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Officer Jack - Book 3 - Rapid Response
When Officer Jack and Officer Kate respond to a report of a stolen puppy they encounter a frustrated mom and a sad boy. The only clues she can give the officers are a description of the couple and their phone number. Will these clues be enough for Officer Jack and Officer Kate of crack the case wide open and retrieve the puppy?
Acknowledgement: This Officer Jack episode is based upon a real case conducted by Montgomery County Police Officers Eric Stancliff (Rockville District) and Kent Smith (Germantown District)
Dedication: This book is dedicated to police officers everywhere (Federal, State, County, and City) who daily place themselves in harm's way in order to save lives, protect property, and preserve public safety.
Story Time for Office Jack: Stolen Puppy created by KT Brison of Lit MamaOfficer Jack: Stolen Puppy Activities and Crafts for Kids. Brewster writes books that get kids excited about their world, and nothing is more exciting than puppies. So I've pulled some puppy activities and crafts for kids straight from the story that will give your littles a chance to have some fun and understand police work even better. Plus, puppies.
LanguagePicture books are a great way to start reading comprehension at an early age. Use this free printable to ask your kiddos about key parts of the story. You can have them write them down or, if they aren't writing masters yet, just have them answer each question aloud.
ScienceTo learn a bit more about police work, why don't you fingerprint your kids and their pets?! Fingerprinting is an important part of forensic science and another way police go about finding suspects. This free printable provides a place for your kids to put their own fingerprints AND a place for their pet's pawprints.
Plastic Cup PuppyThis guy is just about the cutest thing ever. And you don't even have to house train him. Win! What you need:
- Lit Mama's Plastic Cup Puppy Template
- 2 9-0z plastic cups
- 2 googly eyes
- 1 black pom
- 1 6x9 piece pink craft foam
- 1 6x9 piece tan craft foam
- Glue
- Scissors
- Turn one cup upside down and cover top with glue
- Turn the other cup on it's side and glue the side-facing cup to the upside down cup at the back (bottom) end
- Set aside to dry
- Print out Plastic Cup Puppy template
- Trace dog's ears, forelegs and back feet onto tan foam (do this first, before you cut foot pads from back feet templates)
- Cut out foot pads and trace them and tongue onto pink foam
- Glue foot pads onto back feet and set aside to dry
- Glue googly eyes into place near top of the 'head' cup
- Glue black pom into place for nose at the top near the opening
- Glue tongue inside opening
- Glue ears on either side of 'head' cup behind eyes
- Glue forelegs onto 'body' cup just in front of ears on either side
- Glue back feet to front of 'body' cup between forelegs
FoodSo what else could we make with this story but peanut butter cookies that look like dog bones? And this is the absolute yummiest peanut butter cookie recipe I have ever made.
Not Your Dog's Peanut Butter CookiesWhat you need:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a mixer, cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars until smooth
- Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well
- In a separate bowl, sift together flours, baking soda, and salt
- Add to butter mixture and mix well
- Scoop out about a 1/2" ball of dough and roll between hands to make long part of bone
- Place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly with fingertips
- Scoop out 4 1/4-inch balls and press 2 into each end of long part
- Sprinkle with white sugar if desired
- Bake 9 minutes
- Allow to cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet
- Remove to wire rack to cool completely


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Welcome to #FriendFriday, an interview-style guest post series every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Want to be the next interviewee? Send me an email!
Happy Friday, my pretty little friends! This week, I'm happy to host new friend Abigail Prigge, a writer, coach and card-maker. She's a multi-tasking queen, and I'm thrilled we got to catch up and chat about her success.
Let's get acquainted!
Here's your intro question. Tell me about yourself in less than 70 words.
I romanticize everything from moonlight to ice-cream and over-utilize my snooze button. If I were to pick 7 people to camp with, my siblings would win. I'd choose my friends to drink mochas and play volleyball with, and my parents for a good conversation. I enjoy teaching/mentoring—I'm my writing students' biggest fan. I love dresses and old books. I'm intrigued by life stories and obsessed with my favorite words.
You're a blogger, writer, personal writing coach and card-maker. Tell us how you got started.
I think the roots are in my beloved dollhouse world. My sisters and I made sure that our "characters" had very exciting, conflict-filled lives. When I grew out of dollhouses, I channeled my love of storytelling right into fiction. My dad signed me up with a professional writing coach. Before I was even out of high school, I discovered my love for sharing what I've learned by coming alongside and mentoring other young writers. My writing coach encouraged me to pursue that passion and thus A Time2 Write was born. This journey has taught me so much about marketing, entrepreneurship, customer service, blogging and teaching. I co-wrote the recent release Charlotte's Hope, and am in the process of producing the second edition of my teen-fiction novel One Summer's Desire.
I discovered card-making in my mom's well-stocked craft room. It's just another outlet for creativity . . . and sometimes companionship (when I can convince my sisters or friends to join me). I've found it's a little addicting (and therapeutic) to tear paper.
Psst.. she made this little number for us! How cool?
Let's put you to the test. What's the most important advice you have for future clients?
Develop your written communication skills while you are young. No matter where you go or who you're with, you are communicating to the world around you. Whether you are writing an essay, journal entry, Facebook post, poem, a response in a debate, email, letter to a Senator, skit, or novel—your message should be heard loud and clear. Learn to articulate and construct your written words so that nothing distracts from that message.
If you could be the author of any novel in history, which novel would that be and why?
Yeah, Jenny, you successfully stumped me. I have decided not to over-think it and go with a cliche but classic answer—Pride and Prejudice. Why? Because Jane Austen is a mastermind. Her novel is truly timeless wit. The charm, scandal, modesty, chivalry, agony and passion of this saga are portrayed in the most whimsical way I could ever imagine.
And finally, before we let you go, what's the best advice you've received and how did it get you here today?
I'm the girl that had three secret blogs before the A Time 2 Write blog. It took all my courage to let my mom read my first novel back in 2007. I like to hang onto some mystique . . . so every time I let others read my work (aka see a piece of my heart), I am tempted to shrink away in the background. I know I can't please everyone, and that's hard. I heard some random advice and specifically applied it to my writing: OWN IT. Own that rejection. Own those characters. Own that business. Own the young-writer thing (I'm 22!) Come what may—be honest, transparent and real with your readers. If I'm truly called to writing, I can pursue it with confidence.
I would like to say thank you so much, Jenny, for hosting me today--it was a delight. You definitely inspire me.
Thanks to Abigail for spending some time with us! If you're interested in being interviewed for the next #FriendFriday, send me an email.

