Latest Lifestyle News
2023 (Taylor's Version): The year in pop culture
In weather terminology, they call it “rapid intensification” — the process by which a storm strengthens dramatically in a short period. In pop culture terminology, they call it Taylor Swift. It’s not like Swift didn’t have big – huge! – years before this....
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
NEW YORK (AP) — The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America’s secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide — but Saint Nicholas' origin story is not. The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way...
Jill Biden and military kids sort toys the White House donated to the Marine Corps Reserve program
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden and children from military families on Wednesday helped sort toys donated by the White House to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which gives playthings to needy children. The children also enjoyed skating on the South Lawn's new...
A boulder-strewn village, screeching seabirds and sheep: Taking Portugal’s roads less traveled
As we steered our rented hatchback up the narrow gravel road behind the walled city of Óbidos, we had the sinking feeling that Google Maps’ idea of the best route to the popular tourist destination wasn’t the standard way there, and certainly not the most direct. The dusty, tan...
'Know My Name' author Chanel Miller has written a children's book, 'Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All'
NEW YORK (AP) — Chanel Miller's next book after her prize-winning memoir “Know My Name” will help fulfill a longtime dream — to write and illustrate children's stories. Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, announced Wednesday that Miller's “Magnolia Wu...
When there's lots of holiday spirit but not much space, how to deck the (small) halls
It seems like the frost hasn’t even hit the pumpkin before “holiday cheer” starts showing up everywhere, from social media feeds to the aisles of CVS. Tis the season to decorate. But if you’re in a small apartment, there are limits to what you can do. A full-size artificial...
Hanukkah message of light in darkness feels uniquely relevant to US Jews amid war, antisemitism
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Preparing for Hanukkah — Judaism’s celebration of finding light in the darkness — feels uniquely somber yet defiant this year for the diverse Jewish community in Miami-area towns that many consider a welcoming home for their faith. Even here, daily...
0% credit card offers can provide holiday relief — if used wisely
It’s hard to say what kills the holiday buzz more: Putting away the festive decorations or a mountain of credit card debt that swells with every interest charge. But not all credit cards charge interest, at least for a time. If you lack cash on hand to buy all the holiday things, a...
Edmunds recommends the best all-wheel-drive SUV alternatives
You can find all-wheel drive on most new SUVs on sale today, and some of the most popular models even come standard with this feature. All-wheel drive can be beneficial for the additional traction it provides on slippery or icy roads, especially when you’re trying to accelerate from a stop or up...
These men once relied on the Aral Sea. Today, the dry land is a reminder of lost livelihoods
MUYNAK, Uzbekistan (AP) — Brushing the dust from his hat and lying on the floor inside his home, Ali Shadilov recalls how he and other fishermen used to laugh at town elders who warned that the enormous sea they relied on was disappearing. “Everyone laughed and said that it...
