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• Kellie Pickler's Kitty Crooner T-Shirt

  About.com 15-Minute Fashion

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:25 pm

  Kellie Pickler is not only a successful American Idol alum, she's also a cat lover. In honor of cat appreciation month (February!), Kellie designed this adorable sweater in collaboration with Geren Ford and Fresh Step cat litter. The sweater features a banjo-playing cat next to a moonshine jug--fitting for the 100 Proof singer. All the proceeds from the sale, that's 100 percent, go to the ASPCA in support of abused and abandoned animals....Read Full Post

• The Luddites

  About.com 19th Century History

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:04 am

  We all laugh about knowing Luddites, people who just can't handle new technology. But the actual Luddites were no joke. As machinery was introduced into the woolen trade in England 200 years ago, weavers who had been producing cloth in their cottages for generations saw a very real threat to their way of life. Improvised armies set out by night and began smashing the new machines. By the winter of 1811-1812 nighttime raids to destroy "shearing frames" became widespread in some regions of England. Taking their name from a local legend, a boy named Ned Ludd who had broken a machine, the…

• The First Man on the Moon

  About.com 20th Century History

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

  On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the moon. But how long did it take him to get to the moon? There were three men on the Apollo 11 mission; who didn't get to walk on the moon? What did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin actually do once they landed on the moon? Find out the answers to these questions plus so much more in this article about the First Man on the Moon....Read Full Post

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Arthur Lee's "Bend Down"

  About.com 80s Music

  21 Jan 2012 | 2:04 pm

  Strictly speaking, this song from the late great Arthur Lee, frontman of the legendary L.A. psychedelic rock band Love, does not qualify as '80s music in the most tidy sense of the term. After all, though originally released on Lee's self-titled 1981 solo LP, the song emerged from various but scattered solo activities during the '70s. When the album was released, few music listeners were even aware Lee was still active in the middle of the new wave era, if they knew who he was at all. This kind of obscurity has always been unjust to the legacy of Lee and his original bandmates during Love's…

• How to Colorblock Your Outfit

  About.com Accessories

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:05 pm

  Colorblocking your outfit is not only stylish, but is really easy to do with the right technique and pieces. This popular method of coordinating colors has become quite the trend, and doesn't show any sign of disappearing anytime soon. It's a great way to put even your most simplest, plainest pieces to good use. With these colorblocking techniques and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating chic statement outfits. Photo courtesy of Style.com

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  About.com 15-Minute Fashion

• Kellie Pickler's Kitty Crooner T-Shirt

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:25 pm

  Kellie Pickler is not only a successful American Idol alum, she's also a cat lover. In honor of cat appreciation month (February!), Kellie designed this adorable sweater in collaboration with Geren Ford and Fresh Step cat litter. The sweater features a banjo-playing cat next to a moonshine jug--fitting for the 100 Proof singer. All the proceeds from the sale, that's 100 percent, go to the ASPCA in support of abused and abandoned animals....Read Full Post

• Free DDF Skin Evaluations at Sephora

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:58 pm

  DDF is bringing the dermatologist's tools to Sephora, free of charge. Sephora sales associates will be armed with a high quality DermScope that takes images of your skin--getting a little closer to your pores than you may have ever wanted to see (but know that it's good for you!). He or she will also lead you through a series of questions to help determine the quality of your skin, your lifestyle and what your major skin care concerns are....Read Full Post

• Shortcut to Looking Great

  16 Jan 2012 | 10:43 am

  One of the smartest ways to get dressed quickly every day is to develop a signature look. At one of the hair salons I go to, the front desk attendant is always simply dressed and barely made up, save for a swipe of bold red lipstick. Or think about Kim Kardashian. She's often seen in a short dress, wide belt and sky high heels....Read Full Post

• White and Warren and Sally Hansen Team Up

  12 Jan 2012 | 10:25 am

  I'm such a fan of fingerless gloves on days when it's cold, but not frigid. The obvious advantage, of course, is that you can use your smart phones without having to take off your gloves. The disadvantage? You're fingers and cuticles are exposed to the elements. That's why I love this partnership between White + Warren and Sally Hansen. For a limited time, when you buy a pair of White + Warren cashmere fingerless gloves, you'll receive a Sally Hansen Ultimate Manicure kit....Read Full Post

• Get Meryl Streep's Look

  9 Jan 2012 | 3:43 am

  Meryl Streep is known for her chameleon like ability to take on other personas--an Italian-American housewife, a glamorous magazine editor, Julia Child and most recently, Margaret Thatcher in Iron Lady.  Equally impressive is her flawless appearance on the red carpet. Here's how to get her makeup look from the London premier of Iron Lady from Celebrity Makeup Artist Stacey Ellis of Byu-Ti Salon who used all MAC Cosmetics:...Read Full Post

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  About.com 19th Century History

• The Luddites

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:04 am

  We all laugh about knowing Luddites, people who just can't handle new technology. But the actual Luddites were no joke. As machinery was introduced into the woolen trade in England 200 years ago, weavers who had been producing cloth in their cottages for generations saw a very real threat to their way of life. Improvised armies set out by night and began smashing the new machines. By the winter of 1811-1812 nighttime raids to destroy "shearing frames" became widespread in some regions of England. Taking their name from a local legend, a boy named Ned Ludd who had broken a machine, the…

• Vintage Images: USS Monitor

  19 Jan 2012 | 3:18 pm

  In late January 1862, 150 years ago about now, workmen in Brooklyn, New York were frantically finishing one of the most innovative machines ever constructed: a warship made of iron. Newspapers originally called it the Ericsson Battery, after its inventor, Swedish-born engineer John Ericsson. The U.S. Navy had been skeptical of Ericsson's design, but after President Lincoln was impressed by a model of the proposed ship, a contract was awarded to build it. One problem was getting it built quickly, as it was known that the Confederates were building their own ironclad warship on the hull of a…

• The Wreck of the SS Arctic

  16 Jan 2012 | 2:53 am

  News reports about the cruise ship Costa Concordia are a reminder of one of the great sea disasters, the wreck of the SS Arctic in 1854. The Arctic was a spectacular ship for its day, a large steam-powered liner with paddle wheels on its sides. It made fast Atlantic crossings and was known for its luxurious appointments. When it suffered a mid-ocean collision with another ship, panic broke out aboard the Arctic. Members of the crew took lifeboats for their own use, hundreds of passengers were left to drown in the icy north Atlantic, and not a single woman or child survived. Approximately 350…

• Forty Acres and a Mule

  15 Jan 2012 | 5:34 am

  The phrase "forty acres and a mule" represented a promise many freed slaves believed the U.S. government had made at the end of the Civil War. There was widespread hope ...Read Full Post

• Why It's Called a Stump Speech

  9 Jan 2012 | 4:57 am

  When we hear about a stump speech today, it means a candidate's standard, and boring, campaign speech. But in the 19th century the phrase meant something much more colorful. First of all, stump speeches got their name because candidates did literally stand atop tree stumps. Though a dictionary from the 1840s helpfully noted that stump speeches might also be delivered from atop a whiskey barrel. These were not polite political addresses like someone might hear in the cities. The characteristics of a stump speech would have included humor, boasting, and insults against opponents. Delivering a…

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  About.com 20th Century History

• The First Man on the Moon

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

  On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the moon. But how long did it take him to get to the moon? There were three men on the Apollo 11 mission; who didn't get to walk on the moon? What did Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin actually do once they landed on the moon? Find out the answers to these questions plus so much more in this article about the First Man on the Moon....Read Full Post

• History Quote of the Week

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:50 pm

  "Pilots take no special joy in walking: pilots like flying. Pilots generally take pride in a good landing, not in getting out of the vehicle." -- Quote by astronaut Neil Armstrong, talking about his famous moonwalk ...Read Full Post

• Jazz Musician Louis Armstrong

  19 Jan 2012 | 12:32 pm

  Often called "Satchmo," Louis Armstrong was a masterful trumpeter who played an instrumental role in the development of jazz. Beloved for his innovative style and energetic performances, Armstrong dazzled audiences for decades. Learn more about how Armstrong rose above his humble origins to become what many call "the greatest trumpet player in the world" in this biography of Louis Armstrong. (Photo by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images)

• Want to Write About History?

  18 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pm

  Hey, everyone! I am currently looking for a contributing writer to write features here on 20th Century History at About.com. Anyone with a passion for history and strong writing skills may apply. If you are interested, please send a cover email, resume, and writing sample to me at history1900s@about.com....Read Full Post

• Quote on Martin Luther King Memorial to Be Fixed

  18 Jan 2012 | 12:42 pm

  As soon as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened in the Fall of 2011 in Washington D.C., there was controversy over one of the quotes. On the Stone of Hope (one of the three main components of the memorial), there is a 30-foot sculpture of Martin Luther King, Jr. on one side and just to his left is a quote that reads: "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness."...Read Full Post

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  About.com 80s Music

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Arthur Lee's "Bend Down"

  21 Jan 2012 | 2:04 pm

  Strictly speaking, this song from the late great Arthur Lee, frontman of the legendary L.A. psychedelic rock band Love, does not qualify as '80s music in the most tidy sense of the term. After all, though originally released on Lee's self-titled 1981 solo LP, the song emerged from various but scattered solo activities during the '70s. When the album was released, few music listeners were even aware Lee was still active in the middle of the new wave era, if they knew who he was at all. This kind of obscurity has always been unjust to the legacy of Lee and his original bandmates during Love's…

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Burton Cummings' "Heavenly Blue"

  12 Jan 2012 | 4:45 pm

  During the late '60s and early '70s, Burton Cummings served memorably as lead vocalist and a chief songwriter in The Guess Who, one of Canada's most popular and successful classic rock bands. Then, when that band dissolved in 1975, Cummings launched a solo career that paid immediate dividends, especially in his homeland. Even so, the singer-songwriter's solo efforts had steadily decreasing impact in the U.S. leading up to the release of his 1980 LP Woman Love, over which Cummings was decidedly displeased. Nevertheless, the album contained several strong compositions, even if the overuse of…

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Jamie Sheriff's "Waitress in a Diner"

  4 Jan 2012 | 4:22 pm

  Readers who have visited this site previously have probably caught wind of my significant admiration for "What About Me," an '80s pop song from the Australian band Moving Pictures that became a modest American hit in both 1982 and 1989. I genuinely enjoy the pronounced melodrama of this track, but more than anything else the piano-based melody remains one of the most haunting '80s tunes I can remember. But I'm actually not here particularly to spotlight this song yet again; instead, I'm strongly reminded of it by another early-'80s ballad - also drenched in piano - that has caught my ear this…

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Gogmagog's "Living in a F*!#ing Time Warp"

  28 Dec 2011 | 2:30 pm

  Have I mentioned before in this space how much I love the serendipity involved in the search for and discovery of worthy but forgotten pop and rock songs from the past? I'm sure I have, of course, as this is a concept that largely inspired this weekly feature in the first place. For that reason, I won't belabor that point, other than to describe the wonderfully surprising way I happened upon this week's selection....Read Full Post

• This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Yazoo's "Only You"

  19 Dec 2011 | 5:05 pm

  At the risk of making this week's installment seem even more complicated than it already is, this superb synth pop track - which features one of the finest keyboard riffs and melodic hooks of the era - actually qualifies as a "forgotten gem" only in the United States. U.K. duo Yazoo - consisting of founding Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke and singer Alison Moyet - was forced to take on the similar but truncated moniker Yaz when an ultimately fleeting American band called Yazoo threatened the pair with substantial legal action. Of course, this name controversy may have had absolutely nothing…

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  About.com Accessories

• How to Colorblock Your Outfit

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:05 pm

  Colorblocking your outfit is not only stylish, but is really easy to do with the right technique and pieces. This popular method of coordinating colors has become quite the trend, and doesn't show any sign of disappearing anytime soon. It's a great way to put even your most simplest, plainest pieces to good use. With these colorblocking techniques and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating chic statement outfits. Photo courtesy of Style.com

• Trendy Tuesday: Tangerine Accessories

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:36 pm

  I'm sure we can all agree that shades of orange have made their mark in the fashion world. While coral ruled last summer, tangerine orange is the newest "it" shade of 2012. Tangerine is bright and fun, without being an actual neon color. It's great for both spring and summer, letting you get the most out of each accessory. If you'd like to take on this hot new trend, start off with this Chain Strap Crossbody...Read Full Post

• Shop Piperlime's Lime Tag Sale

  22 Jan 2012 | 4:33 pm

  If you're a smart shopper, you know that an end-of-the-season sales is the best time to pick up your most stylish pieces. Whether you're looking for your basic essentials or for that special statement accessory, the turn of the season is always a great opportunity to shop smart. Piperlime has recently launched their Lime Tag Sale...Read Full Post

• Get Ready for Spring with London Fashion Week Accessories

  18 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm

  This coming spring might mean Fall 2012 shows and collections, but it also means a new chance to accessorize. That's where last season's Spring 2012 runway comes into play, giving us endless styling inspiration and tips. From yellow handbags to rope belts, see what was hot on the runway at London Fashion Week Spring 2012. Photo courtesy of Londonfw.co.uk

• Shop for Floral Accessories on a Budget

  18 Jan 2012 | 5:25 pm

  It's never too early to start thinking about the next season, and it's certainly never too early to think about sunshine and warm weather. While you're getting ready for Spring 2012, check out these 7 floral accessories under $100. From jewelry to bags, you can easily create a spring friendly outfit on a budget. Photo courtesy of Macys.com

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  About.com Acne

• Weight, Girls, and Acne

  22 Jan 2012 | 6:55 pm

  I'm loathe to talk about weight, especially in regard to teen girls, because I think lots of girls feel the pressure to look a "certain way" and I certainly don't want to add fuel to the fire. But in light of a recent study, and subsequent coverage of the study, I feel the need to jump in....Read Full Post

• Why Isn't My Treatment Working?