subset: commoncrawl


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Your Oliver & Andy Category Results for "Popular Fiction 3-7"
Most of the items in this category are sets that contain a number of different titles. In some cases, the sets contain subsets. Click on the "Go To" links below to view more specific information on individual titles within a set. To quickly search for individual titles, you may use the search box on the left.
#1 - Diary Of A Wimpy Kid - Gr. 3-7
New York Times #1 Best-seller over and over again! Filled with laugh-out-loud text and humorous illustrations, your students will follow Greg as he tries to navigate middle-school through his "diary" - and he specifically asked his Mom NOT to buy a notebook that said Diary on it...well, it does. Set includes a new title by Rowley, Greg's best-friend, who not only shares his experiences, but agrees to write a "biography" on Greg...may not have been such a great idea.OA524603A | 15 Books in Set
#2 - Dork Diaries & Misadventures Of Max Crumbly - Gr. 3-7
Diary of A Wimpy Kid for GIRLS. In the spirit of Jeff Kinney's mega-hit, girls in your library will get their turn as they read Nikki J. Maxwell's journal. She has just transferred to an ultraexclusive middle school where she has to deal with being the new girl, embarrassing parents, her crushes, and making new friends. Oh, the drama! Includes her New Series, Max Crumbly - a kid making the transition to a new school who tries to take on the persona of his beloved Super Heroes to fit-in.OA524604A | 15 Books in Set
#3 - I Survived - Gr. 3-7
Award-Winning Historical Fiction! Your readers will follow the real-life drama as these infamous events unfold through the eyes of a student their own age!OA524591A | 18 Books in Set
#9 - Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales - Gr. 3+
TRUE HISTORY! Strange, but TRUE HISTORY novels that will both entertain and educate your readers. Ideal for I Survived Fans. Written at a Lower-level, Students of all ages will enjoy these titles!OA524597 | 8 Books in Set
39 Clues - Gr. 3-7
What would happen if your students discovered that their family was one of the most powerful in human history? What if they were told that the source of the family's power was hidden around the world, in the form of 39 Clues? That is what Dan and Amy learned, your readers will love following them from adventure to adventure.OA524335XA | 26 Books in Set
Big Nate - Gr. 3-7
With illustrations through-out, these NY Times Best-Sellers feature Big Nate - a kid who tries hard, but things don't go exactly as planned. Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney says, "Big Nate is funny, big time!"OA524336 | 8 Books in Set
Black Lagoon Adventures Gr. 2-5
The outrageously funny picture books series from Mike Thaler and Jared Lee are now chapter books! Follow Hubie on his adventures in the Black Lagoon, where how rumors can make a student create a monster of any teacher! These stories are sure to amuse and quell fears of new experiences at the same time!OA524655 | 31 Books in Set
Bowser & Birdie Novel - Gr. 3-7
New York Times Best Mystery Duo! Teaming up with eleven-year-old girl Birdie, his owner, to solve mysteries on the Louisiana coast, Dog Detective Bowser has a nose for bacon, rawhides, & more bacon…and the occasional Bad Guy. Lots of Mischief & Miscalculations, but plenty of Fun.OA524617 | 3 Books in Set
Children Of Exile / Missing / Under Their Skin - Gr. 3-7 / 5-9
Three series by one great author! In the 1st SERIES, Children Of Exile, Rosi, a twelve-year-old girl raised in a foster village with other children, is returned to her biological parents and discovers home - and the World - is not what she expected it to be. Nor is she prepared for any of it. With aliens and danger everywhere, she can only rely on her friends to save themselves and possibly human existence. The 2nd SERIES, Missing, Haddix blends science fiction - time travel - with actual historical events; children from the past use time travel to fix history! Great Historical Fiction! The 3rd SERIES: Under Their Skin, twelve-year-old twins Nick and Eryn investigate why their mother and new stepfather are keeping secrets, why they are forbidden to meet their step-siblings, and, most important, why their lives are in danger! All have rave reviews and are a great addition to your library.OA555555 | 13 Books in Set
Cupcake Diaries / Sprinkle Sundays- Gr. 3-7
Sometimes starting from scratch turns out to be icing on the cake! In Cupcake Diaries, four unique girls are trying their best to navigate the wild terrain of Middle School – something your students can easily relate to! Oh, the Drama!! Includes her new series, Sprinkle Sundays, where three friends are able to re-connect by working at an ice cream shop. BUT there is still LOTS of DRAMA!OA524602A | 12 Books in Set
Day Of Disaster - Gr. 3-7
In these fast-paced stories, teens face life-or-death situations. They need quick thinking and some luck to survive these dramatic natural disasters.OA524588 | 6 Books in Set
Dear Dumb Diary - Gr. 3-7
Your female students will easily be able to relate to the hilarious, candid (and sometimes not-so-nice) diaries of Jamie Kelly-a middle school student who is trying her best to deal with friends, boys, and the pressures of life. She promises everything in her diary is true ... or at least as true as it needs to be.OA524349 | 4 Books in Set
Demon Slayer - Gr. 3-7
Oh, No! Max discovers Demons have kidnapped his Mother! Max is a Rookie. He has no idea how to Track, Locate, & Defeat a Demon. Fortunately for Max, I do, so I passed him a few pointers...though the Garlic Necklace & Kryptonite may not be Demon specific, I get stuff confused. Age -appropriate text and illustrations make these a Great Choice for your Reluctant Readers!OA524350A | 8 Books in Set
Descendants - Gr. 3-7
Best-Selling Book Series & Now Movies! Imprisoned, the teenage children of Disney's most evil villains are looking to escape the island & villainous ways.OA524618 | 3 Books in Set
Five Kingdoms - Gr. 3-7
Cole is whisked through a portal to place called The Outskirts – a world between reality & imagination. Besides pursing a quest to find his lost friends, he must mend the problems within this kingdom.OA524354A | 5 Books in Set
Frank Einstein - Gr. 3-7
HUGE LAUGHS + TRUE SCIENCE FACTS = READING FUN! Frank Einstein, kid-genius & inventor, with his trusty sidekicks, is always tinkering with something. Hilarity always follows. And he has to be on the look-out for his arch-nemesis, T. Edison! Unbelievable Concept!OA524605A | 6 Books in Set
Genius Files / Flashback Four - Gr. 3-7
The McDonald twins are on a cross-country family vacation- If only it was that simple! They are being chased by an insane teacher & two guys in bowling hats! Humorous adventures follow as the kids visit weird-but-true locations in America. Your readers can follow along using Google or U.S map. Includes New Series, Flashback Four which features history and time-travel.OA524187 | 8 Books in Set
Goosebumps Most Wanted / Classic Goosebumps - Gr. 3-7
Time to scare your students! Ordinary kids find themselves in "terrifying" adventures are sure to make "Quiet Time" a reality in your library!OA911911A | 27 Books in Set
Gordon Korman: Hypnotists - Gr. 3-7
Ordinary Kid. Extraordinary Powers. New Mesmerizing Series by the masterful Gordon Korman. Jackson doesn't know that he's descended from the two most powerful hypnotist bloodlines on the planet. He's excited to be accepted into special program at the Sentia Institute-- but he will have to find a way to use his powers to save his friends, parents, and his government.OA524023 | 3 Books in Set
Gordon Korman: Masterminds - Gr. 3-7
A group of kids discover they were cloned from the DNA of some of the greatest criminal masterminds in history for a sociological experiment, and they must find a way to prove it to the rest of the world.OA524625 | 3 Books in Set
Gridiron - Gr. 3+
FINALLY! A Fiction Football Series! In these fast-paced stories, FOOTBALL rules more than just high school – it is the essence of the community. Each book features relatable characters facing challenges on and off the field.OA524620 | 6 Books in Set
Griffin Bing: Swindle Mystery - Gr. 3-7
A MUST Read! Griffin and his animal friends get themselves into hysterical adventures that all your students will LOVE.OA524356 | 2 Books in Set
Harry Potter - Gr. 3-7
OA524357 | 3 Books in Set
NEW! Horizon - Gr. 3-7
A diverse group of kids step from the wreckage of a plane crash to find themselves stranded, at odds with one another, and threatened by curious and terrifying creatures. In the Horizon multi-platform experience, students not just reading about the castaways,but are one of them. They can go on-line and learn more about characters and situations. BUT it is NOT necessary to enjoy the series.OA524622A | 4 Books in Set
Horses Diaries - Gr. 3-7
Exciting HORSE stories that take place in HISTORICAL TIMES - what could be better for your HORSE LOVERS. (And it is written in the first person.)OA524623A | 6 Books in Set
James Patterson / Middle School - Gr. 3-7
For Fans of Diary Of A Wimpy Kid. Rafe is a student in school having the problems that every middle school student faces. Very funny books with illustrations that add to the humor. Includes Treasure Hunters - Indiana Jones with a Middle Grade Twist.OA524607A | 31 Books in Set
Jinx - Gr. 3-7
In the Urwald, you don't step off the path. Trolls, werewolves, and witches lurk amid the clawing branches, eager to swoop up the unwary. Jinx has always feared leaving the path—then he meets the wizard Simon Magus. The forest is more complex than he can imagine;a world where he is desperately needed.OA523858 | 3 Books in Set
Kingdom Keepers / Return To Disney / Lock & Key - Gr. 3-7
In this exhilarating series, five teens working as theme park "guides" find themselves pitted against Disney villains that threaten both Walt Disney World - and the world outsides its walls. Through cutting-edge technology, Finn Whitman and four other kids are transformed into holograms that guide guests through the park. The new technology turns out to have unexpected effects that are both thrilling and scary! When the park is closed, mysteries abound! Includes new series Lock & Key - Sherlock Holmes set in modern day.OA524608A | 13 Books in Set
Land Of Stories - Gr. 3-7
These fast-paced adventures uniquely combine the modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales. Through the powers of a book, twins Alex & Conner find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder, magic, and the fairy tale characters they grew-up reading. This mysterious kingdom needs their help.OA524593 | 10 Books in Set
Level Up - Trapped In Virtual Reality - Gr. 3-7
o Video Gamers Rejoice! A Gaming Corporation has chosen teenage gamers to live in one of their thousand virtual reality words to test the games for glitches. BUT THERE IS A CATCH: Win the game or be TRAPPED in the Virtual World Forever! A Lot of Your Students are into Video Games – This Series gets Them into Books!OA524609 | 6 Books in Set
Loot - Gr. 3-7
Alfie & Jules, twins carry on the Family business - Stealing!OA524378 | 2 Books in Set
LOST - Gr. 3-7
Exceptional Reviews, these books are action-packed and very hard to put down. Story telling at its best, the detail-oriented author gets up-close-and-personal on these harrowing historical events.OA524594 | 2 Books in Set
Magisterium - Gr. 3-7
Call fails at failing. His Dad him to stay away from Magic. So when Call tries to fail the Magic test for entrance at the Magisterium, he actually passes. Now his future is is intertwined with the one thing he never wanted it to be with - Magic.OA524624A | 5 Books in Set
Marvel Adventures - Gr. 3+
How do you get your truly reluctant readers reading? With the ORIGINAL graphic novels that were designed just for them! Featuring the likes of the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, and other sure-fire hits, these easy-to-read, full-color illustrated books are the perfect, and in some cases, the only, way to introduce the love of reading to your most reluctant students.OA922733A | 113 Books in Set
Mighty Marvel Chapter Books - Gr. 3+
This series features the most popular Marvel Superheroes in Chapter Book form. Full-color, 128 pages of Reading Fun!OA524364 | 5 Books in Set
Mouseheart - Gr. 3-7
Hooper is an ordinary pet shop mouse before escaping. Soon he finds himself below the streets of Brooklyn in Atlantia – a glorious utopian rat civilization. But not all is what it seems. Atlantia needs him to safe their way of life. Epic Animal Adventure.OA524191 | 3 Books in Set
Moving Target - Gr. 3-7
When a young girl can determine the destiny of the world, the wrong choice could lead to disaster!OA524365 | 2 Books in Set
Mr. Lemoncello's Library - Gr. 3-7
Over 42 State Awards! Action-filled mysteries that take place in the most ridiculously brilliant library ever created.OA524627 | 3 Books in Set
Origami Yoda - Gr. 3-7
Best-Seller! Humorously explores the intrigues, fads, and dramas of middle school. Big Hit w/ Diary Fans!OA524036 | 8 Books in Set
Popular Authors For Grades 3-7, 5-9
An Outstanding title collection from some of the most distinguished authors of children's book. The great characters and storyline have made these titles not only best-sellers, but award winners at the state and national levels.OA524638A | 95 Books in Set
Qwikpick Papers - Gr. 3-7
Talk about an Original Series! Lylie, Marilla, & Dave going on some Pretty Unusual adventures. From Visiting a Sewage Plant being closed to tracking down a Cemetery's urban legend, this trio has some pretty unique experiences!OA524340 | 3 Books in Set
School For Good And Evil - Gr. 3-7
Sophie & Agatha are sent to the fabled School for Good and Evil, where ordinary kids are trained to be fairy-tale heroes or villains. They quickly find the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through it.OA524367 | 5 Books in Set
Secrets Of Bearhaven - Gr. 3-7
After his parents disappear, Spencer finds they had created a secret oasis where Bears communicate & have lives no one can imagine.OA524628 | 4 Books in Set
Serafina - Gr. 3-7
Received More Awards than Crazy Clown Sightings! Living secretly on an estate in 1899, Serafina teams up the owner's nephew to a battle a great evil.OA524629 | 3 Books in Set
NEW! ShadowHouse - Gr. 3-7
Some houses are more than just haunted... they're hungry. Something within its walls is wickedly wrong. Nothing -- and nobody -- can be trusted. Hallways Move. Doors Vanish. Ghosts Appear. Five individuals have summoned to Shadow House for seemingly innocent reasons. Once there, the entrance disappears. Can they make it out? Readers will enter if they dare.OA524611A | 4 Books in Set
Star Wars: Jedi Academy - Gr. 3-7
Star Wars + Wimpy Kid= Great Book! Middle School Diaries of a boy in a galaxy, FAR, FAR AWAY. The story of a boy chosen to go to Jedi School is told through journal entries, letter, doodles, etc. Sure to be popular with your "Diary" Readers. May the force of reading be with your students!OA524567 | 6 Books in Set
Stick Dog & Stick Cat - Gr. 3-7
GREAT SERIES! Stick Dog titles will remind your students of Diary Of A Wimpy Kid - humorous stories, funny sketches - only told through a dog's view! (And now a cat's.) And like Diary, these books will get your kids into reading!OA524612A | 10 Books in Set
Story Thieves - Gr. 3-7
Owen's life is boring until he sees his classmate Bethany climb out of a book in the school library. He learns Bethany is half-fictional and has been searching every book she can find for her missing father, a fictional character. Let the Adventures Begin!OA524633A | 5 Books in Set
Survivors - Gr. 3-7
The Original! Before I Survived, Kathleen Duey had written numerous, well-reviewed Historical Fiction titles. Now, with revised covers and a better lay-out, her books have been re-packaged. The Winner: Your Students! They can't get enough of I Survived, and now they have more to read!OA524600 | 5 Books in Set
The Kicks - Gr. 3-7
From female soccer star Alex Morgan, this fun-filled series features adventures centered on a girls' soccer team. There are also underling values, too – empowerment, believing in yourself, & working together as a team.OA524048 | 5 Books in Set
Theodore Boone - Gr. 3-7
Teenage Theodore Boone, a legal wiz kid, finds himself in the middle of many court cases. Filled with page-turning suspense, these thrillers will keep your readers guessing until the very end.OA524373A | 6 Books in Set
Timmy Failure - Gr. 3-7
New Best-Seller! Timmy doesn't like to pull rank. But he is the founder, president, and CEO of the greatest detective agency in town, perhaps the Nation! Mystery Intrigue... and some humorous cluelessness!OA524601 | 7 Books in Set
Tom Gates - Gr. 3-7
Middle-school comedian, rock-star wannabe, master doodler, Tom Gates "homework" is crammed with his stories, drawings, cartoons, and ideas. If only his teacher admired comedic genius!OA524051 | 3 Books in Set
TombQuest - Gr. 3-7
Designed like 39 Clues, friends Alex & Ren are thrust into an Epic Egyptian adventure when 5 evil ancients are released upon the World! Students can read the books, and if they so desire, go on-line for further adventures!OA524343 | 5 Books in Set
Tyme - Gr. 3-7
A very clever, new approach to Fairy Tales has made these titles instant Best-sellers.OA524374 | 2 Books in Set
Whatever After / Upside Down Magic - Gr. 3-7
Fresh, Modern Spin On Classic Fairytales! What Student Doesn't Love a "Fractured" Tale"Abby and her friends are transported into a fairy tale through a magic mirror- drama & chaos ensue. Well-reviewed they are a hit! Includes her new series, Upside-Down Magic - where students at a Magic School have A LOT of problems not screwing-up the Magic, getting them into pretty funny situations!OA524613A | 18 Books in Set
Wings Of Fire - Gr. 3-7
New Best Selling Series! The Seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations. Five dragonest are raised in a hidden cave and trained to end the terrible conflicts. But can they? Fantasy Fiction at its best.OA524614A | 13 Books in Set
Wish Novels - Gr. 3-7
Age-appropriate, Irresistible Stories of Friendship, Crushes, And Fun written by some of the best authors for girls ages 9 to 12. AND Yes, hard-to-believe, there is some Drama. So much so, Cheech Wagner & Chong Garcia stay clear. BUT a big chunk of your students won't – they LOVE these CHARACTERS & can RELATE to These Situations!OA524615A | 11 Books in Set
Zombie Chasers - Gr. 3-7
ZOMBIES! Who Knew They Could Be So Enjoyable? Fun to Read, these books are loaded with jokes middle school humor & wacky illustrations. Zack and his pals must fight off the zombies that are slowly taking over the town.!OA524056 | 7 Books in Set


