Carly Phillips Writings

This is for all of you readers out there who are looking for something new to read. Enjoy! VLE-B

Dear Lynne,

Did you know that more than half of all books sold in America are Romantic Fiction novels? (This genre literally keeps the publishing industry afloat). With this in mind, you may be interested in our author awareness campaign for NY Times Bestselling author Carly Phillips. If by chance you are interested, I’d like to work with you to create/post some wonderful content for your readers on Read All About It!. (If you're not, thanks anyway for your consideration!)

Why I’m contacting you…

You may be familiar with Carly, who’s one of today’s top romance writers (author of 25 novels); having earned a reputation for not only producing sexy, entertaining stories, but also managing to examine the deep, complex emotions that surround and penetrate contemporary relationships.

In advance of Carly’s upcoming novel, Serendipity—first of a new series publishing September, 2011—the publisher has re-released Carly’s first three books in E-book format: Solitary Man, The Right Choice, and Perfect Partner. And during this time, we'd like everyone--whether familiar with her or not--to get to know Carly on a more personal level.

I’m approaching you to see if you’d be interested in (1) reviewing any or all of Carly’s three e-book titles on your site; (2) posting a Q&A, guest blog post, or other interaction with Carly; or (3) writing a brief profile of Carly Phillips herself. Her back-story is quite compelling for women of all walks of life, having left a powerful career in law to become a stay-at-home mom and then struggling to become a successful published author--perhaps your readers would gain some inspiration! (PLEASE SEE RELEASE BELOW). In return, we could eventually send you an advance galley of Serendipity, (for posting an advance review to coincide with other major newspapers).

Carly’s fist novels—beginning with Solitary Man—were written under Phillips’ real name (Karen Drogin) and they are, in her words, much deeper emotionally than her later writings. These books are special to us, and form the foundations of Karen’s/Carly’s wonderful career. Would you like to review a title?

If you’re interested in reviewing, or posting any kind of content with Carly Phillips, just let me know and I’ll be happy to coordinate. Upon request, I can you send you the e-book versions of any of her three titles. (Please specify whether you’d need the e-pub version, (compatible with Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader or iBooks), or the regular doc file, (which can be read on any PC or tablet).

And please do visit Carly’s website for more info on her (http://www.carlyphillips.com/) and/or the three titles I’m offering for review. (http://www.carlyphillips.com/bookshelf/ebooks/)

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Lauren

Lauren Marceau
Publicist | Blue Dot Literary | 3744 N. Racine Ave. Suite 01 | Chicago, IL 60613 | (312) 788 – 9854
Lauren@BlueDotLiterary.com | www.BlueDotLiterary.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carly Phillips: Where it All Began
NY Times Bestselling Author’s Foundational Work Now Out in E-Book

Years ago, New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips tossed away her legal briefs and a career as an attorney to become a stay-at-home mom. Within the year, she turned her love of reading into an obsession with writing. Over 25 published novels later, Phillips’ sexy contemporary romances are widely praised, displaying her top-shelf writing skill, as well as an empathy that allows her to consistently strike the perfect balance between entertainment and deep emotional understanding.

Now, her original works are being released exclusively in e-Book format as both an outreach to a new generation of Carly fans, and a special treat for existing ones: Phillips’ first three books—written under her real name, Karen Drogin—are, in the author’s words, much deeper in emotional exploration than her recent works. And so readers, both familiar and new, can have an insightful look into the unique magic that goes into a Carly Phillips story. With newly designed covers, and a special (limited-time) re-release discount price of just $2.99, the e-versions of the Phillips / Drogin breakout titles—available in Kindle, Nook and Sony—are sure to expand Phillips’ growing readership and fan base.

SOLITARY MAN by Karen Drogin

When tough Boston cop Kevin Manning promised to care for his fatally wounded partner’s family, a one night stand with the man’s grieving sister wasn’t part of the plan. No matter how intense the night had been, a woman like Nikki Welles deserves much more than a broken man like Kevin can give, and he leaves the next day. When he returns months later, everything has changed. Nikki can’t forgive Kevin for abandoning her nor can she regret the baby she’s now carrying. And she can’t stop wanting Kevin. But can this solitary man come to believe he’s worthy of love?

THE RIGHT CHOICE by Karen Drogin

The story of a woman who makes her living as an advice columnist—never realizing she needs a reality check of her own. Convinced that happiness lies along the route she’s carefully mapped out for herself, she’s been missing the big picture. Now, the “wrong” man is about to teach her that the best-laid plans of a practical mind can be derailed by a wayward heart…and that the right choice may be waiting right around the corner—if she’s willing to meet him halfway…

PERFECT PARTNERS by Karen Drogin

No sooner had Chelsie Russell and Griffin Stuart lost their siblings in a car crash than they find themselves fighting for custody of their two year old niece. Griff wins only to discover Chelsie is the only one who can soothe the child’s night terrors and fears. Chelsie and Griff bond over the little girl and their growing sexual desire is mutual. But is it enough? Chelsie’s been hurt before and Griff isn’t sure he can trust the woman who once tried to take his niece away. What will it take for them to realize they are … perfect partners?
###

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carly Phillips is a New York Times bestseller, USA Today Bestseller and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. The triple play earned her a spot on Romance Writers of America’s coveted Honor Roll. In 2002, Carly’s novel, The Bachelor, became Kelly Ripa’s “Reading with Ripa” pick on Live with Regis and Kelly, making it the first romance ever chosen on a nationally televised bookclub.

Carly received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and is a graduate of Boston University School of Law (J.D.). To date, Carly has over twenty-five novels to her credit, all available wherever books are sold.

When not writing or playing online, Carly loves to read, to knit, and to spend time with her family. She lives in Purchase, New York with her husband, two daughters and two soft-coated wheaten terriers who act like their third and fourth children
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VLE-B

Wichita County Fair Pictures

Ellis and Janice Rewerts of Leoti have done it again! They circulated all of the fair's events taking pictures. Those have been posted now in their website at the following address:

www.wichitacountyfair.com

Thank you, Ellis and Janice!!!

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Jackie Ann Mumma--Scott City

(August 22, 1932 - July 26, 2011)

Jackie Ann Mumma, age 78 passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas where she had been a resident since August 18, 2008. She was born on August 22, 1932 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Charles B. & Goldie Smith Strobel. In 1949 she graduated from Healy High School.

Her memberships include St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Scott City and was a 30 year member of AA. She was a homemaker and especially enjoyed baking cookies for other people. She loved living at Park Lane and enjoyed all the staff and activities until she was no longer able to participate.

On December 20, 1948 she married Roland Mumma in Healy, Kansas. He passed away on December 3, 1998 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son - Bob Mumma of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Two Daughters - Travis Jones of Scott City, Kansas, Tracey Obeso of Scott City, Kansas, Three Grandsons - Robert Jones of Lakewood, Colorado, Max Jones of Manhattan, Kansas, Richard McCollum of St. Louis, Missouri, One Granddaughter - Jamie Mumma of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and Seven Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and One Sister – Jeanne Marsteller.

Funeral Services will be held at the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Scott City, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 with Fr. Don Martin presiding.

Interment will be in the Healy Cemetery in Healy, Kansas.

Memorials In Lieu Of Flowers may be given to the Scott County Library % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Franklin Delano Hill--Garden City

Franklin Delano Hill, age 70, died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at his home in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on November 29, 1940 in Boley, Oklahoma the son of Wallace and Gussie M. Walker Hill. A resident of Garden City since 1984 he had worked for Western Uniform & Towel. Franklin was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Vietnam.

He was a member of the Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ of Garden City, Kansas.

On February 8, 1991 he married Mary M. Enlow in Garden City, Kansas. She died on December 31, 2003 in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors Include: One Son, Franklin T. Hill of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Two Daughters, Toni A. Young of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Gwendlyn S. Hill of Midwest City, Oklahoma; One Step-Son, Bob Villanueva Jr. of Jefferson, Iowa; Three Step-Daughters, Glenda Szymanski of Prairie Village, Kansas, Debbi Stillwell of Scottsville, Kansas and Leah Morris of Garden City, Kansas; Three Sisters, Rosana J. McCarrell of Spencer, Oklahoma, Vera M. Scales of Spencer, Oklahoma, Zora J. Flynn of Spencer, Oklahoma, and Four Grandchildren and Eleven Step-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents one sister and three brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

Friends may call from 10:00am-8:00pm Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.

Interment will be at the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

The family requests memorials go to the Franklin Hill Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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School Enrollment

is this week in Leoti. For more information, please call the Wichita County School Board Office at 620.375.4677. Parents of all Wichita County students need to go to the high school gymnasium to do this. That way, parents do not need to go from school to school to enroll all of their children.

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A Wonderful Few Days

Chris Campbell-Knowles arrived at our home on Wednesday afternoon. She stayed with us until very early this morning. We had a grand ol' time! Much conversation and laughter was shared. She absolutely spoiled us!!! While she was here, we were very fortunate to have shared here with Grandma, Mama, my sisters and all of the kids. Everyone just loved it!!! I am afraid that we were not able to provide her with the luxury that she is accustumed to but she didn't appear to mind. All of us are hoping that she will return much sooner than later.

Her many travels continue again tomorrow. She will arrive back to her home in California tonight. Tomorrow morning, her family will board their jet and fly to Australia for 3 weeks. We wish them the best! They deserve it. All year long, they give so very much to the people whom they love and many organizations throughout the world. They really make a difference in the quality of life for so very many people.