  17 Jan 2012 | 5:34 pm

  The hardest thing about treating acne is... finding a treatment that actually works. I must have gone through half a dozen treatments before hitting on one that worked for me. But I'm not complaining because I'm sure many of you of gone through tons more. ...Read Full Post

• Teen Acne Treatment Tips

  12 Jan 2012 | 7:10 pm

  Having acne at any age is tough, but I think it hits teens especially hard. At a time in your life when you're supposed to be having fun and discovering who you are, having acne can really affect your life....Read Full Post

• Video: Skin Care Tips for Men

  9 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm

  Whenever I start talking about skin care, I can see the guys' eyes glaze over. Women are more socially conditioned to take care of their skin, I guess. But it's weird, because men have skin too....Read Full Post

• Exercising More? Watch Out for Body Breakouts

  4 Jan 2012 | 7:05 pm

  One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to get in shape, which is great. I know I could stand to exercise more. (I've been inspired by About.com Exercise Guide Paige Waehner's article listing the health benefits of regular exercise.)...Read Full Post

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  About.com ADD / ADHD

• Dr. Daniel Amen's 6 Types of ADD

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:23 am

  Daniel G. Amen, MD is a physician, child and adult psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and medical director of the Amen Clinics in California, Washington, and Virginia. He is a bestselling author of 28 books, including Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD. Dr. Amen is also a parent of four children, two of whom have ADHD. READ MORE Learn more or join the conversation! FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER

• 9th Annual Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:31 am

  Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities' annual $1,000 Youth Achievement Award is a nationwide recognition of high accomplishment for students 19 or younger with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Nominations for the award are open until February 28, 2012.This $1,000 award recognizes the strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD. It will be given to a student 19 or younger for demonstrating initiative, talent and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field--including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service. Honorable…

• Saying Things Without Thinking

  24 Jan 2012 | 3:23 am

  "Does anyone seem to say the wrong thing to someone, realize it later, way after it's too late, and then feel stupid about it for days afterward? How do you recover?" --About.com Reader Please share your experiences, feelings, and tips for dealing with verbal impulsivity. CLICK HERE TO SHARE Photo © Martin Riedl Learn more or join the conversation! FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER

• Tips for Sticking To Those New Year's Resolutions

  13 Jan 2012 | 3:56 am

  The New Year is here and you may have made a resolution or two. Ever find that some of your resolutions are similar to ones made last year? We may start the new year with good intentions, but as the year moves forward, work toward goals may lose steam with all the other obligations buzzing around us. Here are a few strategies to help you stick it out and reach those goals. Sticking To Your Goals Photo © iStockphoto Learn more or join the conversation! FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER

• ADHD Medication Shortages: Your Information Needed Today

  10 Jan 2012 | 3:36 am

  Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. Many of you may be very familiar with the current shortage of medications to treat ADHD. CHADD is working to get a better handle on the extent of the shortages and would like some information from you. If you would take just a moment to answer a few questions about your personal experience with the availability of your medication, then CHADD will know much more about the extent of the problem, all the medications…

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  About.com Addictions

• Delusions -- More Than Just a Different Point of View

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pm

  Delusions are a tricky subject for many people to get their heads around. How can a doctor figure out whether someone's beliefs are true or not, and what does it matter if they are incorrect anyway? ...Read Full Post

• Is Your New Year's Resolution Still Going Strong?

  22 Jan 2012 | 5:21 am

  It's three weeks into January -- by now, many of us who made New Year's Resolutions will have had at least one relapse ... So should you just give in, and resign yourself to another year of addiction? No way! Relapse can be disappointing, and for some substances such as alcohol, heroin and painkillers, it can be downright dangerous to have a binge after you've gone cold turkey. But recovery does tend to include relapse stage, and people who are successful at overcoming addiction may cycle through the stages of change several times before quitting entirely....Read Full Post

• Losing Touch With Reality

  19 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pm

  Often when people use drugs, they want to change their perception of reality. They want the world to seem like a simpler, happier place, for reality to be less scary or intimidating, or to make life more interesting and fun. ...Read Full Post

• Bad Ecstasy Alert!

  15 Jan 2012 | 11:46 am

  The 24 Hours newspaper reported recently that a recent spate of deaths of young ecstasy users has been linked to a contaminant called PMMA -- and at least 16 more ecstasy-related deaths are currently under coronor's review to identify whether PMMA was present. ...Read Full Post

• A Fresh Start in 2012

  8 Jan 2012 | 10:03 am

  January marks the time of year when people most often resolve to change their ways for the better. It isn't just hard core addicts that want to change, but ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Adoption / Foster Care

• Hollywood Adoptions - Bonding Is Important

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:07 pm

  Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley - Katherine Heigl and husband, Josh Kelley, have recently shared that they are ready to start the adoption process again. The couple adopted their daughter, Naleigh, about three years ago from Korea. Heigl has also shared that she struggled a bit bonding with their daughter, while her husband and Naleigh clicked right away. Through an interview with Scholastic Parent & Child magazine she acknowledged the importance of being prepared to parent an adopted child and how the process of forming attachments take time, building trust takes time. I'm so glad to…

• The Culture of Foster Care and New Book: Postcards From The Soul

  17 Jan 2012 | 5:24 pm

  Cover art for Postcards From The Soul. Copyright © 2011 Foster Care Alumni of America www.fostercarealumni.org The Foster Care Alumni of America's Community Art Project explores the culture of foster care through these very personal pieces of art. Who knew so much could be said on something the size of a postcard? I still remember when I first viewed these postcards. What a powerful impact they had on me and my viewpoint of not only the foster care system but the children and how they experience foster care....Read Full Post

• One Celebrity Closer to Adopting While the Other Further Ponders the Possibilities

  12 Jan 2012 | 9:47 am

  Queen Latifah - The actress shared during an interview with Access Hollywood that she is interested in adopting a child. The forty-one year old said that she would raise her children with morals, values, and God. She also added that she would try to be more like her mom....Read Full Post

• Huntsman Upset by Hateful Ad Featuring Adopted Daughters

  10 Jan 2012 | 8:54 pm

  It seems that a group supporting Ron Paul's bid for the Republican Presidential Candidacy has used pictures of Jon Huntsman's adopted daughters as infants in a video ad with the spoken words, "American values. Or Chinese?".  Jon Huntsman and his wife have internationally adopted two children from China and India.  According to reports, Jon Huntsman called the ad "just stupid" and invited those against his candidacy to attack him, not his children.  Ron Paul denies having any knowledge of the ad....Read Full Post

• Top 15 Topics of 2011

  9 Jan 2012 | 11:21 am

  I have been taking a bit of time to look over the top topics for 2011. These are the articles and book reviews that readers of About Adoption & Foster Care have visited the most in 2011. I wonder what 2012 will bring in regards to hot topics?...Read Full Post

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  About.com Adventure Travel

• Snowshoeing is an Escape From Urban Activities

  21 Jan 2012 | 3:00 pm

  Have you ever tried snowshoeing? It's a low-impact outdoor activity that places you in beautiful settings. Walking through a meadow, or on a trail through the woods you can catch up with friends and chat with your kids (who won't be sending texts to friends at that moment). If you want to go with a group, several organizations around the country, and possibly in your city, offer snowshoe excursions....Read Full Post

• Enjoy Boundless Adventures With This Adventure Travel Company

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:09 pm

  If you want small-group adventure travel trips that range from trekking in the Himalayas to visiting Cambodia, with cultural experiences such as having lunch with an Icelandic family and meeting locals in Peru's Sacred Valley, take a look at Boundless Journeys vacations....Read Full Post

• Top on "Things to Do" List Near Cancun, Mexico

  13 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Put on your helmet and turn on the miner's light.  It's time to enter the Rio Secreto cave system in Riviera Maya, Mexico.  The journey, part walking and part swimming in the underground river, was a highlight of a recent trip to Mexico. Rio Secreto was formed after an asteroid crashed into the Yucatan Peninsula.  A 2010 study concluded that this is the asteroid that resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs....Read Full Post

• Explore National Parks Free This Weekend

  10 Jan 2012 | 8:14 am

  You can enter any of the 397 national parks in the U.S. for free this weekend and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. You can walk in Dr. King's footsteps at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Georgia, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, or the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC....Read Full Post

• Free Best of Destinations Wallpaper for iPhones

  7 Jan 2012 | 2:28 am

  If you have an iPhone, take a look at the folder of colorful "iPhone 4 Adventure Travel Wallpapers- Best of Destinations" travel images that Austin Lehman Adventures has created. You can download the images for free. There's a link to the wallpapers in  Austin Lehman Adventures.  This is one of the top adventure travel companies, with adventurous trips for adults and families around the globe.

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  About.com Africa Travel

• The "Little Five"

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:05 am

  You've probably heard of the "Big Five" (Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion and Rhino). Did you know Africa also has a "Little Five"? There's the cute little Elephant Shrew, that scientists have recently discovered is actually not a shrew at all. It can, however, leap several feet into the air and leave a nasty scent to mark its territory. The Rhinoceros Beetle is a nominee for "strongest living thing on earth". The Leopard Tortoise can live up t0 100 years and every individual has unique, beautiful markings on its shell. The Buffalo Weaver makes notoriously messy nests, a little embarrassing…

• Africa's Oscar Hopefuls for 2012?

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  This may be my shortest blog yet. There are no African films/shorts/documentaries/animation features in the final list of nominations for the 2012 Oscars. Of course, numerous films have been made in Africa in the past year. Nollywood is still booming and FESPACO 2011, Africa's best known film festival, showcased plenty of excellent films. I guess the only way to check out new African movies is to attend a festival. Annual Movie Festivals in Africa: Cairo (Nov/Dec) Lagos (March/April) Zanzibar (July) Burkina Faso (FESPACO, biannual March) Uganda Durban (July) and Cape Town (November) There are…

• Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Africa - But Not So Much the Chinese...

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:12 am

  The Year of the Dragon is being celebrated by Chinese communities throughout Africa. The Chinese New Year never struck me as a festival to write about, since Chinese communities used to be relatively small and far between. But in the past decade over a million Chinese immigrants have moved to Africa (Source: The Guardian). It started with foremen, workers, and their families moving to fulfill mining contracts, and infrastructure projects. But you'll now find Chinese shops, restaurants and businesses in every decently sized town throughout sub-Saharan Africa. From personal experience I have…

• 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Kicks Off

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:01 am

  Africa's biggest sporting event, the 28th Africa Cup of Nations, kicks off today in Equatorial Guinea. The vuvuzelas are out in force, and the fans are dancing and drumming up a storm. The home team faced Libya for the opening match in the well appointed Estadio de Bata, located in the coastal city of Bata, the country's largest city. The Libyans were expected to win, as they were by far the strongest team on paper. They wore a new all-white team kit, since the old green outfits reflected Gaddafi's (now dead) revolution. But Equatorial Guinea squad - Nzalang Nacional (National Lightning)…

• Voodoo, Black Magic, Juju, Obeah ...

  19 Jan 2012 | 3:59 am

  The BBC has an interesting piece on witchcraft and soccer in Cameroon. In the past I've had numerous complaints about adding a paragraph about witchcraft in my piece on "Soccer in Africa".  Mostly from middle class Africans who hate the way "black magic" is portrayed in the media. But if you read another BBC piece about Voodoo in Benin, you'll see there is nothing to be ashamed about. The Pope was visiting Benin at the time, so it was an interesting case of two quite different religions living side by side in harmony. Benin is not the only African country with a healthy…

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  About.com African History

• 41 Years Ago - Idi Amin Takes Power in Uganda

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm

• 23 January 1879 – Zulu Defeat at Rorke's Drift (Anglo-Zulu War of 1879)

  22 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm

• 22 January 1879 – Zulu Victory at Isandlwana (Anglo-Zulu War of 1879)

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:01 pm

• Anglo-Zulu War Begins – 11 January 1879

  10 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm

• The Bantu Women's League Campaign Against Pass Laws – 7 January 1919

  6 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm

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  About.com African-American History

• Remembering Melvinia

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:43 pm

  Seeing the first lady take her seat in the visitor's gallery of the House of Representatives for President Obama's State of the Union address was a reminder of the history ...Read Full Post

• The Tuskegee Airmen

  20 Jan 2012 | 11:38 am

  The new George Lucas action film "Red Tails" tells the story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, a celebrated group of African-American fighter pilots in World War II. The very existence of the squadron was a milestone. The U.S. Army was still segregated during the war, and it took the intercession of the Roosevelt administration to authorize the training of black pilots. As they were trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, they became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. Under the command of Benjamin O. Davis, an Army Air Force officer who eventually was promoted to general, the pilots battled…

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

  16 Jan 2012 | 4:19 am

  As we pause to observe Martin Luther King Day, it's a good time to look back on his career. Dr. King first came to prominence as a leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his name became closely associated in the public mind with the Civil Rights Movement. His "I have a dream" speech in August 1963 is often quoted, and it stands out as a classic American oration. And his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" is also considered a major essay of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King's colleague in the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis, who is now a congressman from Georgia, remarked this morning on…

• Langston Hughes

  12 Jan 2012 | 4:51 pm

  The author Langston Hughes was one of the most influential black writers of the 20th century. Known primarily ...Read Full Post

• Slave Rebellions

  9 Jan 2012 | 9:58 am

  Uprisings by slaves didn't happen often. But a few notable incidents made a constant fear of slave rebellions resonate deeply in the American South. The Stono Rebellion, in 1739, was the largest slave revolt in colonial America. Slaves along the Stono River in South Carolina, some of whom had served as soldiers in Africa before being sold into slavery, planned their actions carefully. After seizing weapons, the slaves, in military formation and flying flags, tried to march south to Florida. The local militia located and attacked them, killing many. Nearly a century later, Nat Turner's…

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  About.com Agnosticism / Atheism

• How Can We Get More Accurate Numbers of Atheists in America?

  28 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Getting accurate surveys about atheists and even just the numbers of atheists is difficult given how much animus there is towards atheists and atheism. What information we do have, however, suggests that the numbers of atheists in America are indeed growing, even as distrust and hatred of atheists also grows. But is there any way to get better and more accurate information about how many atheists there are in America? Share Your Ideas: How Can We Get More Accurate Numbers of Atheists in America?

