… just not very motivated at the moment.  DC life has taken some getting used to.  Plus I feel like I’ve lost my “blog identity,” now that I’m not professorin’ or homeschooling. Be patient.

These peeled cucumber cups, with their holiday color scheme, look wonderfully festive, plus they're a snap to make. The rounds provide the perfect base for all manner of tasty fillings. Flavored hummus works well, as do other savory dips.

As a fitness expert, you know I’ll never promise you a pill is going to be the answer to that “jiggle in your wiggle.” If you want six pack abs you’re going to have to work for them. BUT… There is some very promising research out there in regards to a dietary supplement you’ve probably been hearing a lot about. Yes, I’m talking about Essential Fatty Acids. You probably have heard them called something like Fish Oil pills. How’s this for good news?! *University of Georgia researchers have found something pretty amazing about Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA. Get this: The actually help STOP the conversion of pre-fat cells into fat cells by causing them to die out before they can mature. Once a pre-fat cell becomes a fat cell, well, there’s no turning back. You’ve got that fat cell for life. Imagine, actually decreasing the accumulation of fat by taking an Essential Fatty Acid supplement containing DHA! Now let me do my best infomercial voice for you… But wait, there’s more! Seriously, that’s not the only benefit of Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA. According to studies** done at the University of South Australia people that combined exercise with Essential Fatty Acid supplements containing DHA saw greater fat loss than the test group that only exercised and did not take the supplement. How can you not be excited by these research studies?? Now, personally, I don’t like Fish Oil pills because they cause you to burp like crazy. If you’ve ever taken them you know exactly what I mean. And they aren’t always the highest quality. I prefer EFA Icon from Prograde Nutrition because they use Krill Oil. It’s been found to be a superior source of Essential Fatty Acids containing DHA. Plus, with EFA Icon there are NO fish burps. And I haven’t even mentioned all the amazing health benefits from this dietary supplement. If you’re looking to accelerate your fat loss results than I really recommend you go with Prograde Nutrition’s EFA Icon. You can get it here: http:/inspirationfitness.getprograde.com/icon Remember, EFA Icon is NOT a miracle solution. You will need sound nutrition and exercise. BUT the research is there. It’s definitely a supplement with powerful fat loss properties. http:/inspirationfitness.getprograde.com/icon * Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 136:2965-2969** American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85:1267-1274 Post from: Homeschool Fitness Coach

Recently I was asked to blog about ways our family economizes.  We are presently a family of eight, and have been as large as ten plus extended guests.  I am sure many of you have some excellent ideas as well and I hope you will log in and post those ideas.  Let’s be a help [...]

I had a marvelous time at the IAHE Convention. I didn’t get to meet any of you so that made me a little sad, but perhaps next time. I spent a good portion of the convention listening in on Woody Robertson, of College Plus!, explain how to get your B.A. by the time your 18. My teenager and soon to be junior high daughters are absolutely excited. I’ve never seen them work so diligently before. LOL I also purchased My Father’s World for my two little ones. I am a huge fan of Sonlight, but I have never liked their Kindergarten core. So, I bit the bullet and tried a new one. I will return to Sonlight for the following year. I have been doing really well with the Super Conditioning Challenge. Last Sunday I did 200 burpees in 9:31. I was so excited! I have also been very good at keeping my grocery bill under $150 each week. Today I only spent $86.24! Woot! It really helps when you don’t buy all the processed junk in the store. My purchases are all for meats, veggies, fruits, and dairy products. I hit a really good sale last week on the milk. Wise Way was selling almost expired milk for $1.49 a gallon. I bought 4 and froze them in the deep freezer. I won’t have to buy milk for quite some time. Yay! I also got a case of cheese blocks, all different kinds, for $10. I put those all in the freezer and just take a block out and stick it in the fridge about 2 days before I need it. I would love to hear what you ladies do to save money on the grocery bill. Hugs~~ Post from: Homeschool Fitness Coach

