Beacon News :: Lifestyles ::

Holiday bird: Forget fancy; bring on flavor

BY PERVAIZ SHALLWANI, The Associated Press — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

For tasty fowl on Turkey Day, the new thing can be the old thing: a classic one-two punch of an overnight brine followed by a quick morning rub before the bird goes into the oven for a slow roast.

Beacon-News writers find strange happenings

From Staff Reports — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Working at a newspaper is a trade-off. On one hand, you deal with late hours, low pay and the fact that everyone you meet will tell you at great length why newspapers are having economic troubles and how it�s all your fault. On the other hand, you end up with some really great anecdotes.

United Way invites public to join children's gift drive

From Staff Reports — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

The Fox Valley United Way has a special wish this season: To brighten the holidays for local families hit hard by the faltering economy.

Calendar

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Countdown to Christmas with advent chain

By HOLLY RAMER,Associated Press Writer — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Advent calendars have come a long way since the 1800s when German families started marking chalk or paint lines on the floor as Christmas approached.

THE HEALTHY PLATE: Healthier holiday cookies

By JIM ROMANOFF,For The Associated Press — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

If the thought of holiday cookies already has you planning your diet for the new year, take a deep breath and remember that a cookie on its own is a relatively minor dietary sin (small and already portion controlled).

Student tries using marketing to win wheels

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

DePaul University student Madison Hanna needs wheels. We know this because she says as much in the second video she made to promote her chance to win a brand-new, apple-red 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. "I consider myself a friend of the Earth, I really do," she says in her video appeal, now being shown on YouTube. �"I walk everywhere. But it's come to the point where I need some wheels -- desperately."

Is your car prepared for winter?

BY SARAH WELCH AND ALICIA ROCKMORE — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

There's nothing worse than being stranded -- except being stranded in bad winter weather. Colder months are tougher on cars, and a little preventive care now will go a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly in the face of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures.

Social networks can help academics: study

BY MARY BETH MARKLEIN — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Social-networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter can help community college students become more engaged in their academics, a report out this week finds.

Indian Prairie parent groups each have own specific focus

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

There are numerous opportunities for parents to get involved in Indian Prairie's districtwide and school-based parent organizations.