Obama opens 24-hour trip to Germany

BERLIN (AP) ? President Barack Obama is opening a 24-hour visit to Germany, the culmination of which will be a speech Wednesday at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate.

Obama will also hold meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other government officials. He arrived in Berlin following a two-day summit of the Group of 8 industrial nations in Northern Ireland.

The president's visit comes nearly 50 years to the day after John F. Kennedy's famous Cold War address in Berlin.

Obama's trip is sure to draw comparisons to his 2008 visit to the once-divided city as a candidate for the White House. He received a rock star welcome, with 200,000 people gathering to hear him deliver remarks at Berlin's Victory Column.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-opens-24-hour-trip-germany-182254496.html

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Jenner: Kim Kardashian 'thrilled for the new baby'

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Kris Jenner says her daughter Kim Kardashian is thrilled to have a new baby.

Kardashian and her rapper boyfriend Kanye West were keeping silent in the wake of multiple reports that Kardashian gave birth over the weekend ? about a month premature.

But Jenner told E! at the Daytime Emmys on Sunday that Kim is "extremely happy and thrilled for the new baby and she's doing great and she's beautiful."

Kardashian's sister Khloe appeared to have let a rather cryptic cat out of the bag on Twitter.

"I can not even begin 2describe the miracle that is now apart of our family. Mommy/baby are healthy &resting. We appreciate all of the love," she tweeted Sunday.

She quickly followed with a second tweet: "More info will come when the time is right! Thank you all for understanding! We love you all dearly! Overwhelmed with love right now."

Jenner linked to both tweets on her Twitter account, then wished West a Happy Father's Day.

Asked for comment on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys, where she was a presenter, Jenner said, "She's in charge," pointing at her publicist who whisked her away from print reporters after doing TV interviews.

The reality TV star's pregnancy was almost as anticipated as the royal pregnancy of Kate Middleton, who is due in mid-July. That's about the time the Kardashian baby had been due.

The 32-year-old has often been photographed since announcing she was pregnant, opting to continue to wear designer clothing. She told The Associated Press in April that she eventually embraced being an expecting mom after getting past "the awkward phases and stages."

The couple had initially kept the baby's gender a secret, but the sex was revealed earlier this month during one of Kardashian's doctor appointments on "Keeping up with the Kardashians."

When asked about how much the baby might be featured in the E! series, the channel said Monday it was "thrilled for Kim and Kanye and out of respect for their privacy won't be offering any further comment."

News of the birth has been swaddled in secrecy. Representatives for West and Kim Kardashian didn't respond to emails and calls from The Associated Press, nor did any representatives for family members, friends and professional associates. And all of the weekend media reports on the birth were attributed to anonymous sources.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, West said he didn't like talking about his family or the arrival of his child.

"Like, this is my baby. This isn't America's baby," he said.

___

Associated Press writer Beth Harris contributed to this story from Beverly Hills, Calif.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/jenner-kim-kardashian-thrilled-baby-143402804.html

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Boston hospital to offer hand transplants for kids

A Boston hospital is starting the world's first hand transplant program for children, and doctors say it won't be long until face transplants and other radical operations to improve appearance and quality of life are offered to kids, too.

The move shows the growing willingness to do transplants to enhance a patient's life rather than to save it as donated hearts, livers and other organs have done in the past. More than 70 hands and at least 20 faces have been transplanted in adults, and doctors say it's clear these operations are safe enough to offer to children in certain cases, too.

"We feel that this is justifiable," Dr. Amir Taghinia said of the pediatric hand program he will lead at Boston Children's Hospital.

"Children will potentially benefit even more from this procedure than adults" because they regrow nerves more quickly and have more problems from prosthetic hands, he said.

Only one hand transplant is known to have been done in a child ? a baby in Malaysia in 2000. Because the donor was a twin who died at birth, her sister did not need to take drugs to prevent rejection.

That's the main risk in offering children hand transplants ? the immune-suppressing drugs carry side effects and may raise the risk of cancer over the long term.

However, one independent expert thinks the gains may be worth it in certain cases.

"We understand so much more about immune suppression" that it's less of a risk to put children on it, said Dr. Simon Horslen, medical director of the liver and intestine transplant program at Seattle Children's Hospital. "This is never going to be done as an emergency procedure, so the families will have plenty of opportunity to weigh the options."

Also, a hand can be removed if rejection occurs, and that would not leave the child worse off than before the transplant, Horslen said.

Several types of kids might be candidates ? those born without hands, children who lose them in accidents and children with infections that wind up requiring damaged hands to be amputated.

Quality of life is a key concern for people missing arms and hands ? prosthetics for those limbs are not as advanced as those for feet and legs. In December, doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore did a double-arm transplant for former soldier Brendan Marrocco, who lost all four limbs while serving in Iraq. It was the seventh double-hand or double-arm transplant performed in the U.S.

For a child missing two hands, "the quality-of-life issues are a big deal," said Dr. Douglas Diekema of the Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Seattle Children's Hospital and a member of the American Board of Pediatrics' ethics committee.

"In terms of how we interact with the social world, it's mostly our face and our hands," so a transplant "is a reasonable thing to offer a family," he said.

Boston Children's Hospital plans to make its first cases healthy children 10 or older who are missing both hands.

"Some of them can't feed themselves, they can't go to the bathroom, someone needs to assist them with almost every activity," Taghinia said.

The hospital also will consider children missing one hand who already are taking immune-suppressing drugs because of transplanted organs, or those with only one hand that doesn't work well.

The hospital will cover the cost of the operation and care for three months afterward, then ask insurers to pay for immune suppression and follow-up.

___

Online:

Boston program: http://www.bostonchildrens.org/handtransplant

Support groups: http://www.helpinghandsgroup.org/

and http://www.amputee-coalition.org/

___

Marilynn Marchione can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/boston-hospital-offer-hand-transplants-kids-054506724.html

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'Man of Steel' takes flight with $125M debut

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? "Man of Steel" leaped over box office expectations in a single weekend.

The Warner Bros. superhero film earned $113 million in its opening weekend at the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday. The retelling of Superman's backstory earned an additional $12 million from Thursday screenings, bringing its domestic total to $125 million. Original box-office expectations for "Man of Steel" ranged from $75 million to $130 million.

"They finally got the Superman formula right," said Paul Dergarabedian, an analyst for box-office tracker Hollywood.com. "Superhero movies really are the bread and butter of the summer box office. The fact that 'Iron Man 3' has the biggest opening of the year so far and 'Man of Steel' has the second biggest opening of the year just proves that."

"Man of Steel," which stars Henry Cavill as Superman and Amy Adams as Lois Lane, also nabbed the record for June's biggest opening away from "Toy Story 3," the Disney-Pixar film which banked $110.3 million when it opened in 2010. "Superman Returns," the previous Superman film starring Brandon Routh in the titular role, launched with $52.5 million in 2006.

The new take on Superman's origin also performed solidly overseas, earning $71.6 million from 24 territories, including the Philippines, India, Malaysia and the United Kingdom, where "Man of Steel" earned $17.1 million. The film, which also stars Russell Crowe and Michael Shannon, is set to open next weekend in 27 more territories, such as Russia and China.

Sony's "This Is the End" debuted in second place in North America behind "Man of Steel" with $20.5 million in its opening weekend. The comedy starring Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jonah Hill as versions of themselves trapped in a mansion during the apocalypse opened Wednesday, earning a domestic total of $32.8 million. The film cost just $32 million to produce.

"We knew we were going to have competition, but we felt our movie stood on its own and had its own voice," said Rory Bruer, Sony's president of worldwide distribution. "I believe we've absolutely proven that. To have this amount of money in the bank with its cost of production, good reviews and word of mouth really puts our feet on solid ground."

In its third weekend at the box office, the Lionsgate illusionist heist film "Now You See Me" fleeced $10.3 million in third place, bringing its total domestic haul to $80 million. Universal's "Fast & Furious 6" arrived in fourth place with $9.4 million, while the studio's invasion horror film "The Purge" starring Ethan Hawke scared up $8.2 million in the fifth spot.

The super openings of "Man of Steel" and "This Is the End" helped to lift the box office 50 percent over last year when "Madagascar 3" and "Prometheus" held on to the top spots. "Man of Steel" will face off against stiff competition next week when Paramount's zombie thriller "World War Z" and the Disney-Pixar's prequel "Monsters University" both debut.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released on Monday.

1. "Man of Steel," $113 million ($71.6 million international).

2. "This Is the End," $20.5 million.

3. "Now You See Me," $10.3 million ($15.6 million international).

4. "Fast & Furious 6," $9.4 million ($20 million international).

5. "The Purge," $8.2 million ($2.4 million international).

6. "The Internship," $7 million ($5.1 million international).

7. "Epic," $6 million ($8.1 million international).

8. "Star Trek: Into Darkness," $5.6 million ($17 million international).

9. "After Earth," $3.7 million ($24 million international).

10. "Iron Man 3," $2.9 million ($1 million international).

___

Estimated weekend ticket sales at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada) for films distributed overseas by Hollywood studios, according to Rentrak:

1. "Man of Steel," $71.6 million.

2. "After Earth," $24 million.

3. "Fast & Furious 6," $20 million.

4."The Hangover Part III," $17.5 million.

5. "Star Trek Into Darkness," $17 million.

6. "Now You See Me," $15.6 million.

7. "The Great Gatsby," $9.9 million.

8. "Epic," $8.1 million.

9. "Secretly Greatly," $8 million.

10. "The Internship," $5.1 million.

___

Universal and Focus are owned by NBC Universal, a unit of Comcast Corp.; Sony, Columbia, Sony Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Classics are units of Sony Corp.; Paramount is owned by Viacom Inc.; Disney, Pixar and Marvel are owned by The Walt Disney Co.; Miramax is owned by Filmyard Holdings LLC; 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight are owned by News Corp.; Warner Bros. and New Line are units of Time Warner Inc.; MGM is owned by a group of former creditors including Highland Capital, Anchorage Advisors and Carl Icahn; Lionsgate is owned by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.; IFC is owned by AMC Networks Inc.; Rogue is owned by Relativity Media LLC.

___

Follow AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/derrikjlang.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/man-steel-takes-flight-125m-debut-161431770.html

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Weekend: Your guide to entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania ...

SEASONAL

FRIENDS OF SALT SPRINGS PARK SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION: Friday, free, Silver Creek Road, Montrose.

SUMMER SOLSTICE: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Everhart Museum, $100.

WAYNE COUNTY CREATIVE ARTS COUNCIL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: July 3, rain date July 6; The Local Boys, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Dixieland All-Stars, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Crystal Band, 8 to 9:30 p.m.; fireworks, 9:30 p.m.; Central Park, Honesdale, rain location Grace Episcopal Parish hall, Honesdale, free. Visit www.hones daleparkevents.org.

ROTARY CLUB OF THE ABINGTONS ANNUAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY: July 3, rain date July 4, dusk, Abington Heights Middle School, Newton-Ransom Boulevard, Newton Twp., admission free, parking $5.

VETSTOCK FOURTH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA AND FUNDRAISER: July 5-6, Malibu Dude Ranch, 351 Foster Hill Road, Milford, and American Legion Post 139, 104 Country Road 2001, Milford, $10/$15/free for children under 4, benefits Homes for Our Troops. Visit www.vet stockusa.com. 828-8675.

