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EarthTalk: Stimulus package rewards for businesses greening up

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve been following reports about President Obama’s stimulus package and what it may mean for creating green jobs. Beyond that, are there programs in place to...

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Cut your own Christmas Tree from tree farms in Texas

Cutting your own Christmas tree is a fun holiday activity. You can find Christmas trees at Texas tree farms from our list below. But make sure you do it right so you don't...

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Lyford Holiday Shopping Guide - Black Friday deals and Lyford Malls and Outlets

Between his hardworking elves and all those lists he gets, Santa has it easy.  For the rest of us, holiday gift giving can be a little more challenging. We’ve put...

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An Invitation to our Lyford Community: BLOG ON!

Since this site is all about Lyford, we’d like to get the unique perspectives of local bloggers. If you’ve been blogging, great – send your name, email and a link to your...

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Find Texas Corn Mazes - Get lost in a Texas haunted Halloween corn maze this season!

Imagine entering a giant puzzle … one that's tall, green and full of surprises. This is the experience of a Texas corn maze and it's a great, old-fashioned way to have...

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AmericanTowns PR Tool: Getting publicity for your Lyford organization has never been easier

If your nonprofit group in Lyford is looking to let the community know out about an upcoming event, activity or initiative, our PR Tool is here to help! Here's how it works: when...

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Weekend Activities in and around Lyford

Give yourself a Time Out this week and treat your­self to a day out on­ ­the town. Whether you're in the mood to do some shopping, house hunting, catch a movie or just enjoy...

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Eat Local! Great Resources in the Lyford area

What’s the one small change that 1) instantly improves your health 2) helps the environment 3) boosts Texas’s economy and 4)helps you win the lottery (OK, so we made that last...

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Refinance Your Mortgage Locally, as Mortgage Rates Drop to 5% Level

­­With recent Fed action, interest rates on 30 year fixed rate mortgages have fallen across the country to 5% and, for the best credits, even lower. ...

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Digging into 'shovel-ready projects' in the Lyford area

They're called 'shovel-ready,' those stimulus projects that have been surveyed, planned for, approved and are ready to go in cities all around America. They've been on hold due...

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Giving To Lyford Non-Profits: It Does Good…And It Feels Good

“There is no greater joy in life than giving to worthy causes.” – Ted Turner, announcing his decision to give $1 billion to the United Nations (1997) No doubt...

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Make a difference in Lyford! Find the perfect local volunteer opportunity

You want to give back, but with so many good causes out there, where to start? There are plenty of great volunteer organizations right here in the Lyford area and around the...

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The (Even Greater) Outdoors: Get Out There!

­­­In an age where we spend our days hooked up to Bluetoo­t­hs, broadband and Blackberries, spending a little time in Nature is even more impo­rtan­t to our sanity.Slowing...

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Browse This Week's Classified Ads For Lyford

They're short, potent and can help you move everything from a used treadmill to a 6 bedroom house. Check out our terrific resources for classified ads in and around Lyford,...

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Don’t let dining out in the Lyford area do you in!

Going out to eat in Lyford and the surrounding area is one of life’s great pleasures. But too often, all those goodi­es on the menu can leave your waistline feeling a little,...

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EarthTalk: Harvesting rainwater for household use

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk How can I make good use of the rainwater that runs down my roof and into my gutters? -- B.S.For most of us, the rain that falls on our roof runs off into the...

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EarthTalk: Simple improvements for greening the home

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are some simple low cost improvements I can do to my home to make it greener? -- S.L.According to consumer advocate Remar Sutton, there are many ways to save...

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EarthTalk: Bike riding and traffic pollution

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I ride my bike to work along busy urban streets. Should I be worried about inhaling pollutants from vehicle emissions and other sources?  -- J.K.The short...

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EarthTalk: Vertical Farming

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What is “vertical farming” and how is it better for the environment? – J.S. “Vertical farming” is a term coined by Columbia University professor of...

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EarthTalk: Fashion's footprint

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Can you enlighten on the environmental impact of the fashion industry? As I understand it, the industry overall is no friend to the environment.  --...

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EarthTalk: more affordable energy-efficient cars

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Celebrities and billionaires are shelling out big bucks for cutting edge green-friendly cars like the Tesla Roadster. But what are the rest of us—who live in the...

