiquette.
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Shopping Guide: Four Cheap & Easy DIY Halloween Front Porch CraftsHalloween is coming! How can you prepare your porch for the parade of princesses, goblins and superheroes? Here are four easy and economical do-it-yourself Halloween decorations to dress up your front entryway for trick-or-treat fun.
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Is Dr Pepper Ten's Macho Soda Ad Super-Funny or Sexist?Some women may balk at the new Dr Pepper Ten TV ad, which overtly omits dainty drinkers from their target audience, but most of us are laughing our low-calorie butts off. Can testosterone and trimmer waistlines prove profitable partners for Dr Pepper?
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Steve Jobs Quotes: My Top 25 Favorite Lines from the Tech WhizTechnology lovers will long mourn the loss of Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs. Jobs passed away October 5, 2011, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Here are 25 favorite quotations from Apple Founder Steve Jobs.
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Happy harvesting! It's Pumpkin Day!Hey, pumpkin! It's October 7, and that means today is Pumpkin Day. Have you picked your Halloween pumpkins yet? Are you roasting those pumpkin seeds?
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Repole to send Uncle Mo to Coolmore’s Ashford studUncle Mo, Repole Stables’ popular three-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse, will stand at stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud. Owner Mike Repole has reached an agreement with the Kentucky breeding farm.
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Florida's Cake-Stealing Bear Latest in String of Hungry Bear Break-InsFood-seeking wild bears are turning up in the strangest spots, even in private homes, as a Florida homeowner discovered this week. With hungry bears encroaching on residential areas, folks may be fortunate events have not taken a more grisly turn.
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Chicago Cops Find Foolish Fugitives with Fake Free TV OfferWindy City criminals, take note. The five-finger discount doesn’t work, particularly with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. Chicago cops know how to run a ruse. What happened in Chicago?
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What Are the Favorite and Least Favorite Halloween Candy Treats?What’s your most favorite Halloween candy of all? Which sweet surprise do you stockpile before trick or treating starts? Check out these survey results to find out which Halloween candy picks are the most popular for grownups. Is yours listed?
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Five Super Halloween Costumes for Moms Going Trick-or-TreatingOn Halloween, mothers join the fun, donning costumes to go with children on trick-or-treat travels. Grown-ups may be too old to beg for candy, but moms can still dress up and celebrate with their kids. What are the most popular Halloween outfits for moms?
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What’s the etiquette for sharing kids’ fundraiser appeals at work?Fundraisers are plentiful at work, as colleagues circulate charity catalogs and sponsorship forms. What tactics are taboos at work? Check these seven career courtesy steps before committing a fundraising faux pas on the job.
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Five Fun & Kid-Friendly Halloween Costumes for MomsWho says Halloween’s just for kids? Mothers may have outgrown trick or treating, but many moms still enjoy dressing up in fun costumes to go with kids to Halloween parties and even door to door. What are the most fun Halloween costumes for Moms?
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DIY Halloween Costume: Kate MiddletonWant to be Kate Middleton for Halloween? The Duchess of Cambridge is one of the hottest trick-or-treat costume choices this year. Here are three of our favorite ways to pull this fancy look without spending a king’s ransom.
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DIY Halloween Costume: Prince WilliamWant to be Prince William for Halloween? The dashing Brit is a hot Halloween trick-or-treat costume subject this year. Pick from these two fun, but fiscally frugal, do-it-yourself masquerade options, the royal bridegroom or the polo player.
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30 Hypothetical Epithets for Today’s CelebritiesTombstone epithets may be touching or tickling. For famous folks, cemetery markers often bear pithy phrases or statements they made popular onscreen, in songs, onstage or in print. What possible epithets might fit today’s most popular celebrities?
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How FAST can you spot a stroke?This year, nearly 800,000 people may suffer strokes in the United States alone. Immediate intervention can make a world of difference for those affected by these sudden brain attacks.
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How FAST can you spot a stroke?This year, nearly 800,000 people may suffer strokes in the United States alone. Immediate intervention can make a world of difference for those affected by these sudden brain attacks.
