Life lessons learned at a Thai elephant preserve

Dear Umbra, What can I do about washing my car in a more eco-friendly way? Is phosphate-free soap enough, or should I just suck it up and go to the drive-through car wash every time? ~ Katie, North Carolina

Avoid type three fun with these winter adventure kits necessitates.

A Must Hear Experience

The North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation keeps Judaism alive in Tahoe.

Tahoe Tessie is 11 inches long, weighs 2.5 pounds, and lives in a 150 gallon tank. No, not that Tahoe Tessie. This Tahoe legend is of the goldfish variety and was rescued from a frozen creek last year.

For our Mother's Day Special Section Moonshine Ink asked local elementary school students to tell us why 'My Mother Is The Best.' The response was overwhelming with more than 200 kids sending in their answers. There are a lot of special moms in the area. Here are a few unedited examples…