• Favorite Agnostic / Atheist Blog of 2011

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  It wouldn't be the internet anymore if we didn't have blogs, would it? There are a lot of great atheist and agnostic blogs out there exploring all facets of religion, belief, and living without gods. Which blogs do you read the most and recommend the most? Nominate your favorite atheist blog or blogs for the 2012 About.com Readers' Choice Awards! Submit Your Nomination: Favorite Agnostic / Atheist Blog of 2011

• Manal Abul Hassan: Undignified for Women to March for Woman's Rights

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  According to Manal Abul Hassan, a female leader in Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), it is an "affront" to women's "dignity" when women march in defense of their own rights. Since Egyptian women wouldn't voluntarily do that to themselves, then the marches done by women must have been funded and instigated from abroad. It all makes so much sense, right? Read Full PostManal Abul Hassan: Undignified for Women to March for Woman's Rights originally appeared on About.com Agnosticism / Atheism on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 12:00:24.Permalink | Comment | Email this

• Joshua & Genocide - Book of Joshua as a Manual for Genocide

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  The Book of Joshua depicts a genocidal campaign against the people of Canaan. These Canaanites never attacked any Israelites, never enslaved any Israelites, and aren't shown ever doing anything to justify their mistreatment. The only "crime" they committed was living in the wrong place at the wrong time. They occupied land promised to the Israelites by God at a time when God decided to finally make good on that promise. Read Article: Joshua & Genocide - Book of Joshua as a Manual for Genocide

• Religious Privilege & Anti-Atheist Bigotry are Two Sides of the Same Coin

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Bigotry isn't just a matter of treating one group as inferior, but also of treating another group as superior. Anti-atheist bigotry can be expressed by telling atheists that they aren't moral enough for politics as well as by telling Christians or religious believers that they are needed in politics because the government has need of their moral values. Bigotry and privilege are two sides of the same coin whether the issue is race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or belief in gods. Read Article: Religious Privilege & Anti-Atheist Bigotry are Two Sides of the Same Coin

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  About.com Albuquerque

• Best Weekend Bets

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:12 am

  Talk about your photo op! If you're in the area and have young ones, the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile will be at Erna Fergusson Library today from 2 p.m. - 4 ...Read Full Post

• Albuquerque Crime Statistics

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:53 am

  The FBI publishes an annual Crime in the United States report, and although the numbers are still being compiled for 2011, the 2010 numbers are in. Albuquerque is often cited for being a city with a high crime rate, but what does that mean? The Albuquerque crime statistics for 2010 note there were less homicides than in 2009. There were several categories where the city fared better than the previous year....Read Full Post

• Happy Year of the Dragon

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:29 am

  Today marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. This dragon is special, as it is a Water Dragon, and occurs only once every 60 years, making it more auspicious than usual. The year is expected to bring prosperity and transformational change....Read Full Post

• Win a Romantic Weekend for Valentine's Day

  19 Jan 2012 | 5:39 am

  Did you know Albuquerque has been rated one of the top five places in the U.S. to pop the question? Wanderlust found the Albuquerque experience of proposing in a hot air balloon to be incredibly romantic....Read Full Post

• Dinosaur Century Celebrates 100 Years of Discovery in New Mexico

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:31 am

  The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will kick off its year long tribute to the New Mexico Centennial this Saturday, January 21. The museum will showcase prominent paleontological finds in its special Centennial exhibit, Dinosaur Century: 100 Years of Discovery in New Mexico....Read Full Post

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  About.com Alcoholism

• Alcohol in the News

  26 Jan 2012 | 6:01 pm

• Mixed Results in Annual Drug Survey

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:44 pm

• Meth Shakers Overwhelm Burn Units

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:47 pm

• Best Colleges for Non-Drinkers Named

  23 Jan 2012 | 6:01 pm

• Do You Have an Alcohol or Drug Problem?

  21 Jan 2012 | 4:01 am

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  About.com UFOs / Aliens

• The Wanaque Reservoir Incident

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:58 pm

  Researchers know from many eyewitness reports that unknown flying objects seem to be attracted to electricity and nuclear power. Also, there can be no question that they are also, at ...Read Full Post

• UFO Encountered in Wyoming

  22 Jan 2012 | 8:39 pm

  I received a report from an eyewitness of a 1970s encounter that occurred in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The witness had kept this information to herself for many years, but feels that ...Read Full Post

• UFO Reported over Stafford, Virginia

  18 Jan 2012 | 8:43 pm

  In November, 2011, a woman was home alone at her residence in Stafford, Virginia. At about 10:30 PM, she walked to the back door to look out at the night ...Read Full Post

• Has Kepler Discovered Alien Signals?

  16 Jan 2012 | 8:46 pm

  I saw this article on the Net that I thought was interesting, and you will too. According to US Scientists Work to Decipher Possible 'Alien' Signals, University of California-Berkeley's Kepler team ...Read Full Post

• 2011 - UFO Sighting in Connecticut

  15 Jan 2012 | 7:30 pm

  In July, 2011, a 36-year-old woman got the scare of her life. As she watched television with her son, she saw a bright light coming from outside her apartment. When she went ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Allergies

• Pepper Spray to Treat Nasal Allergies?!

  23 Jan 2012 | 6:26 pm

  We all have a pretty good idea about what pepper spray is -- the self-defense weapon that is carried by police and can be found at most sporting goods stores. And, what it does -- remember that video of the UC Davis police department pepper spraying the Occupy Wall Street protestors who were staging a sit-in on campus property -- resulting in stinging and burning of the eyes, nose, skin and lungs. Now, imagine actually squirting pepper spray, in a diluted form, in your nose in an attempt to reduce the symptoms of nasal allergies. Sounds crazy, right? Well, capsaicin nasal sprays are available…

• Could Your Cold Actually Be A Sinus Infection?

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:16 pm

  January is cold and flu season, and many of us are walking around with stuffy noses and a box of Kleenex right now. Some of us have allergies, some have the common cold, and others may even have sinus infections. Symptoms of a cold that don't get better after a week or two could represent a allergies or a sinus infection. A sinus infection may simply cause nasal congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip, coughing and/or a headache -- and may not necessarily cause facial pain/pressure, green nasal discharge and fevers....Read Full Post

• Girl Dies at School From Peanut Allergy

  11 Jan 2012 | 6:53 pm

  A 7-year-old Virginia girl died last week as a result of a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. Apparently, the girl had been given a peanut (or peanut-containing food) from another child while on the playground. The girl developed shortness of breath and hives and sought help, although apparently no treatment was given at the school. When emergency medical services arrived at the school, the girl was already in cardiac arrest. She was taken to a local hospital where she was declared dead....Read Full Post

• Natural Allergy Relief

  8 Jan 2012 | 1:04 pm

  More and more of my patients are asking for non-drug options for the treatment of their allergies. Whether this is an attempt to cut costs, reduce medication side effects, or to thumb their nose at the pharmaceutical industry, this trend is becoming more common. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to treat allergies without medications. I often caution my patients, however, that herbal supplements and non-traditional approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of allergies are unproven and often even more expensive than that of pharmaceutical treatments....Read Full Post

• It's 2012 -- Did You Just Develop an Allergy to Alcohol?

  1 Jan 2012 | 5:11 am

  If you're reading this blog, there's a good chance that you had a good time last night. Maybe a really good time. But you're probably not having that great of a time today, likely as a result of some sort of a reaction to alcoholic beverages. Most people have experienced a hang over from drinking too much alcohol (and not enough water), but could you be experiencing an allergic reaction to alcohol? There are a variety of different types of reactions that a person could experience from alcohol, from a variety of different causes. Some of these could include an allergic reaction (or at least…

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  About.com Alternative Music

• From the Vaults Friday: Magazine, Real Life (1978)

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  The Year: 1978 The Album: Magazine, Real Life Who it Influenced: Radiohead, The Smiths, The Auteurs, Pulp, Momus, Tall Dwarfs The debut album for post-punk originators Magazine —and the arch, ironic, anxious persona ...Read Full Post

• M. Ward's New Solo Album Out in April

  26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  Him to She, a Monster of Folk, and mumblin' bluesman supreme: it's our old pal M. Ward. Three years after 2009's Hold Time, Ward ...Read Full Post

• Chairlift Tour the World in Support of Something

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Chairlift just released their second LP, Something. It's really rather good; an evolutionary step from 2008's Does You Inspire You that reduces and clarifies the band's sound to a singular ...Read Full Post

• St. Vincent Touring the Globe in 2012

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  I found St. Vincent's third LP, Strange Mercy, a little overrated (her place on Stereogum's indie crushes list was, however, certainly not overrated (promotional conversations tend to reinforce this)). St. Vincent ...Read Full Post

• Sharon Van Etten Adds More Tramp Tour Dates

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Sharon Van Etten has a new album. It's called Tramp. It's out February 7 on Jagjaguwar. And features more of Miss Van Etten's magical melancholy, this time tricked out in ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Alzheimers Disease

• Babyloid: New Robotic Baby Designed to Comfort Nursing Home Residents

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:10 am

  A new robotic baby invention called a Babyloid was recently developed in Japan to "interact" with nursing home residents. The goal is to help alleviate depression in nursing home residents, perhaps by providing something for them to care for and nurture....Read Full Post

• Mental Exercise in Early & Middle Years = Reduced Brain Plaques Later in Life

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:34 am

  Think you're too young to try to prevent Alzheimer's disease? Think again. The latest research published in the Archives of Neurology journal concludes (as have other studies) that brain exercise is an important tool in reducing your risk of Alzheimer's. But this time, researchers looked at the level of mental exercise in early and middle life as self-reported by 65 participants with an average age of 76. They found that individuals who reported an active cognitive lifestyle (defined by reading, writing and playing games) in their early and middle years displayed fewer beta-amyloid deposits…

• Potential Alzheimer's Drug Dimebon Fails in Clinical Trials

  22 Jan 2012 | 11:39 am

  Dimebon, a drug that has been in phase three of clinical trials for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, has recently been discontinued after studies concluded it was ineffective. Dimebon is a drug that was first used in Russia decades ago as an antihistamine, and in the last few years has undergone testing to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's in the United States. Dimebon was never sold or marketed in the United States....Read Full Post

• US Dept. Health & Human Services Releases National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease

  14 Jan 2012 | 9:02 am

  This week, the United States' Department of Health & Human Services released its Draft Framework for the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. This is the nation's first comprehensive plan to target Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Development of this plan is part of the National Alzheimer's Project Act- a long overdue project, in my opinion....Read Full Post

• Address Book Becomes Tool for Conversation In Dementia

  8 Jan 2012 | 8:06 am

  Today's Dear Abby newspaper column contains a letter from one of her readers that I want to share with you. A woman from Kansas wrote in to Dear Abby to share that visiting her mother-in-law, who was in a nursing home with dementia, was difficult because she didn't know what to talk about with her. Maybe you've been in those shoes?...Read Full Post

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  About.com American Food

• Chocolate Cream Pie: An American Classic

  26 Jan 2012 | 5:20 am

  The affection for something soft and sweet in a crust seems to be a purely American trait, and when you add chocolate to the mix, it becomes a full-fledged love-affair. Chocolate Cream Pie is a perfect example of this; velvety-smooth, chocolate custard topped with billowing mounds of fresh whipped cream in a crisp crust is about as classic and homespun of an American dessert as you can get, but it still has so much appeal....Read Full Post

• Americans Love Super Sunday

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:52 am

  It seems everyone is a football fan on Super Bowl Sunday. Even folks who don't know a field goal from a first down somehow end up in front of the flatscreen with a group of friends, debating referee calls and critiquing the half-time show. And when it comes to game day food, the Super Bowl is "super" indeed; consider that 1 billion chicken wings are consumed by Americans on Super Sunday, as well as 325.5 gallons of beer and 28 million pounds of potato chips. Now those are some astounding numbers!...Read Full Post

• The Original Buffalo Wings

  17 Jan 2012 | 3:51 am

  The Anchor Bar, owned by the Bellissimo family in Buffalo, NY, has been serving up their famous Buffalo Chicken Wings since 1964, and not much has changed with the recipe since then....Read Full Post

• Salmon Chowder: Two-in-One

  13 Jan 2012 | 6:10 am

  I dispelled with the notion of New Year's resolutions years ago - mostly because I know myself too well. However, this year I decided that I would start eating more fish, especially in the winter. For some reason, I seem to cook fish and seafood mostly in the spring and summer months. Probably because I live in New England, where winter means chapped cheeks and frozen fingers and toes, and as a result, all you crave is the cozy comfort of a warm bowl of soup. So I created this Salmon and Corn Chowder to 1) try to stick to my New Year's resolution and 2) combat the chill of a northeast winter.

• Chicken Chili for the Gang

  9 Jan 2012 | 1:16 pm

  If a gathering of friends and family looms on the horizon, rustle up this pot of Two-Bean Chicken Chili and surround it with some deliciously simple accompaniments. Chili serves a gang, is informal, and can be made ahead and reheated before serving - making it just about the perfect dish for entertaining. And this robust version is loaded with flavor, thanks to ground chipotle chili powder and a little something extra from a surprising ingredient - fresh orange zest and juice....Read Full Post

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  About.com American History

• Rutherford B. Hayes, Nineteenth President

  16 Jan 2012 | 6:33 pm

  Rutherford B. Hayes was the nineteenth president of the United States. He only served one term, March 4, 1877 to March 3, 1881. He had strong views on civil service reform that often made him unpopular, as shown by this quote, "I am not liked as a President by the politicians in office, in the press, or in Congress. But I am content to abide the judgment - the sober second thought - of the people."...Read Full Post

• Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and His Fight for Civil Rights

  15 Jan 2012 | 6:13 pm

  Every year on the third Monday of January, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. His fight for civil rights and equal treatment for all people brought the plight of African Americans into the public eye. His effect on America and its people is beyond measure. One can only wonder what Martin Luther King, Jr. would think about the election of America's first African-American president. Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his fight.