CLUBS

ARLO'S TAVERN, 10340 Route 171, Union Dale: today, Mike Miz Trio.

BAZIL, 1101 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: Wednesdays, Marko Marcinko Jazz Quartet.

BLU WASABI, Route 6, Dickson City: Tuesdays, Solo-Tu; Thursdays, Carl and Harley Dynamic Duo.

COOPER'S WATERFRONT, 304 Kennedy Blvd., Pittston: today, karaoke with DJ Honey Do.

FORMOSA, 727 S. State St., Clarks Summit: Thursdays, Ron Leas & Kenny McGraw.

GLASS - WINE.BAR.KITCHEN., Ledges Hotel, 119 Falls Ave., Hawley: today, Blues, Brews & BBQ.

HEIL'S PLACE, 1002 Wheeler Ave., Scranton: Wednesdays, The Village Idiots.

HUB LOUNGE, Clarion Hotel: Wednesdays, Open Mic Night; Fridays and Saturdays, Wise Crackers Comedy Show.

MULLIGAN'S SPORTS AND SPIRITS, 519 Linden St.: Thursdays, DJ Velar; Fridays, Video DJ Hitz; Saturdays, DJ Tallarico.

OAK STREET EXPRESS, 729 Oak St.: Wednesday, karaoke with Terry-Oke.

O'LEARY'S PUB, 514 Ash St.: Tuesday, open mic with Rick from Nowhere Slow.

POOR RICHARD'S PUB, 125 Beech St.: Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Honey Do.

RIVER STREET JAZZ CAFE, 667 N. River St., Plains Twp.: Wednesday, open mic.

RUSTY NAIL, 732 S. Irving Ave.: Thursdays, DJ 10-4.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Twp.: Wednesdays and Thursdays, Phil Hinton; Fridays and Saturdays, Marko Marcinko Trio.

SAMBUCA GRILL, 234 Penn Ave.: Fridays and Saturdays, Paul Ardito.

THE SETTLERS INN, 4 Main Ave., Hawley: today, Trim Trio; Wednesday, Benya Barshai and guest.

SKYTOP LODGE, Skytop: Saturdays, Doug Smith Orchestra.

STATIC LATIN DANCE CLUB, I-81, Scott Exit 199: Fridays and Saturdays, Latin DJs.

WOODLANDS INN & RESORT, Plains Twp.: today, DJ Nik.

MUSIC

GRETCHEN WILSON: today, gates open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, free; admission wristbands available 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., outdoor cabana.

SURVAY SAYS: with Terror on the Screen, Bad Answers and Save the Swim Team; today, doors open 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m., New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St., $7, all ages. Visit NewVisionsStudio.com. 878-3970.

WAYNE COUNTY CREATIVE ARTS COUNCIL 46TH SUMMER FESTIVAL OF PARK EVENTS: Northeasters Barbershop Chorus, Monday; Gypsy Jazz Quintet, Thursday; Wayne Choralaires, June 24; The Pharm, June 27; Hickory Rose, July 1; The Cat & the Fiddle, July 8; Irish Balladeers, July 11; Flashback, July 15; Old Time Fiddlers, July 18; Moonlight on the Poconos Big Band, July 22; Hitchin' Cricket, July 25; Voices & Music in Praise, July 29; Joe Stanky & the Cadets, Aug. 1; Doug Rogers and the Hoi Polloy, Aug. 12; The Crackers, Aug. 15; Black Onion, Aug. 19; Fiddlin' Around, Aug. 22; 7:30 p.m., Central Park, Honesdale, rain location Grace Episcopal Parish hall, Honesdale, free. Visit www.honesdaleparkevents.org.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: Wednesday, 7:30 to 10 p.m., the Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. Visit www.thecooperageproject.org. 253-2020.

HOT TUNA: Thursday, 8 p.m., Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $56.50. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

BLUES TRAVELER: Friday, gates open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $30/$38.

POCONOTES' THE FACES AND VOICES OF THE BLUES ... TOO: with guitarist Roy Book Binder; Jim Gavenus photo exhibit, Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.; June 23, noon to 4 p.m.; free; photography workshop, Saturday, 1 to 2 p.m., free, reservations requested; porch time pick-and-grin, Saturday, 3 to 5 p.m.; concert, Saturday, doors open 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m., $25 advance/$30 at door, discounts available; guitar workshop, June 23, 2 to 4 p.m., free, reservations requested; Tripp House, 1011 N. Main Ave. Visit www.PocoNotes.com or 888-800-POCO.

JOAN BAEZ AND INDIGO GIRLS: Saturday, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $34.50/$44.50/$59.50/$84. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

NAY AUG PARK CONCERTS: Bill Arnold Quartet, June 23, 2 p.m.; Ron Leas Big Band, June 30, 2 p.m.; Ringgold Pops of Scranton, July 4, 10:30 a.m.; Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars, July 7, 2 p.m.; The Fabulous Fortunes, July 14, 2 p.m.; Von Storch Quartet, July 21, 2 p.m.; Main Street Music & L.F. Hughes Music students, July 28, noon; John Andrews Quartet & Special Guests, July 28, 2 p.m.; Gene Dempsey Orchestra, July 28, 3 p.m.; Fran Burne Quintet, Aug. 4, 2 p.m.; West Third Street Jazz/Funk Band, Aug. 11, 2 p.m.; Pat Marcinko & the Blues Mine, Aug. 18, 2 p.m.; Paul LaBelle & the Exact Change, with the Electric City Horns, Aug. 25, 2 p.m.; bandstand, Nay Aug Park, free. 348-4186 or 344-5656.

WAYNE CHORALAIRES: ONE SONG: June 23, 6 p.m., Dorflinger-Suydam Sanctuary, White Mills, take seating; rain location, Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. 253-2782.

BEACH LAKE CONCERT SERIES: Gospel Bond, June 23, 6:30 p.m., Beach Lake United Methodist Church, 7 Milanville Road, Beach Lake. Visit beachlakeumc.com. 729-7011.

JOY UN-SPEAK-A BELL: June 23, 7 p.m., Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown.

NANCY AND SPENCER REED JAZZ DUO: June 24, 7 p.m., North Pocono Public Library, 1315 Church St., donations accepted.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE COUNSELOR SOLO AND CHAMBER RECITAL: June 24 and July 15, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

OH WHAT A NIGHT: Four Seasons tribute, June 26, 1 and 3:30 p.m.; June 27, 1 p.m.; Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE STUDENT SOLO AND CHAMBER RECITAL: June 27; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 30; August 2; 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

KAREN COLLINS AND THE BACKROADS BAND: June 28, 7:30 p.m., The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale, donations accepted. 253-2020.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE WIND ENSEMBLE AND THE JAZZ ENSEMBLE: June 28, July 5, July 19 and July 26, 7:30 p.m., Buckingham Performing Arts Center, Wyoming Seminary, North Sprague Avenue, Kingston, free. 270-2186.

DOUG SMITH'S DIXIELAND ALL-STARS: June 29, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Carbondale Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale. 282-4281.

CATHIE RYAN: June 29, 7:30 p.m., Milford Theatre, 114 E. Catharine St., Milford, $15 advance/$20 at door/free for children under 15. Visit kindredspiritsarts.org.

HEART: with Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience, June 29, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $21.50/$36.50/$46.50/$61.50/$87/$111.50. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE MASTERWORKS CHORALE, CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, INSTITUTE CHORUS AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: June 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27; 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

CIVIL WAR ERA MUSIC: June 30, 3 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE FACULTY RECITAL: July 1 and 22, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND: July 2, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $47/$87, visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, 845-295-2501.

STEVE MARTIN AND THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS: with Edie Brickell, July 2, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $59/$79/$95. Visit www.kirbycenter.org. 826-1100.

MELANIE GOELITZ AND RON STABINSKY: July 2, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free . 270-2186.

KID ROCK: with Uncle Kracker and Kool and the Gang, July 6, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, $20; motorcycle ride to concert, 3:30 p.m., departs Electric City Harley Davidson, Business Route 6, Dickson City, $25, includes concert. Visit livenation.com.

UNDER THE STARS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL: Jazz in July Concert, with Emily Asher's Garden Party and Bria Skonberg, July 8, 8 p.m., $8 lawn/$15 amphitheater/$120 for festival table for six; Starlight Concert, with Boz Scaggs, July 13, $20 lawn/$30 amphitheater/$380 festival table for six; Wells Fargo Amphitheater, Misericordia University. Visit www.misericordia.edu/theartsandmore. 674-6719.

BIG TIME RUSH & VICTORIA JUSTICE: July 12, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y.; $36.50/$59.50/$81.50/$89.50/$111.50 reserved, $29.50 lawn, $118.00 lawn four-pack in advance; tickets $5 more on day of show. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE WIND ENSEMBLE AND JAZZ BAND: July 12, 7:30 p.m., St. Stephens Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre, free. 270-2186.

MUSIC IN THE FOREST SERIES: Wargo Stevesky Flute & Guitar Duo, July 13; The Young Geezers, July 14; Lacawac Sanctuary Carriage House, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel, free for children under 12, email info@lacawac.org. 689-9494.

SIXTH ANNUAL ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL: July 13, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Visit Rockstarmayhemfest.com. 800-745-3000.

VANS WARPED TOUR: July 16, 11 a.m., Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain.

MAC MILLER: with Earl Sweatshirt, July 16, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg, $27.50/$30. Visit ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

QUEY PERCUSSION DUO AND FRIENDS: July 18, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS: July 19, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $39.50/$50/$67/$80/$110. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

NATALIE MERCHANT WITH THE HUDSON VALLEY PHILHARMONIC: July 20, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $19.50/$39.50/$49/$65/$79.50. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

CRAZY FOR PATSY CONCERT: featuring Terri Dixon, July 21, 3 to 6 p.m., Ehrhardt's Waterfront, Route 507, Hawley, $32. 253-5779.

LIL WAYNE WITH T.I. AND FUTURE: July 21, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. 800-745-3000.

SHANDALEE MUSIC FESTIVAL: pianist Allen Yueh, July 24, 8 p.m., $10/$25; Afternoon of Chamber Music, July 28, 3 p.m., $10/$25; Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

STEVE FIDYK AND FRIENDS: July 25, 7:30 p.m., River Commons, Wilkes-Barre, free. 270-2186.

THE EAGLES: July 25, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $56.50/$164.50/$194.50. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

BUCK HILL SKYTOP MUSIC FESTIVAL: July 26-Aug. 10; Tennis Tea, 270 Golf Drive, Buck Hill Falls; Skytop Lodge, 1 Skytop Lane, Skytop; Canadensis United Methodist Church, Route 447 and 390, Canadensis; and Notre Dame High School, 60 Spangenburg Ave., East Stroudsburg. Visit buckhillskytopfest.org.

COUNTRY MEGATICKET SERIES: Tim McGraw "Two Lanes of Freedom Tour," with Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft, July 26, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., $36/$81.25; Blake Shelton "Ten Times Crazier Tour," with Easton Corbin and Jana Kramer, Aug. 11, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., $35.50 lawn/$75.75 reserved; Luke Bryan "Dirt Road Diaries Tour," with Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square, Aug. 23; Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., series passes $101.75/$218.50/$293.50. Visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.

