10 Most Dangerous Toys Named

10 most dangerous toys flagged by consumer group ‘That is a weapon,’ watchdog organization’s president says about the Z-Curve Bow BOSTON — A Power Rangers "samurai mega blade" and a Godzilla figure with dagger-like attachments are some of the most dangerous toys lurking in stores this holiday season, according to a consumer watchdog group. Boston-based World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) on Wednesday issued its annual list of the 10 worst children's toys, just in time for the shopping frenzy that typically starts in late November. This pull-toy duck made by Haba for toddlers may look innocent but it has a 33-inch long cord that poses a serious strangulation risk, according to consumer group World Against Toys Causing Harm. On...

»»  Continue Reading...

The Greatest Places to Experience the Simple Life

These are 10 great places: Block Island, R.I.  Block Island can be defined by what it lacks: There are no stoplights, no McDonald's, no Holiday Inns. Instead, the town of fewer than 1,000 year-round residents "is a landscape of freshwater ponds, rolling green hills and dramatic 250-foot bluffs," van Ogtrop says. In winter, Block Island becomes an artists' community. 800-383-2474; blockislandinfo.com Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Harrodsburg, Ky.  It's not uncommon at Shaker Village to see a pair of oxen laboring in the field or a blacksmith in period clothing shoeing a horse. It's a delightful step back in time and "a testament to the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle," van Ogtrop says. "Plank-and-stone...

»»  Continue Reading...

Tiger and Stricker Dealt Big Loss in Presidents Cup

MELBOURNE (AP) – Being with his ex-caddie was the least of Tiger Woods' worries Thursday. Woods and Steve Stricker, unbeatable two years ago in the Presidents Cup, didn't make a birdie, didn't win a hole and tied the record for the biggest loss in the history of the event. Tiger Woods and teammate Steve Stricker matched the record for worst loss in Presidents Cup history, falling to Adam Scott and K.J. Choi on Thursday. Adam Scott and K.J. Choi were relentless at Royal Melbourne, keeping the ball in play and making enough birdies as Woods and Stricker self-destructed. The International side won, 7 and 6. They were the last of six foursomes (alternate-shot) matches in the opening session, yet the rout was so great they were the second...

»»  Continue Reading...

6 Dead after Storms, Possible Tornadoes hit Southeast

Officials said Thursday that an adult and a child were killed in central North Carolina during Wednesday's storms. A home remains damaged Thursday after a storm system hit near Rock Hill, S.C. Suspected tornadoes were reported Wednesday in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina. Dozens of homes and buildings were damaged, and thousands of people were without power as trees and power lines were downed. In South Carolina, three people were killed and five injured when a likely tornado swept through a rural community near Rock Hill, about 20 miles south of Charlotte, N.C. In north Georgia, a man was killed when a tree fell on his sport utility vehicle. Diane Pierce surveys damage to her property after strong winds from...

»»  Continue Reading...