• Characteristics of the New England Colonies

  12 Jan 2012 | 4:31 am

  Colonial America is often divided into three regions to help explain the different characteristics exhibited by each area. The New England colonies included Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire. This area shared many common characteristics owing both to the region's geographical aspects and the shared culture and religion of its people. Learn about these common characteristics of New England and how they affected its development and history.

• Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction

  31 Dec 2011 | 12:30 pm

  In 1863, Abraham Lincoln created a Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction that applied to all Confederate lands. Its goal was to look forward to the end of the war and how the rebelling states and individuals would be allowed back into the union. Learn about this document with this article that looks at its key provisions and impact....Read Full Post

• Presidential Assassinations and Assassination Attempts

  31 Dec 2011 | 12:02 pm

  Since the founding of the United States, four Presidents have been assassinated while in office. An additional six presidents were subject to assassination attempts. President Gerald Ford was actually subject to not just one but two assassination attempts, both by women. Learn more about each assassination and attempt on President of the United States.

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  About.com Amsterdam Travel

• Tourists Can Still Toke in Amsterdam

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Far and wide, the most popular question I've received from prospective visitors in the past year has been about the hot-button issue of whether the Netherlands has adopted a "weed pass" that bars anyone who isn't a Dutch resident from the country's cannabis coffeeshops. The answer, in short, is no (or rather, not yet): tourists are still welcome in coffeeshops nationwide - Amsterdam included - with the exception of the southwestern city of Maastricht. Even if the "weed pass" is approved, tourists can still visit Amsterdam's coffeeshops until at least 2013. Read more about the prospective weed…

• Focus On: The Jordaan

  21 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Many tourists who visit Amsterdam soon realize that there's much more to the city than the historic center and, moreover, that much of it takes only a few short minutes by foot or bike to reach. The Jordaan is one such neck of the woods: located just outside the Western Canal Belt, this artsy enclave appeals with its quaint, canal-side streets, abundant artists' studios, irresistible restaurants and more. Learn more about the Jordaan in Amsterdam.

• A Month-by-Month Guide to Amsterdam

  16 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Visitors to this site often ask when the best time to visit Amsterdam is, but there's no one answer that fits everyone. Some visitors prefer fewer crowds; some will hold out for the hope of better weather; and others still have a special seasonal event in mind, like a visit to Keukenhof's tulip fields or the experience of Amsterdam on Queen's Day or New Year's Eve. Whatever your preference is, find out what characterizes each time of year with this summary of Amsterdam month by month.

• A Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam

  15 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Renowned for its tolerance, the Netherlands - and particularly Amsterdam - welcomed people of all creeds who had suffered persecution in their homeland. One such people were the Sephardic Jews, or Jews of Iberian descent, who left an indelible mark on the city; the Portuguese Synagogue, or Esnoga, is a testimony to their presence, and contains the world's oldest Jewish library. Don't miss this handsome temple on a trip to Amsterdam's Jodenbuurt (Jewish District). Read more about the Portuguese Synagogue and Ets Haim Library.

• How to Be Polite in Dutch

  9 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  While it's by no means necessary in Amsterdam, travelers often try to learn a few words of Dutch before their trip to express their courtesy to locals. Expressions of politeness are usually at the top of the list of phrases to learn. Learn how to pronounce and use these phrases correctly with this primer on how to say "please" and "thank you" in Dutch.

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  About.com Theme Parks

• The Last Ride

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:42 am

  My father wasn't a fan of roller coasters. He was wary of tall escalators, let alone rickety mechanical rides. But he and my mother dutifully took my brother and me to the coaster havens of our youth and helped plant the seed for this crazy love affair I developed with amusement parks. While he steered clear of the rides, my dad nonetheless enjoyed his park visits around New England, particularly the delicious park food we both craved, such as homemade potato chips and onion rings at Salisbury Beach, chop suey sandwiches (you read that right: sandwiches filled with chop suey!) at Salem…

• Dolly Parton Gets into Snow Business

  24 Jan 2012 | 9:42 am

  The Nashville area has been without a major theme park since Opryland closed its grand ole' park a few years ago. In 2014, the Tennessee metropolis will still be coaster-less, but it will have a new water park and snow park. According to Dollywood, it will partner with the Gaylord Opryland Resort to develop a 114-acre property next to the Nashville resort. The first phase will feature an outdoor water park, to be open in the warmer months, and an outdoor snow park that will entertain guests during the cooler months. Details were not available, but it's likely that the snow park would include…

• Disneyland's Grand Dame Even Grander

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm

  Like many grand dames from California, the Disneyland Hotel got a facelift. Soon after Disneyland opened in 1955, the adjacent hotel welcomed its first guests. Through the years it grew and evolved, but it had recently been showing its age, especially in comparison to the resort's elegant and upscale Disney's Grand Californian. Two years ago, the Mouse began re-Imagineering the hotel and has now taken down the construction walls. In addition to renovated rooms, the made-over Disneyland Hotel features new restaurants, a new courtyard, the themed Big Thunder Suite and Fairy Tale Suite, and…

• Chutes and Towers

  20 Jan 2012 | 10:14 am

  As if the 2012 season wasn't already chock full of incredible new rides, along come two more. La Ronde, the Six Flags park in Montreal, will debut Vol Ultime, a swinging tower ride. At 45 m (about 150 feet), it's not as tall as some of the more extreme swing rides (such as the 301-foot Windseeker coming to Carowinds in the spring), but it should play on our innate acrophobia to incite dread nonetheless. I have not had a chance to ride any of the newer swing rides, but just the sight of passengers spinning and dangling at insane heights from chains while secured to swing chairs with a simple…

• What Are Your Choices? It's Time to Nominate Your Favorite Parks.

  17 Jan 2012 | 6:02 pm

  About.com's annual Readers' Choice Awards kick off today, and the Theme Parks site will be participating for the second year. There are a few wonderful park awards programs out there, but what makes About.com's different is that the focus is exclusively on new achievements. Not unlike the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards, we will be showcasing the best that parks had to offer last year. And you, dear readers and park fans, will be choosing the best....Read Full Post

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  About.com Ancient / Classical History

• Who Invented the Stirrup?

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:22 am

  Do you think you know who invented the stirrup, when, and where? It turns out there is some controversy, although it appears to have its origin in Asia. The About.com ...Read Full Post

• The Death of Nerva

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:50 am

  On This Day in Ancient History - January 27 -

• Reading New Testament Greek

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:48 am

  ...Read Full Post

• What Do We Imagine Daily Life Was Like?

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:55 am

  An occasional topic among fans of ancient Rome is "what would you bring with you on the time machine going back to ancient Rome?" For many years, my answer was ...Read Full Post

• Guess Who

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:55 am

  PD Courtesy of WikipediaHint:1. Not Romulus and Remus2. The topic comes from Greek tragedy. Answer

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  About.com Animal Rights

• Animal History Museum Announced

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:57 pm

  Plans have been announced for the first animal history museum, to open later this year in Los Angeles, California. Executive Director Amy Breyer states, "It will be the first brick-and-mortar museum to focus on the always complex, but historically marginalized, relationship between humans, (non-human) animals and society in general."...Read Full Post

• State Ag Employee Tipped Off Butterball Before Police Raid

  18 Jan 2012 | 7:46 pm

  ABC News has discovered that Butterball was tipped off by a state employee before the December, 2011 police raid that resulted from the Mercy for Animals undercover investigation. The undercover video shot by MFA depicted workers brutalizing the turkeys, sometimes killing them. On December 28, 2011, the Hoke County Sheriff's Department raided Butterball's Shannon, North Carolina farm; authorities inspected 2,800 turkeys, seized 28 and euthanized four....Read Full Post

• Poll: Romney and the Dog

  11 Jan 2012 | 10:31 pm

  Romney supporter with dog What kind of person straps a dog to the roof of the car, keeps the dog there after he gets sick, and keeps driving? In 1983, Mitt Romney put the family dog, Seamus the Irish Setter, into a carrier that he tied to the roof of his car for a twelve-hour drive to Canada. Despite a homemade windshield that Romney attached to the carrier, the dog became predictably traumatized. At some point, Romney's eldest son noticed a brown liquid running down the rear windshield. Romney pulled over at a gas station, hosed down the car and the dog, and then put the sick dog back on top…

• Butterball Turkey Farm Raided by Authorities After Undercover Investigation

  11 Jan 2012 | 5:58 pm

  Butterball turkey A Butterball turkey farm in Shannon, North Carolina was raided by law enforcement after an undercover investigation by Mercy for Animals. This is why "ag-gag" bills are so dangerous. These bills would criminalize the making of undercover videos at factory farms, protecting the farms from cruelty investigations. Although the facilities are subject to state and federal inspections, you can be sure that workers are not kicking and stomping on turkeys when the inspectors are there....Read Full Post

• Top 10 Animal Rights Stories of 2011

  30 Dec 2011 | 9:53 pm

  What were the top 10 animal rights stories of 2011? They include blackbirds, wolves, circuses, laboratories and animal rights "terrorism."...Read Full Post

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  About.com Animals / Wildlife

• Arachnid Pictures

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:51 am

  Arachnids are more than just spiders. Browse our new Arachnid Pictures to get a close-up glimpse of arachnid diversity.

• Sea Turtles Coping with Climate Change

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:33 pm

  The gender of a baby green sea turtle is determined by the temperature the egg experiences during incubation. When temperatures are warmer, more females are born while. Conversely, when temperatures are cooler, more are males born....Read Full Post

• Crustaceans - Mobile Swiss Army Knives

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:11 am

  Crustaceans are one of four basic groups of arthropods (the other three being the myripods, arachnids and insects). The group includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, krill, crayfishes, wood lice and barnacles. Crustaceans are by no means as diverse in species number as the insects or even the arachnids, but they do come in a mind-boggling array of shapes and sizes. Since crustaceans are with few exceptions aquatic species, they have escaped the demands of life on land (demands which place limitations on the ornateness of body form that can develop). Crustaceans are an old group of animals, dating…

• Arachnids - Not Simply Spiders

  25 Jan 2012 | 7:29 am

  Although scientists don't know exactly how many species of arachnids there are alive today, their best guess puts the species count in the ballpark of 100,000 of which, more than 40,000 are spiders. Since that means nearly half of all archnids are spiders, it's easy to forget the other lesser-known eight-legged creatures that belong to the group....Read Full Post

• Rare Langur Discovered in Borneo

  21 Jan 2012 | 2:43 pm

  Scientists have discovered a previously unknown population of Miller's grizzled langurs (Presbytis hosei canicrus), an endangered primate thought to be on the verge of extinction. The rare langurs were discovered in the Wehea Forest of East Kalimantan, Borneo. Wehea Forest is a 38,000 hectare patch of undisturbed rainforest that is home to nine species of primates including gibbons and the Bornean orangutan....Read Full Post

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  About.com Animated TV

• Win a Trip to The Simpsons 500th Party

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:48 am

  Fans of The Simpsons will have more reason to celebrate the historic 500th episode of the longest-running scripted television show in history. FOX and Boost Mobile have launched The Simpsons 500th Sweeptstakes. One lucky fan (and a guest) will win a round trip ticket to Los Angeles and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend The Simpsons 500th Episode Party on Monday, February 13. The winner will also receive a brand new Boost Mobile phone and phone service for three months courtesy of Boost Mobile. Visit www.fox.com/boost for official rules and prize information. Picture courtesy of…

• Chuck Jones Experience Opens in Las Vegas

  24 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  The legacy and creativity of Chuck Jones is brought to life with the opening of The Chuck Jones Experience, an interactive exhibit at Circus Circus Las Vegas designed to "Educate, Inspire & Entertain" people of all ages. A four-time Academy Award-recipient, Jones created some of today's most beloved and enduring animated characters including Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner and Pepé le Pew among many others. According to a recent press release, The Chuck Jones Experience includes Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Learning Center - A 1,000-square-foot learning center where teachers from…

• Super Unsupervised

  22 Jan 2012 | 8:27 am

  FX has been in the forefront of networks with quality TV shows for several years, with hits like Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me and now American Horror Story. After Archer premiered three seasons ago, it stepped into the arena of animated comedy. Now FX is building on that cartoon's success by pairing it with Unsupervised on Thursday nights. Unsupervised is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Archer in terms of the income bracket of the characters, the down home setting and subtle humor. However, Unsupervised is a refreshing and funny take on being a teenager. Read my full review of Unsupervised.

• Interview with H. Jon Benjamin (Archer)

  19 Jan 2012 | 7:45 am

  Archer returns at 10:00 p.m. ET on FX tonight for the third season. "The Man From Jupiter" kicks off with Archer's mother, Malory, dating screen legend Burt Reynolds, which sends him into a tantrum that involves kidnapping. Guest star Burt Reynolds is wonderful, willing to bask in his role as the ultimate male. I've seen the first four episodes of the third season, and I was so grateful to have a screener with four episodes to devour at once because one episode at a time is just not enough Archer. This season we see more of Cheryl's billionaire life, Cyril becoming a field agent and Krieger's…

• What You Don't Know About Homer Simpson

  16 Jan 2012 | 12:28 am

  Homer Simpson has been a TV patriarch for over 20 years. He's been the proprietor of a garage pub, the host of a tennis court and, most memorably, a snow removal specialist. What else can you learn about Homer Simpson? Picture courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox. Homer Simpson Bio Homer Simpson Trivia Quiz Homer Simpson's Favorite Foods Favorite Homer Simpson Quotes Follow Me on Twitter | Join Me on Facebook

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  About.com Animation

• Reader Question: Difference Between AutoCAD and other 3D Programs?

  21 Jan 2012 | 9:04 pm

  Santos writes: "so look i hear people talking about autocad like its not a 3d program but it makes 3d models and that kind of stuff, right? so whys it not like other 3d software? how come its different from stuff like maya and blender and 3dsmax?"...Read Full Post

• Reader Question: Freelancing - Self-Employed, or LLC?