Love you, Chris!!!

Wichita County All School Reunion

will be in late July of 2012. I know that many of us have moved several times and our classes no longer know where we are. If you are one of these "lost" people, please leave a comment here or send an email to me at slblaus@gmail.com. Please leave your name, year of graduation, contact information so that I can try to get this to the people who will be planning your reunion.

Thank you!!!

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Wichita County Fair

has ended. What a great four days we had there! We had rain that closed things down on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Friday and Saturday were great though. Again, MANY people from far and wide made their ways to Leoti for this special event. It is remarkable just how our locals are stunned at the small amount of people at the fair whom we actually know. I sincerely doubt that I know even 10% who are there. It is just great!

The last evening of the fair included an actual wedding. I've never heard of that before. After the vows were exchanged, the couple boarded the ferris wheel, rode it to the top position, at which time, the bride threw her wedding bouquet. It was great!

The Wichita County Sheriffs Department always walks through the fairgrounds to make sure that peace is always kept. I never heard of anyone getting out of line.

During the fair, various classes held their reunions and families reunited. For the past years, this is a normal event and works great. Next year is the All School Reunion. Even more people will be here than normal. If you are wanting to attend, it is not too early to make your reservations right now.

Anyway, my family and I want to thank the Wichita County Amusement Association for their dedication and hard work to provide us with all of this great fun! You are just the greatest!!!

Stan, Lynn, Leighlyn and Abigayle

The Past Couple of Days

Have you missed me? LOL! The reason is that our dear friend, Chris, has arrived! We have had a FANTASTIC time with her!!! She will be here until Sunday. We plan on making many more great memories while she is here! I will be returning to my computer more after she has headed back to California. In the meantime, we just want to be with her. I am sure you understand.

VLE-B

Rain!

The fair began on Wednesday evening. So far, we have had rain both evenings that have closed everything down early. On Thursday morning, we learned that we had had .50. Last night, another 1.10 was what fell at the Blaus house. I've been told that it is very possible that we will have more rain this evening.

VLE-B

Major Accident in Leoti

Late yesterday afternoon, we had a terrible accident just east of town next to the golf course. It involved a semi-truck and an suv from Greeley County. Three people were lifewatched to Denver. I have been told who was involved but I prefer not to mention names here. I just ask for your prayers for all concerned.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

G.T. Riner--Scott City

(July 31, 1920 - July 26, 2011)

G.T. Riner, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on July 31, 1920 in Comanche County, Kansas, the son of William Walter and Ruby Ellenette Hanan Riner. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1953 moving from Protection, Kansas, he was a farmer and stockman.

His memberships include the First Baptist Church of Scott City, Kansas. G.T. was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and the COOP Board both of Scott City, Kansas and held many different positions in the church including Deacon, Trustee and Board Member. He was a US Navy Veteran of World War II.

On May 3, 1942 he married Doris Wait in Protection, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors include his Wife - Doris Riner of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sons - Ronald Ray Riner of Scott City, Kansas, Billy John Riner of Scott City, Kansas, Three Daughters - Roma Lee Murphy of Great Bend, Kansas, Trudy Marlene Eikenberry of Scott City, Kansas, Connie Sue Wilkinson of Dearborn, Michigan, One Sister - Billie June of California, Fifteen Grandchildren and Thirty One Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Four Brothers and Four Sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church Or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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3rd Annual Fundraiser in Leoti

Don't forget to come to the golf course just east of Leoti on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the fair to have lunch in their air conditioned facility or take it home or to the office. It is your choice. From 11-2:00 CST each day, you can purchase burgers, brats, brisket or hot dogs. Buy the full meal deal or buy singles.

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Just One More Day!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homemade Pie, Anyone?

At this time of year, many of us really miss a good old-fashioned treat such as pie but in order to bake it ourselves, we choose not to because of the added heat that we would have in our kitchens, etc. But have no fear! The pie ladies in Leoti have it covered for you! Give Peggy or Linda a call anytime at 620.214.2656. I have had their pies and they are SUPERB!!! Whether you want a cherry, apple, rhubarb, 3 berry, strawberry, peanut butter creme, they'll bake them for you. Maybe you would prefer to have a cheesecake, they can do that too. The price is just $10.00 per pie.

Give them a call. You'll be glad that you did!!!

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Vera Isabel Blansett--Garden City

Vera Isabel Blansett, age 69, died Sunday, July 24, 2011 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born April 3, 1942 in Garden City, Kansas the daughter of William and Myrtle Mills. Vera had been a lifetime resident of Holcomb and Garden City and had worked at Wal-Mart for over 20 years.

Survivors Include: Four Daughters, Debra Brant of Holcomb, Kansas, Sherry Condarco of Gilbert, Arizona, Janice Peirano of Holcomb, Kansas and Rhonda Kells of Holcomb, Kansas; One Son, Michael Blansett of Garden City, Kansas; Three Sisters, Ruby Barker of Garden City, Kansas, Rusty Farr of Garden City, Kansas and Iva Woodard of Garden City, Kansas; One Brother, Raymond Mills of Colorado; Twelve Grandchildren and Three Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Calvin Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Bible Christian Church in Garden City, Kansas.

Interment will be held in the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

Friends may call from 10:00am-8:00pm Wednesday at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

The family requests memorials go to the Vera Blansett Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Cheryl R. Lytle--Leoti and Larned

(July 31, 1943 - July 22, 2011)

Cheryl R. Lytle, age 67, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2011 at the Country Place Senior Living Center in Larned, KS.

Cheryl was born July 31, 1943 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Chet and Elaine (Davidson) Lytle. Her pre-school years were spent in Belpre, Kansas. The family moved to Leoti, Kansas during her elementary school years and she graduated from Wichita County High School in 1961. For 40 years she was an elementary teacher for the Fort Larned School District . She was member of the United Methodist Church, in Leoti, Kansas and had attended the First Southern Baptist Church in Larned, Kansas. She was also a member of KNEA. She taught Children’s Unit Tuesday Night Bible Study at the State Hospital for 15 years.

Cheryl’s surviving family includes a brother- Chad Lytle and his wife Teresa of Frisco, Texas, A nephew- Joel Lytle and wife his Deanna of Arlington, Texas, A niece- Mandy Bowman of Fallon, Nevada and three great nephews and one great niece.

Her parents and her brother, Steven J. Lytle, preceded her in death.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned, Kansas with the Reverend Glenn Fogo presiding. Friends may sign Cheryl’s register book on Wednesday, August 3rd, and Thursday, August 4th at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, Kansas. Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas. Friends may sign an additional register book at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the First Southern Baptist Church of Larned or the American Diabetes Association, both in care of the Beckwith Mortuary, P..O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550, and Price and Sons Funeral Home, Box 161 Leoti, Ks. 67861. Personal Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com or priceandsons.com.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Del Ray Fuller--Scott City and Dighton

(December 6, 1939 - July 22, 2011)

Del Ray Fuller, age 71, passed away at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas on Friday, July 22, 2011. He was born on December 6, 1939 in Lane County, Kansas, the son of Floyd & Marjorie Wheatcroft Fuller. Del was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1961 moving from Lane County, Kansas and was a retired cowboy.

His memberships include the First Baptist Church and the El Quartelejo Saddle Club both of Scott City, Kansas, the Dighton Dudes & Dames Club, KWHA Board Member, and A.A. being sober for 28 years.

On December 17, 1961 he married Sharon Kay Burgess in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on May 8, 2008 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include One Son - Jeff & Vickie Fuller of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter - Jan & Howard Green of Scott City, Kansas, Six Grandchildren - Cassidy Fuller of Pueblo, Colorado, Chancelor Fuller of Scott City, Kansas, Teokka Morford of Lakin, Kansas, Brandy Green of Wichita, Kansas, Lori & Eric Vasquez of Scott City, Kansas, Wyatt Green of Scott City, Kansas, Four Great Grandchildren - Shayleigh Morford of Lakin, Kansas, Charmane Morford of Lakin, Kansas, Riggin Morford of Lakin, Kansas, Baylor Vasquez of Scott City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, and One Brother – Doug Fuller.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2011 with Don Williams & Duane Lampe presiding.

Memorials in Lieu of flowers may be given to the Scott County EMT’s or Victory In The Valley % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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4 More Days!!!

Bomb Explosion in Oslo, Norway

This article was emailed to me yesterday from Mr. David Ford of ABC News. Thank you!!! Lynn

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/oslo-explosion-blast-result-massive-vehicle-bomb-sources/story?id=14134197

Oslo Explosion: One of Two Blasts Result of Massive Vehicle Bomb, Sources Say

By BRIAN ROSS (@brianross) and LEE FERRAN
July 22, 2011

At least one of two explosions that rocked a Norwegian government building in Oslo today was result of a massive vehicle bomb, according to U.S. government sources on the scene.

Law enforcement officials told ABC News there were two blasts at the Norwegian capital and Norwegian news reported at least two people were killed. Several more were injured.

The prime minister, whose office is in the building, survived the blast, a government spokesperson told The Associated Press.
Pictures, posted on Twitter, show several buildings with windows blown out. Multiple tweets described people bleeding in the streets. Law enforcement officials said

No group has publicly taken responsibility for the blast and a U.S. counter-terrorism official told ABC News there is no indication yet of motive or suspects. A senior U.S. diplomat in Oslo said they believe all U.S. personnel in the country are safe and accounted for.

