Monday, January 12, 2009

Shot of the Day January 12, 2009

Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
By Flickr Member photographybyleah

Good News from Mary Beth for January 12, 2009

Michigan Avenue Bridge: A Chicago icon's makeover begins

The City of Chicago began restoring sidewalks and handrails on the historic downtown Michigan Avenue Bridge today -- the first step in a multistage project that will stretch until June, disrupt pedestrian traffic and cost in the neighborhood of $3.5 million. Check out the story here.


Editing the Dictionary: The Triumph of Ideology

Lisa Saunders of County Down in Northern Ireland has four children, ages 7 to 14. As you might expect, she has plenty of experience helping them with their homework.

But nothing in her experience prepared her what she recently discovered while helping her son. Click here to read the rest of this Breakpoint commentary.


The Value of Preparation - A Devotion (Number 19 in a series)

Matthew recounts Jesus' telling of the parable of the wise virgins and foolish virgins. Does it have any application to life today? Click here to read the devotion.

This devotion is number nineteen in a series. View the whole series here.


Extra touch of warmth


There is something primal about a fireplace. The jabber and pop of a seasoned log, the hypnotic dance of flame - it's an irresistible sensory experience. But a fireplace is an inefficient source of heat. Warm to the details here.

Good News From Mary January 12, 2009

The Cost of Clutter

We live in a society of extremes. People seem to be extremely in debt, extremely overweight and extremely disorganized. people everywhere are trying to come up with new and better solutions to solve these problems but not many of their ideas are working.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.


Preventing colds may be as easy as vitamin Zzz

Fluff up the pillows and pull up the covers. Preventing the common cold may be as easy as getting more sleep.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Good Housekeeping Institute's VIP Products

Good Housekeeping reviews thousands of products every year, and in the February issue the magazine honors a select group of VIPs – very innovative products.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Universities offering in-state tuition to out-of-state students

For 20 years, Southern Illinois University's student numbers have languished, proving so vexing it cost a top administrator his job in 2006.


Much of the problem, the chancellor contends, is that would-be students from Illinois bolted to other states on the promise of sweet tuition deals.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Hard work ahead on retirement policies

President-elect Barack Obama has plenty on his plate as his inauguration nears, what with wars in the Middle East and a financial crisis -- and $1.2 trillion dollar deficit -- here at home.

But even as Obama wrestles with a number of major issues, retirement experts and lobbying groups are pelting the soon-to-be-sworn-in president with what they view as the big retirement-related problems that must be addressed over the next four years.

Here are six major issues experts say should be on Obama's and Congress' to-do list.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News story.

January 12, 2009 Post from Margaret

Seed Starting FAQ

It is January. Winter has just begun, but I am already starting to think 'Spring'. HERE is an article on the how’s and when’s to start seeds.


Solutions for the Family Car

“For many of us, the separation between home and car has blurred. Cars have become our rolling offices, kitchens, study spaces, and playrooms combined. We commute to our jobs, ferry our kids to school, sports, and play dates...and then, to relax, head out on a road trip. All this car time brings with it the challenge of maintaining order and general cleanliness on the one hand, and keeping the kids fed and entertained on the other. With these concerns in mind, we offer you and your family a trunkload of tips and ideas, including a homemade air freshener the kids can help craft and a backseat sibling separator with accessible storage for kids' little necessities. Don't hit the road without them.”

Click HERE for tips and ideas.


Hind Wings Help Butterflies Make Swift Turns To Evade Predators, Study Finds

“New tires allow race cars to take tight turns at high speeds. Hind wings give moths and butterflies similar advantages: They are not necessary for basic flight but help these creatures take tight turns to evade predators.”

Read more of this story here.


5 New Tax Benefits for 2008

“At this point, you’ve probably received your 2008 Form 1040 packet. Now, it's time to start thinking about getting your return underway -- whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a pro.
No matter how you get your taxes done, there are a few key changes almost everyone should know about. Here's what to look for:”

Read about this changes here.

Shot of the Day January 11, 2009

Mornin'
By Flickr Member elisabethshroyer