  19 Jan 2012 | 8:54 pm

  George asks: "I've been working as a freelancer for a while, and I'm getting to the point where I'm self-sufficient and taxes are becoming a problem. I know as a self-employed animator I have to handle all my tax expenses myself, but what if I register as an LLC or some other type of corporation? I've heard you can save a lot of money that way."...Read Full Post

• How to Use a Light Table for Animation

  17 Jan 2012 | 8:45 pm

  The purpose of a light table is fairly straightforward - but many times beginners don't have the experience to know the multiple ways a light table can be useful for animators...Read Full Post

• 2D Animation Tricks for a Distinctive Style

  15 Jan 2012 | 1:33 am

  While it's not fair to say that all animations that follow the standard rules look alike, every once in a while something comes along that breaks the rules so brilliantly ...Read Full Post

• Animation Software Review: Pivot Stickfigure Animator

  13 Jan 2012 | 1:39 am

  You've probably seen Animator vs. Animation, a clever animation that shows an army of stick figures rebelling against their creator in a dashing, swashbuckling fight sequence that takes place with ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Anime

• Anime Review: 'The World God Only Knows'

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:05 pm

  Keima Katsuragi's a lover of women -- but not real-world women. Rather, he's a serial seducer of the women he encounters in a peculiar subgenre of video game called "dating sims," where his score is based on how effectively he wins over a woman's heart....Read Full Post

• Anime Review: 'Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You), Part 1'

  19 Jan 2012 | 4:26 pm

  It's never easy being the dark horse of the class. Sawako knows all too well what that's like -- she's such a dark horse that the other kids call her "Sadako", after the malevolent ghost in The Ring. So what's a girl to do when she's barely able to say hello -- and then finds herself befriended, almost by accident, by one of the most outgoing and popular boys in her class?...Read Full Post

• Nominations Open for 2012 About.com Anime Readers' Choice Awards

  17 Jan 2012 | 6:36 pm

  Every year, the About.com Readers' Choice Awards showcase the best products, people, organizations, and services in multiple categories, from technology to hobbies to parenting to religion, and yes, manga and anime too!...Read Full Post

• Anime Review: 'Heaven's Lost Property, Season One'

  12 Jan 2012 | 5:46 am

  All Tomoki wanted was a little peace and quiet ... and the occasional glimpse down the necklines of his female classmates (or a peek up their skirts). Then one day, the "Angeloid" named Ikaros quiet literally drops into his life. She can grant any wish, and it isn't long before Tomoki's using her to do everything from sneak into the girl's locker room to you-name-it -- but who is this mysterious creature from the sky, really?...Read Full Post

• Anime Review: 'Sekirei: Pure Engagement'

  5 Jan 2012 | 4:07 pm

  Anime has its own vocabulary -- not just words that aren't native to English (e.g., hentai), but English words that have been given a new meaning through anime....Read Full Post

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  About.com Antiques

• Have You Ever Been Approached to End an Online Auction Early?

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:47 am

  After sharing my article highlighting five reasons not to end an online auction early in a recent newsletter, I got a few emails in response. Knowing there might be others who have something to say on this topic, I just created a "Readers Respond" page. If you've got a story to share about ending online auctions early, share them here, or scroll to the bottom of the story mentioned above to find the Readers Respond link.

• Kovels' Buyers' Guide To Costume Jewelry: A Review

  16 Jan 2012 | 4:02 pm

  Always looking for good resources to recommend to fellow jewelry collectors, I looked forward to sitting down with Kovel's Buyers' Guide To Costume Jewelry: Parts 1 & 2 to see what they had to offer. The verdict? Not bad for beginners. What that means is that I didn't find a lot of information advanced collectors would find useful, but that's not really who these booklets were designed to serve. Read more...

• Answers to Questions About Pickard China

  16 Jan 2012 | 7:49 am

  While you probably won't hear the name Pickard nearly as often as Limoges, they do have a history that fits together quite nicely. But Pickard Decorating Studios used white ware blanks from other areas well beyond Limoges, France and they purchased them in the U.S., too. In fact, this American company eventually began manufacturing their own china to decorate and they're still in business today. Read more...

• Five Good Reasons Why You Shouldn't End an Online Auction Early

  11 Jan 2012 | 1:04 pm

  I hear stories from time to time about people who ended an online auction early to accept a "buy it now" offer only to find out that the buyer resold the item for big bucks. It's disappointing for the auction seller when this happens, but all I can really say is shame on them for taking the bait. Ending an auction early is one of the biggest mistakes online auction sellers can make, and it's totally avoidable. Read more...

• Who Was Eva Zeisel?

  9 Jan 2012 | 1:44 pm

  Designer Eva Zeisel recently passed away after a long and distinguished career. Her mid-century modern tableware designs are not only collected today, but revered in museums the world over. And believe it or not, this inspiring woman was still designing objects to grace American homes at age 105. Read more...

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  About.com Antivirus Software

• Dear Google User

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:05 am

  An email I've been expecting arrived today: Dear Google user, We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google....Read Full Post

• Former Antivirus Employee Accused of Writing Malware

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  In September 2011, the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit successfully shutdown the Kelihos spam botnet and - for the first time - named a defendant in a civil case against the perpetrators. On January 23, 2012, the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit named a new defendant in the civil charges - a defendant that is allegedly a former employee of an antivirus vendor....Read Full Post

• Preinstalled Woes for T-Mobile HTC Users

  12 Jan 2012 | 6:07 am

  Randy Abrams, via his Security Through Absurdity blog, discusses the chilling permissions problem he uncovered on his T-Mobile / HTC supplied Android device. It seems a demo of the seemingly ...Read Full Post

• Avira Internet Security 2012

  12 Jan 2012 | 5:40 am

  New review posted: Avira Internet Security 2012.

• Have a Mac Merry Christmas?

  28 Dec 2011 | 6:35 am

  If you were lucky enough to receive a new Mac computer for Christmas, congratulations! But remember, Macs aren't immune to malware or intrusions. Here are a few things you'll want to tweak for better online safety....Read Full Post

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  About.com Panic Disorder

• Popular Relaxation Techniques For Stress and Anxiety

  26 Jan 2012 | 6:57 am

  Feeling tense? Stressed out? Most of us are effected by some stress in our lives. However, people with anxiety disorders are often more prone to the negative impact that stress can have on the body and mind. Relaxation techniques have the potential to restore this damage, making you feel more balanced and calm....Read Full Post

• Barriers to Getting the Help You Need

  22 Jan 2012 | 5:21 am

  There are many effective treatment options available to help in the management of panic attacks and anxiety. However, studies have determined that only a fraction of those with an anxiety disorder, including panic disorder, actually get the help that they need....Read Full Post

• Self-Esteem Boosters

  20 Jan 2012 | 4:14 am

  Self-esteem refers to how a person values themselves. Self-esteem entails a personal attitude of acceptance, respect, and love. High self-esteem involves valuing your personal worth and has been associated feelings of happiness and satisfaction....Read Full Post

• Worry Much?

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am

  Everyone experiences worry from time to time. Worry is a typical response to many life stressors and uncertainties. However, many people with panic and anxiety find it difficult to manage these feelings. They may worry about most aspects of their lives and be concerned about situations or events that haven't even happened....Read Full Post

• Mental Health Professionals Against New DSM

  11 Jan 2012 | 4:11 am

  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the handbook that professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, including panic disorder. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM is currently in its fourth edition. The newest, fifth edition, is scheduled to be released in May of 2013. With many new diagnoses added and changes to the way current disorders are diagnosed, the DSM 5 is not being embraced with open arms....Read Full Post

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  About.com Apartment Living / Rental

• Gingrich, Obama, Paul, Romney, Santorum... and Your Roommate Relationship

  21 Jan 2012 | 3:08 am

  As the 2012 primary season heats up, you might find yourself engaged in discussions with your roommate about which political candidate or party has the best ideas for leading the United States....Read Full Post

• Paying Apartment Expenses... and Your Roommate Relationship

  21 Jan 2012 | 3:05 am

  When it comes to rent and other apartment-related expenses, you no doubt want to pay everything in full and on time. But if you live with a roommate, it's important that you agree on who pays what....Read Full Post

• Cleanliness and Neatness... and Your Roommate Relationship

  21 Jan 2012 | 3:03 am

  If you're living with a roommate who's much messier -- or neater -- than you are, you might think you have no choice but to put up with it, as long as you want to continue living with the person....Read Full Post

• How to Steer Clear of Dangerous Apartment Situations

  15 Jan 2012 | 9:51 am

  If you think there's not much you can do when it comes to avoiding dangerous and unpleasant situations at your apartment building, think again. By being proactive, you can take steps to stay safe and lower the risk of trouble....Read Full Post

• How to Factor Walkability Into Your Apartment Search

  14 Jan 2012 | 6:50 am

  Do you want to live in an apartment that's within walking distance of food stores, coffee shops, and other amenities? Thanks to a free online resource, you can find out just how walker-friendly a particular apartment building is by learning its "Walk Score."...Read Full Post

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  About.com Housewares / Appliances

• Point & Shoot Makes The SaladShooter Fun to Use

  28 Jan 2012 | 12:09 am

  A quick take-apart design for easy cleaning and a point-and-shoot action are two things you'll love about the SaladShooter®. This time-saving and compact appliance is the answer to quickly chopping nuts, shredding coleslaw or slicing vegetables.  And, the price is right!...Read Full Post

• Electricity - Interesting Reads, Rants & Savings

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:07 am

  Electricity rates are on many people's minds these days and rightly so, because we love to power our gadgets and homes and can't stand being without it. But there's a cost to all that fun stuff and we hate to see that monthly bill. As someone who has worked in a hydro utility, I can tell you that it's not great being on the other side of the counter either....Read Full Post

• For Best Flavor, Grind the Coffee Beans

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:04 am

  Some grind their own coffee beans simply for the price savings over buying prepared coffee grounds, but I haven't seen much difference in coffee prices to warrant this buying decision.  In fact, in my neck of the woods, coffee beans are actually more expensive than grounds.  But most prefer to grind their own coffee beans to improve the flavor of their brew and that it does. You also can't ignore that wonderful aroma of freshly-ground coffee which sets the stage for what's to come....Read Full Post

• Tip of the Week: Splatter Screens - Save Work

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  I love cooking but there's one food that I avoid like the plague and sad to say, it's not really because I'm nutrition minded.  Bacon has to be the most family-requested food item, but I've often turned a deaf ear to this request.  In fact, it often gets let off the grocery list, purposely. That's because I loathe having to clean the stove control panel every time we cook bacon.  Though some skillet meals can be pretty messy, this favorite breakfast food is the worst....Read Full Post

• Do More With This Nesco Pressure Cooker

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  I tested the Nesco® Digital Pressure Cooker over a few days and found this versatile appliance very handy for slow cooking, warming, steaming and browning, besides cooking under pressure.  And being able to brown in the same pot prior to slow or pressure cooking is also a time-saver....Read Full Post

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  About.com Freshwater Aquariums

• Bleeding Heart Tetra

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:53 am

  Bleeding Heart Tetras are aptly named for the eye-catching heart shaped spot on their chest. Reaching an adult size of almost three inches, this peaceful and easy to care ...Read Full Post

• Banish Aquarium Snails

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:40 am

  Snails seem to have a way of magically appearing out of nowhere. Even more mystifying than where they come from is how to get rid of them. Anyone who has ...Read Full Post

• Are Nitrates Dangerous?

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:59 am

  Fish owners often are educated about the perils of elevated ammonia and nitrites. However, nitrates are usually less understood. Although nitrates are not directly lethal in the way ammonia or ...Read Full Post

• Gourami Care and Breeding

  20 Jan 2012 | 8:43 am

  Gouramis are a hearty popular species of fish that make a great addition to your aquarium. Learn more about Gourami care, preferred tank mates, and aquarium setup. For detailed information ...Read Full Post

• Do Fish Qualify as Pets?

  18 Jan 2012 | 6:43 am

  Some say pets are only animals that you can touch and pet, like cats or dogs. What do you think - do your fish qualify as pets? How ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Archaeology

• Fish Traps and Archaeology

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am

  Fish traps, which go by an astounding array of terms, are at least 8,000 years old, and were invented by complex hunter-gatherers all over the world.

• European Paleodogs and Domestication

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:12 am

  A couple of articles published in the last month or so have continued the debate as to the earliest domestication of the dog.