Earlier this month, a Norwegian prosecutor filed terrorism charges against an Iraqi-born cleric who had allegedly threatened the lives of Norwegian politicians. Mullah Krekar, the founder of the Kurdish Islamist group Ansar al-Islam, said in a news conference in 2010 that if he was deported from Norway he would be killed and, therefore, Norwegian politicians deserved the same fate, according to an AP report. The Norwegian government had considered deporting Krekar because he was seen as a national security threat.

Prior to the Iraq War, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell said Ansar al-Islam was the "sinister nexus between Iraq and the al Qaeda terrorist network."

In 2009, the U.S. State Department said in a report that Norwegian authorities believed the probability of a terror attack there to be "low" and the public believe Norway "was not in danger of attack."

ABC News' Matthew Mosk, Matthew Cole, Martha Raddatz and Kirit Radia contributed to this report.

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Fashion Designer Carolyn Wang's Packing Tips

Hi Lynn!

I hope you are enjoying your Friday and ready for the weekend! My colleague Alicia forwarded me your email of your interest in packing tips for your blog! Carolyn Wang is the perfect source for that advice!

Just a little more information on Carolyn Wang, she is an associate designer for the fashion brand Ming Wang in New York City and owner and stylist at the Bridge Boutique in Fort Worth, Texas.

Most recently, Carolyn appeared on NBC’s “New York Live” at Full-Figured Fashion Week. You can view this clip here: http://video.mww.com/Ming%20Wang/Hits/NBCNY%206.16.wmv. She regularly blogs about fashion tips here: http://mingwang.tumblr.com/

Below, please find key tips in traveling with style from Carolyn Wang.

Let me know if you have any questions and let me know when you plan on posting. We will keep a lookout for it as well.

All the best,
Mika

Thank you, Mika!!! Lynn



1. Always have your key wardrobe staples on hand.

I can tell you that wherever the destination may be, the goal is to always wear everything you pack. That may rule out packing your favorite outfit, but it may also push you to focus on selecting your best-fitting, travel-friendly separates.

A good multipurpose item is a black blazer. Aside from the sheer versatility black offers, you can instantly change your look from dressy to casual with the help of just a few accessories. Black trousers are also a good multipurpose item that you could dress for any occasion

A great example is the Ming Wang Trouser Pant. This pant runs XS-XL and can be found in department stores such as Dillards, Von Maur, Nordstrom, and other high end specialty boutiques across the US.

2. Only pack fabrics that are easy to travel with.

Three “musts” come to mind: comfortable, washable and wrinkle-free. Look for knit fabrics like 100% acrylic yarn, nylon, polyester and wool knit for example. Additionally, cotton/poly, cotton/lycra or rayon blends are often made with treatments that that will help keep them wrinkle-free.
Ming Wang has the best knits for travel due to the fact that it’s breathable, washable and time saving. One of my clients travels about four times a month for her business and swears by the Ming Wang Collections.

3. Color-coordinate and lay out your outfits before putting things in your suitcase.

I definitely recommend color coordinating because you never know what you feel like wearing at a specific time. You want to choose one neutral color, such as black or brown…most popular being black. It makes life easy; especially when you’re trying to decide what pieces will make the cut. If you pack a few bottoms like a jean, black pant and skirt that fit and flatter your figure, you will have more room in your suit case for mixing colorful jackets and tanks.

Ming Wang is known for her vibrant and versatile colors throughout all her collections. When you travel, you always want to bring timeless staple pieces with you that you are comfortable in.

4. Look like you packed more than you really did!

By investing in the right key pieces you can dress the best and fool even your best friend into thinking you just hit a major shopping spree! A great start would be a flattering black dress that can be accessorized and appear different each and every time you slip it on. Ming Wang offers multiple black dresses that are a staple to ones wardrobe.

For example, change pearls to a turquoise-chunky necklace, pumps to sandals, and a silk scarf to a denim jacket. I have been wearing the same Black Dress from Ming Wang since 2003 when I first started with the company as a free lance designer. I have grown to rely on this staple black dress for work, parties, and outings.

Another item is a quality black tank and bottom. With a chic well fitting black tank, pant or skirt you can mix casual and dressy jackets that cost $50 dollars and still look like you spent a fortune. But don’t stop there…add a belt to your waist, change your hair, hand bag and jewelry for a new fashionable style without the cost!

5. Make your clothes go from day to night.

A clean, crisp, white button-down shirt is a safe fashion “do” for any occasion. Wear it fitted, closed and tucked in to a chic pair of black pants for work then change into blue jeans for happy hour with the girls. You can also leave it tucked out and open with a natural or color shell under for a fresh new style.

You can also get some fantastic mileage out of a black knee-length skirt. Depending on the body type of the woman, the style may vary from straight, A-line or novelty. The skirt is a fast way to appear polished, feminine and fashionable.

For work, a sweater set is perfect! For parties, a great skirt with a white tee, pearls and pumps is fun and flirty. For casual, simply change into a pair of flats and a denim jacket and you’re comfortable all day long!


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Much Needed Rain

The skies clouded up yesterday and left us after dropping some much needed rain. Here at the Blaus house, we received 1.30! This should go a long way to greening up the area where irrigation is not possible. I was looking at our lilac hedge in the backyard yesterday. The leaves were really wilting. So far, that is the only trees around our yard that seemed to be suffering so badly. Leighlyn, some friends of ours and I had planted them 6 or 7 years ago. In that time, I would have expected that their roots would have tapped into more water under the surface of our yard. Kinda scary when you realize that that area seems to be all tapped out...

This non-stop heat is taking so much out of our outdoor plants. Things stopped growing in parts of Western Kansas awhile back. All of their energy just went into staying alive.

Thank You, Lord, for this blessing that we have just received!!!

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10 Ways to Keep Cool at Home

Thank you, Chris, for sending this to us!!! I am confident that there are a lot of us out there who will be incorporating at least some of these suggestions into our own lives. Lynn


10 ways to keep cool at home without A/C
by Yahoo!Green's Cris Carl


Save energy this summer. It’s easy to keep your house cool without air conditioning. Employing a few basic environmentally friendly principals will help keep you cool and will help you save money.

1. Hot Air Out, Cool Air In

The most basic thing you can do to keep your house cooler without air conditioning is to keep as much sunlight out as possible and let cooler air in at night. During the day, keep windows, drapes, blinds, or shades closed, especially on the southern and western sides of your home. If you have a porch, you can put up large plastic or bamboo shades to cut down on sunlight.

2. Windows

Use white or light colored window dressings to reflect light. You can also apply reflective slicks to windows to further cut down on light. At night, leave cabinets open as well, as they will store heat.

3. Be a Fan of the Fan

Moving air is cooler air. At night, place fans in windows to bring more cool air in. Ceiling fans can also make a big difference. In terms of cooling, even a one-mile-per-hour breeze will make you feel three to four degrees cooler. In terms of energy savings, if you run a ceiling fan full-blast for 12 hours, you will only spend about $10 a month in electricity. Ceiling fans have two settings, one to pull air up (for winter use), and the other to push air down. Make sure your ceiling fan is blowing down.

4. Turn Your Fan Into an Air Conditioner

Another easy way to cool your home without air conditioning is to place a bowl of ice or a frozen milk jug in front of one or more fans.

5. What’s Hot in Your Home?

It’s one thing to keep hot air and sunlight out; it’s another to identify the appliances in your home that generate heat. If you aren’t at home during the day, it is easier to simply shut off as many electric appliances as possible. If you spend more of your day at home, try to use heat-generating appliances only during the coolest part of the day.

6. Electronics Are Hot, Too

Keeping your electronics on a power strip provides a quick way to “power-down” before leaving for the day.

7. Light Bulbs

Change incandescent bulbs for cooler fluorescent bulbs. Turn off lights when not in use.

8. Humidity

Humidity makes a room hotter. Do laundry early or late in the day. Take showers or baths during the cooler times of day. If your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen has vents, use them. Invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.

9. Insulate Your Attic

A well-insulated attic, especially when an attic ventilating fan is used, is one of the best ways to keep heat out of your home.

10. Landscaping

As you plan out landscaping for your home, be mindful of having deciduous trees, trellises and shrubbery on the southern and western portions of your home. Don’t place heat-absorbing rocks, cement, or asphalt too close to the house.

With a small amount of planning, you are on your way to a cooler and more enjoyable summer.

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Scott County Fair

is now in progress through Sunday. They have a traveling carnival, etc set up.

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Countdown

Six more days!!!

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Want-to-Buy

We are in the market for 2 king-sized pillows. If you have a couple you want to sell, please call us at 375.4584, 376.8922 or send an email to slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

Lynn

Two New Websites

chool is just around the corner and many of us will be buying new shoes. You just might want to check these websites out:

www.bayareakicks.com (sneakers)

www.kareemskicks.com (mens and womens shoes)

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7-Day-Forecast

Folks, I am sorry to have to tell you that there still does not appear to be a break in our latest weather temperature pattern. Right now, the Scott County Fair is going on through Sunday. The Wichita County Fair begins next Wednesday. Looks like we'll be melting--again.