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British Baby Born on Brothers' Birthday is More Than a Tongue-TwisterNo one needs to ask Sammy Kellett and Merv Jeanes what their favorite month of the year is. But we might learn a few life-lessons from the beaming British couple with three sons celebrating one birthday. They welcomed a third son … again on September 20.
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5 ways to say no politely to school fundraiser requestsSchool fundraisers can be fund-drainers. Each season brings new pizza flyers, citrus catalogs and other pleas. How can you turn down a host of kids with well-minded solicitations? Try these five tips to set courteous boundaries for fundraising requests.
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Trump Casino's $25,000 Plastic Surgery Promo Can't Help Gamblers Save FaceTrump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City is offering to feed two addictions at once. An October promotion will award a dubiously lucky winner $25,000 of cosmetic surgery. Physicians’ and psychologists’ noses are out of joint. I have to agree.
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Crystal Bowersox Giving Away Kitty for Husband’s AllergiesIt’s not just puppy love for Crystal Bowersox and Bryan Walker. Married nearly a year, the musical couple is seeking an adoptive home for her cat. Walker is allergic, so they’re looking for a Chicago-area home for the feline.
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Keep 'Em Covered: Holly Madison's $1 Million Breasts Join High-priced Celebrity Body Part PoliciesHolly Madison fits right in with 28 curious, costly insured celebrity body parts. Playboy playmate and reality TV personality Madison’s breasts are now covered, at least by insurance. What other celebrities have insured various facets of their physiques?
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California Teacher's Sneeze-Blessing Ban is Just Plain SnottyCOMMENTARY | When a teacher punished a teen for blessing a fellow student after a sneeze, parents were spitting mad. The principal found his actions nothing to sneeze at. God bless ‘em. It’s not even a question of faith, when you pick out the truth.
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Practice Creative Pumpkin Carving for Charity with Free Halloween Stencil DownloadsHalloween pumpkins can be ornate and artistic holiday craft projects. Simple jack-o-lanterns still abound, but detailed designs are popular. Better Homes and Gardens now offers free pumpkin carving designs to benefit charities. Here’s how to use them.
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Early prospects jockeying for positions in 2011 Breeders' Cup ClassicWhich hot-ticket racehorses will line up in November for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic? Top runners are already surfacing, as Thoroughbred horse racing enthusiasts count down to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Take a look.
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Should Naked Car Washer Be Tagged a Sex Offender?COMMENTARY – Has a Massachusetts judge been addled by the idea of a senior citizen’s indecent exposure in an Attleboro car wash? A 65-year-old Rhode Island man was arrested after washing his vehicle in the nude. Was the judge’s sentence too stiff?
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'Idol' Finalist Lauren Alaina Rocks Prize MustangLauren Alaina is known for packing the power in her vocals, but the 16-year-old Georgia songbird now owns the road in a flashy new Mustang convertible. Who will cruise with Alaina and her new hot wheels? How will Alaina keep gas in her new ‘Stang?
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Cash & carry: 10 top tourist scam tricks to avoidDon’t be fooled by frauds or scammed by crooks on your next trip. Tricks are plentiful, as thieves devise ways to separate travelers from their belongings. Planning a trip to a foreign country or in your home nation? Watch out for these devious scams.
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10 Ways to Prepare in Autumn for Winter Dog CareAs brisk fall days signal the end of summer and the coming of colder weather, what should dog owners do to care for their canine companions? Here are 10 tips to help dog lovers look after their Labradors, Boxers, Poodles, Retrievers or other canines.
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To Honor and Serve steals 2011 PA DerbyWith jockey Jose Lezcano aboard, To Honor and Serve (Bernardini x Pilfer by Deputy Minister) zipped across the Parx Racing finish line on a fast track to win the 32nd Pennsylvania Derby in 1:47.34.
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James Bond pulls fevered Tizway from Jockey Club Gold Cup for BC Classic goalAnother racing favorite has fallen, but not for long. Tizway may be down for a moment, but the racer is on the road to recovery. A fever struck Tizway on Sept. 21, so trainer James Bond to pulled the 6-year-old from the upcoming Jockey Club Gold Cup.