• Mongooses in Iberia

  23 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Mongooses (Herpestes spp) are kind of like cats, in that they really never became what you could call domesticated, but they do make great pets. Like cats, they also make for an interesting story on their quasi-domestication, nonetheless. ...Read Full Post

• 25 Centuries of Architecture at Butrint

  20 Jan 2012 | 4:09 am

  Butrint, on the coast of Albania across from the island of Corfu, is an astonishing blend of architecture. Founded in the 6th century BC, the strategically important port was owned by Greeks, Romans, Normans, Venetians, Byzantines and Ottomans, all of whom left their imprint on the city's architecture. ...Read Full Post

• Sites You Should Know: Shillourokambos

  18 Jan 2012 | 2:41 am

  Shillourokambos is a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) site on the island of Cyprus, at the east end of the Mediterranean Sea and not terribly far from the more-famous and visitable Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins at Limassol. ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Architecture

• Architecture Updates: Jan 20-27, 2012

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  As I re-read The Great Gatsby, I've been taking a new look at the opulent architecture of America's Gilded Age. Also this week: monumental mistakes and a very funny house. New and Updated Pages: Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina Great American Mansions Palm Springs Architecture Words on Monuments: Mistakes on Memorials & Statues The Pod House in New York State New From Our Readers: What's the best American city for exploring architecture? What qualities make a great architect? Facebook | Twitter

• Aussie Pride

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  G'day! In Australia, January 26 is Australia Day, a national holiday celebrating Captain Arthur Phillip's landing at Sydney Cove. Over the next 200 years, Australia's first European settlement became the ...Read Full Post

• Architecture & Energy in Philly

  25 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Does energy consumption influence architectural style? Should energy-efficient buildings look different? These are questions being asked—and hopefully being answered—at an architecture and energy symposium on January 27, 2012 in Philadelphia. The "Architecture and Energy" workshop is part of a program funded by US Department of Energy (DOE) grants—part of the money you hear Congress reauthorizing occasionally. ...Read Full Post

• Year of the Dragon

  23 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Happy (Chinese) New Year! January 23, 2012 marks the beginning of 4710, the year of the dragon. The name is apt, since dragons play an important role in Chinese ...Read Full Post

• South Carolina Architecture

  21 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  The January 21 presidential primary in the USA reminds us of the great architecture throughout South Carolina. "My favorite place for exploring architecture is Charleston, SC," one About.com reader tells us. ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Art History

• Guess the Artist

  22 Jan 2012 | 9:56 pm

  Your clues this week are: The artist was American, but moved to Europe at age 27 and, with the exception of one brief return trip to the US, lived as an expatriate for 51 years. The artist attended the Académie Julian in Paris for only three months because Gustave Boulanger (French, 1824-1888), a professor there, advised that nothing remained to be taught or learned in the artist's training. The artist was born a twin. While the twin married and had children, the artist (a devout Roman Catholic) remained single and celibate, and lived with another sibling who did the same. And The artist…

• Guess the Artist

  15 Jan 2012 | 10:59 pm

  Your clues this week are: Though this is a drawing and the artist is best known for painting, the first formal art instruction this French artist received was in sculpture. More than anyone had before, the artist studied color theory and optical effects by reading chemical and mathematical treatises. A major influence on the artist was the 1827 book Essay on the Unmistakable Signs of Art by the author -- and I am not making this up -- Humbert de Superville. And The medium (Conté crayon) and support (Michallet paper) seen above are important clues. Michallet paper has two sides: smooth…

• Guess the Artist

  8 Jan 2012 | 11:06 pm

  Your clues this week are: The artist was a French Huguenot, born and raised in Switzerland following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The artist was famous for portraiture ... a long time ago. Today the artist's name is fairly obscure. An inveterate traveler, the artist spent four years in Constantinople and wore Turkish clothing (including a fez) forever afterwards. And Among the artist's many sitters were: Pope Clement XII; Bonnie Prince Charlie; the Empress Maria Theresa; Madame de Pompadour; Augusta, Princess of Wales; the Earls of Sandwich and Bessborough; the French royal family;…

• Guess the Artist

  1 Jan 2012 | 10:55 pm

  Your first clues for 2012 are: The artist was born in France, but only according to modern boundaries. A "Northerner," this artist was the first non-Italian to travel to Rome and sketch its antiquities. The artist kept the Prince-Bishop of Utrecht, Philip of Burgundy, well supplied with erotic nudes. (Well, erotic in their day. Now? Not so much.) And The three sitters in this portrait are royals whose father was known by the sobriquet "The Tyrant" due to murderous actions in Sweden. Of the three, only the two girls made it adulthood, and the youngest girl -- the baby here -- had her portrait…

• I Guess They ARE Making New Leonardos

  31 Dec 2011 | 4:51 pm

  I kid, I kid! Once upon a time Yours Truly jokingly said, "They're not making new Leonardos these days," never guessing that "they" might, however, discover some. Here I will point you towards "Salvator Mundi - The Newly Attributed Leonardo da Vinci Painting," wherein we both learn how to spot a priceless piece by the Florentine Master. Actually, the spotting sounds like the easy part. It appears to be the cleaning and authenticating that takes years and beaucoup bucks. Image Credit: Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452-1519) Christ as Salvator Mundi, ca. 1499 onwards Oil on walnut 65.5 x 45.1 cm…

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  About.com Arthritis

• Arthritis Medications - Are They Working?

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:42 pm

  Doctors typically prescribe arthritis medications to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. There are several categories of arthritis medications: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), analgesics (pain medications), DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), biologics...Read Full Post

• Two in Five Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis Are Inactive

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:09 pm

  According to a study funded by NIAMS (National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) and published online January 26, 2012 in Arthritis Care & Research, two in five ...Read Full Post

• The Immune System - How It Works

  21 Jan 2012 | 7:23 pm

  The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work harmoniously to defend the body against foreign invaders. The immune system operates like a sophisticated communications system. When a foreign invader enters the body, the immune system is alerted....Read Full Post

• Concomitant Use of Krystexxa and Other Urate Lowering Drugs Not Advised for Gout

  18 Jan 2012 | 5:22 pm

  The American College of Rheumatology published an issue of Hotline on January 18, 2012 over concerns regarding concomitant use of Krystexxa (pegloticase) and urate-lowering drugs, such as allopurinol and Uloric (febuxostat), in gout patients. Krystexxa was FDA approved for the treatment of chronic gout refractory to conventional treatment. During clinical trials, it was determined that antibodies to Krystexxa were common in patients treated with the drug. It was also noted that high titer antibody (i.e., high levels of the antibody) were linked to loss of response to Krystexxa and an…

• Men With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

  15 Jan 2012 | 9:07 pm

  According to Rheumatology News, men with rheumatoid arthritis have two-thirds greater risk of developing erectile dysfunction compared to men without the disease. The study results, which were the first to show the association, were initially published in a letter in the January 4, 2012 Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The study included men between the age of 18 and 80, who were first diagnosed with erectile dysfunction between 2001-2009. They were compared to more than 37,000 control patients....Read Full Post

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  About.com Asian History

• Central Asian Linchpin - The Kushan Empire

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:55 pm

  Being in the middle of Central Asia can be difficult. It is such a key place, geopolitically speaking - the crossroads of all kinds of empires throughout history. Just ask the Afghans today, or at any other time over the past 2,000 years....Read Full Post

• Such a Small Thing: The Stirrup in History

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:45 am

  Horses have played a key role in history, pretty much wherever they have had room to run (and no tsetse flies to kill them). From the steppes of Central Asia, where Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes depended upon them, to North Africa and the plains of America, nomadic humans and horses have struck fear into the hearts of settled people. On the other hand, highly organized societies have also relied on horses in warfare. Where would the knights of medieval Europe or the Japanese samurai have been without their steeds?...Read Full Post

• Iran-Iraq War Made Interesting Bedfellows

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:57 pm

  The Iran/Iraq War of 1980-1988 made for some interesting bedfellows. Not only did the United States ally with Saddam Hussein's Iraq, in order to try to defeat the new Islamic Revolutionary government of Iran, but so did the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, China, North Korea, Libya and (can you imagine?) Israel supported Iran against Iraq....Read Full Post

• Let Slip the Elephants of War: The First Battle of Panipat

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:48 pm

  OK, I confess. I find the concept of war elephants fascinating, even though I feel sorry for any animal drafted into war. After all, it's not like all those horses and other creatures volunteered, down through the ages....Read Full Post

• How Wrong Was Perry about Turkey?

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:46 pm

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  About.com Astrology

• Neptune Aquarius & Murmuration

  26 Jan 2012 | 7:47 am

  After not knowing what murmuration meant really, I encountered it twice yesterday. I think it's mesmerizing! It's the rhythmic dance of shapes that starlings create. I first saw it on philosopher-astrologer Ann Kreilkamp's post A Great Human Murmuration is Underway.......Read Full Post

• Photo of the Week: Water Dragon

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:02 am

  Is your emotional-mental-physical ship seaworthy for 2012? The Dragon is in the element water, and soon we'll all be finding our sea legs with Neptune, as it enters its own sign Pisces (February 4th). Pisces and the 12th House are about learning to master the art of surrender to the big oceanic waves of the universal soul -- without getting lost at sea. ...Read Full Post

• Michael Erlewine on Solar Impulses: Imprinting, Warmth, Largeness

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:56 am

  As I write this, the magnetosphere is "unsettled" (here's some NOAA data), on the verge of major storming. It's the leading edge of the coronal mass impact of a fast-moving flare fired off Sunday night. And a searing and potentially igniting start to the Dragon Year, 2012!...Read Full Post

• Suzanne White: Love in the Dragon Year & Horoscopes

  23 Jan 2012 | 6:49 am

  The vermillion spectacle that's the Chinese New Year begins today (January 23rd), so Gong Hei Fat Choy! In Chinese culture, red is fire, the life force itself, happiness, and luck. And the Dragon Year (to February 9th, 2013) heralds a year of passion, epic love and luck for those who dare. ...Read Full Post

• The Star & Sun into Aquarius

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am

  Sun into Aquarius starts today, for a cooler, lighter atmosphere, in which freeing future outcomes can be spied on the distant horizon. These last two months of the solar cycle -- Aquarius and Pisces -- have the feel of mystical renaissance, being liberated from fixed ideas. So begins a time to unshackle your thought processes - from the matrix, bad programming, your own persistent stories. It's a time to experiment or follow an original thread of inspiration. ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Space / Astronomy

• Strong Solar Storm Reaches Earth

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:34 am

  A strong solar storm (rated an S3, with S5 being the strongest) erupted on Sunday evening, launching intense radiation and charged particles toward Earth. Late last night, the coronal mass ejecta interacted with Earth's magnetic field, creating brilliant auroras across northern Europe, and even parts of northern Michigan and Maine and on into Canada....Read Full Post

• A Day on Mercury

  15 Jan 2012 | 8:40 am

  NASA's MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) Probe has settled into orbit around Mercury. Some of the measurements that have been taken are already generating debate among planetary scientists (more on this later in the week). But the MESSENGER team has also been at work creating very cool animations about what it is like on the surface of the closest planet to the Sun....Read Full Post

• Stephen Hawking Reveals Greatest Mystery in the Universe... Women.

  5 Jan 2012 | 8:59 am

  I have to admit, I didn't see this one coming. When New Scientist Magazine asked the famed physicist what he thinks about most his response was simple. "Women. They are a complete mystery."...Read Full Post

• We're As Close to the Sun as We're Going to Get

  4 Jan 2012 | 3:33 pm

  Literally as I write this the Earth is leaving the point in its orbit known as Perihelion. Simply, this is the point where Earth is closest to the Sun. Now, many of you in the northern hemisphere may be looking outside at the wintery weather and wondering how that can be....Read Full Post

• 2011 Space Image of the Year

  23 Dec 2011 | 2:51 pm

  I find it amusing that so many of the "Top [insert generic topic of interest here] of 2011" lists come out in October or November, more than a month before the actual end of the year. In fact, the 2012 (yes 2012!) North American Car of the Year has already been determined by Motor Trend, several weeks before the end of 2011! (Though they sort of get a pass since Car manufacturers seems to designate the model years of their cars about 6 months ahead of the actual calendar year.)...Read Full Post

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  About.com Atlanta

• Atlanta 2012 Super Bowl Events

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:44 am

  Ready for the big game? If you're looking for a place to watch the Super Bowl with other fans, check out these Super Bowl 2012 events and parties going on around Atlanta.

• Atlanta Area Cooking Classes

  25 Jan 2012 | 3:52 pm

  Still looking for the perfect Valentine's Day idea or a fun idea for your next girl's night? Try a cooking class! Last weekend I went to Irwin Street Cooks and learned to make pasta (all by hand, no machines allowed!). Let's just say it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be - but it sure was fun! And then I got to sit down with new friends and feast on handmade ravioli stuffed with cheese, basil and walnuts and topped with a yummy homemade tomato sauce! This class was 100% hands-on and suitable for beginners as well as those with a bit more know-how. Everyone had a great time, and it was…

• Audition for the Georgia Renaissance Festival

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:28 am

  Ever dream of being one of the players in the annual Renaissance Festival? They're seeking new talent for the 2012 Georgia festival! The festival runs Saturdays, Sundays & Memorial Day Monday, April 14 thru June 3, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m....Read Full Post

• Vixens Valentease Burlesque Show

  18 Jan 2012 | 3:07 pm

  Looking for something different this Valentine's Day? Whether you're bringing a date or a gaggle of friends, check out the upcoming Syren's of the South burlesque show. It's also a fundraiser for the Atlanta Community Food Bank, so everybody wins!...Read Full Post

• Valentine's Day in Atlanta

  16 Jan 2012 | 12:34 pm

  Thinking about Valentine's Day yet? Make plans with your date before it's too late! Restaurants book up fast, so grab a reservation at some of the Atlanta's most romantic spots. For an extra special weekend, think about planning a getaway in North Georgia (check out some wineries!) or even a staycation at one of our chic boutique hotels downtown Atlanta.