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EarthTalk: High molybdenum levels from cookware

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I recently had a tissue mineral analysis indicating that my levels of the nutritional element, molybdenum, were off the chart.  I believe this may be leaching...

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Share the season in pictures with the Fairfield Community

From the spooky grin on a Halloween jack-o-lantern to the smiles from a Thanksgiving volunteer stint, we know you have some great pictures to share.  And folks in Fairfield...

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EarthTalk: Toxic hair salons

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: As I understand it, hair salons are pretty toxic enterprises on many counts. Are there any efforts underway to green up that industry? -- P.H.Hair salons have...

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EarthTalk: Recession hurts green group efforts

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that environmental non-profits have been hit hard by the economic downturn, and has this had an impact on their effectiveness? -- B.W.Non-profits of...

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EarthTalk: Disposable paper products decimate forests

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are any major brands of disposable tissues, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper yet using recycled content and chlorine-free bleaching? -- S.C.Not many. In...

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EarthTalk: Pesticides, fertilizers and water pollution

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What effects do fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on residential lawns or on farms have on nearby water bodies like rivers, streams—or even the ocean...

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EarthTalk: Green Power for Homes

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’d like to know the relative electricity cost of utility scale solar and wind plants versus rooftop residential solar. In other words, how can I know whether to...

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EarthTalk: How "green" is Borax for housecleaning?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard so much about using Borax for green housecleaning.  But if this mineral has to be mined, doesn't that negate some of its...

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EarthTalk: Green life lessons for youngsters

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are some things that children and families can do to be greener (and to provide life lessons for the kids in the process)? -- C.M.There are many ways to...

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Winning the Real Estate Game in Fairfield in a Tough Market

It's pretty much accepted fact that a Connecticut home is one of the best investments you can make; but like many things in life, timing is everything. ...

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EarthTalk: Cigarette litter

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Has anyone ever studied the environmental impact of discarded cigarettes? I’m constantly appalled at the number of drivers I see pitching their butts out their...

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EarthTalk: Green ways to keep groundhogs and others away

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What would you recommend as a non-toxic/non-lethal way to keep squirrels, gophers and groundhogs away?   -- F.G.Keeping unwanted critters away can...

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EarthTalk: Upgrading older appliances

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I am considering upgrading some older appliances in my home. Where can I find information on which models are the most energy efficient?  -- J.D.There has...

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EarthTalk: Tax incentives for energy-efficiency

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Since Obama took office, have any new incentives been put in place for homeowners looking to increase energy efficiency and reduce the overall environmental...

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EarthTalk: Can cars run on water?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that cars can be modified to run on water. How is this possible? -- D.M.There are a number of online marketing offers of kits that will convert...

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EarthTalk: Can we bring back train travel?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: If train travel is so much less polluting than driving or flying, why are passenger rail options in the U.S. so limited compared to Europe? And is anything being...

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EarthTalk: The stimulus package and green jobs

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What kind of job opportunities might be opened up by the new federal emphasis on green projects? -- D.W.If it’s a U.S. industry that has the potential to be...

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EarthTalk: Insulating paints

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Do insulating paints actually insulate and save energy? If they do, are they environmentally friendly to use? -- B.D.Paint additives that claim insulating...

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EarthTalk: Do sunspots and solar wind contribute to global warming?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Don’t some scientists point to sunspots and solar wind as having more impact on climate change than human industrial activity?   -- D.N. ...

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EarthTalk: Neighborhood Solar Power

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I know of solar power systems that people can put on their roofs to generate electricity or heat water. Are there systems that serve whole neighborhoods? -- L.H. ...

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EarthTalk: Recycling mattresses

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How can I recycle my old mattress if the place I buy a new one from doesn’t take it? What do mattress companies do with old mattresses when they do take them? Do...

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EarthTalk: Where will we re-charge our plug-in cars?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: With plug-in hybrid and electric cars due to hit the roads sometime soon, will there be places to plug them in besides at home? And if so, how much will it cost to...

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EarthTalk: Microwaves vs. gas and electric ovens

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How does the microwave compare in energy use, say, to using a gas or electric stove burner to heat water for a cup of tea? -- T.D. The...