Western Kansas
Tonight's low is going to be 70-73. We have a 50% chance of RAIN.

Thursday: 98-105 Lows: 70-73

Friday: 100-104 Lows: 69-71

Saturday: 98-102 Lows: 66-71

Sunday: 98-102 Lows: 66-71

Monday: 97-103 Lows: 67-71

Tuesday: 99-104 Lows: 67-71

Wednesday: 99-104 Lows: ??

In 6 months (January)we just might be having an ice storm. Does that make you feel any better about the extreme heat??? LOL!!!

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R- Rated Movies Policy at the Star Theatre in Tribune

The Board of Directors for Tribune's Star Theatre has just sent us a memo in regards to R-rated movies. Here it is:

"ALL patrons under 17 MUST have parental permission before allowing them to purchase a ticket."

More details regarding this policy will be sent out to the theatre volunteers within the next few weeks. Once I have that information, I will post it here.

By the way, this weekend's movie, THE BRIDESMAIDS, is rated "R".

Thank you!!!

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Summer Survival Kit

It is 1:35 at the Blaus house. Outside, it is already 96 degrees. Because of this extreme heat that we have been dealing with for so very long, you just might want to check into this. Lynn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keep Your Cool This Summer with Yogi-Approved “Summer Survival Kit”
R-U-Ved Offers Easy, Breezy, Holistic Guidelines to Give Heat-Induced Issues the Cold Shoulder


REDMOND, WA (July 20, 2011) – Hot, sultry summer weather may be great for a tropical vacation—but it can also result in heated emotional and physical health issues such as irritability, skin rashes, acne, insomnia, burning eyes, and acidic digestion.

Dr. Virender Sodhi, Ayurvedic MD, Naturopathic Physician and co-founder of R-U-VED® Herbs in Redmond, WA, explains that with Ayurveda (the “healing side of yoga”), you can offset the heat of the “Pitta” (or hot) season by using a soothing, counter-balancing, natural approach.

Dr. Sodhi recommends this simple Ayurvedic “Summer Survival Kit” to maintain optimal health through the hot, humid months—especially for those who already have a fiery, Pitta disposition:

Eat fresh, seasonal foods that are considered cooling in nature, such as salads, lightly steamed green leafy vegetables, asparagus, cucumbers, juicy summer fruits, and even milk.

Wear and surround yourself with cooling hues such as blues, greens and white. Avoid sun exposure by wearing hats and sunglasses, and steer clear of outside activities in the heat of the day.

Meditate about 30 minutes each day to enhance the body-mind-spirit connection.

Drink R-U-Ved ProPita Tea™ to refresh and balance Pitta metabolism and digestion. Cardamom, holy basil, sandalwood, licorice, and cinnamon

Apply R-U-Ved Face Pack to the skin to detoxify, clean and provide anti-inflammatory action for blemish-prone or Pitta-imbalanced skin, and to create a cooling sensation that leaves skin smooth and soft. Indian glacial clay, turmeric, neem, Rubia cordifolia, sandalwood and rose powder, holy basil, and menth piperita

Massage the skin with R-U-Ved ProPita Massage Oil™ to balance the mind and body, restore calm and harmony, and keep the skin silky and smooth. Sandalwood oil, neem oil, Eclipta alba oil, and lemongrass oil in coconut and sesame oil base

Take the herbal dietary supplements R-U-Ved Neem, which offers bug-repellant properties and soothes summer Pitta skin, and R-U-Ved Triphala, a powerful antioxidant with bowel-regulating properties, considered the Ayurvedic secret to robust health.

R-U-VED Products can be found at natural food stores nationwide or at www.ruved.net.

Founded in 1988, R-U-VED is the only Ayurvedic herb company in the U.S. owned and operated by practicing Ayurvedic physicians, who also cultivate the medicinal herbs offered to ensure the utmost in quality and safety standards. Wildcrafted and/or organic, all R-U-VED herbs are manufactured in an ISO and GMP approved facility. R-U-VED is a division of Ayush Herbs, and is located at 2239 152nd Avenue NE; Redmond, WA 98052. Contact the company at (800) 925-1371 or visit www.ruved.net.

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Borders Bookstore Gift Cards, ETC

More advice from Andrea Woroch. Thank you, Andrea! Lynn

In the wake of Borders recent announcement it's folding up shop, those holding gift cards from the bookstore chain may have cause for concern. While the second-largest bookseller says it's presently honoring gift cards, shoppers are well advised to use up their balances before it's too late. We faced a similar situation when Blockbuster and Circuit City filed for bankruptcy and are likely to do so again. To ensure consumers don't get left in the lurch, here are a five lessons we've learned from these experiences.

1. Move Fast
Store liquidations usually begin rapidly -- this Friday for Borders -- so it's often best to use up gift cards online, rather than wait until you have time to visit a retail store. Borders liquidation website says all 399 remaining stores will close by September, but they may start writing the final chapter on your local store much earlier.

2. Research the Bankruptcy Status
Borders was refused bankruptcy, meaning they had no choice but to liquidate. Other retailers, however, filed for bankruptcy and turned things around. Sometimes a company that's filed for Chapter 11 is allowed by the bankruptcy court to honor its gift cards. California, however, specifically requires merchants in bankruptcy compensate gift card holders.

3. Consider the Company's Stability
If you hear tales of other merchants threatening to close shop, research their financial stability via such sites as BBB.com and Forbes Risk List. (Stores considered at-risk by Forbes presently include Rite Aid and Zales.) Also, ScripSmart.com regularly updates its list of "Gift Cards to Avoid."

4. Use It or Sell It
If you've received a gift card for a merchant you wouldn't frequent, don't wait until a store goes out of business. You can exchange gift cards for cash right now on such sites as GiftCardGranny.com and receive up to 95 percent of the card's value in cash.

5. Use a Credit Card
If you're concerned about a retailer's financial stability but still want to buy a gift card, do so using a credit instead of a debit card. You can then ask the card issuer to withhold payment until you're sure of the merchant's status.

****************

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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7 Smart Ways for Students to Build Credit

I just received this from Brandon Farestad-Rittel and thought that many of you may be interested in this knowledge also. Lynn

A recent story by USA Today found the Credit CARD Act of 2009 is cutting down on card companies cashing in on college students. Cards issued through universities and alumni associations dropped by 17 percent in 2010. This benefits student spendaholics, but a lack of credit history is an obstacle for upcoming grads ready to finance a new car or upgrade their furniture.

Here are a few smart ways for students to start building credit history.

Credit Cards
We're not suggesting students go out and open a bunch of credit cards, but some plastic used responsibly can go a long way towards creating good credit. There are several options for students to help avoid high interest rates and annual fees.

A secured credit card is one of the easiest for the credit-less to acquire and requires a deposit equal to the credit limit. Rates and fees vary, so comparison shopping is a must. Another option is to become an authorized user on a parents' account. Students don't have responsibility for the bill, but still get the benefits of on-time payments on their credit report.

PT Money put together a list of the best credit cards for students, making comparison shopping much easier.

Store Credit Cards
A merchant credit card is best used for the bare necessities of gas, groceries, etc. They help build a steady history of payment and fit easily within the framework of a budget. Most carry high interest rates so, ideally, you should pay off the balance each month.

Open a Bank Account
This is a given. It's time to put the cash-only allowance policy to an end. While bank account information doesn't appear on credit reports, lenders commonly request it to verify steady income. For those new to managing their own finances, Mint.com is a useful resource for tracking accounts and expenses.

Co-Signers
Parents or other close relatives are usually the best co-signer options. Having someone with established credit history co-sign a loan or credit card application leads to lower rates and a greater chance of approval while building credit for both parties.

Student Loans
Student loans aren't ideal, but with the cost of tuition, sometimes they're unavoidable. Typically they have low interest rates and don't require repayment until after graduation, making them a good credit enhancer. The catch is no credit until payments come due.

Employment History
Jumping from job to job is pretty common in college, but sticking with one employer is ideal. Employment history appears on credit reports and lenders prefer to see someone who has stable employment with a steady increase in salary.

Pay Your Bills!
Paying card bills on time is the true key to good credit. If there's a payment coming up and things are tight, don't skip it. Cancel the cable, sell your gift card from Aunt Esther or pawn unused video games and movies. A few missed monthly payments can have a serious impact on a credit score for many years.

***********

Brandon Farestad-Rittel is a college-savings expert for Kinoli Inc.. Based on his own college experiences and extensive research, this recent graduate has covered a variety of topics, including the college selection process, for-profit colleges, and the modern era of textbooks.

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Reminder

Maggie Patton was a much-loved lady wherever she went. She always had a smile on her face and did whatever she could to help others. Maggie spread laughter wherever she was. Her memorial service is today at 3:00 in Scott City. (That information is posted in her obituary.) Tonight at 6:30, CST, her family would like to have Maggie's friends join them in celebrating her life. The event will be held at The Majestic in Scott City.

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The Blue Bird of Paradise Just Flew Up My Nose

Two weeks ago, I phoned in an order of two of my more expensive drugs that I have to take just in order to stay alive--literally. At the time, I still had enough medicine for 4-5 more days. Given the fact that the supplier is usually excellent about getting the refills sent right out to me, I had no fear that I would run out of these before the new bottles arrived. I am going to spare you the details as to how many times I called the company in the Northeastern United States to try to find out why my meds were not here. By this time, it had been a week since I called in the order and still no meds were delivered to me. Each time I called, I was given some kind of idiotic excuse for why they had yet to be shipped. By last Friday when I called, I was, shall we say, not quite as friendly as I usually would have been when I called someone. FINALLY, the representative at the other end of the line told me that SHAZAM!!! My order had now been found and the drugs would be going out in overnight delivery. Great!!!