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|See those hills? Those are the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
We were informed it was okay to go there. Booking the tour was easy. A man at the Isola Bella Beach Resort asked us if we wanted to take a tour. One of Jackie's friends had recommended going there, so we said we would like to check it out. By the early afternoon, a car showed up to take us. The driver gave us a list of places we could go to and what would be the best chance to see everything. He took into account the weather and crowds. He seemed to know what he was doing, so we chose a few places we really wanted to see and headed out.
Tarsiers: The Cutest Little Things!
|Look at those cute tarsier eyes!
|Don't be scared...
Sadly, while I was researching for this article, I learned that there are two tarsier conservation areas. One is the official one run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Corella. The other one is called the Tarsier Conservation Area and is located in Loboc. It is more popular because of the location, but they do not treat the tarsiers as well. It seems that, while it is getting better, at one time all the tarsiers were kept in cages, now they are not chained up. The tarsiers will actually bash their heads against a cage until they die. Sad.
I am disappointed I did not go to the good one. We had no idea that this issue existed. It is obvious why they are so sought after; these little guys are ridiculously cute.
As for the conservation area, you are given a briefing about the rules and then allowed to walk down a path that is slippery. Five tarsiers are along the path (I guess I should have known that these nocturnal animals wouldn't simply set up shop where they could most be seen). An employee stands at each station that is marked with a ribbon. They will point out the tarsier for you. Currently, you are not allowed to touch or hold the tarsiers. You are also not allowed to use a flash from a camera, but I still saw one man do it anyway. The tarsiers are supposed to be sleeping during the day, so this is quite rude and destructive to their natural being.
|Ay... Go to sleep. It's your nighttime...
Time to Be Happy Again: Butterflies!
We were in a good mood by the time we got to the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center. Once again, the price for admission was very cheap. We were put in a tour group with a few other people and sent on our way.
The tour guide gave us a great amount of information about the butterflies while also telling jokes along the way. He was actually very funny! We were all allowed to hold a couple of caterpillars. A little while later, we had the chance to see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. They had a whole cage of different types of caterpillars changing into butterflies in various stages.
|Welcome to the world, butterfly!
|Nice hat, kid.
|Some of the butterflies were very colorful.
|There were many more butterflies flying everywhere.
The Chocolate Hills
Now came the main attraction: the Chocolate Hills. We drove up, down, and around all sorts of beautiful places. We passed through the Man-Made Forest, between small towns, and through big green fields. The driver drove much faster than the posted speed limits, but I never felt like he was out of control.
Once at the entrance, we walked up many stairs to the top viewing area. From there, you have an expansive 360 degree view of Bohol. Other than the church earlier, this was also the first major evidence of the massive earthquake which ravaged the island. The area at the top was basically demolished. A bell sat on rubble. Signs directing tourists laid strewn on the ground. A fence hung off the edge of the cliff. A hole allowed me to peek down into what looked like an administrative area one level below. Pens and papers still remained stuck there.
|It says not to go beyond the line, but we did anyway.
|More destruction. And you can see it raining in the background.
|The fallen observation deck bell at the Chocolate Hills.
|The wishing well is no more.
|"May Peace Be in Our Homes and Communities"
|A lot of the observation deck has not been repaired yet.
|It started to rain.
|Rainy day at the Chocolate Hills
|The stairs to the observation deck
|Our spider friend in Bohol
We declined to go to any of the other places, so the driver took us back. From the resort, we went out to hitch a ride with one of the tricycle motorbikes back to Alona Beach. It began raining on us as it had threatened to do all day. Luckily, we were able to take shelter until an available ride passed.
While there, we grabbed some more pizzas at Hayahay Pizza like on the second day of the vacation. It had been really tasty then! Unfortunately, just like last time, they had run out of grapefruit and were unable to fulfill Jackie's drink order. The pizzas were still good though.
Money Troubles...
We suddenly noticed we were running low on cash. I had brought my credit card, but no place in Alona Beach took any cards. It was incredibly frustrating. The only place we had been that accepted credit cards was the Alona Tropical. So we went to the nearby bank and ATM. I was asked to give a pin number for my credit card. Now, I've taken cash out before with my credit card and have never been asked to give a pin number.
Jackie went into the bank and I followed soon after. She wanted to call the 1-800 number on her card, but the tell said their phones did not dial out of the country at all. Incredibly frustrating.
We went next door to a tourism shop. I was weary of the place because I figured it was there as a last resort and would take advantage of that. Luckily, they were able to give us the money with no real problem. It didn't seem to be too much of a rip off either. And now, armed with extra cash, we could get back to relaxing.
Ending the Night
Jackie went to get a massage on the beach. I hit up a bar and had a gin and tonic while I caught up on reading the blogs I follow. When she was done, we saw that the sun was setting. We had to get there in time!
|Alona Beach at dusk
|Even when it is cloudy, the beach is nice
|It's like Baywatch or something...
|"This gate all can pass except the goat."
|The sunset near Alona Beach. Not too shabby.
|Looking back toward Alona Beach
|The goats!
|Goats and their kids!
Finally, we putzed around a bit before heading back to our room for the night. It would be our final night on Panglao Island. We had a five-star hotel waiting for us for our last night in the Philippines!


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People are always asking me for advice on how to learn to speak Japanese. I was brought to Japan as a very small, white baby so I never really had to study Japanese. The best I can do at teaching Japanese is this.
If you want some other teaching sources in additiion to my "Japanese without saying a word" video series, here are a few.
1. Maggie Sensei
Maggie is a Japanese dog who teaches Japanese. She also has 8 breasts, which should make her very popular on the internet.
2. Miss Hannah MInx theaches Simple phrases for the beginner. You can also see here in some of my videos.
3. Tofugu
Koichi's website teaches Japanese and Japanese culture. His blog has useful tips and is free. He also has a subscription service.
These three sites are a good start for learning Japanese at your desk.
I also recommend going to your local library and borrowing all of the language CDs that they have. Listen to them all until you find one that works for you. Put it on your ipod and listen while you exercise or color in your coloring books.
This is what I have been doing to try to learn some Chinese.
Xie xie...


