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Attention authors: 4 reasons to go with an indie publisher
Due to advancements in technology like digital cinematography cameras and internet distribution, artists in both the movie and music industries have been producing their work independently for decades now. Now, in that same independent spirit, writers also have the freedom to bypass the traditional conventions of publishing to achieve their goal of becoming a published author.
 
Distracted driving has many consequences
Distracted driving is fast becoming one of the most talked about issues in America. Several states have passed laws intended to combat it; talk show host Oprah Winfrey recently dedicated an entire show to the issue; and auto insurance companies have set up programs to encourage their customers to think long and hard about the consequences of their actions.
 
How to choose a safe, effective fish oil supplement
Americans now swallow fish oil more often than multivitamins, according to ConsumerLab's recent annual survey of vitamin and supplement users. And it's no wonder why - fish oil is one of the best supplements anyone can take.
 
Celebrate the environment with the newest eco-chic products
As you lay out on the beach soaking in some sunshine, or relax in the green grass in your backyard, you're reminded just how important it is to protect the environment. There are small steps you can take to create big change and it can be as simple as the beauty products you buy.
 
Easy ways to take advantage of solar energy at home
While installing a complete residential solar energy system can be cost-prohibitive for many homeowners, recent technology that integrates solar power with individual household appliances is making it easier for homeowners to harness the power of the sun without breaking the bank.
 
Items you must have in your car emergency kit
With today's technology, it's easy to forget about taking safety precautions when help is a phone call or the push of a button away. But when you're on the road, technology can sometimes fail, or help could be hours away. That's why it's a good idea to keep your car stocked with an emergency kit.
 
Five tech tools for non-gearheads
Does it ever seem like the more things new technology can do, the more complicated using it becomes? And sometimes it's so complicated you don't feel like using it at all? If so, you're not alone. If you have a place in your life for uncomplicated technology, here are five tech tools that are both easy to use and elegantly useful.
 
Five bank fees you should stop paying
Irritation with unnecessary banking fees is the No. 1 reason consumers switch banks, according to a recent survey. If you're paying these five fees, it's time to look for a bank that doesn't charge them.
 
The psychology behind your nutrition
Summer is the perfect time to improve eating habits. Listening to the psychological triggers of when to eat and when to stop is core to the psychology of good nutrition. Learn to listen and take advantage of the healthy food options available this summer. You might find that improving your nutrition is easier than you thought.
 
Six ways to use the Web in your job search
With the unemployment rate in the U.S. hovering around 10.4 percent, many Americans are facing the daunting task of looking for permanent employment. The rise of the Internet has changed the very structure of the job market, making it easier than ever for potential employees to contact managers, companies and each other.
 
Women are going back to school, but not in the classroom
While many parents already take an active role in their children's education, today more and more moms are going back to school themselves, particularly in the tight economy. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that women were on track to surpass men in earning advanced degrees. And they are increasingly doing so online, at a significantly lesser cost than the average brick-and-mortar institution.
 
Practical tips for keeping America's youth safe when behind the wheel
Today's teen drivers face an increasing number of risks and distractions, making safe driving habits more important than ever. At the same time, teen driving laws are evolving, and fewer public schools across the country can afford to offer drivers' education. Many community organizations and even large businesses have stepped in to proactively help teens learn the importance of practicing safe driving skills.
 
Protect your college kid's laptop
With students heading off to college, parents nationwide are considering purchasing a new laptop for their kids and are contemplating the costs associated with it. What they often don't consider is the cost of replacing a college laptop if it is stolen - and this cost can be much higher than you would expect.
 
What kind of auto coverage do you need?
When it comes to purchasing auto insurance, determining what kind of coverage you need can be downright confusing. There are so many terms being thrown at you - liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, PIP - but what exactly do they mean and do you need all of them?
 
What you need to know about protecting your ash trees
Virtually all of the 7 billion ash trees in the United States are at risk for infestation by the emerald ash borer, also known as EAB. You can save your ash trees by acting now and starting a prevention program.
 
Teaching kids the rules of the road
Ask any parent who has been through it before and they'll tell you teenage drivers are overconfident. They are so excited about getting the privilege to drive; they often don't consider what can go wrong.
 
What your teen needs to know about car insurance
As soon as your son blows out the candles on his 16th birthday cake, you're being asked for the car keys. Or maybe he's already out the door, and driving down the road in his own vehicle.
 
