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Life

Jay Maidment : Marvel Studios

Captain America (Chris Evans, center), surrounded by Hydra soldiers in Captain America: The First Avenger.

U.S. needs Captain America in troubled times, his creator says—After 70 years of fighting the good fight in comic books -- and now a big-budget movie -- this superhero remains a red, white and blue American. READ STORY

Heloise: Wipe wood paneling with vinegar— READ STORY

Abby: Adoption fundraiser rubs friend wrong way— READ STORY

Night critters provide a musical interlude—During summertime walks after sunset, Kathy and I listen to the echoing chorus of nighttime critters. It's not as musical as the dawn chorus of songbirds, but it's no less enchanting. Identifying night critters by their songs, however, is more challenging than identifying birds because evening critters often are only heard, not seen — unless you have a good flashlight. READ STORY

Energy-efficient light bulbs still spark debate—According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for 15 percent of the average electricity bill. Upgrading 15 traditional incandescent bulbs in your home with energy-saving bulbs could save about $50 a year. READ STORY

Dramatic turns await Shakespeare Festival— The curtain rises on Act 2 of the Houston Shakespeare Festival with Friday's opening of Othello at Miller Outdoor Theatre. READ STORY

Houstonians find 'Karmaheaven' in L.A.—Houstonians Mica Mosbacher and Joanne King Herring donned red velvet capes and received medals recognizing them as Dame Commander Mosbacher and Dame Herring in the Royal Order of Francis I of the Two Sicilies during an event in Los Angeles last weekend. READ STORY

Swapping lives in Same Name—David Hasselhoff of Lake Jackson trades places with his famous counterpart as part of a new summer series for CBS. READ STORY

More life features

Social Climbing

	Fabulous friends gather at Tootsies—While it might seem like the social set is away for the summer, more than 250 pet lovers stopped by Tootsies to show support for PetSet. READ STORY
	Gary Fountain : For the Chronicle Hershey Grace, holding Snickers, and John Moritz