I always thought there should be country wide protests against government on tax day -- at least until all involuntary taxation was eliminated.   When someone suggested I attend a "tea party" my reply was something like "been there, done that... what's the point?"  True, I was a member of Young Americans for Freedom and a long-time pro-life activist, so protesting is in my blood.  But, in the last few years I have soured somewhat on street activism, at least for myself.  Then I realized that our local tea party was on tax day... tax day!  Now it made sense. Here is my tax plank from my only run for public office some ten plus years ago: "All involuntary taxation is equivalent to armed robbery and is immoral. I support any measure that relieves the burden of taxation from the individual and family. Furthermore, I support any tax relief measure that promotes and protects the Christian family. For example, two-parent single-income families should be exempt from state and federal income taxes. Families without children in public schools should be exempt from all property taxes. And, tax credits for children should start at conception." So my son and I ventured out this afternoon... it wasn’t exactly Boston Harbor in the dead of night or under the threat of execution for sedition... but I was impressed with the turnout in our sleepy seasonal retirement community.  Two thousand plus patriots of diverse backgrounds. Never have I heard so many cries against "socialism" from average folks.  A number of people came up to my son and said they were there "for his future".  The realization that he was homeschooled answered with enthusiastic "God bless you" from strangers.  And everywhere God fearing people with a true love of liberty. I do not get the sense that these protests are just Presidential election whiplash as some would suggest -- most of the people on the street seem to realize that we simply traded one flavor of socialism for another.  The left will dismiss these protests as irrelevant and reactionary right wing tantrums.  Perhaps the left dismisses them at the peril of their own political power.   This grassroots movement is perhaps the beginning of something far more profound and lasting, perhaps the grumblings of a revolution. I hope my son can someday tell the tale to his grandchildren of when the tide was turned against the steady creep of collectivism and tyranny.  And, I hope it is a tale of a democratic people peaceably taking individual responsibility and flexing the machinery of republican government to refresh the tree of liberty.  Let’s all help to prove Thomas Jefferson’s adage wrong: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure." To paraphrase Franklin, we have a republic, let's keep it.

I guess you can see where I'm going with this... but we really want you to attend this free conference.  Did I mention that it's free?  As in free curriculum for life and living! Plus, I know that when wives see the phrase "be a better husband" they will "persuade" their husbands to go.  (Don't worry guys; tomorrow's resolution will be for the wives.) Michael and Debi Pearl's ministry is not just limited to raising-up children with joy, but also strengthening the marital relationship. If you are in Southern California, this New Year's resolution will be easier to keep come January 16-17, 2009.  Our friends over at Exploring Homeschooling of Orange County, California will be hosting a free conference by Michael and Debi Pearl of No Greater Joy Ministries on January 16-17, 2009.  Friday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at Knott Avenue Christian Church. Get all the details and register here. "Through books and CDs, Michael and Debi Pearl train parents to break the bad habits passed down from former generations and to recognize and emulate the wisdom of those who have gone before.  The Bible and common sense are the foundations for effective parenting." Considering Homeschooling hosted a one night seminar with Michael and Debi Pearl back in 2004.  It was great fun, full of insight and truth as only Michael and Debi Pearl can deliver. This seminar will be twice the fun and insight. Mark your calendars now for January 16-17, 2009... this is the perfect New Year's resolution:  "Train up a child in the way he should go..."