BAD COMPANY AND LYNYRD SKYNYRD: July 27, 7 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $30/$50/$82.50/$95/$100.50/$138.00. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE FACULTY CHAMBER RECITAL: July 28, 7:30 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

WYOMING SEMINARY PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTE SEASON'S END GRAND FINALE: Aug. 3, 7 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 270-2186.

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS: with Buddy Guy and the James Hunter Six, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $36/$51/$71/$91. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

FOURTH ANNUAL ROCKSTAR ENERGY UPROAR FESTIVAL: with Alice in Chains and Jane's Addiction, Aug. 9, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

JASON ISBELL: Aug. 9, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$50.

KANSAS: Aug. 11, gates open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $35/$45.

SUMMER FEST TOUR: with We the Kings, Breathe Carolina, T. Mills and the Ready Set, Aug. 14, doors open 6 p.m., show 6:30 p.m., Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg, $20 advance/$23 day of show. Visit ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

ROSANNE CASH: Aug. 24, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $59. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND'S SECOND PEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL: Aug. 15-18, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Visit ThePeachMusicFestival.com. 800-745-3000.

GOAT RODEO SESSIONS: with Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile and Aoife O'Donovan; Aug. 16, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $35/$49.50/$69/$99/$125. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

ZAC BROWN BAND: with special guests, Aug. 17, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $38 lawn/$89 reserved. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

JOHN MAYER: with Phillip Phillips, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $56.50 lawn/$67 or $87 reserved seating/$139 lawn four-pack. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

GATHERING OF SINGERS & SONGWRITERS 12: Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, donations accepted. 996-1500.

JASON ALDEAN: with Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett, Aug. 25, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. $25.50/$55.25. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

MAROON 5 AND KELLY CLARKSON: Sept. 1, Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

KID ROCK and ZZ TOP: with Uncle Kracker, Sept. 6, doors open 5:15 p.m., show 6:45 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $29 lawn/$29 reserved. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

JOAN OSBORNE: Sept. 13, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $40/$43. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org and Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

A TEMPTATIONS TRIBUTE: Sept. 16, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC: Masterworks, with the Naughton Sisters, Sept. 21, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; An Evening in Eastern Europe with Erica and Pascal, October 18, 7 p.m., Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center; The Haunted Symphony, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; French Woodwind Delights, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre; Masterworks: Music and Dance, with Ballet Northeast, Nov. 16, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; A Very NEPA Christmas, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; A Romantic Masterpiece by Brahms, Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Westmoreland Club; Steve Lippia - Simply Sinatra, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Feb. 22, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; String Chamber Music, with our newest principals, March 6, The Colonnade, 7 p.m., 401 Jefferson Ave., Scranton; Stringfest, March 8, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Debbie Gravitte: Broadway Baby, April 4, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; April 5, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Beethoven's Ninth, April 25, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center, $31 and more, email info@nepaphil.org. 270-4444.

SUNDAYS WITH FRIENDS SERIES: Glenn Dicterow Farewell Concert, Sept. 29; pianist Jeremy Denk, Oct. 6; Lincoln Center Family Holiday Concert, Dec. 8; Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $42.50 each/series passes available. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

COLIN HAY: Oct. 9, doors open 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $41/$60 advance, $46/$65 day of show. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

VANILLA FUDGE: Oct. 11, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $49.50/$69.50. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

SIMPLY STREISAND: Oct. 16, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

MERLE HAGGARD: Nov. 2, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $40/$53/$63/$99.

A TRIBUTE TO THE RAT PACK: Nov. 13, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

YAMATO - THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN: Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$35.

ARLO GUTHRIE: Nov. 23-24, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $75. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS: Feb. 22, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$35.

JOE BONAMASSA: May 7, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

OPEN MIC: Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Center Court, Mall at Steamtown.

Stage

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: Music Box Players; today and June 23, bar 1 p.m., dinner 1:30 p.m., show 3 p.m.; Thursday, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, bar 6 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m., show 8 p.m.; Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville; dinner and show $34, show only $12/$16. 283-2195.

I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE: today and June 27; July 7, 10, 14, 18 and 25; Aug. 7, 9, 15, 18, 21, 25, 29-30; Sept. 1, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 2 and 8 p.m.; and Saturday; July 20; Aug. 2 and 31, 8 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

PLAYROOM: IN THE BATHROOM: Gaslight Theatre Company, today, Thursday to June 23 and 27-29, Downtown Arts, 47 N. Franklin Ave., Wilkes-Barre.

A TIME TO DANCE: Kelly Patrick Studio of Dance senior dancers, Wednesday, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., benefits family of David Carter. 382-3276.

LEGALLY GRAY: Lakeside Players, Wednesday and Thursday, Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort, 205 Route 507, Hawley. Visit www.lakesideplayers.net.

ALL SHOOK UP: Thursday, Friday and June 23 and 26; July 12, 17, 21 and 26; Aug. 1, 4, 8, 22-23 and 28, 2 p.m.; June 29; July 3, 5, 10 and 27; Aug. 2, 10, 14, 17 and 30, 8 p.m.: Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES: Thursday to Saturday and June 27-29; July 5, 10, 12, 18, 20, 24 and 26; Aug. 1, 3, 7, 9, 15, 17, 21, 23, 10 a.m.; July 19 and Aug. 9, 7 p.m., Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $10. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

35TH ANNIVERSARY CABARET: Friday, 7 p.m., Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $8. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

THE BRIDEGROOM OF BLOWING ROCK: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Lazybrook Park, Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

THE MERRY WIDOW: Pennsylvania Lyric Opera; Friday, 7:30 p.m.; June 23, 3 p.m.; Cecilia Cohen Recital Hall, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, $5/$15/$20/free for children 6 and younger. Visit www.griceartists.com. 328-5864.

WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INAUGURAL HYSTERICAL SOCIETY VARIETY SHOW: Friday, 8 to 10 p.m., The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale, $25. 253-3240.

THE SHAWNEE STORY: Saturday and June 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 2 p.m., Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $10/$15/$18. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

DANCING WITH THE NEPA STARS: June 27, 5:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $20.

SCRANTON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: COMEDY OF ERRORS: June 27-30, 6 p.m., Nay Aug Park, free. Visit scrantonshakespearefestival.org. 614-3313.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: June 28, doors open 6:30 p.m., open mic 7 p.m., David Hage 8:15 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

THE KING AND I: June 28, July 24 and 31, Aug. 16, 2 and 8 p.m.; June 30; July 5, 11, 19 and 28; Aug. 2, 11 and 14, 2 p.m.; July 6, 13, 17 and 26; Aug. 7, 21 and 24, 8 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

COMEDY NIGHT: with Kirk Bogos and Greg Smrdel, June 29, Irish Cultural Society, Beech Street and Wintermantel Avenue, $20, 21 and older. 983-4087 or 335-7101.

UNORGANIZED BUSINESS ENSEMBLE/HERE WE ARE IN SPAIN: June 29, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., $5.

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: Fridays and Saturdays, July 5-Aug. 31, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Gypsies Nightclub and Lounge, Mount Airy Casino and Resort, Mount Pocono, $20/$30. Visit mountairycasino.com. 866-468-7619.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: July 5-7, 12-14, 19-20, 8 p.m.; July 21, 2:30 p.m.; Ritz Company Playhouse, 512 Keystone St., Hawley. 226-9752.

WWE LIVE: July 7, 5 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., $15/$25/$35/$50/$95. Visit www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

CIRQUE ZUMA ZUMA: July 7, Cove Haven Resort, Lakeville, free for guests. Visit www.CPResorts.com. 800-972-7168.

MUSICAL THEATER CABARET RECITAL: Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Institute, July 11, 7:30 p.m., Buckingham Performing Arts Center, Wyoming Seminary, North Sprague Avenue, Kingston, free. 270-2186.

INTOLERANCE: THE WAR ON CIVILIANS: Actors Circle, July 11-13, 8 p.m., Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, $4/$8/$10. Visit actorscircle.org. 342-9707.

CLUE: July 12-20, Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea.

SUMMER COMEDY JAM: with Capone, Smokey, Omar and Mark Viera; July 13, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $30/$50/$85.

A LITTLE MURDER ON THE SIDE: Actors Circle; July 18-20, 25-27, 8 p.m., Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, $4/$8/$10. Visit actorscircle.org. 342-9707.

LES MISERABLES: Music Box Players, July 19-21, 25-28 and Aug. 1-4, Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville, dinner and show $34/$28, show only $16. 283-2195 or 800-698-PLAY.

ANNUAL DANCE COMPANY PRODUCTION: Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Institute, July 21, 3 p.m., Buckingham Performing Arts Center, Wyoming Seminary, North Sprague Avenue, Kingston, free. 270-2186.

MUSIC BOX SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP: sessions, July 22-Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to noon, for children 6 to 11; Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Aug. 16-18; Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 283-2195 or 800-698-PLAY.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: July 26, doors open 6:30 p.m., open mic 7 p.m., Brian Fanelli 8:15 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.: Ritz Bitz Players; July 26-28, Aug. 2-3, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 4, 2:30 p.m.; Ritz Company Playhouse, 512 Keystone St., Hawley, $5/$10/free for children 5 and younger. 226-9752.

RENT: Electric City Repertory Company, July 26-28, Aug. 2-4, Act Out Theatre, 408 N. Main Ave., Taylor. 591-1024.

GALA NIGHT: July 27, Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville, $50, benefits Music Box. 283-2195 or 800-698-PLAY.

LES MISERABLES: Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Institute, July 31-Aug. 1, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $12/$20. 270-2186 or 826-1100.

GHOST OF A CHANCE: Aug. 9-11, 16-17, 8 p.m.; Aug. 18, 2:30 p.m.; Ritz Company Playhouse, 512 Keystone St., Hawley. 226-9752.

MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT: Aug. 9-25, Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea.

CHEECH & CHONG: with War and Tower of Power, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $25 and up. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

THERESA CAPUTO LIVE: Aug. 18, F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $39.75 and up. Visit kirbycenter.org. 826-1100.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: Aug. 23, doors open 6:30 p.m., open mic 7 p.m., featured performer 8:15 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

TAKE A NUMBER, DARLING: Aug. 23-25, 30-31, 8 p.m.; Sept. 1, 2:30 p.m.; Ritz Company Playhouse, 512 Keystone St., Hawley. 226-9752.

THE BRADSTAN CABARET SERIES: The Long and Winding Road, with Maureen McGovern, Aug. 31, $49.50; Sibling Revelry, with the Callaway Sisters, Nov. 2, $59.50; Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, with Karen Mason, Dec. 14, $49.50; all 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

YOU'VE GOT HATE MAIL: Sept. 13-14, 20-21, 8 p.m.; Sept. 22, 2:30 p.m.; Ritz Company Playhouse, 512 Keystone St., Hawley. 226-9752.

WEDDING BELLS AND BLUE SUEDE SHOES: Lakeside Players, Sept. 18-19, Ehrhardts Waterfront Resort, 205 Route 507, Hawley. Visit www.lakesideplayers.net.

CIRQUE MUSICA: Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., $25/$32.50/$49.50/$65. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.CirqueMusica.com. 800-745-3000.

THE ONION LIVE: Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $19/$34.

