smarter traveling, driving and spending
For the first time ever, the Sundance Film Festival, the largest and most well-known independent film festival based in the USA, is virtual, with dozens of feature length films and documentaries from around the world online. As always, the schedule includes world and US premieres and Q&A sessions with producers and directors.
The stats are in, and here are the most popular ecoXplorer posts of 2020 You are a smart group of followers who want to avoid being ripped-off, since several top posts are our “scam alert” advisories. And you are an eclectic bunch, since other top posts ranged from endangered animals to travel safety and a
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If you are not planning on a home-cooked meal on Christmas Eve or Chrstmas Day, consider these moderately-priced national chains which are open and serving. If there is a tip bucket, tip generously, because the staff is giving up their holiday for you. Call ahead to confirm that your preferred location is open, and its
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Where’s Santa? Since 1955, the team at North American Aerospace Defense Command, better known as NORAD, has kept track of a certain toy-filled sleigh pulled by reindeer. Curious kids can follow Santa’s route on Christmas Eve, as well as receive updates from the North Pole online at NORAD Tracks Santa. We are told Rudolph’s glowing red
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We all know what outsourcing and moving manufacturing overseas has done to the US economy. But several small businesses are fighting the trend by selling only Made in USA Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas ornaments, decorations and other holiday products. Help the US economy, especially small businesses, and do something special for your family by buying
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When in doubt, a gift card is a great idea. Again in 2020, national restaurant chains and retailers are offering bonuses with gift card purchases. Give the card, keep the bonus for yourself and your family to use. You can also support a favorite local small business by buying one of their gift cards. The
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What do car batteries and a peanuts have in common? They are both produced by BMW. The expansive, green field around the new Battery Center of BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang, China, has been turned into a farm to grow peanuts. Proceeds support local community groups. The harvest is sold to other BMW employees
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October is National “Donate Your Wedding Dress Month” sponsored by Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity, which supports research and early detection education programs which save lives. Donating your wedding dress gives a second life to your dress and the chance for a low-income bride to get a dress she otherwise could not afford. It also
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In this presidential election year, and 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is fitting that the National Park Service honors a memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower. The memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, honors Eisenhower’s legacy as the World War II Supreme Allied Commander and nation’s 34th president. It
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Grab and GO: How to prepare for an emergency. Even if you are not in the path of a wildfire or hurricane, flood or tornado, it’s important to be ready for an emergency. Pack an emergency Grab and Go bag and be ready to evacuate quickly, even for a personal family emergency that requires immediate travel.
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