I always thought there should be country wide protests against government on tax day -- at least until all involuntary taxation was eliminated.   When someone suggested I attend a "tea party" my reply was something like "been there, done that... what's the point?"  True, I was a member of Young Americans for Freedom and a long-time pro-life activist, so protesting is in my blood.  But, in the last few years I have soured somewhat on street activism, at least for myself.  Then I realized that our local tea party was on tax day... tax day!  Now it made sense. Here is my tax plank from my only run for public office some ten plus years ago: "All involuntary taxation is equivalent to armed robbery and is immoral. I support any measure that relieves the burden of taxation from the individual and family. Furthermore, I support any tax relief measure that promotes and protects the Christian family. For example, two-parent single-income families should be exempt from state and federal income taxes. Families without children in public schools should be exempt from all property taxes. And, tax credits for children should start at conception." So my son and I ventured out this afternoon... it wasn’t exactly Boston Harbor in the dead of night or under the threat of execution for sedition... but I was impressed with the turnout in our sleepy seasonal retirement community.  Two thousand plus patriots of diverse backgrounds. Never have I heard so many cries against "socialism" from average folks.  A number of people came up to my son and said they were there "for his future".  The realization that he was homeschooled answered with enthusiastic "God bless you" from strangers.  And everywhere God fearing people with a true love of liberty. I do not get the sense that these protests are just Presidential election whiplash as some would suggest -- most of the people on the street seem to realize that we simply traded one flavor of socialism for another.  The left will dismiss these protests as irrelevant and reactionary right wing tantrums.  Perhaps the left dismisses them at the peril of their own political power.   This grassroots movement is perhaps the beginning of something far more profound and lasting, perhaps the grumblings of a revolution. I hope my son can someday tell the tale to his grandchildren of when the tide was turned against the steady creep of collectivism and tyranny.  And, I hope it is a tale of a democratic people peaceably taking individual responsibility and flexing the machinery of republican government to refresh the tree of liberty.  Let’s all help to prove Thomas Jefferson’s adage wrong: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's natural manure." To paraphrase Franklin, we have a republic, let's keep it.

Are you pursuing a business degree? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you need to set yourself apart from other entry-level employees at work? If you said yes to any of these, maybe CLEP Principles of Management is a course for you.The CLEP Principles of Management exam is a 3 credit Business exam that covers material taught in a college level introductory course in management and organizations. It includes operational and functional aspects of business and human resources. This was our first business exam and it proved to be a good place to start. Here are the materials we used, our study method and what you must know to pass.Many materials are available for this course but the good news for the cost conscious collegiate is our favorites were almost all free or low cost. We purchased the REA Principles of Management Guide with the CD-ROM practice tests but found other materials we preferred. We used:Principles of Management (Cliffs Quick Review) Peterson's Online Practice examsInstantCert ($20 a month) plus the feedback on the InstantCert forum (priceless)CLEP Official Study Guide 2009 A good study method always works in phases and this course was no exception. First we read through the Cliff's Notes Management text, made flash cards and took notes from it and the InstantCert forum and studied the InstantCert material. Next we began the practice test phase, beginning with the Peterson's tests (see the post on studying wrong answers for more details on this process) and ending with the CLEP Official test for a final exam. As soon as both students were scoring in the 60's or 70's on their practice tests we made the appointment with our local testing center. We are pleased to report that they both passed but not with the scores they would have liked. Here is their advice:Peterson's test were by far the most helpful of all the materials. We were glad to have taken them each twice, at least.CLEP Official was good but it was not a true indication of what would be on the test.Be ready for 20 or more names of management theorists and their theories, some we had not encountered in our practice materials.InstantCert was great.Find another source, like Wikipedia or another textbook for more of the theorists.Take notes at the testing facility during your test (they provide paper for this). Sometimes this helps with eliminating incorrect answers.Make sure you know and understand:1. Types of Power (reward, legitimate, coercive, expert and referent)2. Authority (functional, line, staff)3. Types of management structure (formal, functional, mechanistic, network, organic, team)4. Types of teams (functional, cross-functional, self-directed)A complete exam description can be found at College Board.Sometimes the best part of an exam is when you are finished, and while this is partly true we learned so much about the evolution of management here in the United States, how we manage our homes, how the church is managed, how employees respond to different types of managers and how unions affect business. Having spent time in a large hospital we have new insight into how the staff was organized. I pray that the Lord uses this insight for His glory in the lives of my children.

