Media Mix</h1> <article> <h1>Media Mix</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:16:00 GMT</p> <p> </p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'll admit it, I'm one of the many adult women who have casually wandered into the young adult section, picked up the next book in the Twilight saga, ready with an alibi, "It's a gift!" before quickly leaving the bookstore to read the first chapter in my car. I may be a little embarrassed about having read (and thoroughly enjoyed) reading this saga, but with the millions of books that have been sold it's impossible to deny that there's something great about this series.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">In addition to the incredible accomplishment of encouraging more tweens and adults to read, the Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer has become a pop-culture phenomenon. With each book in the saga, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn on bestseller lists, two very popular movies out and two more on the way it's hard to go anywhere without seeing or hearing about Edward, Bella and Jacob or their actor counterparts Robert, Kristin and Taylor.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The saga begins with Bella Swan, an average teenage girl who moves from her home in Arizona with her mother and stepfather to live in the small town of Forks, Washington with her father. Life transitions from average to exciting when Bella falls for the tall, pale and handsome Edward Cullen whose family happens to be a coven of "vegetarian" vampires just trying to blend in. Even though humans are off the menu for the Cullen family, dating a human brings about serious risks which could kill them both! Then of course there's Jacob Black, Bella's best friend who in addition to completing an already complicated love triangle has a secret of his own.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Vampire enthusiasts won't be disappointed to find that these vampires still drink blood, are pale, immortal and can't go into the sunlight. They will notice however that these vampires don't follow the traditional model we've come to expect from Bram Stoker or Anne Rice. Instead Meyer has created her own type of vampire. While the differences can be distracting (they sparkle!? really?!) she does deserve credit for trying to be original when remakes are the order of the day.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#6600ff;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">To me it's no surprise that this saga has become so successful and addictive. In addition to incredible supernatural characters, suspense and forbidden romance Meyer has also woven into her books everyday situations readers can relate to or remember from their own high school experiences. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">As much as I have enjoyed these books, the Twilight saga will never be considered great literature compared to classics like Wuthering Heights or Romeo and Juliet. Anyone reading this saga with those expectations will be disappointed. But the series is easy to read and has all of the elements of a story that keeps people hooked until the very end.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:#006bad;"><em><strong>Already read the Twilight saga? What did you think?</strong></em></span></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Climbing the Ladder</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:04:00 GMT</p> What questions should YOU ask during an interview? A job interview shouldn't be an examination of the applicant, it should be a conversation. Sure, the objective of an interview is to make a business to think that you'll be a perfect fit for their company—but are they a perfect fit for you? Often it's encouraged, and sometimes expected, for the applicant to ask the interviewer questions. Having the right questions prepared will help you stand out from the other applicants. Be sure...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/climbing-the-ladder-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Family Matters</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:02:00 GMT</p> How do you fit in family downtime? It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day activities. Getting ahead in your professional life and balancing your family’s schedules means that family downtime gets put to the side far too often. Here are a few ways that you can adjust your life and reconnect with your family for some much needed downtime. Sometimes finding the time to get everyone together can be the most daunting task. Between soccer practice, school recitals, your...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/family-matters-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>An Excerpt from The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:15:00 GMT</p> Help for the Holidays As if working moms aren’t busy enough Holidays may be filled with glitter and joy, but the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can also be a very chaotic, stressful time. The following tips will help you navigate the holiday whirlwind and keep you off the "naughty" list. Watch your spending With all the emphasis on shopping for the holidays, it may be hard to stick to your budget or resist the shiny, new toys that come onto the market at this...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/an-excerpt-from-the-survival-guide-for-working-moms-and-other-stressed-out-adults-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Admin's Assistant</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:08:00 GMT</p> What gift should you give your boss this holiday season? The holidays are approaching. Do you buy your boss a gift? If so, what should you get? You have to avoid sending the wrong impression when giving gifts at work. You want it to be somewhat fun, but it must be tasteful. Think of the individual and what’s been offered in the past. Do you really know a lot about your boss and their out-of-office interests? Do you know their hobbies? If they are avid golfers, consider a golf-related gift....(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/admin-s-assistant-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Renew You!</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:06:00 GMT</p> Pilates – Fusing the Body and the Mind Pilates is an exercise technique that uses aerobics and yoga postures to energize the entire body. Each exercise emphasizes focus on breathing, proper form and efficient movement patterns to help improve balance, increase coordination, decrease stress and strengthen muscles. Joseph Pilates developed his method during the early 20 th century in Germany. Joseph suffered from several medical conditions as a child, so he developed techniques to help his frail...