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8 gift-worthy design books for the holidays

From log cabin enthusiasts to tiny house dwellers to aspiring de-clutterers, there's a book for everyone on your holiday gift list.



  • Remodeling & Design

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Too many unread books? You have an 'antilibrary,' and that's a good thing

Even if you haven't read some of the books in your library, they are still doing you good.



  • Arts & Culture

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Treasures I found in my mom's old cookbook

These vintage recipes ripped from magazines and the back of boxes are a snapshot of a culinary era.




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One of Stephen Hawking's last broadcasts was a hilarious 'Hitchhikers' cameo

The late renowned physicist Stephen Hawking joined BBC Radio 4's 'Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' as the voice of an intelligent and powerful being.



  • Arts & Culture

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10 book towns where literature is alive and well

In the age of Kindles and chain bookstores, some of these towns are vehemently opposed to e-readers and brand-name booksellers.



  • Arts & Culture

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Take a deep dive into these underwater photos

The best underwater images from the Natural History Museum's annual wildlife photographer competition make up 'Unforgettable Underwater Photography.'



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Rare-book vending machine delights readers

The Monkey's Paw book store in Toronto has a Biblio-Mat that distributes random rare books to customers for only a few dollars.



  • Arts & Culture

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'Look Big' takes a humorous yet helpful approach to wild animal encounters

From a moose to a tick, from a coyote to a cockroach, author Rachel Levin walks us through what to do in her book, "Look Big."




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This book is for the dogs (and the humans who love them)

For dog-lit author Flora Kennedy, dogs can be the harshest — and sweetest — critics.




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Where does the term 'cold turkey' come from?

The phrase 'cold turkey' has nothing to do with a turkey that's shivering from the cold.



  • Arts & Culture

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'Gondolin' marks the end of Tolkien's reign

The end has come for new stories about Middle-earth, but there will never be an end to how they will inspire.



  • Arts & Culture

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How to find a new owner for your bookshop: How about a raffle?

Ceisjan van Heerden won Bookends in Cardigan after the retiring owner held a raffle to find the new owner.



  • Arts & Culture

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Having lots of books as a kid helps later in life

Data from 160,000 adults in 31 countries shows that having access to books at home may help develop stronger literacy, numeracy and technology skills.




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17 extraordinary bookstores

Boasting breathtaking design and extensive collections, here are some of the most remarkable bookstores from around the globe.




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To mark its centennial, Finland gives itself the most Finnish gift possible: A new library

Finland, the world's most literate nation, rings in its 100th birthday with the opening of Oodi Helsinki Central Library.



  • Arts & Culture

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At this library, it's humans on loan, not books

By 'borrowing' someone from the Human Library, you get to learn their story — and share their humanity.



  • Arts & Culture

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So, you want to read more books? Here's how

If you want to read more books, these tips — setting goals, making it a habit, reading what you love and more — will help you up your book game.



  • Arts & Culture

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Dr. Seuss may have modeled the Lorax after these real-life monkeys

The author wrote most of 'The Lorax' while visiting an ecosystem inhabited by orange, mustachioed patas monkeys.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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How to connect children with the natural world in your own backyard

Nancy Striniste, a landscape designer and educator, has written a book, "Nature Play at Home," and launched a movement around creating natural play spaces.




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Your cat thinks you're a much larger cat with good taste in food

Dr. John Bradshaw decodes cat behavior and explains what felines really think of us.




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How my son and I took our love of nature and turned it into a book

Writer Stacy Tornio didn't think she'd get such an enthusiastic response from her son Jack about writing a book.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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The Voynich Manuscript: What you need to know about the world's most mysterious book

The Voynich Manuscript, an illustrated codex from Medieval times, has been baffling humans since 1912. Here's what we know about it.



  • Research & Innovations

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Why paper books and the independent bookstore aren't dead

Turns out all those dire predictions about paper books and bookstores were wrong — and personally, I'm thrilled.



  • Arts & Culture

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Destination of the week: Montreal

This easy-to-navigate, French-speaking metropolis has plenty of outdoor activities and shopping. Did we mention the food?




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Destination of the Week: Charlotte, N.C.

This Southern town has plenty of arts, local food and outdoor recreation. And a green-minded mayor, too.




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Destination of the week: Suriname

South American country is emerging as a popular destination for eco-travelers.




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Destination of the week: Fresno

Sure, it's close to Yosemite National Park, but this agricultural hub has plenty of other attractions worth checking out.




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Destination of the week: Cleveland

Check out this former industrial powerhouse's parks, markets and way-green baseball stadium.




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Destination of the week: Panama City

Panama City's famous canal, wild jungles and pristine beaches make it a top eco-tourism destination.




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Destination of the week: Des Moines

Check out this low-key Midwestern capitol for urban, rural and agricultural fun.




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Destination of the week: Gabon

Political stability and environmental stewardship make this west-central African nation a good place to visit.




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Destination of the week: Portland, Maine

Get out your walking shoes and check out this city by the sea.




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Destination of the Week: Little St. Simons Island, Ga.

Check out this low-key spot for a rustic, Deep South experience.




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Destination of the week: Tahiti

Even if coconut drinks aren't your style, the natural beauty of this South Pacific isle can't be denied.




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Destination of the week: Tampa Bay

Want outdoor adventure and a theme park, too? Give this Florida hot spot a spin.




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Destination of the week: Mackinac Island, Mich.

If your preferred mode of transportation is by horse or bike, this is the place for you.




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Destination of the Week: Paris

Paris may not be as green as other cities, but it's possible to enjoy a low-impact vacation in the City of Light.




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Destination of the week: Eureka Springs, Ark.

Check out this Ozarks town for big cats and holistic spas.




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Destination of the week: Calgary

North America's oil powerhouse also has some serious environmental cred.




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Destination of the week: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

If you're ready to step outside your comfort zone, head to Cambodia, where you can find exotic sights and opportunities to help others.




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Destination of the week: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Nurtured by the oil industry, this city has an impressive environmental presence.




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Destination of the week: Botswana

Save your money for a truly natural safari experience in one of the most welcoming, safe and user-friendly nations on the African continent.




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Destination of the week: Brussels

Ditch the diet and head on over to this eco-friendly city rich in history and culture.




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Destination of the week: The Maldives

If you've got the cash to spare, visit this low-lying Indian Ocean paradise before rising sea levels swallow it up.




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Destination of the week: Jackson Hole, Wyo.

This skiing hot spot has plenty going on when it's not snowing: How about biking, hiking or camping for starters?




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Destination of the week: Lake Superior's North Shore

Head to this neck of Minnesota for scenery, outdoor fun and a progressive vibe.




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Destination of the week: Catalina Island, Calif.

Although only 22 miles away from L.A., Catalina is a completely different world.




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Destination of the week: Sapporo

If you like snow and don't mind crowds, check out this Japanese island city's snow festival. (It's a nice place to visit in the spring, summer and fall, too.)




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Destination of the week: Quebec City

It's Europe without the jetlag, or the carbon footprint.




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Why you should visit Louisville, Ky.

Farmers markets, a growing bike culture and plenty of parks make this horse-racing town worth a visit.