WITNESS TO THE ASSASSINATION: Nov. 9-10, Temple Israel, 918 E. Gibson St.

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR! PIRATE AND PRINCESS ADVENTURE: Nov. 10, 2 and 5 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., $26/$50/$65. Visit www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

RED, HOT ... BLUE CHRISTMAS REVUE: Dec. 11, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

MAX & RUBY IN THE NUTCRACKER SUITE: Dec. 19, 6 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $20/$30.

DUTY/HAPPILY, EVER AFTER/18/ASSISTANTS, PLEASE: Jan. 4-19, Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $11/$16/$19. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: Jan. 24-Feb. 2, Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $11/$16/$19. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 421-5093.

MEMPHIS: Jan. 25, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $35/$52/$62.

CARMEN: Jan. 31, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $24/$39/$54.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATER SERIES: Doktor Kaboom, Feb. 13; Junie B. Jones, March 28; The Monster Who Ate My Peas, April 4; Peter Pan, May 15; all 10 a.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $7.

AMERICAN IDIOT: March 5, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $34/$49/$59/$75.

DRIVING MISS DAISY: Walnut Street Theater, March 6, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $15/$25/$35.

CESAR MILLAN: March 15, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $39/$54/$85.

IRELAND: THE SHOW: April 2, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29/$39/$49.

BALLROOM WITH A TWIST: April 12, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29/$39/$49/$79.

THE MIDTOWN MEN: April 26, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $35/$45/$55.

JASON MILLER PLAYWRIGHTS' PROJECT DRAMATISTS SUPPORT GROUP: writing group, meets third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Olde Brick Theatre, 128 W. Market St., Scranton.

THE POCONOS TONIGHT SHOW: Fridays, doors open 7 p.m., Paradise Stream Resort, Mount Pocono, $15/free for resort guests; dance party, follows show until 1 a.m. Visit www.CPResorts.com. 800-972-7168.

SCRANTON COMEDY NIGHT: last Saturday of every month, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., $5.

ART

SUNDAY AT THE MUSEUM: DAR Exhibition tour, today; George W. Woodward - Forgotten Son of Bethany, June 23; Painters and Their Intentions, June 30; 2 p.m., Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, presentation free/reduced admission for museum. Visit www.WayneHistoryPA.org. 253-3240.

THIRD FRIDAY EXHIBIT: works by United Neighborhood Centers Photograph Club, Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., B & B Art Gallery, 222 Northern Blvd., South Abington Twp.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS: photographs by Photographer Michelle Leonard, on display through Aug. 2, Widmann Gallery, Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, King's College, Wilkes-Barre; meet-the-artist reception, Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., free. 208-5900, ext. 5328.

LANDSCAPES AND THE FIGURE: paintings by Maria Montoro Edwards, on display Friday through July 2, Blue Shutters Restaurant, Route 435, Elmhurst Twp.

RAIL-TRAIL COUNCIL OF NEPA ART ON THE TRAIL: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Union Dale trail head, free, email trails@nep.net. Visit www.nepa-rail-trails.org. 679-9300.

AS SEEN ON TV: works by multiple artists, on display through June 27, New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St., free.

DEGREES OF SEPARATION: on display through June 29, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

KEYSTONE IRON WORKS & PATH ON THE IRON TRAIL: on display through June 29, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

TILES: FROM TEARS TO TRIUMPH: ceramic tiles by Luzerne County cancer survivors and caregivers, on display through June, Greater Pittston YMCA, 10 N. Main St., Pittston.

2ND AMENDMENT HEAVY METAL: works by Dave Guman, on display through June, Amendolaro, 410 Spruce St.

TRANSITION: works by Allison LaRussa, on display through June, The Bog, 341 Adams Ave.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOEBE OLSOMMER: on display through June, CareNet of Scranton, 310 Adams Ave.

NO FRET COLLECTION RECYCLED GUITAR STRING JEWELRY: works by Ashley Haas; photography by Ed Kucha; on display through June, Caf? Trio, Chocolate Creations, Ferrone Winery and Realty Network Commercial Group, 400 Spruce St.

SCRANTON HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBIT: works by various artists, on display through June, City Caf?, 116 N. Washington Ave.

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING: works by Sheila Sankar, on display through June, Eden - a vegan cafe, 344 Adams Ave.

NEW RELIEF PRINTS: works by Eric Hinkley, on display through June, Electric City Tattoo Gallery, 620 Spruce St.

AMUSEMENT: works by Jordan Fortuner, on display through June, Freedlove, 532 Spruce St.

TRACK BACK IN TIME: works by Marie Jordan, on display through June, Grand Lobby, Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, 700 Lackawanna Ave.

NORTHEAST PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB: works by various artists, on display through June, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave.

STILL-LIFE DRAWINGS: works by local children, on display through June, Lackawanna County Children's Library, 520 Vine St.

A BIT OF ADIEU: A PHOTOGRAPHIC RETROSPECTIVE OF 137 WYOMING AVE.: on display through June, Nada & Co., 137 Wyoming Ave.

ENDLESS WATERCOLORS: works by Marilyn MacDowall, Rony Smith and Maggie Miller; on display through June, Northern Light Espresso Bar, 536 Spruce St.

FASHION AS ART: works by Pierre and Jennifer Mancuso, on display through June, Pierre's Fine Clothing and Accessories, 406 Spruce St.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARCHITECTURAL PEN & INK DRAWINGS: works by Lisa Ferrario Malos, on display through June, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave.

AGAINST THE GRAIN - OUR STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE: wood and mixed media by Benjamin Adcroft and Paul Venditti, on display through June, Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St.

AT THE RITZ: Bache & Reba Handcrafted Clothing & Accessories; photos by Kyle Rebar; on display through June, Wendell & Co. Interior Design & Antiques, 222 Wyoming Ave.

THE WORKSHOP - LETTERPRESS OPEN HOUSE: letterpress, screenprinting and prints by various artists; on display through June, The Workshop, 334 Adams Ave.

WORKS IN METAL: works by Lloyd Donelly, on display through June, Whiskey Dick's, 308 N. Washington Ave.

WHAT'S IN THE CLOUD? BATS ON THE ATLANTIC COAST: on display through July 1, Everhart Museum. 346-7186.

THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE: VAMPIRES IN ART & NATURE: on display through July 2, Everhart Museum. 346-7186.

PAINTINGS BY NADYA BEAUHARNAIS: on display through July 2, Cocoon Coffee House, Route 6 and Bellmonte Avenue, Hawley, email cocoonbarista@gmail.com. 226-6130.

JURIED DRAWING EXHIBITION: on display July 5-27, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

FOR THE SENSES...: works by Katie Larsen-Lick, Mary-Beth Korutz-Killian and Jeff Kuratnick, on display through July 6, Marquis Art and Frame, second floor, 122 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 823-7182.

GLORY ROAD: works by Al Pierce, on display through July 6, Changing Exhibits Gallery, Steamtown National Historic Site. 340-5200.

PAINTINGS BY AL BIALOS: on display through July 8, Artery Fine Art & Fine Craft Gallery LLC, 210 Broad St., Milford.

ART IN THE PARK PROGRAM: July 9, Merli-Sarnoski Park, Greenfield Twp.; July 16, Covington Park, Covington Twp.; July 23, Aylesworth Park, Jermyn; July 30, McDade Park, Scranton; 10 a.m. to noon, ages 5 to 12, email artsculture@lackawannacounty.org. 963-6590, ext. 106.

KATHLEEN HAYECK, ELLEN JAMIOLKOWSKI AND MARY GRACE YANASHOT: on display through July 25, ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave.

ARTS ON THE SQUARE FESTIVAL: July 27, noon to 8 p.m., Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, email arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org. 963-6590, ext. 102.

THE AUTO AS ART: paintings by Sam Barresse, on display through July 31, Camera Work Gallery, Marquis Art and Frame, 515 Center St.

CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT: on display through July 31, Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free.

MARYLOU CHIBIRKA: PORTRAITS, LANDSCAPES AND FLORALS: on display through July 31, Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, Misericordia University, Dallas, free. Visit www.misericordia.edu/art. 674-6250.

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: sculptures, painting and pen-and-ink drawings by Dan Becker; on display through July 31, main floor gallery, Marquis Art and Frame, 515 Center St.

TODD JEFFREYS: WHEEL-THROWN CLAY WORKS/TIM WEAVER: RECENT WATERCOLORS: on display through July 31, MacDonald Art Gallery, Misericordia University, Dallas, free. Visit www.misericordia.edu/art. 674-6250.

25TH ANNIVERSARY MEMBER SHOW: on display Aug. 2-31, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.; opening reception, Aug. 2.

COMMUNITY ART AT THE EVERHART: DECKED OUT: on display Aug. 2-Dec. 30, Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St. 346-7186.

SPRING INTO SUMMER: on display through Aug. 7, Chamber Gallery, Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Building, 27 N. Main St., Carbondale, free.

CURRENT HUES OF THE HUDSON: on display Aug. 10-23, Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y.; opening reception, Aug. 10, 4 to 7 p.m. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org.

OUR PEOPLE, OUR LAND, OUR IMAGES: on display through Aug. 11, Sordoni Art Gallery, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. Visit sordoni.wilkes.edu. 408-4325.

AFA GALLERY SILVER JUBILEE: Aug. 24, 7 to 11 p.m., Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave., $25.

Northeastern Biennial Twenty Thirteen: on display Oct. 19-Nov. 13; Mahady Gallery, Marywood University; Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.; Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton; and ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave., email gallery@marywood.edu. 348-6211, ext. 2428.

EXCEPTIONAL ART - EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTS: on display through April, Speech-Language and Hearing Center, Misericordia University, Dallas; works by Verve Vertu Art Studio artists. 674-8255.

ART WALK: second Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Clarks Summit venues.

ART WALK: third Friday of the month, downtown Wilkes-Barre.

THIRD FRIDAY: third Friday of the month, Blue Shutters Restaurant, Route 435, Elmhurst Twp.

WATERCOLORS: by Jeff Lewis, permanent display, Linda Kay's Ole Green Ridge Diner, Sanderson Avenue.

OFFICE VISITS: photographs of "The Office" events from The Times-Tribune archives, ongoing, Newseum, The Scranton Times building, 149 Penn Ave.

SELECTIONS FROM THE MASLOW COLLECTION: ongoing exhibit; Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.; Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, Shields Center for Visual Art, Marywood University.

WATERCOLOR AND MIXED MEDIA: by Bill Woelkers, ongoing exhibit, First Liberty Bank & Trust, 108 N. Washington Ave.

ETC.

WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL SECRET GARDEN TOUR: today, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., various Wayne County locations, $15, email wchshop@ptd.net. 253-3240.

POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ACTIVITIES: Summer Canoe Paddle, today and Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., $5; Nature Photography, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $65; Macro Flower Photography, June 28 and 30, $200/$250; Pro Series: Small Mammals, June 29, 4 to 9 p.m., $30/$100 series of four classes; 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, registration recommended for all activities. Visit www.peec.org. 828-2319.

FRIENDS OF THE SCRANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE: through today, Library Express, Mall in Steamtown.