By this time, I was feeling worse and worse. Whether you are going through a withdrawel of various longtime prescription or illegal drugs, detox is a bad thing. Though I was thrilled to hear that my medicine would be here the next day, my joy was short-lived. The rep told me that since this was Friday, they would package the bottles for overnight delivery BUT since Fed EX nor UPS could guarantee that they would get my medicine to me on Saturday or Sunday, the package would remain right where it was until Monday morning. Oh, boy! This was NOT what I wanted to hear.

I called the office one more time yesterday and was assured that the package had been picked up and was now en route to our mail box in front of our home. Great news!!!

UPS just delivered them to me!!! I am happy to say that I just took one of the pills from this order. It will not fix me immediately, of course, but it will help to shave off some of the negative effects that I have been having now for almost a full week. Tonight, I will take THREE more tablets. After that, I will be able to SLEEP once again!!! You just don't know how good that will feel!

My detox has included a sort of "vibration" that I can feel from the center of my body on out. It runs from the bottom of my feet to the top of my head. I have been plagued with on-again, off-again tingling and numbing in my hands and feet. My nerves are fairly well shot now, too. For the past 4 nights, I have only gotten a very minute amount of rest. I mainly just tossed and turned, sat up, stood up, lied back down and then the process started all over again. Lest I not forget the panicy tremors that shot through my body. The shakiness was hard to handle also. Last night was the worst yet. I was up and down all night long. I walked from one end of the house to the other--in the dark so that I did not disturn anyone else. For awhile, the herd, followed me back and forth but eventually, they wore out and just laid down and watched me "exercise". LOL!!! At a couple of points during the night, I actually considered going for a walk but then I remembered that I was afraid of the dark. LOL!!! Around 3:00 a.m., I returned to bed determined to get at least a few winks of sleep. This time, sleep did return to my body. At about 5:30 a.m., I had an absolutely H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E seizure. Without a doubt, it was one of the, if not THE, worst seizure I have ever had in 30 years!!! I remember being absolutely terrified with a capital "T". To make it even worse, Stan was already at work and the girls were asleep. I felt completely alone. The night sweats that I had been having for a few days and nights returned again. A bad headache topped everything off. This morning, another side effect presented its ugly head--the return of this nauseating "zig zag" that borders my vision non-stop. The pattern constantly moves in my head.

You're probably wondering what in the world this drug is. Right? It is a very potent drug that I require for seizure control and mood stability.

The other drug that I was doing without was my blood pressure drug. In my case, I have never had any problem with high blood pressure. Instead, I need it to slow down my blood as it moves through my blood veins. Why? Because two of my rare conditions make my blood veins get smaller and smaller. Another condition is that my blood cells are so large that they can be seen with the naked eye. When these gigantic cells are moving through veins that are too narrow already, my aneurisyms are produced. I've already had one in my heart. Today, I have a mechanical heart valve because of it. I have my seizures because the conditions actually affected my brain before they did my heart.

Anyway, my blood pressure was checked on Sunday and it was great. I doubt that too much vein damage was done while I was off of this medicine for just that week or so.

So, anyway, my medications are now here and I should return to as much normalcy as I usually attain. LOL!!! More good news is that the drug company finally took responsibility for this major flub and decided to send them to me at high priority and absorbed the costs themselves.

Though I hate the detox symptoms that I have been living with for several days now, I am also very appreciative of the fact that we have super-intelligent scientests out there who do a lot of research on people like me who have abnormalities of some kind or another and from that, develop drugs that can either cure the ailments or provide some much-needed relief for our symptoms. I am also VERY thankful for our medical doctors who study for years and years so that they can figure out what is wrong with us and know what drugs they need to give to us. Until we go through these not-so-fun days, we take our good health and medical providors for granted far too often...

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Grow Old with Grace and Finesse

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ..... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become--usually. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).


May your positive relationships never come apart--especially when they came straight from the heart.

Thank you, Linda! I love you, too!!!

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Words of Wisdom

Thank you, D, for sharing this!!!

"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and NEVER regret anything that made you smile..."

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Volunteers Still Needed

The 2011 Wichita County Free Fair starts one week from TOMORROW and will run through midnight on Saturday, July 30th. The Wichita County Amusement Association is still needing to sign up volunteers to run rides, games and to work in the concession stands. If you would like to help, please call 620.874.0715. This is open to singles, couples, families, etc.

Thank you!!!

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Coolest Dog Out There

Maybe watching this short video will cool you down just a bit...

www.zapiks.com/the-coolest-dog-in-the-world.html

Enjoy!

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Harvard PhD Economist Proposes Lessons For Financial Sector

Thank you, Ginny, for sending this to me! Lynn

As the world closes in on the three-year mark of the beginning of the global financial crisis, one expert believes that it’s not enough to rely on new regulations to prevent future disasters - a fundamental change in mindset is required.

Rex Ghosh - a Harvard PhD economist who has worked in the financial markets for more than 20 years, currently with the International Monetary Fund - believes that the very culture of the financial sector needs to shift back to basics as the economy limps out of recession.

“The global financial crisis, marked by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, has taken an enormous economic, financial, and social toll,” said Ghosh, who also authored Nineteenth Street, N.W. (www.nineteenthstreetnw.com), a novel about a fictional act of financial terrorism that causes a global financial crash. “Both in the United States and abroad, regulations, laws, and practices are being changed to help ensure that such crises do not recur. But these regulations - running to the thousands of pages - are enormously complex. It may be years before they are all adopted and absorbed into the daily lives of those in the financial sector. The real prevention rests in the notion that leaders need to work toward changing the very culture of the sector to rely on more fundamental and basic practices based in prudence and responsibility.”

Ghosh would like to see the financial sector learn the following lessons:

· For the Federal Reserve - Central banks such as the Fed should not only look at goods price inflation, but also at important asset prices, such as the stock market and housing sectors. It also needs to be more mindful of lending and credit booms, especially in the face of weakening credit standards. That’s what paved the road to hell three years ago. We do not want to repeat that option again. Traditional monetary policy tools (like the Fed’s interest rate) may need to be bolstered by counter-cyclical capital requirements (requiring banks to hold more capital in “boom” times).

· For Banks - Boring is good. Banks should get used to being a much smaller proportion of the economy, like it was before the 1990s. Bankers should also be aware of credit and counterparty risks. They need to know who they’re doing business with, know to whom they are lending and not rely solely on credit ratings.

· For Regulators - They need to watch the kids and the cookie jar. They should not count on banks to manage their risks prudently. They should think seriously about “tail risks” - just because something has not happened before, such as a nation-wide decline in house prices, doesn’t mean it cannot happen in the future.

“These are not incredibly difficult precepts,” Ghosh added. “The short answer is that the Fed needs to broaden its view of what constitutes inflation, banks need to look past the paperwork and avoid risk, and regulators need to realize their jobs don’t end with the passage of new rules. For every regulation created, there are 50 new ways created to get around it. We need to realize that the practices of the past won’t go away until we match the letter of the regulations with the culture of the financial sector.”

About Rex Ghosh


Born in India, Rex Ghosh has lived in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Colombia, and the United States, and has traveled widely in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Following his schooling in England, he received his A.B. in Economics from Harvard University, MSc. in Development Economics from Oxford University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. He has taught at Princeton University and Georgetown University, and lectured at various universities throughout the world. He is the author of several books on international economics and numerous articles in professional journals. Ghosh’s opinions stated in this article do not necessarily reflect those of any institutions with which he is affiliated.

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Margaret (Maggie) Patton--Scott City, Leoti and Syracuse

Margaret "Maggie" R. Patton
(February 11, 1958 - July 17, 2011)

Margaret R. “Maggie” Patton, age 53, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on February 11, 1958 in Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph & Margaret Jo Cook Cummings. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1995 moving from Leoti, Kansas, she was a the New Accounts Manager at Western State Bank in Scott City, Kansas.

Her memberships include the Syracuse Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, Kansas. She was also a member of a traveling Bowling League and a Sorority in Leoti, Kansas.

In December of 1978 she married Mike Patton in Syracuse, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors include her Husband - Mike Patton of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sons - Matthew Patton of Los Angeles, California, Mark Patton of Duncan, Nebraska, Mother - Margaret Jo Cummings of Lawrence, Kansas, Two Brothers - Patrick Cummings of Schenectady, Kentucky and Bill Cummings of Lawrence, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her Father – Ralph Cummings.

Memorial Services will be at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be given to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.

The family of Maggie would like to invite all family and friends to a celebration at The Majestic in Scott City at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.


Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Hunter Dane Carson

I just received a phone call from one of our awesome nephews, Hunter. He called to give me some very happy news. Hunter drove to Wichita, Kansas last Friday to take his EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) final exam. These tests are by no means simple exams. Given the fact that EMTs are many times the first people to arrive to give help to an ill or injured person, they have to know what needs to be done immediately. Their knowledge and expertise may mean the difference between life and death--literally.