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Outsourced CFO Services
When most people begin their journey in small business ownership they are usually focused on one thing - fastest track to profits. Once those profits are achieved and the business has experienced growth; advisory services and strategic planning are needed to support sustainability and risk mitigation.
However most small and mid-market businesses cannot afford to take on the commitment of a CFO commanding a six-figure salary. In the spirit of CAC's love for small business' we asked ourselves "How can we help shorten this knowledge gap and provide the access to a mature business mindset?"
Answer: Outsourced CFO
A small business owner can "rent" a CFO for a few hours or by the project which supports the SMB need for controlling costs and project oversight.
Sample of CFO Responsibilities
- Overseeing Financial and Accounting functions
- Providing input on companies overall strategic plan
- Training staff on accounting best practices
- Analysis on staff and human capital to support vision.
- Establishing strategic plans for growth
- Developing cash flow improvement programs
- Working with CPA to minimizing tax liability
- Evaluating internal controls
- Producing meaningful financial statements
- Manage budgeting processes
- Ensure that record keeping meets regulatory standards
- Serve as the primary contact between the bank, CEO and CPA.
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our Outsourced CFO Services.


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find us around the web
Web-Letter, Issue 109 Classic One Fifty Frothy Crochet Set
Different yarns suit different purposes and seasons. When days are short and frigid, I reach for cozy yarns with fuzz and halo for knits that are snug and warm. When days are cool but it's still too early for down parkas and sturdy boots, I like to reach for a scarf and mitts that meet the season without overkill.
Today's Frothy scarf and mitt setoh so CROCHETEDare worked in Classic One Fifty, a smooth, round sportweight yarn that's perfect this time of year. We love Rebecca Velasquez's use of a stunning stitch pattern used to good effect with a solid and contrasting color. Read more…
Creative Director
The Story:
From Rebecca:
When I began work on the design for my scarf and mitts, I spent countless hours flipping the pages of my crochet stitch books, marking patterns of inspiration with thoughts and ideas. There has always been something that I love about the pattern, Single Crochet Magic. It's elegant yet common, lacy and simple. I've worked many projects with many yarns. Now, finally, I feel all my experience has come together and my persistence has paid off with this hand warmer & scarf set.
Visit Rebecca's website.
The Yarn:
Classic One Fifty
100% fine merino
Classic One Fifty is a smooth, soft, 100% merino yarn. Its lovely hand has to do with the softness of the fiber and the structure of the yarn. It's made from fine, fine plies which are themselves, fine, fine, fine plies twisted together. All the plies and the twisting create a round, tube-like lightweight yarn with very little fuzz on the surface. It's a great yarn not only for knitted projects, but for crochet ones, too.
Classic One Fifty comes in a palette of 31 colors that offers many options for great color combinations. It knits up between 5½ and 6 stitches to the inch.
The Stitches:
A simple edging can often add striking detail to a garment. The picot edging around the outer edge of the scarf and the wrist edge of the mitts is easy to make, and it can be added to any edge.
It is worked by simply working 3 single crochet stitches, chaining 3, then working a slip stitch into the last single crochet that was worked. By working into that single crochet stitch the chain-3 forms a tight loop making an elegant little picot.
Learn more crochet stitches here.
The Pattern:
Here is the free downloadable Classic One Fifty Frothy Set pattern.
If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1, page 2, page 3


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Legacy Products
Welcome to our quick legacy product guide, helping you understand our current product range vs our old legacy products
U-value CalculatorStart your U-value calculation >
Celotex are committed to continuous innovation and a major focus of our business is to provide ground-breaking products, solutions and services for the insulation market. As technology develops we are able to evolve our product offering, which means, from time to time, some of our product details change.
To help you, we have put together this table to show you how some of our old legacy products translate into current product range which is available across the UK.
|Legacy Product Range
|Current Product Range
|Celotex SW3000
|No current alternative
|Celotex TD4000
|No current alternative
|Celotex FF4000
|Celotex FI5000, Lambda improvement
|Celotex TA3000
|Celotex Crown-Fix
|Celotex EL3000
|Celotex Crown-Up
|Celotex TC3000
|No current alternative


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An article in last week's Chicago Tribune spotlighted Garrison Keillor, the Midwestern writer and creator of Lake Wobegon. Speaking from his New York City home, Keillor said that he could see from his window the high buildings of the city, but his thoughts, he promised, were back in the middle of America. "I could tell stories from New York, at this point," he said. "But I feel others are doing that."
Keillor's stories, the ones that have made him a renowned American humorist, are set in the very Midwestern and fictional town of Lake Wobegon, Minn – home of the Lake Wobegon Lutheran Church and the State of the Unknown Norwegian. His longtime public radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion," which began as an old-style variety show recorded with a live audience in 1974 and which has been running and off since, has "News from Lake Wobegon" as its centerpiece.
Keillor says some of the stories are based on real people, some not, but he doesn't worry about running out of them. "All I need is to hear a few phrases in my head," he said, and a story might come. A lot of what happens in Lake Wobegon is rooted among the kind of people he knew growing up, he said. Keillor was born in Anoka, Minn., in 1942. The adults around him had known the Depression and served in WWII. They were religious fundamentalists, had lived in dark times, yet were very positive people, he said. "They did not tolerate complaining or bitterness. Their cosmology was really, apocalyptic. They believed the world was facing the Last judgment. Yet they loved their houses, their yards, their children.
Keillor says he understands the sense of dislocation and loneliness at the center of a lot of fiction these days, and went through his own period of alienation when he was young, it's just that he doesn't think those feelings make for good stories. "Sadness, loneliness, being misunderstood, they're sort of generic," he said. "We all go through that really. On the other hand, wit, enthusiasm, and passion: Those are individual."
In an occasional advice column he writes on the "Prairie Home Companion" website found at prariehome.publicradio.org, he answers an aspiring writer's question, in part, with the observation: "What influenced my writing was the King James Bible and the New Yorker magazine and which was the bigger influence, I'm not sure." When asked if there is any common thread that ties these stories together, any over-arching message, he pauses, then paints a beautiful picture, answering with a sort of story.
"I saw this painting by Norman Rockwell," he said, referring to "Breaking Home Ties."It's of two men sitting on the running board of an old pickup truck. And they're waiting for a train. The old man is the father. And he has rough hands, and a weather-lined face – he looks in every way defeated and worn out. And the man next to him, is his son, and the son is going away to college, and he is upright, and his face is simply illuminated, at gives off light, it's perhaps the most beautiful face Rockwell ever painted. These are two diverging figures. Yet they are as close as two people can be. The secret of all stories is in this division, I think. One face is the future, the other is the past."
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Another sales record for The Isaacs Team LLC
Sold at record price for similar homes by The Isaacs Team. This stately 6 bedroom 4.5 bath home has a floorplan that flows exceptionally well for daily living and entertainment. Spacious rooms filled with light, ample storage, a 2 car detached garage and landscape architect-designed grounds make 1712 Allison a stand-out in the Crestwood neighborhood of NW Washington DC.
The expansive front porch of this stately home is floored in red tile original to the 1926 home, guarded by two (friendly) stone lions. Archways mirror the front entrance design.
Greet guests in this spacious foyer. To the right, the large living room and lounge, to the left, an equally large dining room. Original hardwood floors, crown and chair rail details.
Bathed in light, the living and lounge areas of 1712 Allison offer ample entertainment space with excellent flow. A working wood-burning fireplace, high ceilings with original ceiling, wall and window detail and original hardwood floors. Area rug will be removed at settlement.
Note the ornate crystal and aluminum chandelier in the lounge. It's also original to the home.
Architect-designed chef's kitchen boasts a Subzero 48" side-by-side 642 series refrigerator/freezer with icemaker and stainless steel panels
· Cooktop – 36" Bosch NCP935AUC gas, 950 BTU, stainless steel finish
· Hood – 36" Best KER222 with exterior blower and telescoping flue, stainless steel finish
· Oven – 30" Dacor 'Millennia' gas, stainless steel finish
· Dishwasher – 24" Dacor, stainless steel finish
· Microwave – GE Spacesaver, 1.0 cf with turntable
· Wine cooler – 24" under the counter, 50 bottle
· Sink – Blanco single bowl, undermount, 'Wave' #510-876, stainless steel
· Faucets – Blanco traditional
· Hot Water Dispenser – Instant-Hot, 10 gal.
· Butler Pantry Wet bar sink rough-in
Cabinets, Hardware, Lighting, Countertops, and Backsplash
· Cabico red birch cabinetry 'Royal' finish, concealed hinges, full-extension glides
· Hettich cabinet handles with stainless steel satin finish
· Undercabinet lighting
· Corian, Glacier White' countertops with ¼" beveled edge
· 3"x6" 'Glommgl in 'Mezzamine Mink' glass tile backsplash by Architectural Ceramics
Kitchen also features original hardwood floors, butler's pantry/bar leading to dining room and a powder room for guests. Windows throughout offer light and views of garden.
Breakfast room extends from kitchen, offering dining & relaxation space with a beautiful view. Singing birds? Yes, please!
Matching built-ins for display, cookware or book storage.
Dinner for twenty? Absolutely! This gorgeous dining room offers abundant dining space, wall space for buffets or art, original hardwoods, and an original crystal and aluminum chandelier matching the one in the lounge. Area rug will be removed at settlement.
Sold in 10 days by The Isaacs Team LLC $1,350,000.
Whether you're a buyer, seller or just someone who likes to follow the DC real estate market, Districtre.com offers a great user experience.
Interested in new construction? Check out our Development section. Don't know your way around DC? Browse our DC Neighborhoods section to find your perfect location. Just want to know how DC real estate works? Spend some time in our Buyer, Seller and Tools sections. Learn about DC real estate market data. Read Power Papers to broaden your knowledge. You'll be an expert in no time! Of course, if you need the help of a Realtor, we hope you'll contact The Isaacs Team.
Copyright - All rights reserved The Isaacs Team LLC