Ladies and Gentlemen,Drop what you're doing. Take 5 minutes to enter this giveaway. You will be THRILLED when you win! The WheelyCow and WheelyBugs are premiering TODAY on Tori and Dean (http://tori-and-dean.oxygen.com/), and this giveaway was scheduled to coincide with the premier! WheelyCows and WheelyBugs retail for $79.99 plus tax on the Prince Lionheart website, but thanks to Prince Lionheart, you can WIN one from the Vaagen Family!Prince Lionheart was so generous to share their WheelyCow with my family! I believe my two year old has been on it ever since it came in the mail 2 months ago! She asks if she can sit on it to eat!This amazing ride-on toy is unlike any other I've seen!! And with 4 kids, I have seen my share of ride-on toys! I'd love to share some of my favorite things about the WheelyCow:1. The wheels GLIDE. They don't leave marks on my hardwood floors! 2. The WheelyCow is QUIET! Even when my little 4 year old rides on it... and that happens very often! No more wondering if it is thundering outside, or if the house is falling down, or if the world is ending when my girls ride through the house!!3. Easy to clean! The WheelyCow is so wonderfully easy to clean- I simply wipe it with a damp towel, and because it has a super-smooth surface, no spilled drinks get stuck in impossible-to-reach cracks... there are none!4. Happiness factor. My girls absolutely LOVE this toy. Of all their toys, this is at the top of the list. I can't help but smile when they keep it by the bottom of the stairs. They wake up in the morning, come downstairs, hop aboard the WheelyCow, and ride it straight to the breakfast table! :)Now you know MY favorite things about the WheelyCow, but let me share my daughters' favorite things about it:1. "The top is made of 'comfy squishy stuff.'" Remember, I'm passing along THEIR words, here! :) (The top is made of leather, with a soft padding underneath! It is VERY comfy!2. "It can go really fast in circles!" This toy allows them to "spin out" in one place! The wheels swivel. allowing for MUCH more fun!3. "The horns." I guess they felt like this part was self-explanatory. The horns on the front of the WheelyCow are on springs, and they wiggle like little bobble-heads! :)4. "The handle is not like normal ones." The handle bar is a semi-circle, which I love for two reasons. First, safety. My girls like to fly around on their riding toys, and they have landed across a square handle bar before, and that hurts! The WheelyCow has a soft, semi-circle handle, which would be much more comfy in that situation!Thank you SO MUCH to Prince Lionheart for allowing me to review this AND the Stroller Accessory package! I truly LOVE your products!Readers, do yourself a favor, and enter this giveaway today!To enter:1. Comment below, with your email address2. Visit the "Prince Lionheart" site by clicking HERE, and leave a comment telling me which WheelyBug or WheelyCow you like the most!3. Subscribe to this blog (enter your email address in upper right corner), and comment that you do. **SUBSCRIBERS may leave 2 comments (2 entries) stating that they subscribe! I love my subscribers! Thank you!!**4. Follow this blog (in right hand column), and comment that you do. **FOLLOWERS may leave 2 comments (2 entries) stating that they subscribe! I love my subscribers! Thank you!!**5. Become a fan of this blog on Facebook by clicking HERE, and comment that you do.6. Email this contest out to your friends, and copy me on it at vaagen@bellsouth.net7. Follow me on Twitter (vaagen) and ReTweet this contest on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vaagen/statuses/3070106224. Comment below that you did. You can do this once per day, and leave a comment each time you tweet the contest for an extra entry!!8. Favorite this blog on Technorati by clicking HERE The winner will be chosen by random drawing on http://www.random.org/integers/ on Saturday, August 15th at 6pm. Good luck!Thank you for coming to Mingle Over Mocha with Anna!