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/renew-you-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Media Mix</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:06:00 GMT</p> <p><span><strong></strong></span></p> <p><span><strong><span style="font-size:medium;">The Twitter craze</span><br /></strong><em><span style="font-size:medium;">It’s fun, but is it useful?</span></em></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Twitter, the online social networking site that has exploded in popularity in recent years, has sparked debate on the usefulness of the site as well as raised questions about what and how we communicate. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">In regard to how we communicate, Twitter actually has a built-in answer: succinctly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>“Tweets” are limited to 140 characters, forcing users to convey their thoughts in bite-sized correspondence. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The “what” question is a little trickier. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Communication is not difficult. It’s simply conveying a thought, want or desire to another. If your friend is standing next to an apple, and you would like that apple, you don’t need to say “My friend, would you be so kind as to reach next to you, pick up that apple and walk it over to me so I may eat it.”</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">You could simply grunt to get his or her attention, point at the apple then point at yourself to get the same point across.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">And even though Twitter allows users to convey a thought instantly to hundreds, even thousands of people across the globe, you’re probably not going to use it to ask your friend for that apple.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Much like the telephone, the importance of the invention is not found in its mundane use, but in the impact of more extreme cases. A phone conversation between friends as they watch the latest episode of Oprah, the world could probably do with out. But the thousands of 911 calls received a day are a different story.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">No, nobody needs to know that the childhood friend they haven’t seen in 20 years is having meatloaf for dinner, but as the recent protests in Iran following the nation’s presidential election have show, Twitter does have an important function: conveying information instantly to hundreds or thousands of people.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Whether it is Iranian protesters tweeting on abuses that the tightly-controlled media may not have reported on, or more mundane tasks like tweeting your new phone number to friends and family, Twitter – as well as other online networking sites like Facebook – has a function and is changing the way in which we communicate.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><em><strong><span style="color:#006bad;">Do you “tweet”?</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span><span style="color:#006bad;">What are some of the useful or not-so-useful way to use the site?</span></strong></em></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Healthy Living</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:04:00 GMT</p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:x-small;"></span></span></b></p> <p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:medium;">Quick healthy breakfasts</span></span></b> </p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:x-small;"></span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">We’ve all heard it for years, and it’s true</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;">—</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Think about it, you literally break a fast from last night’s dinner, fueling your body for your day ahead. </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:small;">Many people, especially dieters, skip breakfast to lose weight, when in fact, a more sensible strategy would be to skip dessert or late-night snacks. Others miss breakfast because they're just too busy. Unfortunately, this can set us up to grab anything and everything when hunger kicks in. We need to begin our day right and spend time eating a healthy breakfast, even if it means a little planning.</span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;"><span style="font-size:small;">Most of us are trying to eat healthier—before, during and after work. Breakfast is often overlooked because it's easy to just buy an oversized muffin or pastry on-the-go. While convenient, these choices aren’t always the best since they both usually contain high levels of sugar. </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">Your healthy breakfast can be cold and even taken to go or eaten at work at your desk</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;">—</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">fixing a hot breakfast isn’t necessary to make it healthy. Easy, healthy breakfasts can be as simple as the common breakfast. Try energy or cereal bars as well as healthy cereals. If you get to work using public transportation, you really don’t have an excuse for skipping your first meal. Bring your breakfast with you on the morning commute.</span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Remember to keep sliced cheese and meat on hand at home. Even though they might not seem like a typical breakfast food, they are great ways to fuel your body in the morning. Look for yogurt in convenient tubes or single-serving containers. Try topping them with fresh nuts for added protein.</span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:small;"></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 9.75pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">Check out the produce aisle at the grocery store and you’ll find all kinds of healthy fruit that can be cut into slices and placed into containers or plastic zip bags. Try dried fruit such as raisins, bananas or cranberries as your healthy choice</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;">—</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;">they’ve been used for centuries. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;">Bread is also a good addition to your brown-bag breakfast.