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EarthTalk: Nanotechnology forges ahead

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What is "nanotechnology?" I’ve heard that nanoparticles are already in consumer products, yet we haven't really studied their potential health...

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EarthTalk: Global warming, human illness and loss of life

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Has anyone been tracking whether climate change is causing more loss of human life as it gets more pronounced? -- G.G. Researchers...

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EarthTalk: Nontoxic flea and tick products and remedies

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are there any flea and tick products out there that don’t contain toxic chemicals? --E.L. Harmful pesticides in mainstream flea and tick products are...

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EarthTalk: More fuel-efficient diesel cars coming to the U.S.

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I don’t understand why there are many European diesel cars with very high mileage ratings that are not available in the U.S. Can you enlighten? -- J.H. ...

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EarthTalk: What does Carbon Neutral really mean?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What does "carbon neutral" really mean? And is it really possible to live in such a manner without just resorting to buying carbon credits? --V.H. ...

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EarthTalk: Sun-protective clothing

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is there really such a thing as “sun-protective clothing?” If so, does it mean I can dispense with oily sunscreens once and for all? -- J.S. ...

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EarthTalk: Global warming skeptics

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I keep meeting people who say that human-induced global warming is only theory, that just as many scientists doubt it as believe it. Can you settle the score? --...

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EarthTalk: Living near a gas station

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I am looking at possibly buying a house that is very close to a gasoline station. Is it safe to live so close to a gas station? What concerns should I have? I have...

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EarthTalk: Backyard (organic) vegetable gardening in small spaces

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I want to start an organic vegetable garden in my yard and I would like to know how to combine crops to make better use of time and space. -- Val Thomason,...

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EarthTalk: What role might biomass play in our energy future?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: There’s a lot of talk today about solar and wind power, but what about biomass? How big a role might this renewable energy source play in our future? Couldn’t...

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EarthTalk: Does a cold and snowy winter mean that global warming is bunk?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Don’t all these huge snow and ice storms across the country mean that the globe isn’t really warming? I've never seen such a winter! -- M.F. ...

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EarthTalk: Smart grid technology for conserving energy

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What is the so-called “smart grid” I've been hearing about, and how can it save energy and money? -- L.B. America’s...

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EarthTalk: Is #5 plastic, used for some food containers, safe?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: It seems like more products are being packaged in #5 rather than #2 plastic today, and my local recycling agency won’t take #5. I’ve also heard that #5...

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EarthTalk: Technological climate change fixes

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are some of the leading proposed technological fixes for staving off global warming, and how feasible are they? -- J.H. While most...

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EarthTalk: Comparing battery to gasoline power, electricity wins hands down

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: If you have an electric or plug-in hybrid car, you’re paying for electricity rather than gasoline all or most of the time. How does that cost compare to a...

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EarthTalk: Toilet paper and other disposable paper products decimate forests

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are any major brands of disposable tissues, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper yet using recycled content and chlorine-free bleaching? -- S.C. ...

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EarthTalk: Which parts of the U.S. will be hardest hit by global warming?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Which parts of the United States are or will be hardest hit by global warming? -- A.P. It’s difficult to predict which areas of the U.S. will suffer...

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EarthTalk: The "green cities" movement

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What is the “green cities” movement?  -- J.M. Best described as a loose association of cities focused on sustainability,...

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EarthTalk: Synthetic chemicals in baby bottles

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some baby bottles contain chemicals that can cause health problems for babies? If so, how can I find alternatives that are safer? -- A.G. ...

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EarthTalk: Desalinization of ocean water for drinking

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: With all the talk of desalinization of ocean water for drinking, what do we know about the impacts this might have on climate, ocean salinity and other natural...

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EarthTalk: Fireplace Dangers

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: It is starting to get colder and I’m eager to try out the fireplace in our new home, but we don't want to create health or environmental problems. Are there...

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EarthTalk: Which is greener: dryer sheets or liquid fabric softener?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Which is better for our environment: to use dryer sheets in the dryer or liquid fabric softener in the wash? It seems they both have properties that are not very...

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EarthTalk: Rooftop solar panels for home energy and hot water

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I am considering solar panels for my roof to provide heat for my hot water and possibly to do more than that. Are there some kinds of solar panels that are better...