It was a long weekend for Hunter and the other people who took their boards last Friday. None of them would know how well they did for 2-3 days. Hunter got his news just a little while ago. HE MADE IT!!!

Hunter began these studies last August when he was a Junior at Garden City High School. He has met and worked with some totally outstanding men and women whom have led him through this path to receive his certification. His mentor was a man who was widely known in Kansas, etc for the unbelievable instruction and dedication that he gave to his EMS students and patients. The world lost this man last Spring in a motorcycle accident between Scott City and Garden City. Hearts will never mend from his loss. Before he passed away, he sat Hunter down and had a long talk with him. He had seen great promise in Hunter and knew that Hunter could go all of the way. His mentor recommended that Hunter earn a degree in nursing so that he could follow in his footsteps by being a flight for life nurse. (By the way, this man and his brother were the two nurses who flew with me from Leoti to Denver when an aneurisym in my heart was ready to burst. They were exceptional men. All of us were so very fortunate to have had these men here who helped so many people through their life flights or through their instruction to others who also dreamed of being EMTs.

Hunter will be a Garden City High School Senior this 2011-2012 school year. His plans are to do as his mentor and exceptional friend advised--he will be going into nursing.

Hunter's VERY proud parents are Lona Sue Elder of Garden City and Rob Carson of Leoti.

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Want-to-Buy

We are looking for a good used cage for guinae pigs, etc. If you know of where we can find one, please let us know.

slblaus@gmail.com

620.375.4584

620.376.8922

Thank you!!!

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Good News!!! Bad News!!!

It is 7:45 in the morning and a beautiful day in Leoti. We are enjoying this wonderful 72 degrees outside!!!

Bad news? If the weather forecast is accurate for us, our temperature outdoors will go up 32 degrees throughout the day. Ugh...

Happy Monday to one and all!!!

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Dogs Need Love, Too

Right now, there are 3 dogs waiting in the Leoti City Pound for someone like you to come and adopt one, two or all three of them. One is a Labrador (like you'll see in this video) which is an awesome dog for people of ALL ages. Watch the following video and see if it makes you want to call the folks at City Hall first thing in the morning to schedule an appointment to meet the dogs. By the way, their phone number is 620.375.2341...

www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/boy_dog.html

Warning: It'll bring tears to your eyes...

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Western Kansas Temperature

At 9:34 p.m., it is 86 degrees outside. Tonight's low should be 70. Now for the bad news. The lowest high temperature predicted for the next 7 days is 102. I, for one, feel like crying. The last week was bad enough for me as far as how I physically felt. Yesterday and today were terrible. I spent most of the time lying on the floor trying to get as cool as possible. It was considerably cooler there than it was anywhere else in the house but the hard surface has caused my back to hurt. I have had a non-ending headache because of the heat. Then if all of this was not bad enough, I ended up in the emergency room tonight with a major burn to my right eye. It has all of the markings of a welding or chemical burn but I was not welding and I wasn't using any chemicals so we don't know what happened. The doctor put me on some antibiotic drops that will hopefully heal my eye soon. It feels much better now. Doc put in some numbing drops that have worked quite well. If it is not better by Tuesday morning, I'll be seeing an eye doctor. Don't I just sound like a great big baby??? LOL! Anyway, I find the forecast to be depressing. Here it is!

Monday--104

Tuesday--104

Wednesday--105

Thursday--104

Friday--102

Saturday--102

Sunday--102

Be careful out there!!!

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How Many Days Old Are You?

For this amazing information, please go to

www.korn19.ch/coding/days.php

I was born on October 29, 1961. I just found out that I am 18,159 days old which translates to 2,594 weeks and 1 day or 49 years and 262 days old including 12 leap years. I was born on a Sunday. My last birthday was on a Saturday. My next birthday will be on a Saturday.

Wanna feel old? Check this out! LOL!

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Bibles Needed

Not everyone in the world has access to Bibles. I think that we would all agree that our world is in crisis at this time. Everyone needs Someone and something to provide strength and hope.

On Wednesday evening, GAP members will be spending the night at Christ Covenant. It will be a great and fun event for all involved. Kevin Larson, the Youth Minister of Christ Covenant, is the sponsor for the junior and senior high members. Right now, he is asking that Bibles be donated to GAP so that they can be shipped to Christians overseas. These do NOT need to be brand new. If you have a Bible at your home that you have replaced with a different Bible, your older one would be greatly appreciated. You can drop these off at Christ Covenant or contact us and we will pick them up from you and take them to the church on Wednesday.

620.375.4584

620.376.8922

slblaus@gmail.com

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

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Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

The movie that will be shown at the Star Theatre in Tribune on Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th, will be BRIDESMAIDS. Each evening's movie will begin at 8:30 CST.

Synopsis: Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love.

Genres: Comedy

Running Time: 2 hr. 5 min.

Release Date: May 13th, 2011 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.

Distributors: Universal Pictures

Stars include Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper.

Directed by: Paul Feig

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00
4-12-year-olds: $4.00
Birth through 3-years-olds: FREE

Refreshments are always very fairly priced also.

See you at the movies!!!

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A Step Back into Yester-Century

I will challenge you to try to remember just when the last barn dance was held in Wichita County. Until last night, most of us probably cannot remember when.

Over the past couple of years, Kelley and Aimee (Wilbur) Burch purchased two antique barns and moved them onto their property just west of Leoti. At some point later, Cheryl Jaeger asked them if they would be willing to "lend" one of them for a dance if any of she and her husband, Tim's, children decided to get married in Leoti and have a dance afterwards. The Burchs were very happy to oblige that request.

This thought became a reality yesterday when their son, Matthew, married the love of his life. It had been a fairy tale weekend. Something similar to a royal wedding. People from all over came to Leoti to watch the couple wed. An elaborate feast was held on Friday night for the bride and groom's families and the wedding party. A good number of teenagers, including our daughter, Leighlyn, were asked to help serve the various courses of the rehearsel dinner. The bride and groom purchased blue shirts for the young men and women to wear. They also furnished cumberbands for the men. The girls all wore black skirts while the boys wore black pants. Karen Walk and Darcy Smades sewed really neat aprons for the girls to wear. To personalize the aprons, each girl discovered that her name had been embroidered onto her apron.

On Saturday afternoon, those young men and women were invited to the wedding and then served dinner to the wedding guests. After everyone had enjoyed a great dinner, everybody was invited to the Burch Barn. It was a hot evening so dancing in the barn may not have been such a great thing. Instead, the barn housed all of the drinks and refreshments. A sideless tent was set up with beautful lighting where everyone danced and enjoyed one anothers company.

This was such a great idea! I hope that there will be a re-birth of barn dances in our area. In rural areas such as Wichita County, these social events were used often for weddings, engagements, birthdays, house and barn raisings, anytime people wanted to have a good time.

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The Grand Ol' Days of Summer

For several days in a row, most of Kansas has had 100 degree temperatures plus. It is really taking a toll on many of us especially those who suffer health problems. For the last couple of nights, our house has been miserable. Though the air conditioner is working, it is just not strong enough to adequately cool things down. No one is comfortable. Last night, my entire body felt as if it was throbbing. Even though we have the a.c. and fans, the only place that I could go that was semi-cool was on the floor. At least when I was lying on the floor, the loud sound coming from my mechanical heart valve eventually got quite a bit less noisy. I was able to go to sleep between 2 and 3:00 a.m.

It is not even 10:00 yet and already the temperature outside is 86. I listened to the weather forecast one day last night. At that time, the meteorologists were unable to see any days in the near future where our highs would be in the double digits. I know of no one who relishes that thought... Area counties are having their fairs for the rest of July. Looks like they are going to be very hot and miserable.

My recommendation for anyone who has health conditions is to stay indoors as much as absolutely possible. My cardiologists always remind me that people with heart conditions should never be outside when the temps are below 40 and over the 76 degree point. Otherwise, we stand an increased chance of heart attack, etc. Believe me, temperature really does make a difference. I usually feel pretty good in the morning but as soon as our a.c. has lost its fight against the mounting heat outdoors, I begin to wilt indoors. All of a sudden, I have no energy. In place of energy, I now suffer with severe headaches that medicines barely touch. So, I spend several hours every day just lying in bed trying to sleep. Because of the fact that I am not able to motivate much, I am writing less and less on here. I trust that Fall will arrive once again and our house's heat will return to a healthy level. Watch out then! I will then return to my computer and write many more posts. LOL!

Until then...

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Additional Information Regarding "Devastating Fire"

Earlier today, I posted about a tragic fire in Colby last night. I have learned that a pickup will be hauling any kind of furniture, etc that people want to give to the family of four. If you want to donate something, please let me know and I will get everything arranged.

slblaus@gmail.com

620.375.4584

620.376.8922

Thank you for any and all help that you can offer!!!

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Know Your Stuff

Wanna know how to guage how much your furniture, bikes, etc are worth and how to know how much insurance you need to buy in order to cover all of your belongings? Then go to this F-R-E-E online house inventory website so that you will have the up-to-date home inventory and will know how to file an insurance claim faster and easier.

www.knowyourstuff.org

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Kansas Magazine

I just came across this website and wanted to share it with all of you! Please go to

www.kansasmag.com

You can also contact them at

Kansas Magazine
1000 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas
66612-1354

Track it on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

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Traveling in Kansas

Are you interested in taking a day trip or spending more time in Kansas? Then go to

www.travelks.com

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Are Impulse Buys Killing Your Retirement?