Some time ago a sweet friend and pastor’s wife asked me if I had any ideas for church hospitality. I’ve thought about it. What is it? Is it wanted? Is it effective? The best church hospitality I ever experienced was about 30 plus years ago. My husband and infant son and I were looking for […]The post Church Hospitality appeared first on Mom's Blog.

Have you ever prayed for something and seemed to be ignored? We’ve heard many times that the Bible is its own best commentary. When our prayers seem unanswered we need go no farther than the Word for understanding (James 4:3; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 1:22-33; 1 John 5:16; Hebrews 12:8 plus all of the verses instructing […]The post The Gift of Weakness appeared first on Mom's Blog.

News from the Library of CongressAda Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa, Film Festival Lineup of of Rare Cinema and Special Guests Released,? Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital Collections? and More Ada Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa Clipper Mission During Live at the Library in JuneDuring Live at the Library in June, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón — recently reappointed for a historic two-year term — will unveil her original poem written for the NASA Europa Clipper mission. Plus, celebrations for the Juneteenth holiday will honor African American folk music and photography. Celebrate Pride with a concert saluting Billy Strayhorn on June 8, and view a display of LGBTQ+ collection items in the Great Hall.Learn more.Connecting Communities Digital Initiative Announces Next Round of Award Opportunities for Libraries, Archives, Museums, Higher Education and Artists/Scholars in ResidenceIndividuals and educational and cultural institutions who seek to imaginatively remix and reuse the Library of Congress' digital collections and create projects centering one or more of the following groups, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander and/or other communities of color — are invited to apply to award opportunities through the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative.Learn more.Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound Announces Full Lineup of Rare Cinema and Special GuestsThe Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is announcing the full lineup of rare cinema and special guests to be featured at the inaugural Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound.? The new four-day film festival will be held June 15-18 in association with the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center at the American Film Institute's beautifully restored 1938 art deco theater in Silver Spring, Maryland.Learn more.Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital CollectionsThe Library of Congress announced that five awards, totaling more than $200,000, have been awarded from the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative through a program available to Libraries, Archives, Museums and Higher Education institutions. The 2023 awardees will use these funds to create projects that offer creative approaches to the Library's digital collections and center Black, Indigenous, and Latino or Hispanic studies.Learn more.Library Completes Digitization of Yongle Encyclopedia, Largest Reference Work of Pre-Modern EraThe Library of Congress has completed a yearslong effort to digitize the Yongle Encyclopedia (Yongle dadian ????), the largest reference work created in pre-modern China, and possibly the world. Digital publication of the 41 volumes held in the Library's collections provides open access to one of the most extensive attempts in world history to capture the entirety of human knowledge in book form.Learn more.

News from the Library of CongressAda Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa, Film Festival Lineup of of Rare Cinema and Special Guests Released,? Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital Collections? and More Ada Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa Clipper Mission During Live at the Library in JuneDuring Live at the Library in June, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón — recently reappointed for a historic two-year term — will unveil her original poem written for the NASA Europa Clipper mission. Plus, celebrations for the Juneteenth holiday will honor African American folk music and photography. Celebrate Pride with a concert saluting Billy Strayhorn on June 8, and view a display of LGBTQ+ collection items in the Great Hall.Learn more.Connecting Communities Digital Initiative Announces Next Round of Award Opportunities for Libraries, Archives, Museums, Higher Education and Artists/Scholars in ResidenceIndividuals and educational and cultural institutions who seek to imaginatively remix and reuse the Library of Congress' digital collections and create projects centering one or more of the following groups, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander and/or other communities of color — are invited to apply to award opportunities through the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative.Learn more.Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound Announces Full Lineup of Rare Cinema and Special GuestsThe Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is announcing the full lineup of rare cinema and special guests to be featured at the inaugural Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound.? The new four-day film festival will be held June 15-18 in association with the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center at the American Film Institute's beautifully restored 1938 art deco theater in Silver Spring, Maryland.Learn more.Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital CollectionsThe Library of Congress announced that five awards, totaling more than $200,000, have been awarded from the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative through a program available to Libraries, Archives, Museums and Higher Education institutions. The 2023 awardees will use these funds to create projects that offer creative approaches to the Library's digital collections and center Black, Indigenous, and Latino or Hispanic studies.Learn more.Library Completes Digitization of Yongle Encyclopedia, Largest Reference Work of Pre-Modern EraThe Library of Congress has completed a yearslong effort to digitize the Yongle Encyclopedia (Yongle dadian ????), the largest reference work created in pre-modern China, and possibly the world. Digital publication of the 41 volumes held in the Library's collections provides open access to one of the most extensive attempts in world history to capture the entirety of human knowledge in book form.Learn more.