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Blades of glory! Find ice skating rinks in and around Lyford, Texas

Feel like the cold weather has you stuck in your house? Ice skating is a great excuse to get out and have some fun. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of excitement....

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EarthTalk: Starting a School Environmental Club

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’m thinking about starting an environmental club in my middle school.  Can you give me some ideas about how to start?  Can you connect me with other...

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EarthTalk: What's more green-friendly: flying or driving?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How can I determine if it is more eco-friendly to fly or drive somewhere? -- C.M. The simple answer is that driving in a relatively fuel efficient...

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EarthTalk: Green-friendly holiday gift ideas and sources

Dear EarthTalk: Can you recommend some sources for toys and other holiday gifts that are both safe and not harmful to the environment?  -- T.G. Given the...

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10 ways to combat the red, white and post-election blues

No doubt about it – this has been one loooong election season. Now that it’s over, don’t be surprised if you experience some withdrawal...

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EarthTalk: Eco-Psychology

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I caught the tail end of a discussion about “ecopsychology” recently on the radio, something about the negative impacts of people not communing with nature...

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EarthTalk: Where do lead-tainted toys that have been recalled end up?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: There has been a lot of news about lead-tainted children’s toys being recalled. Where are these toys ending up and are they creating pollution problems there? --...

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The Power of a Single Vote - Lyford Election Information and Polling Places

Presidential elections tend to get all the attention, but there are plenty of "off-year" local Lyford and Texas state elections that are equally important. As they say, "all...

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EarthTalk: Will the LED light bulb dethrone the compact fluorescent?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the story with LED light bulbs that are reputed to be even more energy-efficient than compact fluorescents? -- T.E. Perhaps the ultimate...

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EarthTalk: Natural headache remedies

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are there natural headache remedies that can get me off of Tylenol, Advil and other medicines whose side effects can be as bad as or worse than the pain that led...

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Coping with the U.S. Financial Crisis

No doubt about it, the current economic situation in­ the US Financial Crisis is scary. But there are things each of us can do to protect o­urselves and keep things from...

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EarthTalk: Does inflating car tires with nitrogen help the environment?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is using nitrogen to inflate my car’s tires really better for the environment than using air? And if so, how? -- R.M. Whether or not it makes...

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Back to School for Lyford - Bus Schedules, Lunch Menus, School Supplies and more

Hey, Lyford! Forget the pencils and backpacks: time to gather up school supplies of a different kind! Start the school year off right - and with more sanity - with the...

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EarthTalk: Non-dairy milks

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: There seems to be a large selection of soy and other non-dairy milks out there today, even right in the dairy sections of major supermarkets. Why should I opt for...

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EarthTalk: Lowering your carbon footprint

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How can I measure—and then improve—my overall “carbon footprint?” What are the major areas of one’s daily life that one measures? -- A.F. ...

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EarthTalk: Toxic household cleaners

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve read that household cleaners contain cancer-causing toxic ingredients. What should I do, then, to keep my house clean but also safe for my kids?  --...

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EarthTalk: Aerosol sprays

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What’s the deal nowadays with aerosol spray cans? I thought that the ozone-depleting chemicals used in them were eliminated back in the 1970s. Is this true? If...

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Don’t let fuel costs around Lyford drive you crazy

­Lately, going to the gas station to fill up requires a stop beforehan­d to either take out a second mortgage…or sign over your firstborn (check here for updated gas prices in...

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Apple Picking Orchards and Apple Farms Guide for Texas TX

Apple Picking Resource Guide - go Apple picking in Austin, Texas! Want a unique, fun activity for fall in the Austin, TX area? This is where you can find...

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Pumpkin Patch Farms and Pumpkin Picking Guide for Texas TX

Local Pumpkin Patch Farms - go pick pumpkin's at a local farm in the Austin and Travis County area. When there’s a crisp snap in the air, nothing beats a day...

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EarthTalk: The scoop on recycling container lids, tops and caps

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Everyone knows we should recycle metal, glass and plastic cans and bottles, but what about all the lids, tops and caps?  I see people recycling plastic...