37TH ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE OSTERHOUT FREE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: Monday to Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon; library patio, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, benefits Friends of the Osterhout Free Library; raffle drawing, Friday, $3/$5.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY CHILDREN'S LIBRARY EVENTS: Drop-by Craft, Monday and June 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., all ages; Bill Frye family concert, Tuesday, 6 p.m., and June 24, 10:30 a.m., families; Family Story Time, Wednesday, 6 p.m., ages 2 to 7; Read with the Welcome Waggers, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., ages 5 to 12; Ma Goose Lap Rap, Friday, 10:30 a.m., ages birth to 23 months; beach lobby display, on display through Saturday; Junior Battle of the Books, June 24, 4 p.m., grades four to six; Toddlers on the Move, June 26, 10:30 a.m., ages 1 to 2; Fourth Annual Chalkathon, June 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all ages; bug lobby display, on display through July 6; 520 Vine St., registration required for most events. 348-3000, ext. 3015.

ABINGTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES: O, The Drama!: A Theater Club for Beginners and Intermediates, Monday and June 24, 6 to 8 p.m., grades seven to 12; Knitting Group, Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., adults; Story Time, Tuesday and June 25, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., ages 4 to 8; Thursday and June 27, 10:30 a.m., ages 2 and 3 year; June 28, 10:30 a.m., ages 1 to 3; registration requested; Scripts for the Stage: A Class in Intermediate Playwriting, Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m., grades nine to 12; Finding Stillness: Meditation Class, Tuesday, 7 to 8 p.m., adults; Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, 2 to 3 p.m., adults; Corvette kid's car raffle drawing, June 30; subscription fundraiser/Children's Advocacy Center clothes drive, through June 30, benefits library; photography by Jakub Jasinski and Marty Staub, on display through July 31; On the Go with Abi and Jo, through Aug. 31, all ages; Caring Hands Group, Mondays, 1 p.m., grade seven to adults; mahjong, Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m., adults; bridge group, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, adults; Scrabble, Thursdays, 1 p.m., adults; Anime/Manga Club, Fridays, 4 to 6 p.m., grades seven to 12; 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit. Visit www.lclshome.org/abington.

27TH ANNUAL WILLIAM J. JORDAN, M.D., MEMORIAL SWING FOR SIGHT TOURNAMENT: Monday, Glen Oak Country Club, Clarks Summit, benefits Lackawanna Branch, PA Association for the Blind. 342-7613.

PITTSTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS: Summer Reading for Kids, Monday through Aug. 5, grades one to six; Beneath the Surface Teen Summer Reading Program, June 27; July 11, 18 and 25; and Aug. 8 and 15, 2 p.m., grades six to 12, registration required, register Monday to Saturday; dirt party, Aug. 5, free, for children in grades one to six; CEO Afterschool Meals, dinner, Mondays and Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; snacks, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m.; free, 18 and younger; Lego Club, second Monday of the month, 4 p.m.; Kids with Adults Craft Club, third Monday of the month, 6 p.m., ages 5 to 12; Crochet Club, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., and Thursdays, 6 p.m.; Toddler Story Time, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., registration required; Preschool Story Time, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2 p.m., registration required; Kids Book Club, first Thursday of the month, 4 p.m., grades three to five; Family Story Time, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m., all ages; Kids Science Club, first Saturday of the month, grades two to five; Furry Tails, second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.; 47 Broad St., Pittston. 654-9565.

WORLD'S LARGEST SWIM LESSON WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT: Tuesday, 11 a.m., Montage Mountain Water Park. Visit www.wlsl.org or www.montageisback.com.

TEEN TUESDAYS: dance party with DJ Amalia, Tuesday and July 23 and Aug. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.; open mic with Pat Finnerty, June 25 and Aug. 6, 6 to 8 p.m.; karaoke night, July 2 and Aug. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.; open art studio, July 9, 16 and 23, 2 to 4 p.m.; game night, July 9 and Aug. 13, 6 to 8 p.m.; poetry reading, July 16, 6 to 8 p.m.; performance art instruction, July 30 and Aug. 6, 2 to 4 p.m.; craft night with University of Scranton, July 30, 6 to 8 p.m.; Library Express, Mall at Steamtown.

NORTHEAST FAIR: Tuesday to June 23, fairgrounds, Route 315, Pittston Twp., $7 advance/$10 at gate. Visit www.northeastfair.com.

WEST PITTSTON LIBRARY EVENTS: iPad Classes, Tuesday to Wednesday; July 2, 9-10, 16; Aug. 13-14 and 19, 1 to 2 p.m.; and July 17, 3 to 4 p.m., $10 each/discount for five or more sessions, registration and iPad required, adults; Microsoft Office 2010 classes, Wednesday and June 26, 3 p.m., $10; bake sale item drop off, Thursday; Summer Reading Program Sign-Up Bake Sale, Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Summer Reading Program/Summer Arts & Crafts Series, registration Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., programs June 24-Aug. 17; magician/balloon animalist Pat Ward, Friday, 1 p.m.; CSI: Egypt, July 11, 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, free, all ages; Kayak the Susquehanna River, July 14, meet at library 8:30 a.m., kayaking 10 a.m., Harding to West Pittston, $50 single kayak/$65 tandem kayak/$15 with own boat, registration required by July 11; Organic Gardening Workshop, July 15, 6:30 p.m., free, registration required; Downloading Free E-books from the Library, July 22, 6:30 p.m., free; wine tasting fundraiser, Sept. 8, 2 to 5 p.m., $20 individual/$35 pair; book club, first Tuesday of the month, 6:45 p.m., free; weekly story time, Fridays, 1 p.m., free; West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. 654-9847.

FRIENDS OF SALT SPRINGS PARK EVENTS: Children's Gardening Series, Wednesday and June 26; July 10, 19, 26; Aug. 7, 21, 1 p.m., $5/discount for members and for all sessions in advance; Silver Creek Trail hike, Saturday, 12:30 p.m., fee; Land Forest Owners Association's Annual Picnic and Presentation, June 23, picnic noon, program 1 p.m., pavilion, program free, take shareable dish for picnic; All-American Music, July 3, 7 p.m., pavilion, free, donations accepted; Meadow Trail Hike, July 6, meet at Wheaton House, fee; Weather Tracking from Your Own Back Yard, July 7, 1 p.m., fee; Tamarack (aka Connector) Trail Hike, July 20, 10 a.m., meet at Wheaton House, fee; Water Quality Monitoring, July 28, 1 p.m., free for members; Hemlock Trail hike, Aug. 3, 7 p.m., fee; Got Beer? Hop to It, Aug. 4, 1 p.m., park and Endless Brewing, meet at park's Wheaton House, registration recommended, fee; Perseids Meteor Shower, Aug. 11, 8:30 p.m., free; Cliff Trail hike, Aug. 17, 11 a.m., meet at Buckley Road parking lot, fee; Full Moon Bike 'n' Bonfire, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., free, adults; Mushrooms and Mycilia, Aug. 25, 1 p.m., free; Upper Fall Brook Trail hike, Aug. 31, fee; Salt Springs Celebration, Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., all ages; Silver Creek Road, Montrose.

W. CURTIS MONTZ FILM SERIES: Citizen Kane, Wednesday, rated G; Life of Pi, June 26, rated PG; Searching for Sugar Man, July 10, rated PG-13; To Kill a Mockingbird, July 17, rated G; Amour, July 24, rated PG-13; The Sessions, July 31, rated R; Raiders of the Lost Ark, Aug. 14, rated PG; Hyde Park on Hudson, Aug. 21, rated R; Hitchcock, Aug. 28, rated PG-13; Psycho, Sept. 4, rated PG-13; all 1 and 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

BACK MOUNTAIN HARVEST ASSEMBLY FAM JAM BLOCK PARTY: Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., Valley Tennis and Swim Club, 211 Harris Hill Road, Dallas. 696-1128.

OVERVIEW OF THE CIVIL WAR 150 YEARS LATER: Wednesday, 7 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 996-1500.

RUN AROUND SCRANTON 5K RUN/WALK: Thursday, registration 5 p.m., run/walk 6 p.m., Stirna's Restaurant, West Market Street, free, email sopshinsky@scrantonpa.gov.

EVERHART READS BOOK CLUB: "Vampires in the Lemon Grove," Thursday; 6 p.m., Library Express, Mall at Steamtown. 346-7186.

DANCE JOURNEY: Thursday, 7:15 to 9 p.m., The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale, $7. Visit www.thecooperageproject.org. 253-2020.

SIXTH ANNUAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Friday to June 23, YKnot Pub & Eatery, 104 State Road, Elmhurst Twp., $100 per team, benefits Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. 848-3255.

LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY BI-ANNUAL HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR IN THE HILL: June 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., several Scranton properties; preview party, Friday, Rossetti family home; marketplace sale, June 23, Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave.; tour $25 advance/$30 at door, preview party $45, party and tour $60, email lackawannahistory@gmail.com. 344-3841.

PIKE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT HIKES: Saturday, 9 a.m., meet at State Game Land No. 316 parking lot, Masthope Road, Lackawaxen Twp., register by Thursday. 226-8220.

MILFORD VALLEY QUILTERS GUILD QUILT SHOW: Saturday and June 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Delaware Valley Schools, Route 209 and 6, Milford.

ELECTRIC CITY TROLLEY MUSEUM EXCURSIONS TO SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE RAILRIDERS GAMES: Saturday, departs 11:15 a.m., game 12:05 p.m.; and June 23; July 7 and 21; Aug. 4, 11 and 18; departs 12:15 p.m., game 1:05 p.m.; 300 Cliff St., $20 game and ride/$11 ride only, reservations required. 963-6590.

CLUB NIGHT WITH BRANDI GLANVILLE: of "The Real Housewife of Beverly Hills," Saturday, 10 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $15. Visit mountairycasino.com. 866-468-7619.

QUIET VALLEY LIVING HISTORICAL FARM EVENTS: Children's Day, Saturday; Civil War encampment, July 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 23, noon to 4 p.m.; 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Visit www.quietvalley.org. 992-6161.

CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE: June 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Mary's Center, Mifflin Avenue. 342-8429.

WALKING TOUR OF GRAVEL HILL CEMETERY: June 23, rain date June 30, 4 p.m., meet at Franklin Avenue corner of cemetery, free. 996-1500.

LOURDESMONT YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES 28TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: June 24, registration noon, shotgun start 1 p.m., social hour 5:30 to 7 p.m., dinner/awards 6 p.m., Glen Oak Country Club, Clarks Summit, $200.

COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH FISHING DERBY: June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Abington Heights Middle School pond, Newton Ransom Boulevard, free. Visit www.countryside-church.org. 587-3206.

BACK MOUNTAIN BLOOMERS GARDEN CLUB SIXTH BIANNUAL TOUR OF BACK MOUNTAIN GARDENS: June 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dallas, Harveys Lake and Misericordia University, $20 by Saturday/$25 after Saturday, benefits Anthracite Scenic Trails Association and Back Mountain Trail, email jjmcmon@frontiernet.net. Visit www.backmountainbloomers.org. 696-5082.

EVERHART MUSEUM BUS TRIP: June 29, departs 9:30 a.m., returns 2 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, $10, all ages. 996-1500.

SECOND ANNUAL ANTIQUES IN THE PARK FESTIVAL: June 29, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Memorial Park, Carbondale.