Ginny Grimsley sent this eye-opening article to me that was written by Steve Orr, a registered investment advisor. Lynn


Expert Reveals How Coffee, Muffins and Lunch
Can Add Up to More Gold In Your Golden Years

As a registered investment advisor, Steve Orr is used to juggling millions, but he knows those millions started out as pennies.

“It’s the little things,” said Orr, president and owner of the Orr Financial Group. “It’s the dollar here, two dollars there things that we pick up every day that start to add up. The insidious thing is that it still doesn’t add up to so much that we think it could make a difference in our futures because we only see those expenses in terms of the dollars we spend, but not the dollars – plus the interest – we could be earning on them.”

Orr’s point is that pension funds are being wiped out, companies are canceling their matching contributions to employee 401(k) programs (or wiping them out completely) and the future of Social Security seems dimmer than ever. That’s why Orr, author of the book The Noisemakers (www.thenoisemakers.com), wants people to realize that some of their everyday little impulse buys are robbing their accounts of pennies today, but millions later.

To illustrate that, Orr can demonstrate how simple, everyday expenses – when eliminated – can turn into big bucks down the road.

For instance, the daily specialty coffee from the local coffee stand costs about $3.95, depending on where you live in the U.S. If you got one every day of the week for about 40 weeks out of the year for the typical 35 year employment span between ages 25 and 60, it would cost you about $27,650 over that 35 years.

The formula looks like this:

Coffee or Latte -- $3.95 X 5 = $19.75 X 40 = $790 X 35 = $27,650

Energy shot -- $3.99 X 5 = $19.95 X 40 = $798 X 35 = $27,930

Muffin -- $3 X 5 = $15 X 40 = $600 X 35 = $21,000

Lunch -- $8 X 5 = $40 X 40 = $1,600 X 35 = $56,000

“If you were to put the total of all these items into your 401(k) or Roth IRA or any other type of retirement investment vehicle every year for 35 years and you earned a minimum of 3 percent interest every year on that money, you’d have an extra $246,560 in your retirement account at the end of that 35 years,” Orr said.

Moreover, Orr said that between 1970 and 2006, the annual return rate of the S&P 500 was 11.5 percent. At that interest rate, at the end of 35 years by Orr’s calculations, workers would have an additional $1,792,373 in their retirement accounts.

“Depending on the state you live in, most employers match some level of contribution to a company 401(k) or retirement plan,” he added. “It’s usually around 50 cents on the dollar up to 6 percent of your salary. So, if you’re making around $35,000 a year and you aren’t currently contributing to your plan, you could be losing out on about $465,000 at the minimum, assuming you never get a raise and stay at $35,000 a year for 35 straight years. Keep in mind, those calculations are based on someone who starts at age 25 and retires at 60. Now, we know a lot of people don’t start that early, and many more are working way beyond age 60, so it’s still achievable even for someone in their 30s. When you wean yourself off the little impulse buys and put those funds back into your retirement account, not only will you lose a few pounds and get off the caffeine – you’ll wind up a little more comfortable when you retire, as well.”

About Steve Orr

Steve Orr is the President and Owner of Orr Financial Group, a full service Registered Investment Advisor located in Victoria, Texas. Victoria is located in the center of the Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, southeast gulf triangle of Texas. Steve has been in the financial industry since 1986 and has been independent since 1994.

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You are more than welcome to run this article as is, let me know if you need any images to go along with it.


Thank you for this information, Steve and Ginny!

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Free Shipping

Andrea Woroch sent me this information yesterday. We would like to share the following information that she discovered with you.

Free shipping offers have worked so well for American merchants that some are diving into international waters.

Endless.com -- a shoe and accessories retailer created by Amazon.com in 2006 -- announced this week it would offer free international shipping to 50 countries for orders of $100 or more, and charge just $10 for purchases under $100.

While the announcement is creating quite a splash, some merchants have offered free international shipping for some time. For example, TheBookDepository.com provides free shipping on all of its six-million titles to countries from Andorra to Vietnam.

Other merchants with similar free international shipping offers include: (source - FreeShipping.org)

1. RevolveClothing.com
As with Endless.com, the online retailer offers free worldwide shipping via USPS Air Mail for orders over $100 and at a flat $10 rate for orders under $100. The sole exception is Canada, for which shipping is always free.

2. BenefitCosmetics.com
The beauty e-tailer offers free international shipping on any order over $115 when you use the code WORLD115 at checkout.

3. DinoDirect.com
Everything from clothing to flashlights is eligible for free international shipping, with no minimum order required.

4. BetterWorldBooks.com
New and used books are shipped free worldwide with an average delivery time of seven days. Expedited shipping of three days is just $3.97.

5. Diamonds-USA.com
The online merchant has cut diamonds since 1979, but only recently began offering free worldwide shipping on its conflict-free stones.

6. Cosme-De.com
Every order of beauty and make-up products is shipped free of charge within the United States and throughout the world. The maximum order, however, is six pieces and $1,000 per purchase.
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Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, has been featured as a media expert source on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, FOX & Friends, ABC News NOW, MSNBC, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Smart Money and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Devastating Fire

We just heard from our son, Adam. As you know, Adam moved into our home when he was 10-years-old. Of course, he had a family whom is not related to us. One of those people was his oldest sister who lives in Colby. She has children and grandchildren of her own.

One of her children and her family just lost the house that they were renting in Levant, Kansas. According to what I was told, it was the worst fire that firemen in their area have ever fought. The house was a total loss. The family was literally left with nothing except for the clothes that they were wearing. The family consists of the parents and 2 little boys who are 2 and 4.

Local ministers have paid for a motel room for the family for 2 nights. After that, they have no idea where they are going to be staying. Honestly, they are still in a state of shock and don't know what to do next. The family had no renters insurance. I need to check into this but someone told the family that it is now a law in Kansas that if you do not own your home, you must carry renters insurance to protect you in times like this.

The family needs all help that anyone can give. Here are items that you may be able to help with:

Clothing for the boys:
2T and 4T

All furniture for the place that they will eventually move to

All appliances for the place that they will eventually move to

Food

Cash or gift cards

Toys for these little boys. Right now, they have nothing to play with. They have lost their home, their clothes, toys...everything. Can you imagine how out of sorts they must be feeling this morning???

Our son gave us the mailing address and physical address where donations of any kind can be sent or delivered. This is his neice's parents' house in Colby. I also have that telephone number so that we can contact someone whenever necessary.

In the meantime, please contact us if you would like to help in any way. At that time, I will give you the phone number and address. Please understand that I hate to put that information on here.

Mainly I am asking for any and all prayers for this family. The husband and wife have jobs but cannot afford to replace everything as soon as they need to. The most important thing is that no one was in the house at the time of the fire. The wife/mother was at work. The husband/father was in the yard grilling food for the boys and himself. No one is expecting perfect condition clothing, furniture, appliances, etc. I would like to know that these items were clean and in good shape.

Please leave a comment here, email me at slblaus@gmail.com or call me at 620.375.4584 or 620.376.8922.

Thank you!!!

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Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

X-MEN 2: FIRST CLASS will be showing on Saturday and Sunday, July 16th and 17th, at 8:30 CST. More details on an earlier post.

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00
4-12-years old: $4.00
Birth through 3-years-old: FREE

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Upcoming Star Theatre Movie Schedule

Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th at 8:30 CST: BRIDESMAIDS, rated R.

Saturday and Sunday, July 30th and 31st at 8:30 CST: TRANSFORMERS 3

Friday, August 5th, at 2:00 p.m., CST: CARS 2

Saturday and Sunday, August 6th and 7th: NO MOVIE. Greeley County Fair

Saturday and Sunday, August 13th and 14th, at 8:30 CST: CARS 2.

See you at the movies!!!

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Changes at Tribune's Star Theatres

The news that I am about to post here will make a bunch of you very happy. I am very pleased with the theatre's decisions on behalf of the movie theatre. Starting on Friday, August 26th, the theatre will be showing movies THREE nights a week! Friday has been added to the line-up! Also, starting that evening, the new time change will take effect. From that point on, all evening movies will begin at 8:00 CST. That means that the time will no longer change twice a year. Speaking for people like us who will enjoy the new time, this will be great. Movie goers will get home 30 minutes earlier than they would when the movie began at 8:30 CST. The Star will continue to have matinees from time to time depending on the movie being shown.

Until the 26th of August, evening movies will only be shown on Saturdays and Sundays and will continue to be shown at 8:30 CST. Don't worry. I'll remind you when the 3-day weekend schedule begins.

Next week, I will be posting more information in regards to a new policy regarding "R" rated movies.

Our family would like to thank the Star Theatre Board for making these changes!

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100+

You folks in Northwest Kansas better enjoy your 99 degree weather today! That is the coolest weather coming up for people in Western Kansas. I see no moisture on the horizon for us either.

Here are the highs for Western Kansas:

Thursday: 99/102

Friday: 102/104

Saturday: 103/105

Sunday: 103/104

Monday: 101/102

Tuesday: 100/101

Wednesday: 101/105

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback paid a visit to Southwest Kansas yesterday to survey the damage by the long-lived drought. He mentioned that many of our crops here are worse than they were in the Dirty 30's. Though the farmers are doing all that they can to produce ample amounts of grain for the world, the extreme heat and lack of moisture are not allowing the crops to do well. ON TV last night, pictures were taken of wheat that did no grow even as high as a man's knee. For those of you who do not live in the Wheat Belt, this is extremely short wheat. Instead of the wheat kernels being long and full, they are short and just blow away like dust. Awhile ago, Gov. Brownback declared our area as a natural disaster. Pretty scary, don't you think?