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EarthTalk: Do those energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs cause headaches?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Can those energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs that are popular now cause headaches because of the flickering they do? I converted my whole house over...

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EarthTalk: How often do I really need to change my oil?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How often do I really need to change my car’s oil? Conventional wisdom has always put it at every 3,000 miles to prevent engine wear, but isn’t changing oil...

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EarthTalk: Concerns about plastic: Is Tupperware safe?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve read that plastic bottles are not always safe to reuse over and over as harmful chemicals can leach out into the contents. I’m wondering if the same...

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EarthTalk: Our next president's environmental agenda

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are the major environmental issues that our next president, be it Obama or McCain, will have to confront? -- M.B. ...

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EarthTalk: Pollution, sedentary lifestyles and early puberty

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I heard that children are reaching puberty at earlier ages now and that it may have to do with environmental toxins and even their TV viewing habits. Can you...

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EarthTalk: Energy-hogging TVs

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I need to replace my old TV. Can you tell me which of the latest models is the greenest? I was told that the flat-screen/plasmas are real energy hogs. What do you...

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EarthTalk: Finding green friendly consumer products

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are the best sources out there for environmentally friendly consumer products? I don’t want to have to drive all over creation for green laundry and other...

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Texas 4th of July 2009 Independence Day Events

Texas Fourth of July Fireworks, Festivities and Celebrations Kaboom Town Fireworks Show 2009, Addison, TX - July 3, 2009 4th of July Celebration, Alvin, TX - July 4,...

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EarthTalk: Greener computer choices

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: My old computer finally bit the dust and I am in the market for a replacement. Are there any particularly “green” computers for sale these days? --Brian S. ...

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EarthTalk: Nontoxic ways to deal with carpenter ants

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: In renovating a cabin, I discovered carpenter ants working their way through the walls. Is there any way to responsibly get rid of the pests without using noxious...

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EarthTalk: Alternatives to toxic mosquito repellents

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that the DEET used in most mosquito repellents is toxic? If so what problems does it cause? And what are some non-toxic alternatives for keeping...

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EarthTalk: Sunscreen cautions

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are sunscreens safe? Which ones do you recommend that will protect my skin from the sun and not cause other issues? -- B.E., New York, NY ...

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EarthTalk: Wetlands loss

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of wetlands in North America? Years ago I remember that wetlands loss, due to development and sprawl, was accelerating fast, but I haven’t...

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A Day to Remember in Lyford

For most of us, Memorial Day marks the beginning of a season of summer fun. But don't let the real meaning of the holiday get lost amidst the barbecues, Memorial Day parades and...

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EarthTalk: Healthy fast food on the road

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I really want to eat healthy and organic but am constantly traveling and on the go. How can I eat fast food without having to always end up at McDonalds and Burger...

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EarthTalk: Green-friendly outdoor clothing

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’m planning a summer backpacking trip and was hoping to buy some of the latest green-friendly outdoor clothing. Where the best options out there today that wear...

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Two wheels are better than four!

Whether it’s a gutsy mountain bike, a sleek racer or your trusty Schwinn with the playing cards in the spokes, time to get out and see the world on two wheels.May is American ...

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EarthTalk: Wind power's progress

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How is wind power faring in the U.S. now? Is more of it coming on line and becoming a larger percent of the grid? And what about some of the highly publicized...

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JuneFit Tip: Stretching is for Everyday!

from:JuneFit - Health and Fitness Tips

My motto is, "Stretching is for Everyday", and I do practice what I preach. Research has indicated that regular stretching may be more effective in preventing injuries...

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EarthTalk: Air travel's carbon footprint

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Are there any efforts underway to green the air travel industry? It seems to me that it must be one dirty business from a pollution standpoint. -- E.C. ...

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EarthTalk: Green Kids' Shoes

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I’ve found environmentally friendly shoes for myself, but have had trouble finding similar shoes for my kids. Are they out there? -- Dawn M. ...

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EarthTalk: Energy drinks

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: There are so many energy drinks on the market, but they all seem very high in sugar, coloring and preservatives. Are there any natural versions that offer a...

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EarthTalk: Recycling old clothes

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How or where can I recycle clothes that are too old or worn out for Goodwill?-- Tim Just because that old shirt you used to love is too...

