These days, it can be an uphill battle for small business owners. Even with all the makings of success – a great product or service, the right location, good equipment and a loyal staff – gaining customers in today’s world spells new technical challenges and new costs.

(BPT) - Ah, the hot days of summer when a neighborhood lemonade stand is the perfect place to buy – or sell – a cold, refreshing drink. While a lemonade stand is a classic summer activity for kids and their parents, it’s also a great way to help teach children about earning money, building community and expressing creativity.

Summer is finally here, which means peak vacation season and employees out of the office. For those who own their own companies, however, taking vacations and disconnecting is never easy, as business continues as usual while owners are away. In fact, according to the 2013 ADT Safety Data Index, more than one-third of small-business owners polled agree that running a business keeps them up at night, and the same number feel that running a business does not allow them to have work/life balance.

Common Core is the current administration’s attempt to federalize K-12 education with a one size fits all curriculum.  The takeover is occurring in violation of the Constitution and federal law.  It is essentially the nationalization of compulsory education.

(StatePoint) These days, it can be an uphill battle for small business owners. Even with all the makings of success -- a great product or service, the right location, good equipment and a loyal staff -- gaining customers in today’s world spells new technical challenges and new costs.

(NAPSI)—For kids, summertime should mean food, friends and fun. For many families fighting to make ends meet, however, summer can mean struggling to stretch tight food budgets even further.

According to the Associated Press, A threatening letter was mailed to President Obama that is similar to two letters containing poisonous ricin sent to Mayor Bloomberg and his anti-gun group, officials confirmed Thursday.

(StatePoint) Smartphones have become such integral parts of our lives that when we see those low battery warnings our hearts sink right along with the power of our mobile devices.

When our neighbors listed their house for sale a few months ago my husband and I were admittedly a bit saddened. Not that we knew them well. We did, however, appreciate the constant presence of a Sheriff’s patrol car parked quite visibly in their driveway. I mean, in spite of the alarm company’s sign in our yard, both my husband and I feel that you never can have too much insurance. The presence (and constant threat of) law enforcement was certainly a neighborly perk.

While The Hangover Part III may seem like a retread of very familiar ground, this “final” film in the Hangover trilogy completely abandons the trademark formula that typically sets Phil, Stu and Alan up to figure out what the heck happened the night before. Instead they are still recovering from the debauchery that occurred in the first film from 2009. Nevertheless, this is still a very funny movie.

1. BOY SCOUTS ADMIT GAY YOUTHS, NOT ADULTS

(NAPSI)—With more than 5 million car crashes every year in the U.S., it’s important that drivers understand what they can do to avoid a collision and also what automakers are doing to help them should they be involved in an accident.

Tired of taking orders? Have a great business idea? May, which is National Small Business Month, is a great time to think about starting your own endeavor.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing a rather humorous conversation that I recently had with a long-distance friend via text (with her permission). I hope you find it as entertaining as I do. While the names have been changed to protect anonymity, the story is completely true.

(StatePoint) In addition to filling practical needs, home improvement projects often can increase the value of a home with minimal investment. Some projects add more value than others, however.

Allstate “Reality Rides” recently visited Tucson on its tour of more than 20 American cities to demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving. Allstate Insurance Company is building upon its efforts to bring awareness around distraction-free driving with this new national campaign tour.

Q: I received a call today from a male who identified himself as Andrew Allison with Microsoft Security. He told me that “my NT wires” were installed incorrectly and were causing errors across the internet and that he could talk me through the steps needed to correct the problem. Trying to find a way to report this to Microsoft... — Dennis

(NAPSI)--Wedding bands and engagement rings are more than gifts to mark an occasion; they symbolize a couples eternal love and commitment. Now, that everlasting love can also lead to more lovely jewelry. Thats because through May 21, 2013, people can share their stories of Everlasting Love online for a chance to win $11,000 Erica Courtney diamond earrings.

(BPT) - College students interested in the Navy can focus on their academic careers while eliminating much of the financial burden of paying for school. With more than 160 colleges and universities across the United States offering Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) programs, students have many opportunities to finish a degree without going into overwhelming debt and have a career as a Navy Officer ready and waiting upon graduation.

Tired of taking orders? Have a great business idea? May, which is National Small Business Month, is a great time to think about starting your own endeavor.

Recently, several dozen residents came together in front of U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s office on Oracle Road in order to protest his vote against a scaled down bill that would have extended background checks to purchase firearms.

(StatePoint) Tired of taking orders? Have a great business idea? May, which is National Small Business Month, is a great time to think about starting your own endeavor.

(BPT) - Is your backyard ready for bliss this summer? You probably look forward to spending as much time outdoors as possible during warmer months. But do you really have everything you need to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor living space from dawn to dusk – and beyond?

(NewsUSA) - Thanks to the new healthcare law, starting October 1st there'll be a whole new way to shop for health insurance for yourself, your family or your small business: the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whether you're uninsured or buy your own coverage, the Marketplace will help you find insurance that fits your needs and your budget, with less hassle.