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7 signs you may be too old for Halloween trick or treatingDo you still go door to door for free Halloween candy? We've all seen over-aged kids, masquerading as youngsters for trick or treating candy handouts. How old is too old for Halloween trick or treating? Here are seven simple guidelines for grownup kids.
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Putting it Off - My Top 25 Favorite Quotations on ProcrastinationAre you a procrastinator? Many popular figures, both past and present, have made quotable quips and pithy phrasings on the subject of procrastination. Here are my top 25 favorites. Don’t wait! Read them right now!
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Daily Pill May Take Sting Out of MS TreatmentI'm not holding my breath. Still, neurological breakthroughs may eventually allow me and other multiple sclerosis patients to stop shooting ourselves up with immunosuppressant medications. Could Canadian scientists have come up with an MS pill that works?
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First Person: How I Scraped Together $1,500 For My Holiday SpendingA self-employed frugalista in today’s turbulent economic times, I brainstormed for ways to find extra funds for holiday gift shopping. Beginning on the first day of autumn, I rounded up an extra $1,500 to welcome Santa's arrival on December 24.
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Hold the Schweddy Balls, Ben & Jerry!Here’s the scoop. I love ice cream, but I’m just not buying Ben & Jerry’s Schweddy Balls. Are male gonads appropriate fodder for ice cream titling? Folks are chewing the fat on this one, for sure.
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User post: How much Halloween candy should I buy?Leftover trick-or-treat goodies create a sticky issue for dieters.
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NY cops play good sports to chase loose horse from Harlem paradeThundering hoof beats hit the streets of Harlem on Sunday, September 18, with a runaway grey gelding, looking much like this one, bolted about six blocks from a popular city parade with more than 900,000 attendees.
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Babysitters Are Cheaper Than Violations Under Emanuel's Three Strikes CurfewWill the threat of strict curfew fines keep Chicago’s kids off the streets at night? Can a city-wide law prod parents to insist youngsters are home at a decent hour, if parental responsibility were not already enough?
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Emmytones: 2011 Emmy Awards Winners or Losers?A recurrent act at the 63rd annual Emmy Awards set the Tweetosphere chirping even more than the massive “Modern Family” haul of golden figurines. Who were the Emmytones, and what did viewers say about them?
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Top 10 Bible Verses for Get Well CardsGet well cards can raise the spirits of those who are ill. Why not write an uplifting Bible verse in a get well card for someone who is sick? Here are my top 10 favorite Scriptures for raising the spirits of folks who are battling illness or infirmity.
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Top 10 things you just can't say to your bossWanna kill your career with a one-liner? On-the-job taboos abound, and several seemingly casual comments can send you to the unemployment line. Here are 10 of the top things you should never say to your employer, if you want to hold onto your job.
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Writing Wisdom - My Top 24 Favorite Quotations on WritingWhat words of wisdom have famous wordsmiths offered about writing? Take a look at quotable statements from 24 of the most oft-quoted writers of all time.
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Google celebrates Vitamin C on September 16Why has Google gone tropical today?
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Pat Robertson's Alzheimer's Divorce Advice Sickens Many, as it ShouldHow do folks feel about Pat Robertson’s controversial comments on divorce and dementia? Is it wrong for a spouse to divorce a husband or wife with Alzheimer's? Believers of every stripe weigh in on the weighty issue here.
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DIY Computer Repairs: Waging My Own War on Alien InvadersHome computer crises may not equal War of the Worlds or Men in Black for ghastly intergalactic invasions, but they pose dangerous threats of their own. It pays to self-protect. I'm guarding my system against potential predators in a few simple ways.
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Recovering from a High-impact Fall: My Weekly Fitness RoutineAfter a recent tumble from a horse, my weekly fitness routine was tossed and nearly lost. With a broken shoulder and several fractured ribs, I was unable to ride. How have I managed a weekly fitness routine while recovering from a sports injury?
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Free Speech Shouldn't Include Honking Off, Even in WisconsinNo matter how Wisconsin citizens may feel about the politics of Badger State Governor Scott Walker, folks don’t appreciate badgering. Just ask Walker's own Wauwatosa neighbors, who endured daily honking for several weeks from one anti-Walker driver.