Tips for safe driving while celebrating
Whether you're celebrating the end of a tough semester, a promotion at work, the birth of a child or an impressive accomplishment, it is often customary in this country to celebrate with a drink.
 
Today's technology can help make weight loss easier
Many of us want to embrace a healthier lifestyle, but are looking for some assistance to keep ourselves on track. Luckily, with today's technology, there are resources online and offline that can be used to help us stay motivated and track progress.
 
Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer
Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car.
 
Will your insurance policy cover the cost of a rental car after an accident?
What will you do if you get into an accident and your car is so badly damaged you can't drive it? Well, if you need wheels, you'll rent a car of course. But how much will you have to pay for the privilege?
 
Overwhelmed by debt? Know your options
If you find yourself in a financial hole you can't get out of, it's important to know you have options. Being in debt can cause people to continue to make payments that they can't afford or can barely afford without much hope of ever eliminating the debt. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few routes you can pursue to free yourself from overwhelming debt.
 
Confident style: How to express your true inner beauty
Your appearance - from what you wear, to how you style your hair, to how you carry yourself - sends a message to the outside world. When you exude confident style, that message stays consistent across all of your style "personalities," going from your work attire to your casual outfits to your most glammed-up evening wear.
 
Medication safety for seniors
If you're older than 65 and take multiple medications, you should be aware of potential interactions between your drugs. These interactions can cause unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine, or even lead to hospitalization. Studies show that up to 30 percent of hospital admissions of elderly patients are linked to harmful effects of medications and other related problems.
 
The renovation revelation: Top tile trends for today's renovations
When renovating your home for the long run, it makes sense to choose materials that offer outstanding design flexibility, affordability, durability and eco-friendliness. Ceramic tile continues to be a favorite choice of savvy designers, builders and homeowners seeking those qualities for home renovations.
 
What to do if your child is being bullied
If your child is being bullied, she's not alone. About 160,000 children in the United States miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students, according to the National Education Association.
 
Before you hit the road this summer - find out what the biggest U.S. cities have to offer
With summer right around the corner and the weather finally starting to warm up, many Americans are counting down the days until they can escape their daily routine for some much needed rest and relaxation. Before you pack up the car or hit the friendly blue skies for your vacation getaway, you may want to check out what some of the biggest U.S. cities have to offer.
 
How to get your teen excited about this year's family road trip
Have a teenage driver in your household? If so, make this the year you get your son or daughter excited about what has always been a dreaded event -- the family road trip. Offer him or her the opportunity to practice driving during the trip.
 
Creating great food memories
Your memory of real, flavorful, fresh food is a key tool for losing weight. At least that's one of the intriguing claims in Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough's new book, "Real Food Has Curves: How to Get off Processed Food, Lose Weight, and Love What You Eat."
 
Turn the 'getting there' into the best part of the trip
The next time you decide to go on a road trip, don't be in such a hurry to get to your destination. If you take the time to plan your trip - and plan it well - you are likely to find a lot of places worth checking out along the way.
 
Ready or not, spring allergy season takes center stage
For the more than 50 million allergy sufferers in America, spring usually brings about sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes due to pollen from trees and grasses. Here are a few tips to keep allergens at bay.
 
Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off
The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. By cold brewing tea leaves, the resulting drink not only can quench thirst and eliminate grease from your system, but also retains the caffeine and tannic acid found in the tea leaves.
 
What you need to think about when considering a career change
In this time of economic uncertainty, people of all ages are considering career changes. People are forced to explore other career options because of layoffs. Others seek a new direction as they experience declining satisfaction with a job they once found exciting. Professionals who have made successful switches to different careers offer advice to help others do the same.
 
Expert advice for starting a small business - even in this economy
Is it easier to climb Mount Everest than to start a small business in America today? More than 65 percent of Americans think so, according to a recent survey. Yet 70 percent also believe small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, reveals the survey by Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of e-commerce platform Alibaba.com.
 
The impact deductibles have on auto insurance premiums
There are many factors that come into play when determining the amount you'll be charged for auto insurance coverage - how much insurance do you want? What is your driving record? What is your deductible?
 
Stay safe while biking to work and for fun
Bicycling for fun, exercise and to commute to work is exploding throughout the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans biking to work has increased 43 percent between 2000 and 2008.
 