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  About.com Australia / New Zealand Travel

• Azarenka Is New Australian Open Women's Singles Champion

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:18 pm

  Australian Open women's singles No 3 seed Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) defeated No 4 seed Maria Sharapova (Russia) in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0, to win the women's singles title at the Australian Open tonight, January 28, Australian eastern daylight saving time. Azarenka had played in six Australian Opens, reaching the quarterfinals in 2010. She also reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2009. Azarenka defeated No 11 seed Kim Clijsters (Belgium) in the semifinals. Clijsters had earlier toppled No 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) in the quarterfinals. Sharapova won the…

• Stage Is Set for Australian Open Singles Finals

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:05 am

  With Australian Open men's singles defending champion and No 1 seed Novak Djokovic (Serbia) downing No 4 seed Andy Murray (UK) in a five-setter, which finished after midnight today, January 28, Australian eastern daylight saving time, the stage is set for the Australian Open singles finals starting tonight. Playing for the 2012 Australian Open women's singles title are No 3 seed Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) and No 4 seed Maria Sharapova (Russia). Women's No 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) lost to Kim Clijsters (Belgium) in the quarterfinals and No 2 seed Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) lost…

• Adelaide Triple Treat Is Coming Your Way

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:36 am

  Adelaide, capital of South Australia, is appropriately known as Festival City, particularly this year when the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide take place almost concurrently from February 24 to March 18. Hundreds of events are scheduled to take place in Adelaide featuring outdoor extravaganzas, big and small theatre productions, various musical events, art shows and — quite importantly — a number of free events. The Adelaide Fringe takes place from February 24 to March 18, Adelaide Festival from March 2 to 18, and WOMADelaide from March 9 to 12. Adelaide:…

• Clijsters Topples World No 1 in Women's Singles Tennis

  23 Jan 2012 | 6:24 pm

  World No 1 in women's singles tennis and Australian Open No 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) was beaten by No 11 seed and defending champion Kim Clijsters (Belgium) in a quarterfinal match at the Australian Open this afternoon, January 24, at Melbourne Park. Clijsters defeated Wozniacki in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6. Australian Open 2012 Australian Open: The Final Rounds Australian Open Year by Year Melbourne Park: Home of the Australian Open

• Tsonga Downed by Japanese Rising Star

  22 Jan 2012 | 6:38 pm

  Australian Open No 6 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) succumbed in a Round 4 five-setter to rising Japanese star and No 24 seed Kei Nishikori. Nishinkori defeated Tsonga in five sets, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Tsonga was runner-up in the 2008 Australian Open, quarterfinalist in 2009 and semifinalist in 2010. Nishikori reached the third round in last year's Australian Open. Australian Open 2012 Australian Open: The Final Rounds Australian Open Year by Year Melbourne Park: Home of the Australian Open

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  About.com Autism

• Proposed Changes to DSM's Autism Definition Likely to Raise Eyebrows

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:08 am

  Few conditions seem to generate as much controversy as autism. The latest potential hornet's nest centers on the upcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is due out in 2013. The DSM, which is put out by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is the mental health profession's bible, setting the standard for research, treatment and insurance decisions....Read Full Post

• A Farewell to the About.com Autism Site

  28 Sep 2011 | 8:56 am

  Well, it's been about five and a half years. When I started on this site, my son was just a little guy. At that time, I wanted to know all about autism spectrum disorders.  And over the years, I have learned!  The wealth of information I collected - all I ever wanted to know, and more! - will still be here, on these web pages, for a while to come.  That's because any site guide starting out today to cover topics in autism would have to start almost from scratch in just a year and a half, when the new diagnostic manual is published.  At that time, much of what I've written…

• An Adult with Autism Follows His Passion

  23 Sep 2011 | 7:14 am

  What can an adult with autism do with his life? Some adults with autism are fortunate enough to find the supports to pursue their passion. Lee is an adult with autism who followed his fascination with remote controlled cars - and found friendship, respect, opportunities and more!...Read Full Post

• The "New" DAN! and Autism Research Institute

  23 Sep 2011 | 6:51 am

  The Autism Research Institute was out there first, and that's why they own that coveted URL: http://www.autism.com! Given that the organization has been around for a very long time, it makes sense that there would be changes to their approach to autism treatment....Read Full Post

• Married: With Autism! Is Your Spouse on the Spectrum?

  19 Sep 2011 | 6:46 am

  Back in 2006, I wrote a blog post asking for insights into marriage and autism.  The blog's title was "Is Your Spouse Autistic?" Every week now, it seems, I get another comment or two on that very old blog post.  It's obviously a topic that hits a nerve.  And while a number of books have come out on the topic of marriage and Asperger syndrome, I get the feeling that most people need a place to vent more than a book of advice....Read Full Post

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  About.com Auto Repair

• Building a Tool Chest? Craftsman Club Can Save You Money

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:04 am

  It can be dauntingly expensive to put together your first set of mechanic's tools. There are so many things to buy and each item can be so pricey. Some of the consumer stores sell starter kits that can save you some money (I prefer Craftsman anyway), but you're still shelling out major cash. Every saved dollar can make you feel better. I was recently helping a friend put together her first tool kit and checked into the deals available at Sears through their Craftsman Club. If you join and watch the specials (in addition to the discounts you get just for being a member!) you can save some…

• Be Prepared for Unexpected Winter Stuff

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:49 pm

  When the weather gets bad, you never know what can happen. Worse, you never know what can happen to you if you find yourself in an ugly winter weather scenario. ...Read Full Post

• Overheating in Winter Weather Driving

  22 Jan 2012 | 6:33 pm

  You wouldn't think of a perfectly healthy car or truck overheating while driving a snowy road, but it happens all the time. What can make a well maintained engine heat up like that? Driving in the snow can present problems to your car or truck outside of the obvious traction issues. In low temperatures, snow and ice can build up and actually clog your car's cooling system. It doesn't clog it from the inside, but rather blocks the air from flowing over the sytem from the outside. It's important to keep your cooling system clean with a regular radiator flush, but don't forget to simply clear…

• Dead Battery? Be Sure You Know How to Jump Start Your Car

  17 Jan 2012 | 4:47 pm

  When temperatures drop, your battery can have a hard time holding a strong charge. This increases the chances that you may turn the key and hear that "click, click, click" ...Read Full Post

• Snow Tires: The Time is Now

  5 Jan 2012 | 4:26 pm

  If you've been thinking of getting snow tires and are putting it off until the first coating of white stuff, you might want to get with the program and buy them soon. As reported recently on About.com's Tires Guidesite, there's a good chance that tire prices will be going up not just once in 2012, but many times over the course of the year. Tires Guide Sean Phillips explains it well in his article, Why To Swap Tires Even Before the Snow Comes. Its worth checking out. Saving ten percent on your set of snow tires is surely worth the effort of getting it done now. If you aren't sure about snow…

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  About.com Bed & Breakfasts

• Your Thoughts: Groupon vs. Living Social. Who's Better?

  18 Jan 2012 | 4:39 pm

  I've not used either of these services at our own B&B - with only three rooms, we've not felt this route was right for us. Or is it? I know of ...Read Full Post

• It's Not Too Late: PAII Annual Conference In Little Rock January 23-26

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:45 am

  For working, aspiring, and interim innkeepers alike, the Professional Association of Innkeepers annual conference is a way to become inspired, reinvigorated, and in tune with the direction of the industry. If ...Read Full Post

• Open Question: What's The Future Of Our Traditional Industry?

  29 Dec 2011 | 5:44 pm

  A reader rightfully pointed out that an article I wrote was actually an open question, so as I figure out how to suspend that feature from the main page I ...Read Full Post

• Ready to Start A B&B? Ask the Coach.

  21 Dec 2011 | 5:41 am

  Innkeeper Susan Poole was once a change manager for not for profits, and it turned out the same principles she used in that field can be applied to planning to ...Read Full Post

• New Innkeeper Was Elvis's Old Girlfriend

  21 Dec 2011 | 5:37 am

  If you visit the Holly Tree Manor in Trenton, Tennessee, you'll have the good fortune to meet Jim and Barbara Hearn Smith who have had very interesting lives. Both had ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Babies & Toddlers

• A Space Of His Own

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  I am not sure there's anything that a toddler loves more than freedom to move, but I do think that socializing would be a close second. While I can't always let my little kids have free reign in the house, I do make every effort to provide a safe play spot where they can both enjoy a little freedom and be in the midst of things. ...Read Full Post

• The Best Potty Training Advice...

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  My philosophy, in general, on big parenting issues is: "Ya gotta do what works for you and your child." I do oppose methods that are neglectful or harmful. And, to be honest, I have a low threshold for anyone who avoids encouraging a child's development because it's hard (getting them to give up that bottle or stop hitting can be very, very, VERY difficult, but in the long run they need our help to move on). ...Read Full Post

• A Toddler’s Mind at Play

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  When my daughter was about 14 months old, she came home from day care and announced, "Geegee!" Then she lined up against the wall in the hallway and motioned for my husband and I to do the same. We did. She giggled, moved to the opposite wall and waited for us to move, too. We did. She giggled. This when on for a few minutes, until, we laughingly scooped her up and headed to the dinner table. ...Read Full Post

• The Magic of a Family Singalong

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  It was one of those moments when a mother feels like aliens have landed. We were walking from the playground to the pizza place. The sun was shining, kids were skipping. All of a sudden one little boy throws himself down and whines, "No like this block." That was followed by a scream and few kicks to a poor old oak tree. ...Read Full Post

• What's Your Discipline Technique?

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  This morning I caught my older son lining up his cars. He then took a bigger car and had it smash the others. "You can't do that," he told the big one. Then he put the offender into time out under the dining room table....Read Full Post

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  About.com Baby Products

• Baby Products Photo of the Week: Winnie the Pooh

  17 Jan 2012 | 3:36 am

  2011, J. Willis. 2-month-old Brooklyn O'Niya Smith, relaxing in a Winnie the Pooh bouncer. Do you have a baby picture to share, too? Send it in and be featured on the next Baby Products Photo of the Week!

• Feds Say Enfamil Recall Is Unnecessary

  31 Dec 2011 | 2:29 pm

  After testing sealed containers of formula to check for Cronobacter contamination, scientists at CDC and FDA haven't found any reason to recall the powdered Enfamil baby formula that was thought to contribute to a baby's death last week in Missouri. Avery Cornett, who was 10 days old, died of a Cronobacter infection after drinking Enfamil Newborn formula that his parents purchased at a Walmart store in Missouri. Walmart later pulled all cans of formula from that batch from store shelves just in case the lot was contaminated....Read Full Post

• Resolve to Keep Your Baby Safe in the Car

  29 Dec 2011 | 8:07 pm

  Do you have a New Year's Resolution? If you're still trying to decide on one, consider this - car crashes are still the number one killer of kids under the age of 14. Though we've come a long way in improving child passenger safety, we still have a long way to go....Read Full Post

• Walmart Pulls One Batch of Enfamil Newborn Formula from Shelves

  22 Dec 2011 | 7:48 am

  Following the death of a 10-day-old baby in Missouri, all 12.5-ounce cans of Enfamil Newborn Formula with lot number ZP1K7G have been pulled from the shelves of  Walmart stores nationwide. Avery Cornett died last weekend of an infection caused by Cronobacter....Read Full Post

• Lock Up That Stroller!

  21 Dec 2011 | 6:54 pm

  Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber.com. These days, it's rare to find a good stroller for much less than $200 new, and even used strollers from good brands hold their value pretty well. That means more and more families are learning the hard way that strollers are a hot commodity for thieves....Read Full Post

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  About.com Back & Neck Pain

• Thyroid Surgery May Bring On Unexpected Neck Pain

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:06 am

  If you're planning thyroid surgery, you may experience neck pain and stiffness afterward the procedure. I asked Dr. Eric Wisotzky, Associate Director of Oncology Rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital what causes it and what you can do for yourself to alleviate it. Here's what he said: Dr. Wisotzky says that several factors can cause neck pain and stiffness after thyroid surgery. The first, he says is the position of your neck during the surgery. "The neck is often fully extended during thyroid surgery." He informs me that the pain and stiffness is often due to compression of…

• Ways to Reduce Your Back Wellness Costs

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:42 am

  Photo Courtesy: Pricegrabber Reducing the cost of back wellness is relative, in my opinion.  Generally speaking, common sense is often an excellent gauge for picking out things to do to manage your neck or  back pain.  And this may mean the solutions you'll come up with are free or at least low cost. Of course, exercise is the least expensive. After you consult a physical therapist or other in-the-know professional, you give up your time, but that's about it. There are a number of other free or nearly free common sense options for low cost back care, as well.  Learning how…

• Lighten the Load You Put On Your Back

  22 Jan 2012 | 1:25 pm

  Photo Courtesy: Pricegrabber If you live a frenetic life, juggling job, kids, schools, social and more, you may regularly find yourself lugging around lots of different things, large, small, heavy and light.  Has it started to bother your back?  I know it has for me (except when I'm careful about my limits).  Well now there's a solution - the PacSafe Stashsafe Hip Pack 100.

• Nominate Your Favorite Back Pain or Neck Pain Blog

  20 Jan 2012 | 3:38 pm

  Nominations are now being taken for the 2012 About.com Reader Choice Awards.  And this year you can nominate your favorite spine related blog!  It's easy - just fill out this form.  Voting begins mid-February.  Rewards include a nifty badge the winner can put on their site, and of course, bragging rights.  Best of luck!

• Back Pain Wake Up Call

  17 Jan 2012 | 9:33 am

  Something's changing in the spine treatment world. I think it's a wake up call. Last week, I blogged about new research showing strong evidence in favor of chiropractic adjustments and exercise to help relieve neck pain.   It seems getting a neck adjustment is a better way to relieve pain in the short and long term than taking pain meds.  And the same study found that doing your back exercises is on par with getting an adjustment, as far as pain relief goes.  For many people, the response to these findings is "I could have told you that." But there's more. For people who…

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  About.com Desserts / Baking

• Red Carpet Corn

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:51 am

  Are you like me and want to bring an outstanding treat to that upcoming Super Bowl Party? Well, I think I've found mine for this years' party. Just imagine a treat made sweet with brown sugar and salty with bacon. Yes, bacon!...Read Full Post

• Peanut Butter Cookie Bites

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:15 am

  NoCalMomof4 gave this recipe 5 stars and wrote: "Surprisingly good and so, so easy. A quick after-school snack for the kids and it looks like I've been baking all morning." Peanut Butter Cookie Bites Recipe...Read Full Post

• Almost Wordless Wednesday - Chocolate Truffles Made with Liquor

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:06 pm

  What makes these truffles so special is that they are made with liquor. Actually, you get a choice of four liquors in this recipe for Chocolate Truffles. Sign-up for my FREE Weekly Newsletter Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Photo Reprinted with Permission from Shutterstock About.com Super Bowl Party Recipe Exchange When the Dutch watch sports on TV their favorite snacks include kroketten, those sumptious shrimp or veal ragout-filled crispy croquettes, frikadellen, typically Dutch skinless meat sausages, and kaasstengels, rich Gouda cheese straws, all of which can be found on our…

• Upside-Down Cherry Cobbler

  24 Jan 2012 | 3:21 am

  You don't to have fresh cherries to make this recipe. Be sure to serve this Upside-Down Cherry Cobbler warm with whipped or ice cream. Sign-up for my FREE Weekly Newsletter Like me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Photo © Carroll Pellegrinelli About.com Super Bowl Party Recipe Exchange Superbowl parties don't need to be laden with processed food - Molly Watson, our Guide to Local Foods, shows you how to make fresh, delicious Superbowl snacks like homemade potato chips, spicy peanuts, and succulent beer-basted spicy glazed ribs.

• It's National Pie Day!