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Madison Avenue Restaurant
New York, NY
SAS was commissioned to convert the cellar level of the famed Park Bernet Galleries into a fine dining restaurant on the Upper East Side, the result of a partnership between Chef Masa Takayama and Larry Gagosian. Entering through the Gagosian Shop on Madison Avenue, customers
descend down a limestone and amber glass staircase into the restaurant, which is fitted throughout in teak and Japanese Oya stone, and features a gleaming stainless steel open kitchen visible from every seat.
Photographs by Daniel Krieger


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Results tagged ' Albert Almora '
4/13 Minor matters
Tsuyoshi Wada struck out 10 over 6 2/3 innings in Iowa's 5-0 win over Memphis. Wada retired the first six batters he faced. Brian Schlitter, optined to Iowa earlier in the day, threw a scoreless ninth. Brett Jackson had one RBI and Matt Szczur delivered a two-run pinch-single in the ninth.
Kris Bryant hit his third home run and Zeke DeVoss hit a two-run triple to lead Tennessee to a 5-1 victory over Chattanooga. Bryant and Dustin Geiger are tied for the Southern League lead with three homers each. Ryan Searle picked up the win in relief.
Albert Almora drove in three runs in Daytona's 7-1 win over Tampa. Rob Zastryzny gave up one run on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. Almora hit his first home run of the season and also hit a double. Dan Vogelbach had two RBI.
Jacob Rogers had four RBI in Kane County's 9-8 win over Lake County. Rogers hit a two-run homer and a double. David Bote also homered and drove in two runs.
4/6 Minor matters
* Kyle Hendricks gave up six earned runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings in Iowa's 11-1 loss to Memphis. Chris Coghlan was 2-for-4. Marcus Hatley struck out four over two innings of relief. Javier Baez was ejected in the third inning for arguing a checked swing third strike call.
"Javy probably should have gotten thrown out," Iowa manager Marty Pevey told the Des Moines Register. "As soon as he throws his hands up in the air, you're gone."
Baez is hitless in his first nine at-bats and has struck out six times.
"He's frustrated," Pevey told the Des Moines Register. "There's frustration there. Anybody that competes is going to react that way. He's got to understand that all his teammates have his back and we understand."
On Sunday, Baez delivered a pinch-hit home run in the seventh for Iowa.
* Jake Arrieta served up one run and took the loss in a Minor League rehab start for Tennessee. The Smokies lost, 5-0, in a game shortened because of rain. Arrieta gave up one run on one walk and struck out three. He threw 42 pitches, 28 strikes, and the run scored on a wild pitch in the third inning.
* Albert Almora was 5-for-6 to pace Daytona's 21-hit attack in a 13-2 win over Brevard County. Every Daytona starter had at least one hit. Tayler Scott picked up the win, giving up two hits over seven shutout innings. Jeimer Candelario hit his first homer, a solo shot in the fourth.
* Tyler Skulina threw six shutout innings but did not get a decision in Kane County's 2-1 loss to Quad Cities in the first game of a doubleheader. Kane County took the second game, 5-4, in 10 innings. Jake Hannemann and Daniel Canela each hit home runs in the second game.
3/25 Cubs lineup vs. Angels
The Cubs have day-night, split-squad games Tuesday, beginning with a day game at Cubs Park in Mesa against the Angels. Darnell McDonald was in the lineup, but now Albert Almora will be the DH. The game will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet. Here's the updated lineup:
Lake CF
Valbuena 2B
Schierholtz RF
Olt 3B
Ruggiano LF
Vogelbach 1B
Barney SS
Whiteside C
Almora DH
Wada P
3/12 Roster moves – UPDATED
The Cubs made the first roster cuts of spring on Wednesday. Arismendy Alcantara, Logan Watkins, Jorge Soler and Matt Szczur were optioned to the Minor League camp. Kris Bryant, Jeudy Valdez, Albert Almora, Carlos Pimentel and Eric Jokisch were assigned to the Minor League camp. Outfielder Aaron Cunningham was granted his release. The Cubs now have 56 players in camp.
Alcantara, Watkins, and Szczur were optioned to Triple-A Iowa; Soler was optioned to Double-A Tennessee.
Bryant, the second player selected overall last June, hit a home run in his first spring at-bat, and was 2-for-9 in seven Cactus League games. His other hit also was a home run. Almora, the Cubs' first-round pick in 2012, had appeared in six games, and was 5-for-9. Soler, coming back from a leg injury last season, was 2-for-8 in eight games.
"We're glad they're Cubbies," Renteria said of the top trio. "They've shown their ability to be professionals here in terms of how they carried themselves, some of the performances they had in the course of the spring. Now it's time for them to get down there and start getting more at-bats and start getting ready for the regular season for themselves and continue to develop and improve on their skill sets. It's like anything, all players are a little disappointed, but they know there's a reason and purpose for what we do."
Bryant, Almora and Soler handled themselves well in big league camp, and often had more interview requests than the veteran players on the Cubs roster.
"They showed maturity beyond their age, the way they deal with people, the way they deal with the press, the way they interact with teammates," Renteria said. "It was pretty good."
— Carrie Muskat
2/28 Bryant hits 1st spring homer
It was one inning in the Cubs' second Cactus League game, but Friday's seventh was a sign of things to come. Kris Bryant belted a two-run homer in his first spring at-bat, driving in Albert Almora, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Cubs lost, 15-3, to the Angels.
All of the so-called core four of Almora, Bryant, Jorge Soler and Javier Baez had at-bats in the seventh. Arismendy Alcantara, another highly touted prospect, popped up to lead off the inning, and Almora, the Cubs' No. 1 pick in 2012, then doubled. Soler struck out and Bryant followed with a lengthy at-bat that resulted in a 420-foot shot just left of the batter's eye off a 3-2 slider from the Angels' Jarrett Grube.
Brett Jackson, another Cubs' No. 1 pick, walked and Baez, a first-round selection in 2011, lined out sharply to third base to end the inning.
"It was kind of cool — Albert got on with a double, Jorge, he had some good swings, and then I drove in Albert," Bryant said. "Hopefully, we can do that a lot in the future."
The Cubs certainly hope so.
Bryant's career has been on the fast track since the third baseman was selected second overall in last June's First-Year Player Draft. After he signed with the Cubs, Bryant played two games with the Rookie League team, then was bumped up to short-season Boise for 18 games. His debut there wasn't nearly as impressive as he struck out in all five at-bats. But Bryant batted .354 and was promoted to high Class A Daytona, where he hit .333 in 16 games with five home runs and five doubles plus 14 RBIs.
And he wasn't done. The winner of the Golden Spikes award as the top college baseball player of the year, Bryant, 22, played in the Arizona Fall League, and batted .364 with six more home runs, eight doubles and 17 RBIs.
He may be familiar with playing in the desert but this is his first big league camp, and the seventh inning was his first at-bat.
"I felt good up there, I was not nervous at all, and saw a lot of pitches, which was good," Bryant said. "Home runs don't mean anything if you don't win the game, so that's a little disappointing. For myself, it was a good performance."
Cubs fans will see a lot of Bryant, Almora, Soler and Baez this spring as new manager Rick Renteria takes advantage of the Cactus League games to gauge the talent in the system. All are projected to open the season in the Minor Leagues. All have seemed very much at home in big league camp.
"It was a good first at-bat, and all the nerves are gone now," Bryant said.
How can he be so calm?
"It's just a game," he said. "You've got to go out there and have fun and don't put pressure on yourself and put a smile on your face and good things usually come from that."
It worked at San Diego, where he led the nation with 31 home runs.
"I've just been blessed with power," Bryant said. "I'm putting it to use. Hopefully, I can go out there tomorrow and give it all I've got and hopefully get a win."
— Carrie Muskat
1/15 Cubs rookies notebook
The 15 prospects taking part in the Cubs' Rookie Development Program took a break from their baseball studies to attend a Blackhawks' game on Tuesday. For many of them, it was their first NHL game, and also a chance to see how rabid Chicago fans are about their team.
"Being at the stadium and watching all the people go crazy during the national anthem, that was awesome," pitcher Pierce Johnson said Wednesday of the rousing performance before every home Blackhawks game. "I can just imagine what it'll be like when we turn it around and actually win a World Series. I'm excited. It gives me chills."
The Cubs are counting on the talent participating in this week's program to get them that championship.
Joining Johnson were pitchers Kyle Hendricks, Neil Ramirez, Eric Jokisch, C.J. Edwards, Armando Rivero and Arodys Vizcaino; outfielders Albert Almora, Jorge Soler and Rubi Silva; and infielders Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Christian Villanueva, Mike Olt, and Arismendy Alcantara. Eleven of the players rank among the Cubs' top 20 prospects, according to MLB.com. Hendricks, who completed his economics degree at Dartmouth, was the Cubs' 2013 Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
The week-long program includes drills, a hospital visit, and seminars, and will end with the Cubs Convention this weekend. The guest speakers included Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein, manager Rick Renteria and former player Rick Sutcliffe.
"It prepares us for what's coming," Almora said. "They're teaching us about what to get ready for, what to expect, what they expect from us. We're taking it to heart, we're taking notes. We're in this for the long run."
* Jason McLeod, head of scouting and player development, said Baez will open the season at Triple-A Iowa along with Villanueva and Alcantara. Bryant could be at Double-A Tennessee, and it was still to be determined where Almora and Soler will start the year.
* Two of the five Cubs prospects injured in a car accident Jan. 6 in the Dominican Republic remained hospitalized. Kevin Encarnacion and Jose Zapata were both doing well but still receiving treatment. Encarnacion played at Class A Boise last year.
* Jorge Soler is 100 percent healthy after a leg injury shortened his season. Soler played in the Arizona Fall League but was told to take it easy, McLeod said. The outfielder has been impressive in his approach at the plate. On Wednesday, Soler said he missed too many games last year, and was eager to get back to playing.
* C.J. Edwards is trying to gain weight. At the Blackhawks game, the skinny pitcher ate an Italian sausage, cheese fries, and a hot dog with cheese on it. Said Edwards: "Anything I see, I eat."
* Javy Baez knows fans are clamoring for him to get to the big leagues. He's doing everything he can but everyone wants to know when.
"As soon as possible," he said.
— Carrie Muskat
1/15 Cubs rookie development program
Fifteen of the Cubs top prospects are taking part in the Rookie Development Program this week, and had a workout on Wednesday at Northwestern University. Among the players taking part are infielders Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Mike Olt, Christian Villanueva, and Arismendy Alcantara; outfielders Albert Almora, Jorge Soler and Rubi Silva; and pitchers Pierce Johnson, Neil Ramirez, Eric Jokisch, Kyle Hendricks, C.J. Edwards, Armando Rivero and Arodys Vizcaino. The week is filled with seminars plus the players had a chance to watch Tuesday night's Blackhawks' NHL game.
Jason McLeod, Cubs player development and scouting director, did say Baez would open at Triple-A Iowa and Bryant most likely at Double-A Tennessee.
I'll have more from the workout a little later today.
— Carrie Muskat
11/14 AFL and winter league update
Arizona Fall League
Matt Loosen gave up two hits over two scoreless innings and Jorge Soler hit a double in a 3-2 win over Glendale on Wednesday in Arizona Fall League play. Albert Almora started and also had a hit. The Solar Sox play the final regular season game Thursday at Glendale and it's a must-win if they want to get to the championship game.
Salt River rallied to win Wednesday with an 8-5 victory over Scottsdale, which means the Rafters trail Mesa by a half game in the East Division. To win the division, Salt River needs to beat Scottsdale on Thursday and for Mesa to lose to Glendale.
Winter League
* Junior Lake was 3-for-5 with a home run for Estrellas in a 5-4, 10-inning win over Aguilas.
* Daniel Bard had another rough outing. In his second game in relief for Caguas, he walked three of the four batters he faced, and all three scored. Caguas rallied for a 6-5, 13-inning win over Ponce.
— Carrie Muskat
11/13 AFL and winter league updates
* Albert Almora and Jorge Soler each drove in a run to help the Mesa Solar Sox beat Peoria, 8-1, on Tuesday in Arizona Fall League play. Kris Bryant also started, and went 1-for-4. It was the Solar Sox's fourth straight win and they improved to 17-11-1 with two games to play. On Wednesday, the Solar Sox play host to Glendale at HoHoKam Stadium, and they wrap up the regular season Thursday at Glendale. The AFL championship game will be played Saturday at Scottsdale Stadium. The Surprise Saguaros have clinched the West Division. The Solar Sox have a slight edge in the East over the Salt River Rafters.
* Christian Villanueva went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and one RBI in Obregon's 7-4 win Tuesday over Mexicali in Mexican Winter League play.
* Junior Lake was 2-for-4 with one RBI in Estrellas de Oriente's 3-2 loss Tuesday to Toros del Este in Dominican Winter League play. Lake was batting .314 in nine games.
— Carrie Muskat
11/11 AFL update
Albert Almora had three hits, including a double, and drove in a run with a RBI single in the sixth, and Kris Bryant hit two doubles in Mesa's 4-0 victory over Peoria in Arizona Fall League action on Monday. Cubs prospect Dallas Beeler threw five shutout innings, scattering five hits and striking out two. On Tuesday, Mesa plays host to Peoria at HoHoKam Stadium. This is the AFL's final week of games.


