The stores were interested in encouraging early preparation, said Barrett Murphy, Chicago's Year 2000 project co-manager.

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Trying to go to bed early in preparation for my 7:10 flight in the morning, I saw a strange number calling my cell phone.

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Researchers critical of the process say the tests could exclude children who have the potential to learn but haven't been exposed to early forms of literature or test-preparation tutoring.

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Early work has been started on the fifth vessel, Anson, while preparation has begun on submarines six and seven which are as yet unnamed.

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While many businesses wind down at year end, tax preparation firms all across the country are planning ahead for the busy season they anticipate starting early next year.

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