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EarthTalk: Safety issues with gel hand sanitizers

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: My pediatrician swears by those gel hand sanitizers for lowering the risk of my family getting sick during cold and flu season. But I’ve also heard that these...

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Volunteer Opportunities at MEEELJ

We have a driving need for enthusiastic, motivated individuals to pitch in and help us achieve our mission:“To effect positive change for at risk youth in our community”. ...

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EarthTalk: Chemicals in scented candles

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I just read an article that said air fresheners contain chemicals that can cause health problems when inhaled. Are scented candles any better? -- Leanne C. ...

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A New Look, More Info, New Ways to Share on our new Lyford Community Site!

Welcome to Lyford's new "shared community webspace", at AmericanTowns.com! Not just a fresh new look, but a whole host of new features and resources neatly organized –...

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EarthTalk: Greener computers

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: As an online gamer, I spend a lot of time in front of my computer. What’s the environmental impact? And are “greener” PCs available? -- Bob G. ...

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EarthTalk: Reducing food packaging waste

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Everybody says stop using plastic bags, but what about all the plastic, cellophane, cardboard and other materials used for packaging the food itself? What can we...

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EarthTalk: Environmental festivals and events

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I've been reading about various green festivals going on around the country and I want to attend some and get up to speed on environmental issues and products....

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EarthTalk: Earth-friendly chocolate

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I heard a reference to “Earth-friendly chocolate” and was wondering about what goes into chocolate that would raise environmental concerns. -- Ben M. ...

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Sun, Sand and Splash Spell Summer Fun in Texas!

Nothing says "summer" like ­spending time by the water. S­ur­e­, you cou­ld just flop on a towel and leave it at that…but why not make the most of your day in the...

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EarthTalk: Online green information

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: What are some of the best online sources of environmental information? -- Hip2bGreen One of the best places to start in venturing out into...

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EarthTalk: Cell phone towers and cancer

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: My uncle worked for over a decade on the top floor of an office building with cell phone towers directly above him. He was recently diagnosed with cancer. Is there...

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EarthTalk: Green mattresses and bedding

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that traditional mattresses and bedding can cause environmental and health problems, and if so, what alternatives are out there? -- Jay G. ...

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EarthTalk: Recycling items other than paper, plastic and glass

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: Most of us know how to recycle paper, plastic and glass, but how do we find out about recycling the many other items we use that eventually break or die out, such...

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"We're Losing Winter" Reports E - The Environmental Magazine

from:EarthTalk

Janisse Ray, an outdoor recreation enthusiast in Danville, Vermont, got so frustrated when the West River hadn't frozen by last January that she donned a wet suit and floated...

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EarthTalk: Soda cans and global warming

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How much of an effect, if any, does the carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages have on global warming? -- Michael H. A typical 12-ounce can of...

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EarthTalk: New Year's Resolutions for Fighting Global Warming

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: My New Year’s Resolution is to reduce my “carbon footprint” to help fight global warming. Do you have suggestions for ways I can make good on my promise? --...

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EarthTalk: Asbestos in vinyl tile floors

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Dear EarthTalk: My kitchen floor is vinyl, installed back in 1979. I am told the vinyl contains asbestos. Now it needs replacing. How do I safely remove the vinyl and what are...

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One Child, One Laptop, Endless Possibilities!

It’s a simple, yet profound concept: giving two billion kids in developing nations laptop computers – then watching them change the world. The One Laptop...

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EarthTalk: Compact fluorescent light bulbs

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Dear EarthTalk: Why aren’t compact fluorescent light bulbs taking over more quickly from incandescents, given their substantial energy-saving advantage? And what about recycling...

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EarthTalk: Upgrading to greener furniture

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Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for new furniture. What should I look for in natural furniture and where do I find it? -- Debbie Along with...

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Lyford, Texas holiday events and holiday shopping guide

'Tis the season to be jolly - and stressed out, overextended and downright "Grinch-y!" Here are some tips for reclaiming your holiday spirit (not to mention, your...

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EarthTalk: Paving and road-building impacts

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Dear EarthTalk: The impacts of all the paving that is done for new roads and parking lots must be considerable. Other than Joni Mitchell’s “They paved paradise and put up a...