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2011 Primetime Emmy Awards Boasts Jane Lynch and a Mob of Celebrity PresentersWhen “Glee” star Jane Lynch hosts the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, she will be joined by a star-studded mob of celebrity presenters. The roster of notables includes stars from top television comedies and dramas. Here’s the list.
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12 tips for consigning your old clothesFashions change with each new season, and so do many of our figures. Is your clothes closet crying for a clean-up? Why not haul some of your styles to a consignment shop? Here's how to consign clothes, shoes and fashion accessories without stress.
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Evangelical family expert James Dobson recovering from equestrian tumbleJames Dobson, one of America's leading conservative family and marriage experts, was tossed from a horse on September 10. Dobson, vacationing in Montana, sustained several fractured bones, including a clavicle, scapula and several ribs.
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Chocolate Milkshake Mania: Calorie Counts in Top Fast Food ShakesHow many calories do chocolate milkshakes contain? Here is a sampling of estimated calorie totals for chocolate milkshakes at several favorite fast food restaurants across the United States. See where your hot spot for a cool shake measures up.
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10 Years Later: 10 Individuals Reflect on 9/11How did folks feel when terrorists hit the U.S. on September 11, 2001? Ten diverse people (including an airline employee and an NYFD deputy chief's daughter), answered these questions: Where were you on September 11? How did the tragic events impact you?
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Expectant Mother's Day is pregnant with possibilities on Sept. 9Are you pregnant? Is a friend or loved one expecting a baby?
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I Run My Own Business as a Communications ProfessionalIs self employment a valid option in today's challenging economy? A growing number of professionals may be adventurous enough to start their own businesses. My own journey through self employment began more than 20 years ago. Take a look.
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ESPN Honors Valiant Racehorse, Airing Charismatic Nov 1Superstar stallion Charismatic (Summer Squall x Bali Babe by Drone) will rein in television viewers just a few days before the start of the 2011 Breeders' Cup World Championships. An ESPN Films documentary, titled 'Charismatic,' is set to air November 1.
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Bridal Shower Game: The Candy Bar Sweet Story of RomanceHere's a fun bridal shower game. Print this original (copyrighted) story. Instruct wedding shower guests to fill in the blanks with the names of popular candies. The complete story appears at the end, so the bridal party hosts can read it afterwards.
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Pardon Me! It’s September 8thToday is Pardon Day. This heartfelt holiday recognizes a Presidential pardon, offered on this date in 1974. U.S. President Gerald R. Ford extended official forgiveness to his predecessor, Richard M. Nixon for any involvement in the 1972 Watergate scandal.
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Take Your Picks from 2011 CMA Awards NominationsCountry music fans eagerly await the 2011 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, on deck for November 9. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return as hosts for the popular event. Who are the 2011 CMA Awards nominees?
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Paging Bibliophiles! September 6 is National Read a Book DayA hearty holiday follows the three-day Labor Day Weekend in the United States (and perhaps many others spots as well). It's Read a Book Day, a lovely day for embracing literacy and exercising those literary brain muscles.
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Top five reasons not to wear white shoes after Labor DayShoo! Shoo! Labor Day is upon us, and it's time to stow those white shoes for a few seasons.
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Seven Great Ways to Wear White After Labor DayFashion mavens caution ladies to pack up white apparel and accessories after Labor Day. Stylish ladies boldly skip traditional fashion rules and incorporate whites into their post-summer wardrobes. Here are seven great ways to wear white after Labor Day.
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September 2 points to Pierce Your Ears DayDo you have pierced ears? How many piercings do you sport? Are they on your lobes or elsewhere? And how old were you when you had your first piercing?
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C'mon and play on Slinky DaySpring into action on August 30!
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Kenosha aims for Guinness World Record September 3 for 'Duck Duck Goose'Good sports of all ages likely recall the popular children's game known as "Duck Duck Goose." Kids and adults are converging on a street in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Saturday afternoon, September 3, hoping to claim the "Guinness Book of World Records" title for the traditional chasing game.