</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 9.75pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-ansi-language:EN;"><span style="font-size:small;">So start your own trend with these healthy alternatives to breakfast "junk food"—your body will love you for it! </span></span> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>News You Can Use</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:04:00 GMT</p> What are superfoods and why should you eat them? Superfoods are a group of natural (unprocessed), ultra-nutritious foods that provide many essential health benefits. They’re powerful enough to help lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and may even put you in a better mood. Do they sound too good to be true? Nope. Superfoods are readily available at your local grocer. Dietary experts have flagged the following foods as being superfoods: berries, citrus, cruciferous...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/news-you-can-use-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Eco-Friendly</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:02:00 GMT</p> <p> </p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:medium;">Eco-Friendly Holiday</span></span></b></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">The focus on saving sustainable resources continues to grow, and more people are working to find different ways of becoming more efficient in their day-to-day lives. As we venture into the fall, it’s time to think about how we can apply our “green” techniques to the holiday season.</span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 25% more garbage between Thanksgiving and New Years Day than we do the rest of the year. There are several things you can do to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"> </b>help reduce this trend.</span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">Holiday Cards</span></b><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"> – When looking for holiday cards, look for 100% recycled or tree-free paper. Although many people will opt to mail cards to their close family and friends, consider sending e-cards co-workers and friends who are computer savvy. </span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">Shopping </span></b><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">– During the busy holiday shopping season, use reusable cloth shopping bags. Not only are they more durable and easier to hold, but they can continue to be used all year round. Also, try car pooling to the shopping centers. If you decide to buy online, try making one large purchase rather than multiple small purchases that will require more packaging materials to ship. </span></p> <p style="padding-left:30px;margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">Gift Wrap</span></b><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"> – When using gift wrap, avoid using excessive amounts of tape, and try using reusable bows and ribbon. As the holiday festivities unravel, rather than crumbling up all that used gift wrap, see what can be salvaged. If it’s in good condition, see if it can be reused again next year. If it’s too crinkled, remember to recycled it! When purchasing gift wrap, consider that foil- and plastic-coated wrapping cannot be recycled.</span></p> <p style="padding-left:30px;margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">Packaging</span></b><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;">Gifts</b> – When buying gifts, consider the gift’s destination. If it needs to be mailed, see if you can avoid purchasing larger items that require an excessive amount of packaging. For gifts that do need to be packaged, use old newspaper or magazine pages, plain popped popcorn, or old brown paper bags. For gifting fresh baked goods, use reusable tins. If you received a gift that used Styrofoam peanuts, donate it to your local post office.</span></p> <p style="padding-left:30px;margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;">Decorations</span></b><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"> – If you’re going to use lights to decorate, use LED lights that are up to 90% more efficient than traditional lights. When possible, scale back on decorations that require electricity. If you do have some electric decorations, then be sure to unplug them before going to bed at night to save energy. If you decorate with a tree, bring your used tree to a designated recycling center in your area so it can be cut up into wood chips. Also, considering using nature to decorate – pinecones, acorns and leaves can all add a festive decorative touch.</span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Arial;"><em><strong><span style="color:#006bad;">How likely are you to have an eco-friendly holiday this year?</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span><span style="color:#006bad;">What else can you do to stay “green” this season?</span></strong></em></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Editor's Note</h1> <p>tinadh — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> This month we are excited to introduce a new section of the Pen Pal! Our new section, called Family Matters, will focus on family and home life articles. Keep your eyes peeled for future articles on how to save money on groceries, eco-friendly home improvements, tips for vacationing with children, and how to finally get that cluttered garage organized. This section will be replacing our “Ask the Expert” section. While work life is important to all of us, there is often a balance between...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/11/01/editor-s-note-november-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Media Mix</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:16:00 GMT</p> <p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal;"><span style="font-size:medium;font-family:Arial;"></span></i></b></p> <p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal;"><span style="font-size:medium;font-family:Arial;">Nordie’s at Noon: the personal stories of 4 women “too young” for breast cancer<br /></span></i></b><span style="font-size:medium;font-family:Arial;">By Patti Balwanz, Kim Carlos, Jennifer Johnson, Jana Peters</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Nordie’s at Noon</span></i><span style="font-family:Arial;"> is a collection of stories from four women who share not only friendship, but a common diagnosis of breast cancer. The group started with two friends, Patti and Jana, who met during their visits to the same oncologist for chemotherapy treatment. Jana’s friend Jennifer is the third to join the group. The foursome is completed with the addition of Kim – Patti’s college friend. The group meets monthly at Nordstrom’s café to share their stories. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#ff0000;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">What may come as a surprise to some readers is the young age of each of these women at the time of their diagnoses. Patti, Jennifer and Jana were diagnosed with breast cancer in their twenties, and Kim was only 30 years old. All four women found a lump in their breast during routine self exams; Jennifer was pregnant when she made the discovery.