  23 Jan 2012 | 3:38 am

  What better way to celebrate National Pie Day is by baking a pie! Even better, start planning to enter your favorite pie in the 18th Annual APC/Crisco® National Pie Championships® to be held April 27-29, 2012 in Orlando, Florida....Read Full Post

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  About.com Banking / Loans

• Prepaid Debit vs. Secured Credit Cards

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:56 am

  If you want to use plastic when you purchase, you have quite a few options. In addition to the debit vs. credit card decision, you can choose among different types of debit and credit cards....Read Full Post

• B of A's $5 Fee Drove Customers Away

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:25 pm

  Bank of America tried to institute a $5 per month charge for debit card customers last year, but the move turned out to be a disaster. B of A eventually scrapped plans to charge the fee, but the damage was done: customers got angry about a fee they believed was unfair....Read Full Post

• Different Banks, Different Rates

  19 Jan 2012 | 3:21 am

  Unhappy with the interest rate on your savings account? Consider switching banks. Rates are low all over, but some banks pay more than others. Money-Rates.com recently published a study on savings account rates available nationwide. A highlight from their research:...Read Full Post

• Bank Lending Increases

  17 Jan 2012 | 2:09 pm

  Ever since the financial crisis, bank lending has been dismal. Either it wasn't easy to get a loan, or banks claimed that not enough qualified borrowers were asking for money. Now things look different. Banks report that the amount of money out on loan is actually increasing -- for the first time in a long time. That's most likely good news for the economy. If businesses and consumers borrow money (responsibly), the economy is likely to recover; more jobs should eventually follow....Read Full Post

• Bank Transfer Day Movement Overestimated

  11 Jan 2012 | 7:51 am

  Bank Transfer Day was an event designed to get consumers to move accounts from banks to credit unions. A lot of people participated, transferring accounts before and on the November 5th target date....Read Full Post

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  About.com Barbecues & Grilling

• Rotisserie Cooking

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:17 pm

  Give your grilling a whole new spin and get all the self basting, roasted flavor of the rotisserie. This is the perfect method for grilling whole chickens or roasts and most anything else that is too large to grill conventionally.

• Nominate the Best Pellet Grill

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:03 pm

  In recent years a number of manufacturers have hit the market with new pellet grills, making this a small, but highly competitive field. Trouble is, with so many pellet grills on the market, which one is the best? You can help decide by nominating the pellet grill you think is best....Read Full Post

• How important is it where a product is made?

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:23 pm

  In the last couple of weeks I've been asked by a couple of different manufacturers how important to consumer is it where something is made. Of course this is a passionate issue and many of the people who say they care don't always put their money where their mouth is. But in these days, when buying local gets a lot of media attention and people are looking for local produce or other local goods I thought I would ask:...Read Full Post

• Top 10 Brisket Recipes

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:38 pm

  Traditional Texas smoked brisket is one of the cornerstones of barbecue. This tough, difficult cut of beef is hard muscle and can only be prepared low and slow if you actually want to eat it....Read Full Post

• Nominate the Best Gas Grill

  22 Jan 2012 | 8:01 pm

  Gas grills can cost thousands of dollars but costing that much doesn't make them the best. Help find the best gas grill on the market by nominating your favorite. Please nominate a gas grill that has been on the market in the last year and is actually an outdoor gas grill....Read Full Post

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  About.com Baseball

• It's Beast Mode in Detroit with a king-sized deal for Prince Fielder

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:53 pm

  There were two monster bats in the free agent market, and if anybody out there predicted that they'd end up with the Angels and Tigers, I want to see some time-stamped proof....Read Full Post

• 'Moneyball' gets six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:26 am

  "Moneyball" was a darn good baseball movie, and it's now in contention for six Oscars. The adaptation of Michael Lewis' book about the 2002 Oakland A's was nominated Tuesday for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (Brad Pitt), Best supporting Actor (Jonah Hill) and for editing and sound mixing....Read Full Post

• Internet lights up for Astros name suggestions

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:12 am

  Even in the American League (starting in 2013), the Houston Astros are probably going to be the Houston Astros for the forseeable future. But new owner Jim Crane made a statement Monday that perhaps only a new owner would make. In a news conference, he said they will study whether or not to give the team a new name....Read Full Post

• All-Time Lineups Matchup No. 6: Tigers vs. Indians

  21 Jan 2012 | 7:00 pm

  Their states are huge rivals in college football, and a little friendlier on the baseball diamond. A little. The latest matchup in the All-Time Lineups series is the Detroit Tigers vs. the Cleveland Indians, and as two of the original American League teams, both teams have Hall of Famers all across their lineups....Read Full Post

• Hall of Famer Gary Carter in grave condition

  20 Jan 2012 | 8:58 am

  Some sad news about a Hall of Famer: Doctors have found more tumors on Gary Carter's brain, according to an online journal published by his family. The former Expos and Mets ...Read Full Post

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  About.com Beadwork

• Amazing Beadwork by Peggy Dembicer

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:35 am

  I have another incredibly talented beadwork artist to share with you this week. Peggy Dembicer is an experienced mixed-media fine artist with a body of work that includes elaborate tapestry and paper weaving. But what really attracted my attention was her large-scale loomed beadwork. (Thank you to My Owl Barn, of all places, for helping me discover it.)...Read Full Post

• Bejeweled Software and Beaded Phoenix on JTV

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:46 am

  Tune in to JTV on February 5th or 6th from 10am to noon to see an interview with Barbara Carleton of Bejeweled Software Co., maker of the popular Jewelry Designer Manager. Along with talking about her pricing and tracking software, Barbara will present Beaded Phoenix's helpful reference poster kit designed by Rosanne Andreas....Read Full Post

• Adventures Dying Stiff Stuff

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:10 am

  Last week I decided that I wanted to whip up a bead embroidery heart tutorial for Valentine's Day. My obstacle, however, was that I didn't have any red colored backing ...Read Full Post

• Liza Lou Beads On

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  I remember when Liza Lou first exhibited her beaded kitchen in 1996.  Yes, an entire beaded kitchen. I'd never seen anything like it before, and I couldn't get over the intricacy, bright sparkling colors, and (of course) scale of it all....Read Full Post

• The Next Bead Dreams Competition Is Now Accepting Entries

  11 Jan 2012 | 6:17 am

  Entries are being accepted for the 2012 Bead Dreams design competition held by Bead & Button magazine. Bead Dreams is a well known, juried event where skilled beaders and jewelry makers from around the world vie for top spots in nine design categories. Winners are announced during an awards ceremony at the annual Bead & Button Show....Read Full Post

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  About.com Beauty

• Sad News: Beauty Author Charla Krupp Has Died

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:57 am

  I have sad news to report. Best-selling author of "How Not to Look Old," Charla Krupp, has died of breast cancer at the age of 58. A pioneer of baby boomer beauty, Krupp has been THE beauty expert for the over-50 set since her book's launch in 2008. She spent a whopping 22 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Read more about Charla on her Website....Read Full Post

• How to Donate Your Barely-Used Beauty Products

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:23 pm

  Today I cleaned out my beauty closet, which is full of lotions, soaps and creams, shampoos and sprays that I really have use for. Some of this stuff is worth up to $70 a bottle and I even have a $250 flatiron that was given to try out. I'm not really a product junkie and there's no way in my lifetime that I can use all this stuff, and I certainly can't use it by the probable expiration dates. So what to do?...Read Full Post

• Does Your Closet Need an Overhaul? Hire a Stylist (or a Ply a Friend With Wine)

  20 Jan 2012 | 8:22 am

  Pulling together outfits can be overwhelming, especially if you don't have an eye for it or a 3-way mirror that shows you at all angles. I'm guilty as charged. While I know a lot about my makeup and skincare, my clothes closet can overwhelm me, so a couple years ago, About.com's Men's Fashion Guide, Daniel Billett stayed with me in Brooklyn for Fashion Week and offered to help me figure out what clothes in my closet actually worked and which ones didn't....Read Full Post

• How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes

  17 Jan 2012 | 7:52 am

  I strongly recommend investing in a few nice makeup brushes and then taking very good care of them by washing them monthly or every 2 weeks if you're Type A or a germaphobe (I'm not). Oils, dirt and makeup get trapped in brushes and will break down the bristles over time, so cleaning them actually preserves them. Find out exactly how to properly wash makeup brushes and tools in my newest article, "How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes...Read Full Post

• Best Eye Creams; Plus, a Few Anti-Aging Tips

  14 Jan 2012 | 6:35 pm

  It seems everyone I know over 35 has one question for me when they find out I'm a beauty editor: What anti-aging products do I recommend. Since the first signs of aging are around the eyes, people usually want to know about eye creams. So I've compiled my list of favorite eye creams from fancy and fabulous to the best deals at the drugstore....Read Full Post

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  About.com Beer

• And the biggest US brewer is...

  13 Jan 2012 | 3:45 am

  I must admit that I was a little surprised to stumble across this headline. I remember back when Anheuser-Busch became a Belgian property it occurred to me that the Boston Beer Company, which makes and sells Sam Adams beer, was the largest American beer company. The other big players like Miller and Coors had already been sold off to foreign drinks corporations years before so it came down to little, comparatively speaking, Sam Adams....Read Full Post

• How Beer Saved the World review

  13 Jan 2012 | 3:30 am

  If you live in the US you might have noticed a program on the Discovery channel last year called "How Beer Saved the World." The basic idea is that beer is responsible for nearly every bit of progress that humans have made since the dawn of civilization. For everything from the wheel to modern medicine and almost advancement in between, we have beer to thank....Read Full Post

• "Blokes-only" homebrew competition? Seriously?

  13 Jan 2012 | 3:14 am

  You know I tend to go on about how brewing companies see women. Over the years, beer marketing was strikingly misogynistic. For a long time it was mostly the big companies although lately I've noticed a few so called craft brewers breaking out the bikinis....Read Full Post

• More beer articles from yours truly

  31 Dec 2011 | 12:04 pm

  Check 'em out: Beer batter Coq au Beire Rare and extravagant beer gifts How Beer Saved the World dvd review Should I drink beer from a glass? Did Ben Franklin say "Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy?" What are Trappist beers? Beer clean defined

• Bar food crisis

  30 Dec 2011 | 3:50 am

  So, you head out for a night on the town. You order a cold beer, plop down on your bar stool and get ready to dive in when it occurs to you, where the hell are the grasshoppers?...Read Full Post

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  About.com Bestsellers

• One for the Money Book Vs. Movie

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:07 pm

  One for the Money hits theaters this week. Janet Evanovich sold the rights to the movie several years ago and didn't have any say in the casting or script. I have to admit, Katherine Heigl is not how I pictured Stephanie Plum. What about you? If you are a Janet Evanovich fan, how did you think the movie version of One for the Money compared to the book? Cover Photo Courtesy St. Martin's Press

• Deciding what to Read

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:05 pm

  When you are deciding what to read, which of these factors has the most influence -- know the author, book reviews, friends' recommendation or popularity (the book is a bestseller)? I think for most of us, it is probably a mix. If I loved an author's last book, though, that is a sure way to get me to read the next one. Of course, I will admit this often leaves me disappointed. It is sort of like going to a sequel of a favorite movie. It can never be as good as the first. What influences your reading choices the most?

• Paperback Pick: Bossypants by Tina Fey

  14 Jan 2012 | 6:30 pm

  Bossypants by Tina Fey starts at Fey's childhood and takes readers through her life and career, including stories about working on Saturday Night Live, impersonating Sarah Palin in the last election, and watching 30 Rock become a success. Fey reads aloud the audio version, which I've heard is a great way to enjoy the book! Read a complete review of Bossypants by Tina Fey Cover Photo Courtesy Little, Brown

• New in Paperback: The Terror of Living by Urban Waite

  14 Jan 2012 | 4:29 am

  The Terror of Living is a debut thriller from Urban Waite that came out in 2011. This modern Western is now available in paperback. Read a complete review of The Terror of Living by Urban Waite The Terror of Living Book Club Discussion Questions Cover Photo Courtesy Little, Brown

• World Book Night - Good Books?

  12 Jan 2012 | 3:18 pm

  April 23 is World Book Night -- a night when volunteers in the U.S. and U.K. will give out 1 million free paperback copies of 30 different books in order to promote reading. Interested in handing out books? You can sign up to volunteer now. I was interested in the list of books they chose. Of the 30 titles, I have read 15 and would put seven of the other books on my "really want to read" list. How about you? Have you read many of these books? Do you think they are good choices for promoting reading among reluctant readers?

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• Nurse Anesthetists' Week - January 22-28 2012

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:45 pm

  This week is National Nurse Anesthetists Week, honoring the advanced practice, highly specialized nursing role of CRNAs - certified registered nurse anesthetists. CRNAs are some of the most highly compensated of all nurses. All CRNAs have an advanced degree at least of a master's level from an accredited nurse anesthetist training program....Read Full Post

• Survey Predicts Strong, Competitive Healthcare Job Market for 2012

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am

  The health care hiring market for 2012 will remain an in demand sector, as many employers struggle to find the right candidates in their markets. More than a third (37 percent) of health care employers have jobs open for which they cannot find qualified candidates. This is according to a new study from MiracleWorkers.com - CareerBuilder's job site for health care professionals - conducted November 9 to December 5, 2011, among more than 350 health care employers....Read Full Post

• Healthcare Offers Most Job Security for Employees

  13 Jan 2012 | 7:47 am

  During rough economic times, workers experience multiple levels of stress related to layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts and myriad other issues. Most employees just want to ensure their jobs are secure. Laurence Shatkin, in his new book 150 Best Jobs for a Secure Future, details the most secure occupations and fields, and the healthcare industry was among the top six most secure fields in which to work. The other fields offering the most job security include computer systems design, educational services, government, repair and maintenance, and utilities....Read Full Post

• Healthcare Adds 23,000 Jobs in December

  8 Jan 2012 | 4:21 pm

  The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its monthly unemployment data for December, revealing another strong month of job growth for healthcare, and a few other sectors. The healthcare industry added 23,000 jobs in December, in a variety of settings. The healthcare industry grew by 315,000 jobs over the year of 2011....Read Full Post

• 4 Health Careers Ranked "Least Stressful" Careers of 2012

  4 Jan 2012 | 12:51 pm

  CareerCast.com released its annual lists of the most and least stressful jobs of 2012. No healthcare careers were included among the list of the ten "most stressful" careers. Four health careers were included on the list of "least stressful" careers:...Read Full Post