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EarthTalk: Toxic chemicals in kids' toys

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Dear EarthTalk: I have been alarmed at recent news about dangerous substances in kids’ toys shipped to the U.S. from China, though I doubt that such concerns are limited to...

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EarthTalk: Greener cars on the horizon

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Dear EarthTalk: We’ve all seen the current generation of hybrid cars, but what vehicles do the automakers have coming out that are even greener? -- Brian S. ...

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Earth Talk: Glossy magazine covers

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Dear EarthTalk: I would think that the glossy paper used by most magazines is bad for the environment, yet most publishers still use it, even the outdoors and environmental...

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EarthTalk: Health questions surrounding the use of plastic bottles

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Dear EarthTalk: Are the rumors true that refilling and reusing some types of plastic bottles can cause health problems?--Regina Most types of plastic bottles are safe to...

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EarthTalk: Consider greening your driving habits instead of buying a new hybrid

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Dear EarthTalk: Short of buying a new hybrid or other "green" car, are there ways I can make my existing vehicle more eco-friendly? I bought my car recently and am not...

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Earth Talk - Getting large local institutions to recycle

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: The hospital I work at doesn’t recycle at all, not even plastic bottles and cans or food service trays. I was wondering how to get the facility to start up some...

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EarthTalk: Can air fresheners cause health problems?

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Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some ingredients in common air fresheners can cause health problems?-- Mike Air fresheners are a $1.72 billion industry in the United...

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EarthTalk: Are Kitchen Garbage Disposals Earth-Friendly?

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Dear EarthTalk: I was surprised to learn recently that some communities have outlawed kitchen-sink garbage disposals, at least in homes. I would have thought these machines were...

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Halloween happenings in and around Austin and Travis county

It’s time for spooks and spirits and things that go bump in the night (probably looking for the last Snickers bar in the Treat bag)! Halloween began with the ancient Celts, who...

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New Sports Website for teams and leagues in Lyford

Sports is meant to be about fun, teamwork, skillbuilding and achievement… NOT endless phone calls, scheduling mix-ups and fundraising hassles. Now AmericanTowns – the online...

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EarthTalk: Avoiding polluted and endangered fish

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Dear EarthTalk: How can I find out which seafood to avoid if I am concerned about lessening my impact on the environment and avoiding consuming unhealthy pollutants? -- Pat ...

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Your Lyford Real Estate Roadmap

It’s the place where you celebrate family gatherings, sleep late on the weekends and pour most of your money into. It’s the place where you live – and the right place has...

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Looking for tickets to a hot local event?

Standing in line for tickets is a drag! Whether its a local sports event in the Lyford area, that can’t-miss “reunion” concert halfway across Texas or the latest kids’...

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Great resources for local school information in & around Lyford

Finding the right school for your child – then helping them get the most out of their education – produces as much pressure as, oh, say, being asked to host the Oscars ten...

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Local Careers and Jobs in the Lyford area - Use the web to find, search or post local jobs

Put down that red pencil and classified section and turbocharge your job search (or for that matter, your quest for the perfect employee) for a job in & around Lyford, Texas...

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EarthTalk: Giving babies nutritious food helps establish positive eating habits

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: I want to give my baby fresh, organic food but I don't have the time to make her special meals. What options are out there? -- Marie Babies deserve...

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Explore Texas: Museum of the Southwest

Shaded by lush landscaping, the Museum of the Southwest lives in the historic Turner Mansion, recognized as a state and national historic site. Built in 1934, the Mansion and...

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52 Ways to Save the Planet: #9: “Reduce Gasoline Consumption 20% - Improve your mpg rating”

A weekly series of common sense ways to reduce wasteful habits, while saving you time, money and…well, self respect. Fact#1: In his 2007 State of the Union address,...

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The perennial dilemma: Paper or Plastic?

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: OK, once and for all, which is more environmentally friendly: paper or plastic at the grocery checkout? And is it true some communities are starting to ban plastic...

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EarthTalk: Improving the nutritional quality of school cafeteria food

from:EarthTalk

Dear EarthTalk: How can we get schools to offer healthier and more eco-friendly cafeteria food to our kids? I don’t have time to bag a healthy lunch every day. -- Leslie...

