A solar cell is a single photovoltaic unit that collects energy from light and converts it into electricity. Often assembled in arrays, called panels, solar cells can be used to power everything from a simple calculator to your home to…
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Conserving energy at home not only allows you to help conserve natural resources and reduce your “carbon footprint,” but also enables you to save money on monthly utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests evaluating your rooms, appliances and…
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The sun is the largest source of energy on the planet. Solar energy has been used for thousands of years for heat and light. Using solar technology reduces the amount of carbon dioxide gases (CO2), therefore reducing our carbon footprint,…
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Child custody law in Alaska is governed generally by the provisions of Alaska statutes, Title 9, Chapter 9. The statute establishes how custody is established, maintained and enforced in the state of Alaska. In addition, the statutory provisions set forth…
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Stress is a part of life. Every day you face different kinds of stress, from a car pulling out in front of you in traffic, to the demands of a tight deadline at work, to an argument with your spouse….
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A Roth is a type of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that allows for the tax-free growth and distribution of contributions and earnings. As taxes are never paid on investments within the Roth, the logical conclusion is that investments with the…
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What pleases a man? In his best-selling book “Wild At Heart,” John Eldridge poses the question: What makes a man come alive? The book discusses how men’s souls want a battle to fight and real adventures, and to look up…
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Overview Stress often causes symptoms such as headaches, overeating, anxiety, substance abuse and depression. Acupressure, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, is used as a self-healing modality as well as by holistic medical practitioners to help ease effects of stress….
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Ginger is a tuber that may be consumed whole as a delicacy, medicine or spice. It is aromatic, pungent and spicy, and often employed in Asian cuisine. It has been touted as an antibacterial spice with medicinal properties. In addition…
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Overview Proper etiquette may seem like something that you need to think about only at job interviews, fancy dinners or audiences with the Queen, but minding your manners can play an important role in a healthy relationship, too. Whether you’re…
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A child’s self-esteem can be a delicate thing. Daily experiences can help or hurt a child’s self-esteem. When a child’s self-esteem is low, it can have a detrimental effect on the child’s overall happiness. The good news is that there…
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Overview Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed when uranium in soil, rocks and water breaks down. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),…
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Overview A Roth Individual Retirement Account is a tax-advantaged long-term savings account that generally allows tax-free withdrawals. Fidelity Investments is a financial services firm that offers Roth IRA accounts to investors. Closing a Fidelity Roth IRA is a simple process…
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Overview Herbal teas and syrups can be used to gently treat coughs arising from lung infections or chronic conditions, without the harsh effects on the body that many over-the-counter drugs produce. Honeysuckle is one common herb that’s effective in loosening…
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Overview With soaring fuel costs, more and more Americans are looking toward alternative sources of fuel. Solar energy offers one option. There are several key differences between using solar energy and using fossil fuels. However, the situation is hardly one-sided….
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The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the United States generates close to 2 million tons of aluminum from packaging such as soda cans each year. Recycling can give new life to used aluminum cans–but the fact is, many used cans…
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Overview Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the aroma compounds from natural substances. They are made using a broad assortment of natural materials, including flowers, fruits, trees, seeds, resins and spices. For centuries, essential oils have been embraced for…
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Overview Intimately tied into discussions of sustainability is the phrase “ecological footprint,” a measure of humankind’s impact on the environment. Footprints can be assessed on individual and community levels or at much broader scales–all the way up to a snapshot…
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If you break out in a cold sweat at the thought of public speaking, have trouble breathing normally when you sit down to take an important test, or your hands tremble during a critical job interview, you know what it’s…
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Although organic herbs are commonly used for their medicinal properties, they have other uses in and around the home. The Herb Society of America lists perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, vines, ferns and mosses in the herb category. Many have healing…
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Going green encompasses many different lifestyle changes, from riding your bike instead of driving to making your own household cleaners. With all of the attention on making green lifestyle changes, you might wonder if it’s worth the effort. Busy consumers…
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Ayurveda has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years as a holistic approach to a balanced and healthy life. It combines meditation, exercise and herbal remedies to restore and maintain the balance of your body’s three energies: Vata, Pitta,…
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Legal separation is available in most U.S. states. A legal separation allows a couple to live apart while they decide whether or not to divorce. Although the legal separation rules in each state vary slightly, most set a time limit…
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Overview A pretax 401k plan, usually called a traditional 401k plan, is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that offers long-term tax advantages to investors. A 401k is funded by employees on a salary-reduction basis, and many employers also make matching…
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Although sometimes difficult to discuss from a relationship perspective, a number of benefits derive from preparing and entering into a prenuptial agreement. Ultimately, you need to weigh and balance any potential personal discomfort associated with negotiating a prenuptial agreement against…
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Essential oils are highly concentrated pure essences extracted from plants, according to Aromaweb.com. Aromatherapists use essential oils to ease many psychological and physical conditions, including various types of skin problems such as acne, dry skin, fungal infections and minor wounds….
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Traditional uses for clove oil include treating skin infections and respiratory ailments and relieving pain. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health publication, has surveyed the current medical research on clove oil. They find that studies support using clove oil…
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Although contemporary interest in aromatherapy has only emerged within the past 100 years, ancient civilizations recognized the connection between aroma and healing, says Gill Farrer-Halls, author of “The Aromatherapy Bible.” This connection is also evident in Hindu and Buddhist temples,…
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Becoming a foster parent represents only one way to make a difference for children in the foster care system. Not all families fit the role of foster parenting but many still want to help foster children. Donating time, money and…
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According to W. Paul Glezen, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine, even a generally healthy child can get as many as a half dozen colds each year. Strengthening the immune system and taking natural cold remedies can help to prevent…
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