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In 2009, Google introduced a new application, AngularJS, and changed the field of website development. As we mentioned in the introductory blog in this series, it is a structural framework of dynamic web-apps. Developers love it and it works for an array of website building projects and is especially useful for single page applications. Now, let's discuss why Angular is even better when partnered with Web API.
Every now and then a product comes along that just makes web design easy to implement for the ordinary man on the street. AngularJS and Web API are pioneers in their respective fields, simplifying HTML and HTTP respectively.
AngularJS by Google
For any business that only runs a single page application, AngularJS will simplify and address the many areas of struggle experienced. Run as an open-source web application framework, you have the assistance of Google developers and companies to assist with errors and coding issues. It provides the person who is writing the code the opportunity to view it within the client-side model-view-controller (MVC) architecture, making it easier to navigate. This gives the coder the opportunity to access components usually limited to rich internet applications. Angular is built to ensure user interfaces and software components by using programming that specifically performs the "what" function. The business logic side is managed by imperative programming, which works off of algorithms. This simply means that the outcome changes with certain inputs and that the program aligns itself to that.
This, of course, means that a business has access to all the bells and whistles that multiple-page users have, in a single page application. The fact that it is an open-source web application means that the maintenance and upkeep are up to Google to implement, which leaves your hands free to run your business.
Web API by ASP.NET
This is quite possibly one of the most important aspects to take into consideration when you are trying to get your website out there. Web API uses the full features of HTTP including passing various content types, using ETags through versioning and concurrency and using and creating URI templates and then creating Task URI's in the response. Web API is most commonly known for its ability to define browser cache controls. Getting your business to the next level will mean controlling the browser cache. What this means is that, when you have an active Web API that has a browser control cache, when people search for information on the internet and your hot words, keywords, or key tags are highlighted, the chances of your pages coming up first will be much higher than without the browser cache control. The combination of the browser cache control and the use of ETags make it almost certain that when anyone searches the products or services you offer, your website will be displayed first.
The Symbiosis
It is recommended that these two programs be installed together to ensure that your business is able to leverage from both aspects of programming. First, getting a proper application in place and second, ensuring that the whole world gets to see it. Without the combination of these two aspects, chances are very good that your website will be one in a million with very little chance of actually being noticed. You also want to ensure that when it is noticed, your potential customers have full access to the entire page without experiencing technical issues. The potential increase in revenue streams is most certainly enough to consider applying these two programs together.
Join us next week for the sixth and final blog in this series when we wrap our argument on why Angular is such a fantastic alternative programming application.