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Explore Texas: The Austin Museum of Art

The Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) was established in 1961 as Laguna Gloria Art Museum and has continually served as Austin's primary community art museum. In keeping with Clara...

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Explore Texas: The Houston Museum of Natural Science

As one of the most heavily attended museums in the United States, and one of the most attended venues in Houston, the Museum is in the distinguished company of the Smithsonian...

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Explore Texas: Texas Natural Science Center

Its world-renowned research has produced a collection of 5.7 million specimens in the disciplines of paleontology, geology, biology, herpetology, ichthyology and entomology. The...

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In the market for a mortgage?

Adjustable rates, interest-only, points, no points, prime rates... all that monetary mumbo-jumbo can be overwhelming for most of us. Whether it’s a remodeling job of the home...

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It's Easy Being Green! 10 Tips to Make Every Day Earth Day

Earth Day (April 22nd)was first officially celebrated in 1970, and marks the start of the modern environmental movement.But as the global warming crisis grows, no one can afford...

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Can I get a "Bow Wow?"

They’re the ones who open the cans of food, throw the balls and make sure that there’s always a warm place to sleep…On April 18, celebrate Pet Owner’s Day! ...

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HAPPY “PESACH”!

Passover (sometimes called “pesach”) is the oldest Jewish festival, commemorating a story from the book of Exodus.When Pharoah refused to let the Jews out of slavery, ten...

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A Taxing Time of Year

Despite the flowers, the birds and the nice weather, April can indeed be the cruelest month – because of tax time! The roots of “internal revenue” go back to the Civil War,...

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Daylight Savings Time: Gain an hour of sleep in Lyford

Time to “fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends on the first weekend in November (in 2007, that means Sunday, Nov. 4). Setting our clocks back one hour to standard time...

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Turkey and trimmings and football, oh my! Thanksgiving Day info for Texas

Put on the pants with the stretchy waistband; it’s that time of year when we gather together to celebrate family, good fortune – and the fact that there are about 47...

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Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 21 is the official day to commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [Jan. 15, 1929-April 4, 1968].Dr. King was born in Atlanta into a family of ...

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Find Polling Place Locations in Lyford, TX

Updated 2008 voter information ­can be found here: Lyford Polling Places and Election Information Did you know that in­ some...

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October is Adopt A Shelter Pet Month

What has four paws, a cold nose and a warm heart? An animal companion, that’s what! If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, consider bypassing the expensive...

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Turkey and trimmings and football, oh my! Thanksgiving Day info and parades for TX

Put on the pants with the stretchy waistband; it’s that time of year when we gather together to celebrate family, good fortune – and the fact that there are about 47...

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America Recycles Day

In 2007, November 15 has been designated as America Recycles Day. Sure, sorting all those pieces of junk mail and cat food cans isn’t sexy, but consider the positive impact...

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Veterans Day history and parades for Texas

What does Veterans Day mean to Lyford and Willacy county, TX? Veterans Day originally began as a way to honor the soldiers of World War I. Although the war...

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Make Your Spirits Bright This Christmas!

'Tis the season to be jolly in­ Lyford, TX – but it might also be the season to be stressed out, overextended and downright “Grinch-y!” If you find yourself treating the...

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Back-to-School Tips

Time to pack up the sand pails and load up the backpack! Heading back to school can be exciting, scary, fun – but it doesn’t have to be hard. We’ve gathered some great tips...

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Hail to the Chiefs

Think of it as the Mount Rushmore of holidays – sort of. President’s Day was designed as a tidy way to commemorate the February birthdays of two of our greatest leaders:...

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Hey, Cupid! Over Here!

Valentine's Day is the most roman­­tic day of the year. That’s a lot of pressure for most of us romantically-challenged types. Whether you’re paired off or single,...

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Get a Grip on Your Gigabytes! National Clean Out Your Computer Day is Feb 12

It may not look as cluttered as your closet…it may not seem as out of control as those file cabinets in your basement. But most of us have computers that are stuffed with...

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Are You Ready for Some Football?

There are the Oscars, the Grammys...and then, there’s the Super Bowl! One of THE most-watched TV events of the year, it’s a great excuse for even non-football lovers to get...

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