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5 sure signs back to school days are hereDing! Ding! School bells are ringing. Yellow school buses are returning to their residential routes. Kids are strapping on backpacks and heading back to class, most sporting a bittersweet mix of reluctance and eager anticipation.
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Amy Winehouse Adoption Rumors: Gee, I Thought Adoption was TougherCOMMENTARY - Adopt this Amy Winehouse news, if you will. Here's one adoptive parent who might through a childish fit over the possibility of a publicly troubled, yet famous, individual's apparent family options.
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Camis and Courtesy: Stop Strap Attacks at WorkStrap attacks are tacky, especially on the job! All summer, bra straps slip out from under women's tank tops, halter tops and sleeveless blouses or dresses. Here are four ways to keep bra straps from appearing in public.
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Take a chill on July 20th: Nap DayBaby, it's hot outside!
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15 ways to cool off without air conditioningBaby, it's hot outside! Summer is sweet, but it can also be sweltering. How can you cope when the heat index reaches unbearable levels, and you find yourself without air conditioning? Here are 15 ways to keep it cool, even when it's blazing outside.
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Memory Loss: 10 Tips for Keeping Track of Important ThingsMemories can be magical, but memory loss can be a nightmare for many. What can you do to maximize your own ability to retain your memory and remember important facts and tasks? Here are 10 tips for keeping track of critical details.
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Cut off crank calls"Hello? Who is this?"
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Perfect Day for Popcorn ... on Orville Redenbacher's birthdayWho doesn't love a big bin of fluffy popcorn?
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15 years ago today ... Chuck and Di divorcedPrince Charles of Wales and his first wife, the late Lady Diana Spencer, were officially divorced on July 15, 1996. The legal end to their royal marriage was finalized in the High Court on this date.
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Go off on a blue streak on July 14th for Blueberry Picking DayFresh blueberries are the bee's knees, especially on July 14 th . It's Blueberry Picking Day.
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User Post: Boyfriend takes the plunge, proposing while falling off a roof?Stop me, if you've heard this one.
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19 Fast Food Joints Offering Healthy Kid Choices May Be Small PotatoesWho says fast food has to be fatty for kids? Across the US, 19 fast food chains will introduce more health-friendly children's menu choices. What fast foods will become more fit, and will the changes reduce staggering child obesity statistics?
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Holy heat wave! Are you overdone in the sun?Whew! Hot diggity!
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July 12th is Cow Appreciation DayMoo-oo-ove on over!
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Seven Pointers for Safe Summer Dog WalkingDoes your pet pooch hound you to take him out for exercise, even on the hottest dog days of summer? What special measures must you take, so you and your dog can stroll safely in summer? Here are seven key steps for dog walking in the warmest weather.
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July 9th is Intern Appreciation DayToday is July 9 . Do you know where your intern is?
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Betty Ford's Death Leaves Just Six Living American First LadiesBetty Ford, who served as American First Lady to 38th U.S. President Gerald R. Ford from 1974 to 1977, died July 8 in her home in Rancho Mirage, California. The loss of Betty Ford leaves six American First Ladies still living.
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14 Tips for Safer Summer Horse TraileringSummer months bring horse show season and trail riding. However, competitive and recreational riding events means horses may be transported to other locations. Here are 14 safety steps for equestrians hauling horses off-site.
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6 Ways not to hold a successful close-out sale"Wasted time is no bargain! I want those two hours back!"
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As an Adoptive Parent, I Mourn the Loss of Caylee AnthonyI'm an adoptive mother. Many of my friends and relatives are adoptive parents. We know the struggle and frustrations of networking and waiting and hoping and praying for children to join our families. I mourn the loss of Caylee Anthony. Why?
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Seven Ways to cool off in summer cut-off jeansBeat the heat and tan those gams in great jean cut-offs!
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Happy Independence Day, America! Why celebrate?Do up the date Americans first declared independence.
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July 1st is Ginger Snap DayCrunch! Crunch! What's more fun than a foodie holiday, particularly on the threshold of the summer's hottest holiday weekend?
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Granny's Favorite Chewy Ginger CookiesOh, snap! Who doesn't love ginger snaps, especially when those molasses-filled treats are soft and chewy? Try this tasty traditional cookie recipe on your own family, and you will discover why I begged my grandmother to write it down for me years ago.