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When applying for jobs after graduation, it might be helpful to think big, as in applying to one of the five largest engineering companies in the world. These companies, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Motors, Boeing and Motorola, hire more engineers than any others. And they are constantly on the lookout for new recruits, in good economic times and in bad.
But dont let their size scare you. Applying to such massive companies offers many rewards, one of the most important of which is the improved odds of actually being offered a job. Because of the range of services these companies offer, there will always be needs to fill.
Working for them can be beneficial for your career, too. If you were an engineer at, for example, Raytheon, the chances for higher advancement in the company are far greater than they would be at a company even half its size. Smaller companies simply cant offer the potential for advancement that larger companies can.
In addition, because large companies offer such a wide array of products and services, they hire a wide-range of applicants. Whether its research and design youre after, mechanics and testing, or some other engineering discipline, companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing offer it in abundance.
But remember, these are name-brand companies that are used to seeing the best and brightest applicants, so dont think for a second that you wont face competition.
The Boeing Company
Headquarters: Chicago, but the overwhelming majority of their engineers remain in Seattle.
What They Do: The companys focus is centered on aerospace, electrical and mechanical engineering, with some civil and software engineering as well. In addition to constructing commercial passenger planes as if they were giant Legos, Boeing builds helicopters, military aircraft, satellites, missiles and the Delta launch vehicle.
How Many They Hire: Boeing hires around 2,000 engineers annually to add to its engineering band of 25,000. The company lists a whopping 198,000 employees worldwide.
Who They Want: At the college level, we interview basically for behavioral skills. Teamwork is a top priority for us. We want to make sure that the students we hire have good team skills and the behavioral attributes that are going to fit in with us, says Steve Myers, Boeing engineering recruiting manager for the Seattle area. Hopefully, were able to communicate to them what our culture is like so they can make an informed decision about working for us.
Boeing says an advantage to working for them is the chance to work on several different projects. If youre in a particular discipline over the course of a Boeing career, then youve got all sorts of different products and avenues to move around within the company, says Anne Gose, Boeings public relations manager. And you can stay in one geographic location or move around to different locations and still be part of the Boeing company
The Perks: To help keep their employees in tip-top health, Boeing runs more than 25 health and fitness centers across the United States. Each is open 24 hours a day for Boeing staff, their spouses and retirees. The companys recreation program also supports 300 clubs and special interest groups at various Boeing locations for activities such as softball, scuba diving and amateur radio.
Other company benefits include medical coverage, tuition reimbursement, an employee incentive program and a retirement plan. The incentive program (for non-union employees) provides for a predetermined number of days pay if the companys profit targets are met for that year. Gose says the company will reimburse full tuition for employees pursuing academic degrees at an accredited college, university or trade school, with up to $150 per course for books and software.
Best Way to Find Out More: The companys Web site offers your best source for job leads. At www.boeing.com/employment, interested candidates can search the Boeing job database, submit an online resume and look at available summer internships for college students. And if you need a break from job hunting, click on Cool Stuff, and you can view the Boeing 717-200s first flight, download a Boeing screen saver (complete with an artists rendering of the future international space station) or browse the companys immense image gallery.
General Motors Corporation
Headquarters: Detroit
What They Do: The name pretty much says it all. GM is the worlds number one automotive manufacturer.
How Many They Hire: While GM doesnt release the actual number of positions it plans to fill annually (it considers such information proprietary), engineers will comprise about 60% of the companys new employees this year, according to Priscilla King, director of talent acquisition. And, she adds, 80% of the positions filled this year will be technical in nature. Design News Magazine put GMs engineering work force at about 30,000.
Who They Want: The company focuses on those who display success in their academic career but also have initiative and the ability to learn and apply their coursework to the real world. A good way for applicants to get their foot in the door is through a summer internship or co-op. King says these serve as the first pool the company draws from when hiring new graduates.
When considering an applicant, the company looks at grades, the on-campus interview, the willingness and ability to learn new things, technical competence, organizational and analytical skills, plus an applicants interest and excitement about the GM product.
We offer a very engaging culture and environment for individuals to grow in. Because of our size, we have a variety of assignments that are very challenging, says King. So the plus of coming to GM is that you dont have to change companies to get career growth. According to King, an added GM benefit is that when you feel its time to try a new assignment, you can most likely stay in the same place. We have a volume of opportunity, so that your career can go off in many different paths and you can still remain here and capitalize on the knowledge that youve gained being at GM, King says.
The Perks: Want a new car? GM employees receive a discount on GM new vehicle purchases, varying from 5% to 15% depending on the type of vehicle. GM also provides tuition assistance, health insurance and a stock savings program. The employee invests a percentage of their salary and the company matches up to 60% for every $1 thats put in, up to 10% of the employees income. Vacation time may vary from one to two weeks, depending on when the employee starts work.
Best Way to Find Out More: GMs Web site, www.gm.com offers information about careers by position, location, function and date posted. In addition to job listings, this site also offers a personal career assessment questionnaire comprised of 90 questions designed to help you self-evaluate your qualifications.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Headquarters: Bethesda, Md.
What They Do: In addition to the responsibility of making things that fly and zoom into space, the company also focuses on global telecommunications, air traffic management, missile control systems, postal handling, and naval guidance and navigation. In fact, Lockheed Martins tasks are so wide-ranging it even processed the paperwork for the most recent national census.
How Many They Hire: With a work force of 130,000 (65,000 of whom are engineers), Lockheed Martin is an engineering titan. The company hopes to hire 2,000 entry-level engineering candidates this year alone.
Who They Want: Hugh Burns, director of public relations for Lockheed Martin, says the company primarily hires graduates from computer and software engineering programs, systems engineers, and aeronautical and aerospace engineers. It also picks applicants from the fields of fluids, fluid dynamics and chemical engineering.
Were looking for people who are well-rounded and are looking to work on projects that require systems integration, he says. But were also looking for people who can bring their training quickly to bear on problems that we have, rather than have to be exposed to a long training process in-house. Burns also cites the ability to work as a team as a necessary ingredient at Lockheed Martin.
The size and flexibility of the company mean that employees need a wide range of knowledge and experiences, too. We write more lines of code than Microsoft. Weve made most of the things that have gone up into space. We build airplanes that go faster and longer than any other aircraft company in the world, Burns says. We have companies that are involved in aviation, space, science, technical science, service business, missiles, satellites; we have a variety of companies doing maybe 30 different lines of business. When you come into Lockheed Martin, youre not necessarily pigeonholed into one particular line of business.
The Perks: If, for example, an employee in aerospace decides they want to advance further in the company but doesnt have the skills to do it, the company offers in-house training and tuition assistance. Additional training is allowed in a specific area or toward a masters degree or Ph.D. Tuition reimbursement is in-full for up to two courses per term, including textbooks, lab fees and computer fees.
Lockheed Martin also offers medical benefits and a 401(k) plan with the company matching the first 8% of an employees contribution. Vacation time starts at two weeks the first year.
Best Way to Find Out More: Lockheed has 939 facilities in 457 cities and 45 states throughout the United States, as well as business sites in 56 nations and territories, so location shouldnt be a problem. To find out about the many careers available at Lockheed, go to www.lockheedmartin.com and click on careers. There youll be able to search their database by city or foreign country and for college, co-op, summer intern, and, of course, full-time employment. This link also has information on college recruiting and offers you the opportunity to submit your resume online.
Motorola Inc.
Headquarters: Schaumburg, Ill.
What They Do: Motorola is best known for its pagers and cell phones, but the company is also involved in producing semiconductors, integrated electronics and broadband communications.
How Many They Hire: Motorola lists 121,000 employees, but declined to provide details on job classifications, although Design News Magazine put the figure at 25,000 engineers.
Who They Want: The application process begins via the companys recruitment Web site at www.motorolacareers.com. The firm hires engineers in the electrical, mechanical, manufacturing and software disciplines.
Jennifer Weyrauch, Motorola spokesperson, says the company takes a broad view in screening applicants. We look at the total package of the candidate. We look to see if they have internship experience that is relevant to their discipline, [if they participated in] extracurricular activities, and if they held any leadership roles, she says. We look at grades. We take into consideration those students who had to finance their education. We look at the courses they have taken, review their areas of interest, their geographical preference. And we also look at their soft skills such as communicating, being a team player, taking initiative, and analyzing information and prblems.
The Perks: The company operates free on-site fitness centers at 14 Motorola facilities. Those without access to one of those centers may receive reimbursement of up to $240 annually for a non-Motorola facility. The company also boasts being the largest employer provider of worksite childcare options in the world, offering access to 11 on or near-site childcare centers, with backup care available for unexpected childcare needs at a cost of $15 per day. Expectant parents can also receive free prenatal education, and a toll-free hotline that offers the advice of trained nurses.
The health plan is top-notch, too, providing a no-deductible medical insurance plan. The company also provides a 401(k) profit-sharing plan. Employees can contribute up to 20% of their salary, with the company matching 4.5% for the first 6% of the employees contribution. There is also a potential for year-end profit-sharing contributions. Eligible employees can also purchase Motorola stock at a 15% discount through after-tax payroll deductions.
Best Way to Find Out More: As mentioned earlier, Motorolas Web site at www.motorolacareers.com is the first place to start your job search with this giant. But if you want more information than what you find on this site (and this site has plenty, including all of the usual job search links, plus information about diversity, company culture and intern/co-op opportunities), click on Ask a Motorolan, complete and submit the form, and an expert at the company will get back to youwho said big companies dont care?
Raytheon Company
Headquarters: Lexington, Mass.
What They Do: Another defense and electronics giant, Raytheon builds air traffic control systems and sensors for radar and aircraft, and manufactures business jets and special mission aircraft.
How Many They Hire: Raytheon will hire 7,000 engineers this year and many of those will be new college graduates. This may seem like a lot until you stop to consider that the company already has 92,000 employees worldwide, approximately 30,000 of whom are engineers.
Who They Want: For many applicants, one of the biggest factors is where they went to school. Raytheons primary concern is [an applicants] technical training. They need to come from schools with strong reputations for good people with solid foundations, says Amy Hosmer, a Raytheon spokesperson. And, she says, students need to be in the top quarter of their class. We look for the best and brightest but also recognize that there are dimensions other than grades that determine success. The company views participation in extracurricular activities as an important trait, because it involves the ability to communicate and work with others.
If someone is interested in coming to work for Raytheon, they would have a challenging and rewarding career working with diverse technologies, Hosmer says. We have world-class engineering and scientific talent. We provide an environment of challenging and interesting work, and we recognize and reward our engineers for their outstanding contributions to the company and the defense electronics industry.
The Perks: The company offers medical benefits and tuition reimbursement. Flextime is also an option, depending on location and job duties. Through its 401(k) plan, Raytheon matches the first 4% of an employees contribution with an equal value of company stock. Paid time off is offered starting at three weeks.
Best Way to Find Out More: Raytheon does much of its hiring through college placement offices and job fairs, but applicants can also check out the companys recruitment page at www.rayjobs.com.


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If you're still wondering whether America has fallen under the Tyranny of the Left, I present you these two contrasting cases:
Exhibit One:
A state employee keeps his job even though he's accused of stabbing and robbing the prostitutes he solicited. Corey G. Wight, a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) engineer, was allowed to return to work because the WSDOT says it can't fire him because his offense isn't "directly related to the scope of his employment."
Exhibit Two:
John-Henry Westen reports for LifeSiteNews, "Florida High School removes teacher for criticizing gay 'marriage' on Facebook," August 18, 2011:
Mount Dora High School has removed a veteran social-studies teacher Gerald (Jerry) Buell from his classroom for Facebook comments critical of homosexual 'marriage'. Christopher Patton, Communications Officer for Lake County Schools told LifeSiteNews that Buell was moved to administrative duties pending the results of an investigation into a suspected code of ethics violation.
On his personal Facebook account, outside of school time, Buell posted a reaction to New York's passage of homosexual 'marriage' saying he "almost threw up." He also referred to homosexual unions as sinful and referred to it as part of a "cesspool" of behaviors in remarks quoted by the Sentinel.
While LifeSiteNews was unable to reach Buell at his home, his staff page on the school's website – which has been deleted at the time of this publication – revealed him to be a devout Christian. "First and foremost, I am a man of God," he wrote. "I try to teach and lead my students as if Lake Co. Schools had hired Jesus Christ himself. That doesn't mean I give a sermon and serve communion each day…what it means is I try my very best to teach and serve and minister to my students as a teacher led by and connected to the Creator of the Universe."
In answer to castigations of being hateful, Buell told the Orlando Sentinel, "I've had kids that I've known that have been homosexuals. They know that I don't hate them. I love them. It wasn't out of hatred It was about the way I interpret things."
Patton told LSN that a complaint email was received Tuesday with quotes given to the Sentinel. Buell, he said, has thus been removed from his classroom and reassigned to the district office to undertake other non-teaching duties while the board investigates if his actions constitute a breach of the code of ethics.
A very similar case to that of Buell's is the Canadian case of teacher Chris Kempling who in 1995 was suspended from teaching for writing letters to a local newspaper explaining Christian belief on homosexuality. Kempling fought the charges all the way to the Canadian Supreme Court, where his appeal was denied – leaving him with hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Buell's is not new to the United States. Last summer a Catholic professor was fired from the University of Illinois for sending an email to students in a course on Catholic doctrine, explaining how homosexual activity is contrary to the natural moral law.
More recently Canadian television sportscaster Damian Goddard was fired for Tweeting his support of Burlington hockey agent Todd Reynolds, who created a stir when he criticized New York Rangers hockey star Sean Avery for shooting a TV ad backing gay "marriage." "I completely and wholeheartedly support Todd Reynolds and his support for the traditional and TRUE meaning of marriage," Goddard tweeted.
Please stop this Tyranny of the Left. Do something by expressing your disapproval and outrage to Buell's principal and the school board.
Contact Information:
Principal Pam Chateauneuf
Debbie Stivender, Lake County School Board


