WASHINGTON – Today, The Center for Health Economy released an economic analysis that found that the Patient Choice, Affordability, Responsibility, and Empowerment (CARE) Act – a legislative plan put forward this week by Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Tom Coburn, M.D. (Okla.), and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) – reduces health care costs, lowers premiums, provides more Americans with health care coverage than Obamacare. The analysis found the proposal also increases health care productivity and reduces the nation’s debt.

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The United Soccer League (USL PRO) announced on Wednesday that they have awarded Tulsa an expansion franchise to begin play in 2015.

The Tulsa Drillers of Minor League Baseball will be majority owners of the new team with Prodigal LLC holding a minority interest in the squad.

“USL PRO is thrilled about the addition of a Tulsa franchise that will feature a strong ownership group, proven executive sports management team, and excellent downtown venue all in a market with a history of support for professional soccer,” USL President Tim Holt said. “In a sport built on rivalries, Tulsa fans will immediately enjoy an intense geographic rivalry with OKC Energy FC on the field, while the two clubs collaborate off the field to grow the sport at all levels throughout the state.  This represents another major step in USL PRO’s plan for stable and strategic growth into key national markets.”
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As seen on TV (so I know it is true) the first item sold (1995) on eBay was a broken laser pointer for $14.83.

A little noted battle is raging as to when and where yodeling originated. There exists a written reference to European yodeling dated 1545. However, some Persian classical music written before 1500 entails “yodeling sounds” and traditional African Pygmy music, thought to have been composed over a thousand years ago, contains melodies that fluctuate from normal tones to falsetto. I have tried yodeling, but early feedback indicates that I have not mastered the art.
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Analysis: A recent afternoon session at the State Policy Network meeting in Oklahoma City was, for advocates of school choice, a banquet of “red meat” data and analysis. Even for anti-choice analysts, the open session was illuminating.

The most vigorous debate, on the Common Core Standards controversy, was intellectually stimulating, yet perhaps — for all the sound and fury generated — the wrong argument over the wrong issue.
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Record sunfish at Lake Texoma on August 6, 2013. It weighed in at 1.6 lbs. and was 11 inches long.

Fishing reports from Oklahoma lakes follow by region.

NORTHEAST
Bell Cow: August 11. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 85 and muddy. Bass slow. Crappie fair on minnows at night. Catfish good on cut bait and chicken liver at night. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: August 12. Elevation above normal, water upper 70s and murky. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and worms. Blue catfish good on cut shad. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.
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