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“I’m a bargain shopper."

Shelby Gilbert, 18, says she texts about “Oh my god, everything.” “We would text from as soon as we woke up in the morning until we went to bed,” she said of her relationship with an ex-boyfriend, who lived at a distance.

The nation’s robust immunization programs over the years largely wiped out diseases such as polio, diphtheria and measles.

Since it follows hot on the heels of Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is often misinterpreted as a religious event, but organizers of local Kwanzaa gatherings said the observance celebrates the bonds of family and heritage, not a common faith.

Looking for last-minute gift ideas? Put these hot tickets under the tree for shows coming to town next month.

“I like being comfortable, and, thankfully, I work at a place that doesn’t require employees to get too dressed up."

Catherine Bolden is particular about what children have to read. Too often, she said, the language in books is dumbed down. On other occasions, she said, their lessons can be too preachy.

Shopping for the wife or girlfriend on 4 your Christmas list may or may not be easy, depending on how well you know her tastes and interests, said several local store owners.

When it comes to televisions, Rick Taylor of Ooltewah would rather repair them than watch them. And the ones he repairs don’t come with any initials like LCD or HD.

Since French fashion designer Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress in 1926, it has become a clothing staple for women worldwide.

Things are looking bright in 2009 — at least for fashions. A leading color source announced this week that sunny yellow will be the influential color of 2009.

The time between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is the most popular season of the year to get engaged, according to Anja Winikka, editor of TheKnot.com.

As the economy founders and some banks falter, some people want their own at-home banks to secure their money.

At the Krystal on Brainerd Road, the calm before the storm is not very calm.

Area jewelers say gold is again a viable gift choice since its price had fallen to about $730 an ounce early last week from a high of $1,000 an ounce in March.