News from the Library of CongressAda Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa, Film Festival Lineup of of Rare Cinema and Special Guests Released,? Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital Collections? and More Ada Limón to Reveal Poem for NASA Europa Clipper Mission During Live at the Library in JuneDuring Live at the Library in June, U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón — recently reappointed for a historic two-year term — will unveil her original poem written for the NASA Europa Clipper mission. Plus, celebrations for the Juneteenth holiday will honor African American folk music and photography. Celebrate Pride with a concert saluting Billy Strayhorn on June 8, and view a display of LGBTQ+ collection items in the Great Hall.Learn more.Connecting Communities Digital Initiative Announces Next Round of Award Opportunities for Libraries, Archives, Museums, Higher Education and Artists/Scholars in ResidenceIndividuals and educational and cultural institutions who seek to imaginatively remix and reuse the Library of Congress' digital collections and create projects centering one or more of the following groups, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander and/or other communities of color — are invited to apply to award opportunities through the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative.Learn more.Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound Announces Full Lineup of Rare Cinema and Special GuestsThe Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is announcing the full lineup of rare cinema and special guests to be featured at the inaugural Library of Congress Festival of Film and Sound.? The new four-day film festival will be held June 15-18 in association with the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center at the American Film Institute's beautifully restored 1938 art deco theater in Silver Spring, Maryland.Learn more.Library Awards More than $200,000 to Five Projects Highlighting Uses of Digital CollectionsThe Library of Congress announced that five awards, totaling more than $200,000, have been awarded from the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative through a program available to Libraries, Archives, Museums and Higher Education institutions. The 2023 awardees will use these funds to create projects that offer creative approaches to the Library's digital collections and center Black, Indigenous, and Latino or Hispanic studies.Learn more.Library Completes Digitization of Yongle Encyclopedia, Largest Reference Work of Pre-Modern EraThe Library of Congress has completed a yearslong effort to digitize the Yongle Encyclopedia (Yongle dadian ????), the largest reference work created in pre-modern China, and possibly the world. Digital publication of the 41 volumes held in the Library's collections provides open access to one of the most extensive attempts in world history to capture the entirety of human knowledge in book form.Learn more.

A list of Afrikaans language programs and resources used by homeschooling families with a brief description of each plus contact details for ordering.

A GED homeschool matric plus SAT score or a letter of admission is an option for homeschoolers to obtain a recognized matric equivalent with university exemption. This page will explain the process.

A brief description plus contact details of various high school homeschool options for South African Homeschoolers, including internationally recognised certifications.

Enjoy Movies on the Lawn, Café Concerts During Live at the Library in AugustEnjoy summer movies and music on the lawn this August during Live at the Library. On Aug. 3, take a bachata class from Julissa Cruz of the Latin Vintage Dance Company before a screening of “Mary Poppins.” Plus, join the Library of Congress for screenings in the historic Coolidge Auditorium later in the month, and enjoy café concerts in the Great Hall starting Aug. 17.Click here for more information. You are subscribed to Latest News from the Library of Congress.