So what can be done to fix this situation? A great deal of prayers and a whole lot of faith is the only cure.

A farmer in Southwest Kansas told us last week that some of us wheat crops were destroyed by the weather. His best crops produced 15 bushels per acre--not good. All in all, his wheat averaged 8 bushels to the acre. A terrible shortage of money is what he will be facing for the next year. A much larger price at the grocery stores all over for products that require grain such as bread, pastas, cereals... In other words, we'll all pay the price.

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Hmmm...

Did you notice that I was not here much yesterday? I decided that the day had come to do our end tables and coffee table in the living room. I stripped them down the day before. All I had to do to them yesterday was give them the final sanding with fine sandpaper before I began applying the stain. Late yesterday afternoon, I was ready for the finish.

I would like to say that I am extremely satisfied with the results but I cannot. For some dumb reason, though all three tables were from a matching set, one of the end tables did not accept the stain as the other two did. It was considerably lighter than the rest. I added more stain and still could not get it as dark as the other two. Finally, I lost my patience and about a gallon of perspiration so I simply gave up on it. It ended up not being too bad.

The end table that had soaked up the stain as it should have had just received its last coast of varnish when one of the dogs jumped on it. I don't have to tell you how that one turned out...

As for the coffee table, when I was sanding it down after the stripper, I evidentally went too low in three areas. Now they just have color to them but not much grain. Why not? Because it seems that the furnture store where we purchased them told us a bit of a whopper. The salesman assured us that the wood was solid--not veneered. Unfortunately, I know no ways of knowing the difference. So what do we do now with the coffee table? Fortunately, those three spots are fairly close to one another so I can cover them with one of my wonderful doilies. (In case I haven't mentioned this before, I am a doilie addict. There is no cure for me. LOL!!!) I love lace doilies, runners, tablecloths... As you know, I decorate in our home in a Victorian/Tuscan design. The Victorians loved to display their laces all over the house. My motto is the more the merrier. A word of advice: If you, too, enjoy crocheted laces such as these, buy them whenever and wherever you can. I purposely go into some thrift stores just to look for more. Though the art of crochet is still alive, not that many younger people are choosing to crochet that many doilies or tablecloths today. Therefore, people like me need to take advantage of places where we can pick up used laces. Most of mine come from people who have donated their grandmothers doilies when they pass on.

So anyway, time will tell just how long these tables remain with this finish. I may have to re-do them sooner than later.

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School Physicals

Attention Wichita County parents:

If you have a student in Leoti this year who needs a pre-school physical for sports, cheerleading, etc, today is the day set aside at the Wichita County Health Center. The charge for today only is FREE. If you prefer to go to the Porter Chiropractic Clinic in Leoti, the charge will just be $15.00.

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LadyBug Flower Shoppe

Ever in the mood for sending fresh flowers or a gorgeous green plant? Then don't forget to call Leoti's LadyBug at 620.375.2172. They'll even deliver them for you! Cash, Checks, VISA AND MASTERCARD always accepted.

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Audrey R. McVay--Scott City and Leoti

(October 13, 1923 - July 11, 2011)


Audrey R. McVay, age 87, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2011 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on October 13, 1923 in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of Leonard and Goldie L. Nance Eskew. Audrey was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1965 moving from Oberlin, Kansas.

She attended the Park Lane Ministries at Park Lane Nursing Home. Audrey loved to cook. She owned and operated several cafe’s including “The Fifth Wheel” in Oberlin, Kansas in 1960. She also cooked many years for the Butterfield Trail Ride.

She and her husband Albert also owned and operated McVay Liquor in Scott City for over 20 years. In 1965 Audrey & Albert survived a plane crash in a 9 passenger Cessna in Farmington, New Mexico.

In 1940 she married Kenneth Blose. In 1946 she married Alvin Carlson. In 1964 she married Albert M. McVay in St. Francis, Kansas. He passed away on April 15, 1994 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include Two Sons - Ron Blose of Leoti, Kansas, Jim Carlson of Prescott, Arizona, Two Grandsons - Jesse Carlson of Scott City, Kansas, Jimmy Carlson of Prescott, Arizona, Two Granddaughters - Dorinda Carlson of Garden City, Kansas, Laura Carlson of San Diego, California.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, 3 Husbands, 1 Brother, and 2 Sisters.

Graveside Services will be held at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011 with the Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Scott County Home Health Department or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday @ Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

The Superhero/Action/Fantasy/Sci-Fi, X-MEN 2: FIRST CLASS which was released on June 3rd, 2011, will be playing at the Star Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, July 16th and 17th. Each evening's performance begins at 8:30 CST.

Stars include James McAvoy, Laurence Belcher, Michael Passbeuolus, Bill Milner, Kevin Bacon, etc.

This Marvel Comicbook hit is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some sexual content including brief partial nudity and language.

Synopsis: This movie investigates the formative years of Xavier and Magnetu and the formation of the school and where their relationship went wrong...

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00
Children from 4 through 12: $4.00
Babies through 3-year-olds: FREE

See you at the movies!

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Interested in Volunteering?

Our county fair is nothing shy of being totally amazing. Nowhere else can your child (or you) ride a fun carnival ride for just 25 cents! To keep the costs so low, a great deal of volunteers are needed every single year. Some of the Amusement Association members may have already contacted you about helping out. If no one has, please call 620.874.0715 between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to set up a time and day that you would like to help. Many volunteers are still needed to operate rides, games and to work in the various concession stands. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, each ride, game and concession stand will need people to work in 2 hour blocks. Those blocks are from 6-8:00, 8-10:00 and 10-midnight. On Saturday, the games, rides and concession stands will start up as soon as the 10:00 a.m. parade is over and will not close until midnight.

I thank you for all of your support!!!

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Great Ways to Save $$$ on Your Fuel This Summer

Andrea Woroch has sent out this great email that I think most, if not all, of us will appreciate... VLE-B


The summer travel season is finally in full swing. While gas prices remain high, many major retailers are taking steps to cut costs for disgruntled drivers. Wal-Mart is leading the charge, reducing their fuel prices by 10 cents per gallon for the summer months. The retail giant will offer discounted prices at gas stations in 18 states until September 30. Many other stores have followed suit with their own deals. Here's a list of other major merchants helping Americans save at the pump this summer.

CVS
The drug store chain is offering a free $10 gas gift card to ExtraCare Rewards members when they purchase $30 worth of select products. The promotion runs through August 28, so there's still plenty of time to cash in.

Kroger and Shell
The grocery chain has been offering discounted gas for quite awhile now, but their partnership with Shell has really turned up the savings. With 100 points on your rewards card, you'll get 10 cents off per gallon on a fill up at both Kroger and Shell stations. If you're not satisfied with that discount, Kroger also offers $1 off per gallon when you earn 1,000 points on your rewards card.

Kellogg's
Do you eat a bowl of cereal every morning for breakfast? If so, you're well on your way to saving on fuel. When you collect 10 UPCs from cereal boxes and mail them in, Kellogg's will send you a $10 prepaid gas card. Submissions must be received by December 31 and there's a limit of five cards per household.

Warehouse Clubs
Big warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club keep popping up all over the place. While they typically have some of the lowest gas prices around, a fill-up still requires a membership. Joining the club can be done for around $50, so if your car guzzles gas, the long-term savings are worth it.

Gas discounts aren't the only way to save, though. Here are a few more general savings tips to help you travel for less this summer.

Gift Cards
Gift cards are becoming a currency all of their own. Cards for popular fuel stops like Shell can be bought and sold at sites like GiftCardGranny.com. Also, with merchants like Wal-Mart reducing gas prices for the summer, a discount Wal-Mart gift card can really compound the savings.

Low Octane Gas
Unless you're driving a top of the line sports car, premium gas probably isn't necessary. Most cars on the road will perform just fine with lower octane gasoline and it'll save you a couple of bucks on a fill.

Slow & Steady
If you want to save some extra money, let up on that lead-foot for just a little while. Driving at high speeds and starting and stopping quickly burns more fuel.

Research

Instead of waiting to hit the pump until you're down to the last drop, plan your purchase in advance. Websites like GasBuddy.com will help you find the lowest local gas prices. They even have a mobile app to help you save on the go.

Ride Sharing
A combination of frugality and going green has led to a resurgence of carpools. If you're trying to track one down, websites like eRideShare.com and CarpoolConnect.com are useful resources for both drivers and riders.
Public Transportation.

As long as you're not still in high school, riding the bus probably isn't as torturous as you remember. If public transport isn't an option, you can always dust off the old bicycle. It costs next to nothing to maintain and it'll get your blood pumping better than a cup of coffee in the morning.

Shop Online
The easiest way to save on gas is to just stay at home. Most shopping needs, including groceries, can be satisfied online which keeps you from burning gas outside in the blazing heat.
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Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, FOX & Friends, ABC News NOW, MSNBC, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Smart Money and many more. Watch Andrea's recent interview with BetterTV about ways travelers can cut fuel costs.


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