PAWS ON THE RUNWAY DOG ADOPTION EVENT: June 29, 1 p.m., center stage, Mall at Steamtown.

THE HUNT: Pop Up Studio scavenger hunt, June 29, 5 p.m., free, register by June 24, email info@thepopUpstudio.org. Visit www.thepopUpstudio.org.

NINTH ANNUAL CALLI MEMORIAL CAR SHOW: June 30, 9 a.m., Fleetville Fire Company grounds, Route 407, donations accepted; car registration $8 advance, mail check to Calli Fund, c/o Jeff Walter, RR 2, Box 2513, Factoryville, PA 18419; car registration $10 day of show. 563-2029.

THE GREENHOUSE PROJECT BENEFIT PLANT SALE: Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; through June 30, Nay Aug Park, benefits local educational programs for children and adults

STEAMTOWN LIMITED SHORT TRAIN RIDES: Wednesdays to Sundays, through June 30 and Sept. 4-Nov. 24; daily, July 1-Aug. 31; Steamtown National Historic Site, $5 age 6 and older/$35 locomotive cab rides. Visit www.nps.gov/stea.

BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER: July 7, 8:30 a.m. to noon, St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church Trinity Center, Franklin Street, Great Bend, $6. 879-4333 or 465-3393.

ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY SUMMER PROGRAMS: A Midsummer Night's Sky, July 8 and 10; Expectations of Comet ISON 2013, July 15 and 17; Solar and Lunar Eclipses, July 22 and 24; Extrasolar Planets, July 29 and 31.; all 8:30 p.m., Thomas G. Cupillari '60 Astronomical Observatory, Keystone College, La Plume, free. Visit www.keystone.edu/observatory. 945-8402.

SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER MARKETPLACE: Tuesdays, July 9-Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza parking lot, Wilkes-Barre Twp., email porembas@mohegansunarenapa.com. Visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com. 970-7600.

ST. PATRICK'S PARISH SUMMER FESTIVAL: July 12-13, 5 to 11 p.m., 1403 Jackson St.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL: July 13, noon to 4 p.m., Bidwell Hill United Methodist Church, 186 Ledgedale Road, Hamlin, benefits Ronald McDonald House of Scranton.

COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVANCY EVENTS: 14th Annual Conservancy Auction, July 13, Waverly Country Club, Waverly Twp.; moonlight kayaking, July 22, 7:30 p.m., Lackawanna State Park, Dalton, 945-7110; 19th Annual Tailgate Picnic Potluck, Sept. 15, 3 p.m. to dusk, Little Rocky Glen Preserve, Lithia Valley Road, Clinton Twp., Wyoming County, take a dish to share, free for members/$10 per car for nonmembers. Visit www.countrysideconservancy.org. 945-6995.

PATRICK ABRAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP TRICKY TRAY: July 14, doors open noon, calling 2 p.m., Wallenpaupack Area High School gymnasium, Hawley, $3/free for children, benefits Patrick Abrams Memorial Scholarship Inc., email patsmom223@yahoo.com. 775-7377.

WILLIAM WALKER HOSE COMPANY ANNUAL CORN AND CLAM SLAM: July 17-20, 5 p.m., 803 Penn Ave., Mayfield, free; live music, Johnson, July 17; Aim & Fire, July 18; Jeffrey James Band, July 19; Jigsaw Johnny, July 20; 8 p.m.; firemen's parade, July 20, 7 p.m., throughout Mayfield. Visit www.cornnclamslam.com.

CIVIL AIR PATROL CAP HOLDING CRAFT & CAR SHOW: July 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Peckville Assembly of God, 3364 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Blakely, free, donations accepted. 881-0592.

28TH ANNUAL AUDUBON ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL: July 20-21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wallenpaupack Area High School, Route 6, Hawley, $5/free for children under 12, benefits Environmental Scholarship Fund. Visit www.audubonfestival.com.

MUD RUN WITH OPTIONS: July 20, Northeast Fairgrounds, Pittston Twp., benefits Stephanie Jallen Paralympic Fund and Pittston Twp. Volunteer Fire Company. Visit www.r3ops.com or www.facebook.com/r3ops.

A DAY AT THE RIVER: July 20, 1 to 8 p.m., Riverside Park, Tunkhannock, free. 746-9140 or 996-1500.

TEE OFF FORE TIM GOLF TOURNAMENT: July 20, Homestead Golf Course, Carbondale, benefits Timothy J. Turano Memorial Scholarship Fund.

COMM SQUARE FAIR: July 25, 4:30 to 8 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly Twp. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 586-8191, ext. 2.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AREA P 23RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT: Aug. 5, Woodloch Springs Golf Course, Hawley. 282-1048.

COCKTAILS FOR THE COURTS: Aug. 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly Twp., 21 and older. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 586-8191, ext. 2.

COMM CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Aug. 11, 4 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly Twp. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 586-8191, ext. 2.

GRIFFIN POND ANIMAL SHELTER ACTIVITIES: pet walk, Aug. 18, registration noon, walk 1 p.m., McDade Park.

WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK GOLF TOURNAMENT: Sept. 8, registration noon, shotgun start 1 p.m., Mountain Laurel Golf Club, White Haven, four-player team scramble $75 per player. $20 for nonplayers, benefits Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

CAR CRUISE: second Friday of the month through September, 5 p.m., McDonald's, Route 590, Hamlin, benefits Ronald McDonald House.

GREY TOWERS MANSION TOURS: daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 296-9630. Visit www.greytowers.org or www.fs.fed.us/gt.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SCRANTON GHOST WALKS: daily, 7 and 8 p.m., $15/$20, reservations required. Visit scrantonghosttours.com. 383-1821.

MAHJONG: Mondays, 1 to 4 p.m., Manchester Community Library, 3879 Hancock Highway, Equinunk, free. 224-8500.

EVERYBODY EATS FREE MEAL AND LIVE MUSIC: third Monday of every month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Myrtle Street United Methodist Church, 840 Harrison Ave., free. 346-9911.

HAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: role-playing game, Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.; Music and Movement, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; story time, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Read with Tess, Wednesdays through summer, 3 to 5 p.m.; Read with Twiggy, Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m.; parent/child workshop, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; 103 Main Ave., Hawley. 226-4620.

CRAFT NIGHT: Tuesdays, 7 p.m., The Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., free, donations accepted. Visit www.scrantonsvintagetheater.com. 507-9671.

DORFLINGER GLASS MUSEUM: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., White Mills. Visit www.dorflinger.org. 253-1185.

TASTES OF WAYNE - FIRST WEDNESDAYS: first Wednesday of the month, various Wayne County restaurants, benefits Wayne County Historical Society. 729-8187.

TROLLEY EXCURSIONS: Thursdays to Sundays, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St. 963-6590.

WRITERS' GROUP: Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, 18 and older. 996-1500.

MUSEUM WITHOUT WALLS: activities for children, first Thursday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ben-Mar Restaurant, 89 N. Main St., Carbondale, $10 per child. Visit www.theAHDC.com. 282-1771.

INTERNATIONAL DINNER CLUB: second Thursday of the month, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., St. Mary's Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., $19.95 advance only.

PIKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS: The Columns mansion tours, Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m.; museum, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

NEPA WRITERS COLLECTIVE CRITIQUE GROUP: Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m., The Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., free, donations accepted. Visit www.scrantonsvintagetheater.com. 507-9671.

LIBRARY EXPRESS ACTIVITIES: Crafty Kids Club, Saturdays, 2 to 4 p.m., all ages; second floor, Mall at Steamtown. 558-1670.

ARTISANS AND FARMERS MARKET: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Penn Security Bank parking lot, Main Street, Moscow, free. Benefits North Pocono Cultural Society. 842-4133.

HOUDINI MUSEUM TOUR AND MAGIC SHOW: open weekends by reservation, 1 to 4 p.m., 1433 N. Main Ave. Visit houdini.org. 342-5555.

HISTORY MYSTERY TOUR & MAGIC WORKSHOP: year-round, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

A DAY AT THE CULTURAL CENTER: year-round, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

Source: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/entertainment/weekend-your-guide-to-entertainment-in-northeast-pennsylvania-1.1504749

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Through the Eyes of the Student Tutors: Yeditepe University Writing ...

Deniz and Ceren giving a presentation on Academic Writing

I am very honoured to have this blog post by two amazing young ladies, Deniz Aryay & ?ehnaz Ceren Cessur, who are student tutors in the ELT Department of Yeditepe University. I was introduced to them by their outstanding professor, Ece Sevgi ? and was delighted to meet them in person at the ISTEK ELT Conference in Istanbul, last April. Here, Deniz and Ceren write about the Writing Center they have in their university, an amazing programme! Over to Deniz and Ceren, who will surely become great educators.

Yeditepe University in Istanbul is one of the most prestigious universities that tries its best to help its students prepare for their professional lives. It is an English-medium university. ?This has its own downsides and difficulties since some of the students enter the university with no or little knowledge of English. Even if they spend a few semesters in preparatory classes trying to master English as a foreign language, they may not become proficient enough to cope with the language level in their classes.

This is the reason why some universities here in Turkey have followed the lead of their counterparts in other countries and established Writing Centers in the aim of fostering the students? language ability in one of the productive skills, writing. Writing Center at Yeditepe University is a unit which helps students by editing their written work, giving feedback, and guiding them to correct their language mistakes. The use of error code, multiple drafts, and progress tracking system aims to develop learner autonomy and raise awareness about the points to consider in the students? written work.

Yeditepe University Writing Center does not only help students but also supports academicians at the university. It offers a free edit service to support and encourage academic publications in any field. It is the only unit at the university that organizes Creative Writing Contests. We now have a brand new website (http://writingcenter.yeditepe.edu.tr/) where you can find information about the Writing Center, and a wiki space (http://yuwritingcenter.wikispaces.com/) where we post written tutorials about academic writing. To us, having a Writing Center is more than a luxury; it is an essential unit at a university teaching in English in a non-English speaking community.

While opening a Writing Center is not an original idea, Yeditepe University Writing Center has done something for the first time by allowing its students to become a member

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

of this family during the course of their studies. The Student-Tutor Program is a pioneer programme in this field, and has significant benefits for the chosen students. These selected student tutors, who are students of English Language Teaching, and Translation and Interpreting Studies Departments work voluntarily at the Writing Center Office to help prep and undergraduate students with their written assignments. They are chosen meticulously with a suggestion from their Academic Writing instructor, and then receive training on how to give written feedback before they start offering this service at the Writing Center.

Under the supervision of experienced tutors working for the Writing Center, student tutors also prepare and present academic writing workshops for the university students and faculty. You can meet many of our student tutors at ELT conferences held in Istanbul. Four of our student tutors, for example, were concurrent keynote speakers at ISTEK ELT 2013 Conference with their talk Mirror Mirror on the Wall?, and shared the stage with Ken Wilson, Herbert Puchta, Teresa Do?uelli, and Jamie Keddie.

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Source: http://vickyloras.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/through-the-eyes-of-the-student-tutors-yeditepe-university-writing-center-by-deniz-aryay-sehnaz-ceren-cessur/

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Obama honors first time WNBA champ Indiana Fever

WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama honored the WNBA champion Indiana Fever on Friday, calling the players role models for young athletes ? even those on his daughter Sasha's basketball team.