Nicotine addiction: A women's health crisis
Women account for approximately 20 percent of the world's 1 billion smokers and 17.4 percent of adult women in the U.S. smoke. Cigarette smoking kills more than 173,000 women in the United States each year. In addition to the risks both men and women face from smoking, women are at risk for a unique set of complications, including certain cancers and problems with fertility and pregnancy.
 
Pondering probiotics? Here's what you should know
You've probably heard the buzz about the "good" bacteria that can promote healthy digestion and immune function. But if you're having a hard time wrapping your mind around the idea that there's a kind of bacteria we want in our lives, it may be time for a primer on probiotics.
 
Helping dispel some of the most talked about driving myths
You may have heard that during a rainstorm you should put on a pair of sunglasses to increase your visibility, that when it's snowing or raining you should not use your cruise control and that there is typically little a teenager or his parents can do to keep car insurance rates down.
 
Savvy investors lead 21st century gold rush
The term "don't put your eggs all in one basket" makes perfect sense when talking about financial investments, and after the recent stock market plummet, many families are realizing why they need financial portfolio diversification.
 
Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage
Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating.
 
How traffic tickets may impact your auto insurance premiums
Have you gotten a ticket for careless driving, speeding or some other traffic violation recently? If so, the fine you have to pay isn't the only impact your minor law-breaking infraction is going to have on your life.
 
Managing your diabetes costs
Nearly a third of people with diabetes have not filled a prescription due to the expense in the past 12 months, according to a CVS/pharmacy survey. Here's how to manage diabetes costs.
 
Distracted driving - how to stop it
These days it seems as though a day doesn't go by that we don't hear about another fatal accident caused by a distracted driver. In April, 2010, a New York State college student died in a single car roll-over after drifting off the roadway. Police say she was driving and texting at the time. The previous month, a driver apparently reaching for a cell phone was blamed for causing a three-vehicle crash that killed a 1-year-old Minneapolis-area boy.
 
What you should know about your antidepressant
May is Mental Health Month -- did you know that depression is the leading cause of disability in people ages 15 to 44? If you take an antidepressant, there is important information you should know before you go to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription.
 
Five tips for maintaining your motorcycle or ATV
Americans have purchased more than 15 million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles over the past 10 years. Along with the thrill of the ride, or the convenience of chores made easy, comes the responsibility of maintaining these machines.
 
Tips for travelers to thwart identity thieves
You're not the only one looking forward to your vacation or business trip. Identity thieves relish your travel time too, because your vital, personally identifying information may be more exposed when you're traveling than when you're at home or work. Before you head to the airport or start out on your long road trip, take some precautions to safeguard against identity theft - even when you're not at home.
 
Would your kids know what to do in the event of a road trip emergency?
When you set out on a family road trip, running into trouble is the last thing on your mind. Accidents can happen, however, so it's important that you have an emergency plan in place before you leave the driveway.
 
What is your coverage for a rental car?
The next time you go on a trip, whether for business or pleasure, you may want to reconsider how to answer the clerk at the rental car company when he asks if you'd like to take advantage of the insurance policy their company offers.
 
Avoid 'lost' signs by tagging your cat
You've seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat - usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera - with "LOST" in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home. Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe.
 
Protect your family's home, even after you are gone
Caring for your family is something you do every day of your life. But there might come a time when you won't be available. Mortgage life insurance is a life insurance product designed to help your survivors pay your mortgage after you pass away.
 
Beat the heat: Tips for keeping your family safe and healthy this summer
The smell of the barbecue grill, the sounds of children playing and the feel of warm sun on the skin are all signs of summer. With increased outdoor activities, there also comes a list of precautions you should take to keep your family safe and healthy.
 
The importance of medication management and diabetes
Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and as most people with diabetes know, fluctuating levels of sugar in the bloodstream can be dangerous. Because many people with diabetes also have other conditions, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, they often need to manage multiple medications.
 
Women and men process salt differently
No two people are the same when it comes to salt in the diet. Studies around the world have repeatedly shown that, regardless of total calories consumed, men consume significantly more salt than women do.
 
Quick Poll
An elderly Duplin County woman was raped recently. Does the heinous nature of that crime justify to you bringing back public lynchings?

 
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