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Business & Careers
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Small-business owners show cautious optimism about 2013
(BPT) - There’s no doubt that small businesses are a driving force in the American economy. And because they feel the shifts in the economy so acutely, the insight of small business owners can provide a real-time picture of what’s going well and where potential problems lie. The semi-annual Bank of America Small Busines...
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Three-year degree programs shorten the path to rewarding careers
(BPT) - Three-year bachelor’s degree programs are gaining popularity as many students look for ways to enter the workforce faster. Though these programs are common in Europe and Canada, condensed programs are now attracting greater interest in the United States as students and education providers realize the unique bene...
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Seven big trends for small businesses in 2013
(BPT) - Today, if you tell someone you’ll be in touch, he or she may not only ask when, but how. Modern technology has dramatically changed the way we communicate, providing multiple ways to stay connected at any time. For small and medium-sized businesses, this means big opportunities to stay competitive, provided that...
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Top communities providing support for returning veterans
(BPT) - When veterans return home from serving overseas, the support found in family, friends and the community can make a huge difference for a smooth transition. Pittsburgh ranks as the top place in the nation for veterans to transition from combat boots to civilian shoes, according to a study commissioned by USAA and Military.com. The “ Best Places for Veterans” list identifies U.S. metro areas that offer America's most recent veterans more opportunities to find a job or go to college ...
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Christmas gift ideas for corporate sponsors
Share in the holiday spirit and show your appreciation to corporate sponsors with meat and cheese gift baskets , personalized gifts and more to say thank you for their hard work and dedication. With simple tips and proven crowd-pleasers, it is easy to show your gratitude to corporate sponsors that help your organization accomplish all of its goals.   Fruit and nut gift baskets No matter the number of corporate sponsors you would like to give gifts to this year, you can find the perfect f...
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Seven things employers must provide reservists returning from military service
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 800,000 reservists and national guardsmen have been called to leave their civilian life to serve the military full-time, with more than 250,000 pressed into active duty more than once.
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Six ways to use social media in your job search
Resume? Check. Cover letter? Check. Now you're ready to begin that job search, right? Wrong. There may be some very important things you're forgetting about that could dramatically enhance your job search.
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Joining the Navy Reserve lets Sailors balance everyday life and Navy life - and have careers in both
Family obligations, changing career aspirations and personal commitments are many of the factors that discourage Sailors and civilians from pursuing active duty service in the United States Navy. Did you know that Navy Reservists are able to serve their country while also working as professionals in their respective care...
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Three tips for mastering new media and multimedia
New technology and digital media like Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitter are changing the way people communicate both at home and in the workplace. They're also contributing to a generation gap. For example, users under age 30 are significantly more likely to use social-networking sites when compared to other adult age groups, according to research from the Pew Internet Project.
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Veterans growing as entrepreneurs
Veterans returning home face many challenges that weren't present when they were serving in the armed forces. Between adapting to civilian life, reacquainting with family and friends, and finding employment, the adjustment can be a difficult process.
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The perfect Thanksgiving gifts to send your clients
Show your gratitude to clients by sending thoughtful gifts as you kick-start your holiday gift-giving list. You can spread holiday cheer to clients that have made an impact on your professional life.
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Small-business owners: Managing your money in a challenging economy
Attention small-business owner: Is managing your business' finances causing you stress? Below are three tips to help you manage your money and succeed in this challenging economy.
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national news
Powerful tornadoes strike in four central U.S. states

A tornado touches down southwest of Wichita, Kan. near the town of Viola on Sunday, May 19, 2013. The tornado was part of a line of storms that past through the central plains on Sunday. (AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Travis Heying)By Chris Francescani (Reuters) - A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday, hammering the region with fist-sized hail, blinding rain and tornadoes, including a half-mile wide twister that struck near Oklahoma City. News reports said at least one person had died. By 9:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, more than two dozen tornadoes had been spotted in parts of Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local news reports. ...


Mon May 20 03:05:00 UTC 2013
Arias jury to weigh possible death sentence in Arizona murder trial

Jodi Arias cries as she listens to Steven Alexander, brother of murder victim Travis Alexander, makes his victim impact statement to the jury in PhoenixPHOENIX (Reuters) - Jodi Arias, facing the possible death penalty for the murder of an ex-boyfriend in Arizona, was due back in court on Monday for the final phase of a four-month-long trial. Arias, 32, was found guilty of murdering Travis Alexander, whose body was found slumped in the shower of his Phoenix-area home five years ago. He had been stabbed multiple times, had his throat slashed and been shot in the face. The same jury that convicted Arias of murder, found last week she had acted with extreme cruelty and ruled her eligible for the death penalty. ...


Mon May 20 08:41:03 UTC 2013
Monster machines fan out on U.S. farms facing slow sow

A farm sits in the distance near a corn field in RedkeyBy Tom Polansek and Mark Weinraub SHERIDAN, Illinois (Reuters) - With the U.S. spring planting season off to a historically slow start, an increasing number of farmers are counting on powerful tools to catch up: Monster machines that sow 36 rows of corn at once and feature high-tech innovations like computer-guided directional equipment. The technological wizardry from companies like Deere & Co and AGCO Corp is pitted in a frantic race against time, with farmers scrambling to get seeds in the ground because a slow start depresses yields and reduces the size of their harvest. ...


Mon May 20 06:04:59 UTC 2013
Tornadoes tear through central U.S. [VIDEO]
Less than a week after a string of tornadoes killed six people in north Texas, a massive storm system tore through the center of the country on Sunday, spawned at least a dozen tornadoes, killing at least one person, injuring a dozen others and causing extensive damage from Georgia to Minnesota. A tornado at least [...]
Mon May 20 08:28:31 UTC 2013