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Patti, Jana, Jennifer and Kim share their personal experiences; They discuss everything from the discovery and treatment of their cancer as well as other milestones in life such as marriage and children. When Jana began chemotherapy, she calculated that she would be married just one month after her final treatment. Jennifer’s son was born just following her last chemotherapy session. She remembers losing all of her hair during her treatment, but her son arrives with a full head of hair – a welcome sign that he had not been affected by the medication.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#ff0000;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Nordie’s at Noon</span></i><span style="font-family:Arial;"> is a heartwarming collection of personal stories from four women. Their accounts celebrate life but also educate readers on the importance of breast self exams. The book also contains a glossary and list of breast cancer resources as a guide to learn more. Part of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes to various non-profit breast cancer organizations. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nordiesatnoon.com/" class="null">http://www.nordiesatnoon.com/</a>. <span style="color:red;"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Etc...</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:14:00 GMT</p> <p> </p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:medium;font-family:Arial;">OpenOffice.org</span></b></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></b></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Open source is a broad term for software licensing that allows a computer program to be distributed and used for no charge.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">OpenOffice.org is probably the most well-known open-source program. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Designed as an alternative to Microsoft Office, it is a multi-platform office productivity suite that is compatible with many systems, including the latest Microsoft and Mac operating systems, Linux, and Solaris. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Programs available from OpenOffice.org include Writer (a word processing program), Calc (a spreadsheet program similar to Excel) and Impress, and a presentation program (similar to PowerPoint). While these programs offer the benefits of Microsoft-like programs for no cost, perhaps the biggest plus is that this program can open Microsoft files and can be opened by Microsoft programs. This allows people to use OpenOffice.org and not be shut out of a business world dominated by Microsoft Office. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">OpenOffice.org is derived from StarOffice, an office suite developed by Sun Microsystems, and is commonly referred to as OpenOffice. This program was released under an open-source license in October 2000 and does not allow users to alter the program’s code. Since then, releases have alternated between “feature” releases and “bug fix” releases. The next, version 3.2, will be a feature release and is scheduled for November 2009. It will include, among new features, a major overhaul of Impress.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">To learn more about OpenOffice.org and to download the program, go to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.Openoffice.org" class="null">www.Openoffice.org</a>.</span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>The Welcome Mat</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:12:00 GMT</p> <p> </p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:medium;font-family:Arial;"><strong>Inexpensive Home Security</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">With reports that the economic downturn sparked an increase in crime, more and more people are taking steps to make their homes more secure. Although criminals probably won’t target most of us, like Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Costing only about $20 each, motion detectors are easy to install and effectively sense movement or even sounds within 40 feet; some are even designed to ignore pets and other small animals.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Magnetic window and door contacts cost just a few dollars each and are also easy to install. When the magnetic contact is breached, it communicates (often wirelessly) with your security system, setting off the alarm and/or contacting the police.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Interested in a security system? It might be less expensive than you think. For around $120, you can get a basic system that includes a keypad with user codes, a siren, event-initiated paging and even a backup battery. These systems are often immune to pets weighing under 85lbs. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you’re interested in video surveillance, you can often connect video cameras to the DVR of your personal computer using cables or your existing wireless network. Bullet-style, color and day-and-night infrared cameras with brackets start at about $80 each. Complete, self-contained video-surveillance systems start around $1,500 and usually include a DVR with auto-detecting video signal loss and HDD failure, several cameras with wall mounts, a monitor, software, and cables. </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">There is also a plethora of secret-agent style gadgets available for around $100, including cameras built into working pens, smoke detectors or peepholes. For under $200, you can even buy a fingerprint/biometric door lock that unlocks when an authorized user places his or her finger on the pad.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color:#006bad;"><strong><em>How do you keep your home or office secure?</em></strong></span></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Admin's Assistant</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:10:00 GMT</p> How to Beat the 3:00 p.m. Work Slump It's 3:00 p.m. and suddenly it hits you like a Mack truck. You're exhausted and considering sneaking into an empty conference room for a quick nap. An afternoon work slump is perfectly normal and is simply a function of our biological clock. But there are ways you can fight it and renew your energy for the remainder of the day! Get plenty of sleep. Between 7-9 hours is generally what you should be getting every night to feel rested the next morning. Staying...