Four bad habits which are good for you
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BC-NEWS2USE-PREVENTION:MCT (508 words)
Can't kick your snickerdoodle addiction? Spend too much time on Facebook? Some "vices" you've assumed were naughty or simply unproductive can actually offer pretty nice health perks - as long as you don't overdo it. 1. Chewing gum. It actually boosts thinking and alertness in part by increasing blood flow to the brain, a new study finds. Previous research found that people who chewed sugarless ...

Jun/17/2013 08:14 AM

Measuring identity theft protection services
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BC-NEWS2USE-IDTHEFT:AA (1120 words)
People occasionally ask me what I know about companies that offer identity theft protection services and whether they are worth the cost. I haven't explored that issue, but the Consumer Federation of America has, and it issued an update last week to its research. The CFA initially studied the subject in 2009 (you can read the report at http://bit.ly/11yuzdv) and raised concerns about ...

Jun/17/2013 08:12 AM

Consumers engaging favorite retailers online
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BC-NEWS2USE-MONEY2:AT (438 words)
When was the last time you walked into your favorite department store? If it's been a while, you're probably among the millions of shoppers who are increasingly visiting retailers' virtual aisles, according to a new study on online shopping by researchers at comScore. The study of 3,000 shoppers found seven out of 10 prefer to go online to get what they want from their favorite retailers. The ...

Jun/17/2013 08:09 AM

Ask Angie: Which is better: hand-nailing or using a nail gun for the roof shingles?
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BC-NEWS2USE-HOME1:MCT (815 words)
Dear Angie: My home needs a new roof. Which is better: hand-nailing or using a nail gun for the roof shingles? Does it matter? - S. A., Norman, Okla. Dear S.A.: Let me start by answering your last question first. Technically, it does not matter if a roofer hand- or gun-nails the shingles. Both methods are approved by roof manufacturers, so there is no "right" or "wrong" way. That said, this is ...

Jun/17/2013 08:08 AM

Man's best coworker: Prepping your pooch for Take Your Dog to Work Day
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BC-NEWS2USE-PETS:MCT (526 words)
Friday, June 21, is Take Your Dog to Work Day, sponsored by Pet Sitters International, and studies have shown that having pets in the workplace creates a more productive environment, lowers stress, and actually decreases employee absenteeism. In addition to the calming effect dogs have on people, taking your dog to work with you is helpful in socializing him by getting him used to new faces, ...

Jun/17/2013 08:07 AM

You've bought a new home, now what?
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BC-NEWS2USE-DEALDIVA:CH (497 words)
You have decided on a new home; now it's time for the dreaded packing. Buy both black and white trash bags. Designate white trash bags for things to donate and black trash bags for the garbage. Go through drawers, closets, under beds, the attic and the garage and place items either in a box that will go with you or in a garbage bag. Do not pay for boxes. Ask for them at grocery stores, ...

Jun/17/2013 08:07 AM

Sony upstages Microsoft with PS4
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BC-NEWS2USE-PLUGIN:PD (812 words)
When the final roundup stories of the 2013 E3 video game show are writ, many will declare Sony the "winner." And just as with comedy, timing played a huge role. Sony came up to bat with its two-hour press conference last week a few hours after Microsoft's big reveal of games and pricing for its' next generation Xbox One system and revamped Xbox 360. And for many in the gamer crowd, Sony blew ...

Jun/17/2013 08:06 AM

Countdown to College: How to get a great letter of recommendation
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BC-NEWS2USE-EDUCATION-BIERER-COLUMN:CH (652 words)
While students don't have control over the content of their letters of recommendation, they have more power than they realize. There are many things a student can do to improve the likelihood that a teacher will write a strong recommendation that will impress the admissions office. First, a student needs to understand their school's policies on letters of recommendation as well as those of the ...

Jun/17/2013 08:06 AM

Life Skills: Visiting the doctor
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BC-NEWS2USE-LIFESKILLS:TB (948 words)
An apple a day won't keep the doctor away forever. Sooner or later, you'll need to make an appointment. There are ways to make that visit flow smoothly. Fact is, life is moving at a fast pace for everyone, including physicians. When Dr. Paul Griner started practicing in 1964, the average follow-up patient visit with a primary care physician was 30 minutes; a new patient visit would go an hour. ...

Jun/17/2013 08:05 AM

Auto advice from Angie's List: Don't have a breakdown on your summer vacation
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BC-NEWS2USE-AUTOS:MCT (859 words)
Summer is in full swing, which means a vacation could be in your near future. If that vacation involves a lengthy drive, it's important to have your car checked before taking off. Nearly 8 million motorists will have breakdowns between Memorial Day and Labor Day that are called into AAA alone - with the summer heat playing a part. "Before taking a trip, make sure everything is up to snuff with ...

Jun/17/2013 08:05 AM