Dress as Your Favorite Literary Figure, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and More During Live at the Library in SeptemberDuring Live at the Library in September, visitors are invited to attend an event to kick off the upcoming C-SPAN series “Books that Shaped America” on Sept. 7. Plus, dress as your favorite literary figure for a special Literary Costume Ball on Sept. 14. Visitors are invited to begin celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library with special music and dance events in September. On Thursday evenings, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Library’s beautiful architecture while visiting the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs.Click here for more information. You are subscribed to Latest News from the Library of Congress.

Celebrate Halloween with Mystery Night Featuring Louise Penny, A Murder Mystery Party and More During Live at the Library in OctoberVisitors are invited to get into the Halloween spirit during Live at the Library in October. Join us for Pick Your Poison – Mystery Night on Oct. 26, featuring a conversation with author Louise Penny, a panel of mystery writers, an improvised murder mystery performance, a scavenger hunt and more. Plus, visitors can explore the Hispanic Reading Room in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 5, and learn from two breast cancer experts on choosing the best healthcare for you on Oct. 12 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.On Thursday evenings, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Library’s beautiful architecture while visiting the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs.Click here for more information. You are subscribed to Latest News from the Library of Congress.

Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, Conversation with Simon Schama and More During Live at the Library in NovemberThroughout November, the Library will host events during Live at the Library as part of the city-wide Shakespeare Everywhere Festival. Public health leader Atul Gawande joins public intellectual Simon Schama for a conversation on Nov. 16. Plus, commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Washington, D.C. Home Rule Act on Nov. 30 with a panel discussion, GoGo band performance and more.On Thursday evenings, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building and all exhibitions are open for extended hours from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Library’s beautiful architecture while visiting the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs.Free timed-entry passes or an event registration are required to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building. Visit loc.gov/visit to reserve your pass for Live at the Library.Click here for more information. You are subscribed to Latest News from the Library of Congress.

The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use Zing Plus, a product promoted and sold for sexual enhancement on various websites, including www.amazon.com, and possibly in some retail stores.

As we announced last week, Chronicling America is in the process of transitioning from the legacy Chronicling America interface to a new Chronicling America interface and back-end search infrastructure. Read more about it.Through its enhanced search interface, the new Chronicling America offers more options to search the collection than the old Chronicling America.In the old Chronicling America interface, the simple search is on the home page. On the new Chronicling America interface, the simple search is available at the top of every page within this digital collection. Note "This Collection" is automatically populated in the top search bar on the "About this Collection" page. To access the Advanced Search, on the old interface, click on the "Advanced Search" tab. In this tab, you can refine your search by state, title, years or date range, language, and by doing multiple types of keyword searches. To access the new Advanced Search, click on the "Collection Items" tab and click the "plus" button next to "Advanced Search." After the Advanced Search is expanded, you can search by title, issue, or page. Select "Pages" to search within the full text of the collection's newspapers and to filter by language. You can still do multiple types of keyword searches and narrow your search by State/Province, County, City, and Title. For example, if you want to search only Arkansas titles, select "Arkansas" from the "State/Province" drop-down menu and only Arkansas titles will appear in the "Title" field. You can also narrow the new advanced search by ethnicity, such as African American, German, or Polish, and narrow your search by date. Once you hit "Search," you can further narrow your results using the facets on the left sidebar, for example, by title, date, county, or ethnicity. This is a new feature that the old interface was not able to do. Try out a search in the new Chronicling America interface today! The Chronicling America historic newspapers online collection is a product of the National Digital Newspapers Program and jointly sponsored by the Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Celebrate the Holidays, See National Film Registry Selections During Live at the Library in DecemberVisitors are invited to get into the holiday spirit at Live! at the Library in December with the Library's annual holiday celebration and Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 14. Plus, on Dec. 21 and 28, watch two holiday films that will be added to the National Film Registry this year. And enjoy happy hour alongside café concerts on Dec. 7, 14 and 21 in the Library’s Great Hall.Click here for more information. You are subscribed to Latest News from the Library of Congress.