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/admin-s-assistant-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Climbing the Ladder</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:08:00 GMT</p> Build a better team with these team-building ideas Team building is used by companies to help their employees excel as team members and make the work environment more enjoyable. Simple exercises and group activities can help individuals discover the strengths and weaknesses of their co-workers while revealing their own as well. Although most team-building exercises do focus on organization development, they can also be an outlet for team members to learn more about each other on a personal level...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/climbing-the-ladder-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Renew You!</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:06:00 GMT</p> Don’t Get Caught Without a Work-Emergency Kit! What do you get when you combine a toothbrush, stain remover, and a nail clipper? The makings of your personal work-emergency kit! It’s best to be prepared for the worst (like playing peek-a-boo with your blouse that’s popped a button), and with a work-emergency kit, you can conquer whatever may interrupt your work day. What should you include in your kit? One quick trip to the drugstore, or even to your own closet or medicine cabinet...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/renew-you-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>News You Can Use</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:04:00 GMT</p> City of Hope™ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Quill is partnering with City of Hope™ to raise money to support breast cancer research. All throughout our media this month you will see references made to City of Hope. Want to know more about the organization? Read on! Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/news-you-can-use-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>An Excerpt from The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:03:00 GMT</p> Reducing Stress For a Healthier You and a Healthier Family What you need to know about stress Any challenge—or anything that seems like a challenge or a problem—can cause stress. Even wonderful events, such as a marriage or promotion, can cause stress. The body’s reaction to stress happens naturally, and can help us cope with a dangerous or difficult situation. But, if the stress continues, it can harm our health. In the long run, the hormones from stress will weaken your immune...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/an-excerpt-from-the-survival-guide-for-working-moms-and-other-stressed-out-adults-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Ask the Expert</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:02:00 GMT</p> Developing a Budget for your Department by Quill Sr. Manager Financial Analyst Mark Schacher Does the word “budget” strike fear in you? It is nothing more than an exercise in organization and planning. If you follow a few simple steps, you can have a great budget drawn up in no time! 1) Identify your sources of income (revenue). What are you selling? Services? Products? This is your revenue stream. Determine any new anticipated sources of revenue and add these to your current baseline...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/ask-the-expert-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Editor's Note</h1> <p>tinadh — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> A cause we hold near and dear to our hearts at Pen Pal and at Quill.com is breast cancer awareness. While October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we encourage all you to learn the facts about breast cancer so that you can keep yourself in the know all year long. Knowledge about this disease could save your life. Did you know that one out of eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? I was floored when I read that statistic from City of Hope™. That’s...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/10/01/editor-s-note-october-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Admin's Assistant</h1> <p>tinadh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:12:00 GMT</p> Ways to improve your office people skills Ever notice that when people complain about their boss or co-workers it's almost always about how they interact with others? “She's always yelling at me ,” “ he doesn't appreciate my hard work,” and “ they don't listen to me” are frequently heard complaints that not only should be immediately addressed but are also detrimental to employee morale. You may not have any power over other’s people skills...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/09/01/admin-s-assistant-sept-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Climbing the Ladder</h1> <p>tinadh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:12:00 GMT</p> Should you get an MBA? This could be one of the most important questions a person can ask oneself. A Masters in Business Administration opens many doors to an advanced management position and many other great career opportunities. However, studies have shown it is not always necessary to have an MBA to have a successful career. Some careers virtually require an MBA. Some of these include investment banking, private equity firms, hedge fund management, and high-end management consulting. An MBA opens...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/09/01/climbing-the-ladder-sept-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>Renew You!</h1> <p>tinadh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:10:00 GMT</p> How to break a bad habit Habits are patterns we develop, and while it can be tough to break a bad habit, it can be done with a little focus, determination and persistence. And there’s no better time than now to start! The sooner you start, the sooner you can kick that bad habit! First, focus on one habit at a time. Create a list of all of the benefits to breaking that habit. You’ll want to look at the list often to keep the benefits fresh in your mind. If you don’t clearly understand...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/09/01/renew-you-sept-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> <article> <h1>News You Can Use</h1> <p>tinadh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:08:00 GMT</p> Ways to cut your commuting costs While fuel prices continue to rise, here are 5 simple things you can do to help curb the cost of driving: Public transportation Using public transportation is almost always a cheaper alternative to commuting solo, especially for those with long-distance drives. Light-rail or metro buses can help you save tremendously. And, your employer might even help you out, so be sure to ask if your company has a commuter benefits program. Employer-sponsored programs Some employers...(<a href="http://blog.quill.com/blogs/penpal/archive/2009/09/01/news-you-can-use-sept-09.aspx">read more</a>) </article> </main></body></html>