The team captured its first title last October, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 87-78 and bringing home Indiana's first basketball title since 1973.

Obama said the Fever's season was an inspiration for basketball fans everywhere, including his daughter, whose team he sometimes coaches.

He pointed out that the Fever came into the playoffs as underdogs and had lost to the Lynx during the regular season, then rallied to take the championship.

"For her to have wonderful role models like this who work hard and know how to play like a team, are incredibly poised, are competitors but also show good sportsmanship, that's the kind of models you want for your children," Obama said.

It was the team's second trip to the WNBA finals in the history of the franchise. The Fever lost its first shot at the title in 2009 to the Phoenix Mercury 94-86.

Last year's championship gave series MVP Tamika Catchings, 33, who scored 25 points during the final game of the season, the only title she was missing on her resume.

"At every single stage of your life as you continue to grow ... it's your dream to win a championship," said Catchings, who has three Olympic gold medals and a 1998 NCAA championship from her career at the University of Tennessee. "This tops everything you do."

Obama joked about playing basketball with his "good friend" Catchings.

"I've had the pleasure of being on the court, and she took it easy on me," he said laughing.

Catchings, who was born deaf, also assists first lady Michelle Obama with her anti-obesity campaign. She founded her own organization "Catch the Stars," which promotes literacy, fitness and mentoring.

Following the remarks, and a ceremonial presentation of an Indiana jersey, hat and basketball to President Obama, the team hosted a clinic for about 40 children on the White House basketball court.

The recognition comes during a tough time for the Fever. Their current record of 1-4 marks their worst start since 2001.

"It's a disappointing start," Catchings told reporters afterward. "Right now our backs are against the wall we've got a lot of players injured and a lot of players out, but it's a motivating factor being here and having this opportunity. We have to get refocused."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-honors-first-time-wnba-champ-indiana-fever-213134462.html

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Why bother with self-improvement? | Martina McGowan

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Make your lives a masterpiece, you only get one canvas.

E. A. Bucchiameri?

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A?lot of people?continue to search for the secrets to ways to?improve their way of life and to deepen their perspective and outlook.?And, there are many who simply don?t see the value or purpose of going on this journey. Additionally, even though we write a lot about this topic, the truth of the matter is that most of the answers probably already lie within you. Making these ?improvements? means?deepening your understanding and expanding your perspective about your life.? It helps you?develop vision, energies and enables us to determine what direction we are taking in our life.? People who have achieved personal mastery testified that they would feel a positive change in their life.

There are many different tangible benefits that an individual may gain from this journey:

? Clarify your decision making

Once you can get a?clear vision on your purpose and your mission in life, decision making becomes much easier, and at the same clearer. Once you know where you want to go, each action that you decide to perform is either moving you toward your goal, or away from it.

? Stronger?leadership

Knowing who you are, where you are going, and how you plan to get there helps you develop into a stronger, surer and more creative?leader. Because you care about yourself and your goals, you will work to improve your?communication skills and confidence as a such leader.?Effective leaders also need to be able to manage their emotions and not let them?get in the way of making sound judgments.

? Increase your emotional intelligence (EI)

Being the master of your emotions can?be difficult at times, especially during period of stress, difficulty and challenges. Mentoring, coaching and counseling can help you improve how you?develop and learn to master your emotions.

? Improved your work life balance

Learning who you are and sorting out what is truly important to you can have?significant effects on how you?handle your?life, and the choices you make for yourself and those you care for and about.?As we talked about last week, there will be spill-over or run-off from your self-improvement efforts into?your career and interpersonal relationships.

? Decrease your stress levels

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and being thoroughly grounded in the reality of life should help?lower stress levels.?And, handling your emotional side better?helps you learn to?accept change and become more flexible about things. Understanding clearly which things in your life are negotiable, and which are not should aid you in dealing with? stress and?being able to?reduce it.

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One of the great things about self-improvement principles is that they?can be applied to?personal life, your career, your leadership style and goals, and to?your organization.? Personal mastery can even help you with career, whether you would like to change your path or would like to improve your performance in the current career you are in.

Self-improvement,?contrary to what the title literally says, is not just for your own personal growth. Improving yourself could mean a lot. You are a part of a whole.?Your improvement can influence others and eventually change the world into something better.

Photo Credit: Stuck in Customs via Compfight cc

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About Martina

Servant, MD (gynecologist), blogger, businesswoman, seminary student, mother, grandmother, sexual assault survivor's advocate, minister, speaker, teacher, leader, writer, occasional haikuist

Source: http://martinamcgowan.com/2013/06/why-bother-improving-you/

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State of Emergency and ?Continuity of Government? - Global Research

Are Emergency Plans Meant Only for Nuclear War the Real Justification for Spying?

To understand the scope, extent and reason that the government spies on all Americans, you have to understand what has happened to our Constitutional form of government since 9/11.

State of Emergency

The United States has been in a declared state of emergency from September 2001, to the present. Specifically, on September 11, 2001, the government declared a state of emergency. That declared state of emergency was formally put in writing on 9/14/2001:

A national emergency exists by reason of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, New York, New York, and the Pentagon, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, I hereby declare that the national emergency has existed since September 11, 2001 . . .

That declared state of emergency has continued in full force and effect from 9/11 to the present. President Bush kept it in place, and President Obama has also.

For example, on September 9, 2011, President Obama declared:

CONTINUATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY PROC. NO. 7463

Notice of President of the United States, dated Sept. 9, 2011, 76 F.R. 56633, provided:

Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing and immediate threat of? further attacks on the United States.

Because the terrorist threat continues, the national emergency declared on September 14, 2001, and the powers and authorities adopted to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond September 14, 2011. Therefore, I am continuing in effect for an additional year the national emergency that was declared on September 14, 2001, with respect to the terrorist threat.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

The Washington Times wrote on September 18, 2001:

Simply by proclaiming a national emergency on Friday, President Bush activated some 500 dormant legal provisions, including those allowing him to impose censorship and martial law.

The White House has kept substantial information concerning its presidential proclamations and directives hidden from Congress. For example, according to Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy:

Of the 54 National Security Presidential Directives issued by the [George W.] Bush Administration to date, the titles of only about half have been publicly identified. There is descriptive material or actual text in the public domain for only about a third. In other words, there are dozens of undisclosed Presidential directives that define U.S. national security policy and task government agencies, but whose substance is unknown either to the public or, as a rule, to Congress.

Continuity of Government

Continuity of Government (?COG?) measures were implemented on 9/11. For example, according to the 9/11 Commission Report, at page 38:

At 9:59, an Air Force lieutenant colonel working in the White House Military Office joined the conference and stated he had just talked to Deputy National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. The White House requested (1) the implementation of continuity of government measures, (2) fighter escorts for Air Force One, and (3) a fighter combat air patrol over Washington, D.C.

Likewise, page 326 of the Report states:

The secretary of defense directed the nation?s armed forces to Defense Condition 3, an increased state of military readiness. For the first time in history, all nonemergency civilian aircraft in the United States were grounded, stranding tens of thousands of passengers across the country. Contingency plans for the continuity of government and the evacuation of leaders had been implemented.

The Washington Post notes that Vice President Dick Cheney initiated the COG plan on 9/11:

From the bunker, Cheney officially implemented the emergency continuity of government orders . . .

(See also footnotes cited therein and this webpage.)

CNN reported that ? 6 months later ? the plans were still in place:

Because Bush has decided to leave the operation in place, agencies including the White House and top civilian Cabinet departments have rotated personnel involved, and are discussing ways to staff such a contingency operation under the assumption it will be in place indefinitely, this official said.

Similarly, the Washington Post reported in March 2002 that ?the shadow government has evolved into an indefinite precaution.? The same article goes on to state:

Assessment of terrorist risks persuaded the White House to remake the program as a permanent feature of ?the new reality, based on what the threat looks like,? a senior decisionmaker said.

As CBS pointed out, virtually none of the Congressional leadership knew that the COG had been implemented or was still in existence as of March 2002:

Key congressional leaders say they didn?t know President Bush had established a ?shadow government,? moving dozens of senior civilian managers to secret underground locations outside Washington to ensure that the federal government could survive a devastating terrorist attack on the nation?s capital, The Washington Post says in its Saturday editions.

Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-S.D.) told the Post he had not been informed by the White House about the role, location or even the existence of the shadow government that the administration began to deploy the morning of the Sept. 11 hijackings.

An aide to House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) said he was also unaware of the administration?s move.

Among Congress?s GOP leadership, aides to House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (Ill.), second in line to succeed the president if he became incapacitated, and to Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (Miss.) said they were not sure whether they knew.

Aides to Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W. Va.) said he had not been told. As Senate president pro tempore, he is in line to become president after the House speaker.

Similarly, the above-cited CNN article states:

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-South Dakota, said Friday he can?t say much about the plan.

?We have not been informed at all about the role of the shadow government or its whereabouts or what particular responsibilities they have and when they would kick in, but we look forward to work with the administration to get additional information on that.?

Indeed, the White House has specifically refused to share information about Continuity of Government plans with the Homeland Security Committee of the U.S. Congress, even though that Committee has proper security clearance to hear the full details of all COG plans.

Specifically, in the summer 2007, Congressman Peter DeFazio, on the Homeland Security Committee (and so with proper security access to be briefed on COG issues), inquired about continuity of government plans, and was refused access. Indeed, DeFazio told Congress that the entire Homeland Security Committee of the U.S. Congress has been denied access to the plans by the White House.

(Or here is the transcript).

The Homeland Security Committee has full clearance to view all information about COG plans.

DeFazio concluded: ?Maybe the people who think there?s a conspiracy out there are right?.

University of California Berkeley Professor Emeritus Peter Dale Scott points out that ? whether or not COG plans are still in effect ? the refusal of the executive branch to disclose their details to Congress means that the Constitutional system of checks and balances has already been gravely injured:

If members of the Homeland Security Committee cannot enforce their right to read secret plans of the Executive Branch, then the systems of checks and balances established by the U.S. Constitution would seem to be failing.

To put it another way, if the White House is successful in frustrating DeFazio, then Continuity of Government planning has arguably already superseded the Constitution as a higher authority.

Indeed, continuity of government plans are specifically defined to do the following:

• Top leaders of the ?new government? called for in the COG would entirely or largely go into hiding, and would govern in hidden locations

• Those within the new government would know what was going on. But those in the ?old government? ? that is, the one created by the framers of the Constitution ? would not necessarily know the details of what was happening

• Normal laws and legal processes might largely be suspended, or superseded by secretive judicial forums

• The media might be ordered by strict laws ? punishable by treason ? to only promote stories authorized by the new government

See this, this and this.

Could the White House have maintained COG operations to the present day?

I don?t know, but the following section from the above-cited CNN article is not very reassuring:

Bush triggered the precautions in the hours after the September 11 strikes, and has left them in place because of continuing U.S. intelligence suggesting a possible threat.

Concerns that al Qaeda could have gained access to a crude nuclear device ?were a major factor? in the president?s decision, the official said. ?The threat of some form of catastrophic event is the trigger,? this official said.

This same official went on to say that the U.S. had no confirmation ? ?and no solid evidence? ? that al Qaeda had such a nuclear device and also acknowledged that the ?consensus? among top U.S. officials was that the prospect was ?quite low.?

