Dog Rescue How far would you go to save your beloved pet? Ivan Salas, 19, recently proved that he would do whatever it takes. He and his father were hiking in the mountains in California when the dad tossed a bottle of water off the cliff.
 
The family dog, Lola, accustomed to being helpful in every way, leaped to "fetch' the bottle ended up sliding 100 feet down the steep cliff. Seeing his beloved dog in peril, the son did some quick thinking. Or, I should say, he didn’t think at all: He just leaped off the cliff after the dog.
 
What happened next? It's a cliffhanger. Literally.

The first person I knew who paid a local florist to deliver a Christmas tree -- already decked out with gold ribbons and tinsel -- was a woman who had three kids under five and was pregnant with the fourth. “That’s awful!” I thought. Then: “What the hell is wrong with me? She’s a genius!”

Maybe in the land of Christmas specials and Precious Moments figurines, harried parents climb ladders in the bitter cold to create stunning light-sculptures around their houses. But in the real world most of us can barely figure out how to hang streamers at a birthday party. Come on. You know it’s true.

Not convinced? Read on. Before you know it you’ll be joining in on the latest Christmas-decoration trend -- sitting nestled all snug in your couch, sipping hot cocoa while you watch SOMEONE ELSE deck your halls.

Animals are breaking into our homes in droves this winter. First there was an adorable baby seal that came in through a cat door and snuggled up for the night on a woman's couch, and now there's news that a black bear was found taking a snooze in the basement of a New Jersey man's home. I'd much rather find a cuddly little seal cub than an adult bear in my house, but you have to work with the cards you're dealt.

The sleepy bear was discovered by the cable guy who was in the home to fix an issue and no one's really sure what's more surprising: That there was a bear in the basement between the hours of 11 and 3 or that the cable guy was actually there between the hours of 11 and 3.

I’ve had my share of early-morning and late-night annoyances. The guy across the street from a summer place I used to frequent kept his porch light on all night, and it was like a headache-inducing beacon invading my dreams. He also mowed his lawn first thing in the morning. Thing was, he did so with his shirt off, and he was built like Andy Roddick, so all was forgiven.

Apparently Phil Ray Gage of Oklahoma does not have the same charms -- or he pushed his neighbors too far -- because he was very nearly taken away in handcuffs while mowing his lawn. His crime? Mowing too early.

Before you look, ask yourself how early is too early. 9:30 a.m.? 7:30 a.m.? How early do you think it was?

At first glance this home looks like the classic American dream, a sunny cottage with a white picket fence. But if you take a closer peek, you'll realize that things look, well, a little miniature. That's because this house is actually a custom luxury playhouse built by La Petite Maison. Can you imagine the extravagant tea parties that take place inside? 

Take a look at the interior below. The details (like the grand staircase!) will amaze you. 

The nation’s midsection is burning! I'm talking about the scorching heat wave that just won't die. I heard about it on the radio. It’s actually quite balmy and pleasant here in the city by the bay, and even a bit breezy in the late afternoons. But don’t drink the hater-ade, it won’t cool you down -- and I’m only trying to help.
 
You may be suffering, but if you think you’ve got it bad, how would you like to be buried neck-deep outside with no air conditioning? I’m talking about your poor little tomatoes. They’re in serious danger of immolation. They need you to rescue them -- now!

As I’ve mentioned maybe two or three billion times, I’m space-challenged. My small terrace and a fire escape are my only outdoor space unless I want to put on shoes and go down to the sidewalk. But there’s been a lot of talk about vertical gardening lately, and I think it’s a trend I can get behind … or next to, anyway.
 
The idea is to use not just your floor space but your wall space -- growing things sideways on a “living wall” or “green wall,” as it's called. Vertical gardens were initially thought to be a great way to green up urban areas, increase oxygen in cramped quarters, and even cool down overheated buildings. But people are taking the trend home, too. It might sound tricky, but it’s actually doable thanks to some innovations that make the whole thing easier.

I am in serious mourning for the loss of the huge terrace in our old apartment. It’s where we used to grill almost every night. And when I say “we,” I think we all know I mean “my husband.” Now that his super-special outdoor kitchen is no more, I’ve gone back to doing most of the cooking -- not because he’s not willing to do it, but because I frankly like my cooking better, except for his amazing grill skills. Waah!
 
But if you’re lucky enough to have space for a grill and you’re in the market, well, here’s a guide to some of this season’s best buys in backyard ranges -- some of them, anyway.