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Recipe: Cinnamon Oat Crunch CookiesCookies don't have to be dietary no-no's for healthy food fans. These delicious home-baked goodies are packed with fiber and good things. Why not whip up a batch for a family gathering, a holiday party, a summer picnic or a potluck?
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Recipe: Cracklin' Oat Bran CookiesDo you have a cookie fiend in your home? These crunchy, crispy cookies are a family favorite, made with Kellogg's Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal. Don't tell my family how nutritious these home-baked cookies are. I promise I won't tell your family, either.
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Happy 75th birthday, ‘Gone with the Wind’Margaret Mitchell's classic Civil War novel, "Gone with the Wind," was published 75 years ago today. The tremendous tome hit the streets on June 30, 1936, and won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize.
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10 tips for destressing public speakingAre you glossophobic? That's the fear of speaking in front of an audience. Scores of people have it. Call it stage fright or social anxiety, glossophobia is a genuine concern for many. How can you overcome a fear of public speaking? Try these 10 tips.
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12 TIps for Shopping at Farmers' MarketsFresh-air shopping may boast the freshest organic produce, beautiful blooms, juiciest jams and other farm offerings. Are farmers' markets the best deals for smart shoppers? Here are a dozen practical pointers for picking up bargains and great buys.Also published on:
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11 Foods to Skip for a Migraine-free Fourth of JulyCan headache sufferers find independence from migraine pain on Independence? Patriotic picnic spreads offer tempting varieties. Which traditional Fourth of July foods are most likely to trigger migraines in headache-prone individuals?
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Appealing 4th of July Potato Salad Recipes from Y!CN WritersThe 4th of July is Independence Day in the United States, and the biggest picnic day of the year for patriotic Americans. What's on the menu for your 4th of July picnic? Here's a variety of delicious potato salad recipes from Yahoo! Contributor Network wr
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June 28 is Lend Me an Ear DayAre you a good listener? Today is Lend Me an Ear Day.
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Graduation may mean switching the tassel or passing the hatHoly flying mortarboards! When did graduations become so expensive? Commencement ceremonies and the festivities surrounding them can be costly, and not just to the hosts.
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Parents Boil as Facebook Gaming Goes to Pot with 'Weeds Social Club' AppMarijuana may not be legalized across the board, but cannabis cultivators may now ply their trade without fear of reprisal on Facebook. What's a parent to do? Enter '..."Weeds Social Club,' marijuana farming and dealing gone virtual.
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Toby Keith Bets on the Badge for Sherriff Cogburn in Iowa DerbyYou can be sure country megastar Toby Keith will be hooting and hollering for his own 'œAmerican Ride,' as his own Sherriff Cogburn races in the 2011 Iowa Derby on June 25. Will the cowboy music icon bet the ranch on his prized colt?
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Astrology aims high for 2011 Iowa DerbyAlthough 2011 is not the Year of the Horse, Steve Asmussen project Astrology may have a win in the cards. The three-year-old is the favorite for Saturday's Iowa Derby. Astrology was third in the Preakness Stakes, behind Shackleford and Animal Kingdom.
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No humans or horses hurt as tornado damages nine Churchill Downs barnsLouisville's Churchill Downs Racetrack weathered a tornado June 22 that blasted through barns, leaving a swath of toppled roofs and buckled walls in its path. Miraculously, no horses or humans were injured by the storm at the historic racetrack.
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Awesome Gem jockey Robby Albarado aims for third Cornhusker Handicap winHorse racing jockey Robby Albarado is vying for his third Cornhusker Handicap victory on June 25 aboard Lone Star Park Handicap winner and favored entry Awesome Gem. Here's the full 2011 Cornhusker Handicap post position lineup.Also published on:
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Rikers Island Visitor T-Shirts May Set Prison Fashion Precedent and MoreIn prison, cover-ups have often pertained to perpetrators' illegal activities. An American jail now offers another kind of cover-up, pioneering fashion plans for prisons nationwide. New York's Rikers Island may set a style precedent for other arenas too.