Still, the officials said Bush and other top White House officials including Cheney were adamant that the government take precautions designed to make sure government functions ranging from civil defense to transportation and agricultural production could be managed in the event Washington was the target of a major strike.

As is apparent from a brief review of the news, the government has, since 9/11, continuously stated that there is a terrorist threat of a nuclear device or dirty bomb. That alone infers that COG plans could, hypothetically, still be in effect, just like the state of emergency is still in effect and has never been listed.

Indeed,? President Bush said on December 17, 2005, 4 years after 9/11:

The authorization I gave the National Security Agency after Sept. 11 helped address that problem in a way that is fully consistent with my constitutional responsibilities and authorities.

The activities I have authorized make it more likely that killers like these 9/11 hijackers will be identified and located in time.

And the activities conducted under this authorization have helped detect and prevent possible terrorist attacks in the United States and abroad.

The activities I authorized are reviewed approximately every 45 days. Each review is based on a fresh intelligence assessment of terrorist threats to the continuity of our government and the threat of catastrophic damage to our homeland.

During each assessment, previous activities under the authorization are reviewed. The review includes approval by our nation?s top legal officials, including the attorney general and the counsel to the president.

I have reauthorized this program more than 30 times since the Sept. 11 attacks [45 days times 30 equals approximately 4 years] and I intend to do so for as long as our nation faces a continuing threat from Al Qaeda and related groups.

The N.S.A.?s activities under this authorization are thoroughly reviewed by the Justice Department and N.S.A.?s top legal officials, including N.S.A.?s general counsel and inspector general.

In other words, it appears that as of December 2005, COG plans had never been rescincded, but had been continously renewed every 45 days, and .

In 2008, Tim Shorrock wrote at Salon:

A contemporary version of the Continuity of Government program was put into play in the hours after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when Vice President Cheney and senior members of Congress were dispersed to ?undisclosed locations? to maintain government functions. It was during this emergency period, Hamilton and other former government officials believe, that President Bush may have authorized the NSA to begin actively using the Main Core database for domestic surveillance [more on Main Core below]. One indicator they cite is a statement by Bush in December 2005, after the New York Times had revealed the NSA?s warrantless wiretapping, in which he made a rare reference to the emergency program: The Justice Department?s legal reviews of the NSA activity, Bush said, were based on ?fresh intelligence assessment of terrorist threats to the continuity of our government.?

In 2007, President Bush issued Presidential Directive NSPD-51, which purported to change Continuity of Government plans. NSPD51 is odd because:

Beyond cases of actual insurrection, the President may now use military troops as a domestic police force in response to a natural disaster, a disease outbreak, terrorist attack, or to any ?other condition.? Changes of this magnitude should be made only after a thorough public airing. But these new Presidential powers were slipped into the law without hearings or public debate.

• As a reporter for Slate concluded after analyzing NSPD-51:

I see nothing in the [COG document entitled presidential directive NSPD51] to prevent even a ?localized? forest fire or hurricane from giving the president the right to throw long-established constitutional government out the window

• White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said that ?because of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the American public needs no explanation of [Continuity of Government] plans?

This is all the more bizarre when you realize that COG plans were originally created solely to respond to a decapitating nuclear strike which killed our civilian leaders.?? (It was subsequently expanded decades before 9/11 into a multi-purpose plan by our good friends Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. See this, this and this.)

Does COG Explain the Pervasive Spying on Americans?

5 years ago, investigative reporter Christopher Ketcham disclosed the spying which was confirmed last week by? whistleblower Edward Snowden:

The following information seems to be fair game for collection without a warrant: the e-mail addresses you send to and receive from, and the subject lines of those messages; the phone numbers you dial, the numbers that dial in to your line, and the durations of the calls; the Internet sites you visit and the keywords in your Web searches; the destinations of the airline tickets you buy; the amounts and locations of your ATM withdrawals; and the goods and services you purchase on credit cards. All of this information is archived on government supercomputers and, according to sources, also fed into the Main Core database.

Given that Ketcham was proven right, let?s see what else he reported:

Given that Ketcham was right about the basics, let?s hear what else the outstanding investigative journalist said in 2008:

There exists a database of Americans, who, often for the slightest and most trivial reason, are considered unfriendly, and who, in a time of panic, might be incarcerated. The database can identify and locate perceived ?enemies of the state? almost instantaneously.? He and other sources tell Radar that the database is sometimes referred to by the code name Main Core. One knowledgeable source claims that 8 million Americans are now listed in Main Core as potentially suspect. In the event of a national emergency, these people could be subject to everything from heightened surveillance and tracking to direct questioning and possibly even detention.?

***

According to one news report, even ?national opposition to U.S. military invasion abroad? could be a trigger [for martial law ].

***

When COG plans are shrouded in extreme secrecy, effectively unregulated by Congress or the courts, and married to an overreaching surveillance state?as seems to be the case with Main Core?even sober observers must weigh whether the protections put in place by the federal government are becoming more dangerous to America than any outside threat.

Another well-informed source?a former military operative regularly briefed by members of the intelligence community?says this particular program has roots going back at least to the 1980s and was set up with help from the Defense Intelligence Agency. He has been told that the program utilizes software that makes predictive judgments of targets? behavior and tracks their circle of associations with ?social network analysis? and artificial intelligence modeling tools.

***

A former NSA officer tells Radar that the Treasury Department?s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, using an electronic-funds transfer surveillance program, also contributes data to Main Core, as does a Pentagon program that was created in 2002 to monitor antiwar protesters and environmental activists such as Greenpeace.

***

If previous FEMA and FBI lists are any indication, the Main Core database includes dissidents and activists of various stripes, political and tax protesters, lawyers and professors, publishers and journalists, gun owners, illegal aliens, foreign nationals, and a great many other harmless, average people.

A veteran CIA intelligence analyst who maintains active high-level clearances and serves as an advisor to the Department of Defense in the field of emerging technology tells Radar that during the 2004 hospital room drama, [current nominee to head the FBI, and former Deputy Attorney General] James Comey expressed concern over how this secret database was being used ?to accumulate otherwise private data on non-targeted U.S. citizens for use at a future time.? [Snowden and high-level NSA whistleblower William Binney have since confirmed this] ?. A source regularly briefed by people inside the intelligence community adds: ?Comey had discovered that President Bush had authorized NSA to use a highly classified and compartmentalized Continuity of Government database on Americans in computerized searches of its domestic intercepts. [Comey] had concluded that the use of that ?Main Core? database compromised the legality of the overall NSA domestic surveillance project.?

***

The veteran CIA intelligence analyst notes that Comey?s suggestion that the offending elements of the program were dropped could be misleading: ?Bush [may have gone ahead and] signed it as a National Intelligence Finding anyway.? But even if we never face a national emergency, the mere existence of the database is a matter of concern. ?The capacity for future use of this information against the American people is so great as to be virtually unfathomable,? the senior government official says.

In any case, mass watch lists of domestic citizens may do nothing to make us safer from terrorism. Jeff Jonas, chief scientist at IBM, a world-renowned expert in data mining, contends that such efforts won?t prevent terrorist conspiracies. ?Because there is so little historical terrorist event data,? Jonas tells Radar, ?there is not enough volume to create precise predictions.?

***

[J. Edgar Hoover's] FBI ?security index? was allegedly maintained and updated into the 1980s, when it was reportedly transferred to the control of none other than FEMA (though the FBI denied this at the time).

FEMA, however?then known as the Federal Preparedness Agency?already had its own domestic surveillance system in place, according to a 1975 investigation by Senator John V. Tunney of California. Tunney, the son of heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney and the inspiration for Robert Redford?s character in the film The Candidate, found that the agency maintained electronic dossiers on at least 100,000 Americans that contained information gleaned from wide-ranging computerized surveillance. The database was located in the agency?s secret underground city at Mount Weather, near the town of Bluemont, Virginia. [One of the main headquarter of COG operations.] The senator?s findings were confirmed in a 1976 investigation by the Progressive magazine, which found that the Mount Weather computers ?can obtain millions of pieces [of] information on the personal lives of American citizens by tapping the data stored at any of the 96 Federal Relocation Centers??a reference to other classified facilities. According to the Progressive, Mount Weather?s databases were run ?without any set of stated rules or regulations. Its surveillance program remains secret even from the leaders of the House and the Senate.?

***

Wired magazine turned up additional damaging information, revealing in 1993 that [Oliver] North, operating from a secure White House site, allegedly employed a software database program called PROMIS (ostensibly as part of the REX 84 plan). PROMIS, which has a strange and controversial history, was designed to track individuals?prisoners, for example?by pulling together information from disparate databases into a single record. According to Wired, ?Using the computers in his command center, North tracked dissidents and potential troublemakers within the United States. Compared to PROMIS, Richard Nixon?s enemies list or Senator Joe McCarthy?s blacklist look downright crude.? Sources have suggested to Radar that government databases tracking Americans today, including Main Core, could still have PROMIS-based legacy code from the days when North was running his programs.

***

Marty Lederman, a high-level official at the Department of Justice under Clinton, writing on a law blog last year, wondered, ?How extreme were the programs they implemented [after 9/11]? How egregious was the lawbreaking?? Congress has tried, and mostly failed, to find out.

***

?We are at the edge of a cliff and we?re about to fall off,? says constitutional lawyer and former Reagan administration official Bruce Fein. ?To a national emergency planner, everybody looks like a danger to stability. There?s no doubt that Congress would have the authority to denounce all this?for example, to refuse to appropriate money for the preparation of a list of U.S. citizens to be detained in the event of martial law. But Congress is the invertebrate branch.

***

UPDATE [from Ketcham]: Since this article went to press, several documents have emerged to suggest the story has longer legs than we thought. Most troubling among these is an October 2001 Justice Department memo that detailed the extra-constitutional powers the U.S. military might invoke during domestic operations following a terrorist attack. In the memo, John Yoo, then deputy assistant attorney general, ?concluded that the Fourth Amendment had no application to domestic military operations.? (Yoo, as most readers know, is author of the infamous Torture Memo that, in bizarro fashion, rejiggers the definition of ?legal? torture to allow pretty much anything short of murder.) In the October 2001 memo, Yoo refers to a classified DOJ document titled ?Authority for Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities Within the United States.? According to the Associated Press, ?Exactly what domestic military action was covered by the October memo is unclear. But federal documents indicate that the memo relates to the National Security Agency?s Terrorist Surveillance Program.? Attorney General John Mukasey last month refused to clarify before Congress whether the Yoo memo was still in force.

Americans have the right to know whether a COG program is? still in effect, and whether the spying on our phone calls and Internet usage stems from such COG plans. Indeed, 9/11 was a horrible blow, but it was not a decapitating nuclear strike on our leaders ? so COG and the state of emergency should be lifted.

If COG plans are not still in effect, we have the right to demand that ?enemies lists? and spying capabilities developed? for the purpose of responding to a nuclear war be discarded , as we have not been hit by nuclear weapons ? and our civilian leaders ? on Capital Hill, the White House, and the judiciary ? are still alive and able to govern.

Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/state-of-emergency-and-continuity-of-government-what-is-the-real-reason-the-government-is-spying-on-americans/5338508?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=state-of-emergency-and-continuity-of-government-what-is-the-real-reason-the-government-is-spying-on-americans

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