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I don't know if you've ever met my pals Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg. (boss sounds so hierarchical – I prefer to think of them as my friends) Bryan and Jeffrey are the two head honchos behind Future Now. They are also two of the smartest guys I've ever met. And that's saying something, cause I think smart is seriously sexy and surround myself with the biggest brains I can find.
Bryan and Jeffrey teach a famous course at Wizard Academy called Wizards of Web. If you've ever thought about attending – this is the time. Keep reading.
Very shortly, you're going to be hearing some serious buzz about their new book, Waiting for Your Cat to Bark. And in this case, the buzz is going to be deserved. It truly is a remarkable manuscript. Lest you think it's only for pet lovers, the book talks about a fundamental change in marketing that will alter the way in which you view your customers and how to market to them.
The book gives away the farm on Persuasion Architecture, the process Future Now uses to create exponential increases in conversion in online as well as offline marketing. To be honest, after reading it, I thought they'd lost their minds. All the secrets, all the proprietary processes – it's all in there.
So –what does this have to do with you?
To promote the book, Bryan and Jeffrey are teaching a special 2 day version of WOW – Wizards of Web at Wizard academy in Austin, TX, May 9 anad 10. WOW attendance normally runs around $3,000 a person. But for this 2 day version, attendance is just $1,800..almost half price. But that's not the best part – you'll also receive 100 hardback copies of the book when it is released, plus an advanced signed copy at the seminar. So, you get:
Wow for almost half price
An advance copy so you can be one of the first to read the book
100 copies to give to friends, clients, and colleagues. How cool not to just say "I read this great book – you really got to read it." But "I read this great book, you really need to read it. Here's a copy on me."
If you've been thinking at all of going to WOW – this is the time.
Below is my response after attending WOW, and the course is 3 times stronger now than it was even when I attended.
'I was, frankly, quite surprised that airport security didn't stop me and ask me to empty my head. It was obviously overstuffed with impressive shiny new tools. Not to mention radical new thoughts and ideas&.Persuasive Architecture, Conversion Rates, Prototyping, and who knew Wireframing was more than just a necessity for push-up bras. WOW lived up to its name. What Jeffrey and Bryan are doing makes infinite sense. Apply these principles and leap 3 years ahead of your competition.


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Inspired People : Interview with Roz Campbell (Tsuno)/
Tsuno is a Melbourne based company created by industrial designer and social entrepreneur, Roz Campbell, that makes sustainable sanitary pads and liners with a social focus. I think I immediately fell head over heels for Tsuno. Everything about this company spoke to me so I dived in and ordered a years worth of pads!
I was so excited about these that I waited impatiently for them to turn up at my doorstep. And Tsuno's pads are indeed stunning! They are environmentally friendly and sustainable, made from natural bamboo fibres with biodegradable wrappers and the boxes are beautifully designed by a local Melbourne artist. For the first time, I was anxiously awaiting my period because I couldn't wait to use them!
But one major thing that truly struck a chord with me about Tsuno is that it has a much bigger vision to bring about positive change in the world. With every transaction, 50% of Tsuno's profits go to charities focused on international women's development.
These international projects create opportunities for women in the developing world so that they can have access to pads, tampons, clean water, social rights and equality and education.
Everything we spend our money on is a vote for what we value, what we stand for and what change we want to make. What we spend our money on should be a conscious decision. This is why Tsuno is important; for not only raising the awareness of this issue, but for making it accessible to those that want to contribute and do their part in making a difference.
When I met up with Roz Campbell for a chat and a sneaky drink one afternoon, I left our interview so inspired and motivated. This is what this lady does to you! She is intelligent, with a bold creative flare and a witty style for story telling. Read on for the interview and be inspired too!
How did it all start?
A few years ago, I listened to a talk from Chantelle Baxter from One Girl (One Girl is a not for profit organisation with a mission to give girls in developing countries an education). Chantelle gave a speech that really resonated with me. She told us about what she was doing before she started One Girl; going to uni, working, partying, hanging out with friends and that she felt unsatisfied with life. Chantelle then found herself in Sierra Leone on a volunteering mission and started the charity shortly after. She made it seem so accessible. I was thinking, "Why couldn't I do something like that?". Her talk made me believe that I could do whatever it was that I wanted to do. There was also something around the way she talked about women's equality that really interested me.
At the end of 2012, I bought a round-the-world ticket overseas and when I got back home a few months later, I had no money, no job and a bit of debt. I was overwhelmed and I knew that I needed to make a change in my life. So I worked and paid off my debt and started a business course.
We talked about Roz's fundraising campaign that lead her to start Tsuno...
I applied to be a One Girl ambassador and decided to do a charity fundraiser. For the fundraiser, I wanted to draw attention to the issue around girls not having access to sanitary products (One Girl has a project called Launchpad which provides girls sanitary pads in Sierra Leone).
So I decided that the next time I had my period, I would manage it the same way that these girls would. I used sponges, newspaper, toilet paper, leaves, rags and bark.
By the third day of my period, my vagina was on fire. I was crying walking from work back home and it was hard to do anything. The materials just don't breathe properly. And yet, I wasn't even putting myself in the same scenarios compared what these girls had to go through.
Some girls in developing countries would be wearing these items whilst working in very hot and humid conditions and would experience chaffing and bruising. They would still have to go to school and work despite the pain.
The response I got from the fundraiser challenge was incredible and it motivated me to really start my business. I had been sitting on the idea for Tsuno for a few months by then so I finished my short business course and I created a business plan over 12 months. There were so many social enterprises starting up every day. It was just so logical. You can start a business and not be all about profit. It kind of shook up my idea of what business is and why I could start one. The obvious choice for me was to crowd fund to start this project.
Roz created a campaign on Pozible and successfully raised over $40,000 in 60 days, which was enough for her to start her business. Tsuno was launched officially in September 2014, delivering the first shipment of pads and liners around Australia.
Where does the name Tsuno come from?
My friend, who was also starting a business at the time and on the look out for a name, wrote to me and said that he thought the name Tsuno would suit my business. Yoko Tsuno is a Japanese cartoon character. She is the embodiment of a confidant woman. Its really cute; she is a scuba diver, a pilot, an engineer, she can do everything. She is like McGuyver but she is a Japanese cartoon girl.
What are the three biggest lessons that you have learnt in this whole process.
I have learnt that you can figure out anything even if you are not an expert. When I started, I was't an expert in business, female equality or health. I just had an idea and I tried to figure it out. It is a testament that you don't have to be an expert in anything and you are always learning.
I have learnt that I have the ability to inspire people to do something positive themselves. Even though I only own a small part of the sanitary product market, I have learnt that I can still make a difference. And it is really exciting that there are so many new social enterprises.
I learnt that I am actually a pretty good sales person if I can persuade men to purchase sanitary pads for their partners.
We also talked about the lack of discussion around papsmears...
The other day, I got a pap smear and it came back abnormal. I found out that I have these cells in my cervix which are abnormal and it was a big shock to me. It was a wake up call. I am not invincible as I thought I was. I did a post (instagram + facebook) the other day to remind people to get their papsmear and talked about the results I got.
I had so many people commenting on the post to say that they had a similar thing or that they needed to schedule in one for themselves. A conversation like that could really prevent someone from getting cancer. It made me realise that I had a voice; to get people speaking more about these topics.
I hope that I can help women here break down some taboos; to openly talk about these topics, support and learn from each other.
What inspires you?
My community and my customers. Knowing that there are lots of people behind me, knowing that I have support is good. And the fact that Tsuno has been well received. I have gotten so much positivity and support from this.
Sometimes I can get a bit lost in the figures, and the business side of things. What does the trick is watching a documentary or reading an article about something uplifting in the developing world. I watch a series called Half the Sky. If I ever feel the need to be inspired, I watch an episode of that and I'm like I can do it. It's a reality check. It just reminds me about why I am doing this, rather than just running a business.
What do you to relax?
Most people would probably say yoga or meditation, but I watch Seinfeld. I have been going from the beginning of the series. I am about half way through. A lot of my friends are big fans and I realised that I was missing out on a lot of references over the years.
I love Seinfeld too! It is so refreshing to hear that she relaxes by watching Seinfeld. It reminds me to rewatch some of the episodes too!
What is your perfect way to spend your day?
Being self employed, I need to be on top of my routine. I realised that I don't work well in the mornings. I have the flexibility to choose when I work so my ideal day would be to allow myself to wake up when I want to (around 8.30) and then see a friend for brunch. We would talk about new ideas and brainstorm. And then at around midday, I would start working. I would work until 7 or so. The afternoon is the best time for me to work. And then I would probably go catchup with someone in the evening.
And lastly, here are some rapid fire Qs
Tea or coffee?
I prefer tea. But I love the Vietnamese iced coffees.
Favourite food?
Vietnamese pork rolls. Vietnamese food is probably my favourite. But I am lately going down the vegetarian path. My boyfriend is a vegan and its rubbing off on me so I am gradually cutting it out slowly over time. Most nights I would order something vegetarian without really thinking about it now. I love south american food as well.
Favourite place to travel?
In my experience, Japan is my favourite. Even going from one suburb to the next in Tokyo is so different. Its funky and quirky and the people are polite.
Favourite season?
Autumn. I would have always said Autumn as a child because I had my birthday in autumn,
Chatting to Roz was such an uplifting experience. This is one lady that definitely inspires you to get out there and create your own positive impact on the world, to leave it in a better condition that how we found it.
How did you like the interview with Roz? Have you tried Tsuno too? Share your comments below!
For more info about Tsuno and Roz, hop on over to her website where you can order your subscription of pads, delivered to your door!
- Website : www.tsuno.com.au
- Facebook : www.facebook.com/tsunopads
- Instagram : instagram.com/_tsuno_


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FemminaUnited StatesMembro da 20 giu 13Ultimamente online 5 months ago
My name is Bella
My favorite color is blue
Quotev: BellaRose0324
Wattpad: BellaRose0324
Kik: DarkAngelsShotgun if anyone needs to talk.
If you curious if I am on a fanfic website just searched BellaRose0324 because that's most likely what it is
90% of girls would cry if Justin Bieber was going to jump off a building. Put this on your profile if you're in the 10% yelling "Do a backflip!" I would probably be the one to push him off, just to make sure he doesn't chicken out
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