text:
'); var yuipath = 'clientscript/yui'; var yuicombopath = ''; var remoteyui = false; } else // Load Rest of YUI remotely (where possible) { var yuipath = 'http://yui.yahooapis.com/2.9.0/build'; var yuicombopath = 'http://yui.yahooapis.com/combo'; var remoteyui = true; if (!yuicombopath) { document.write('
I agree with where you think the Pacers will be this coming season....
From the uninspiring draft picks to low risk/low-medium reward FAs, the Pacers will forever stay just good enough to get a low seed for the playoffs.
While there are teams that always seem to languish in the lottery, I guess it could be worse, but damn, as a fan, I want to believe that management wants that championship.
First time in a long time, I've been happy with the team that was constructed, and now they struggle. I blame the coach.
And if you need any further proof that this is in the team's DNA look no further than back in the day when Barkley wanted to come here, even lobbied for it thru Reggie, and the team brass didn't even entertain the idea.
Last edited by Bball; 07-21-2012 at 02:55 PM.
Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.
"A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, thats teamwork."
-John Wooden
Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.
"A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, thats teamwork."
-John Wooden
We went from a JOB team with no hope at all, to a top 3 seed and a 2nd round playoff appearance in less than a year. We have already improved the team for next season. We are making steps, if Paul blows up or our team develops elite chemistry we'll be a contender, that is our only hope.
What the hell do you people want? From the gutter to the championship in 2 seasons? Lebron, Dwight and Deron to all come to Indy cause it's a nice place to live? Some of you people can't be pleased, regardless.
Repeat after me, Top free agents are NEVER to have Indy on the top of their list. King Tuts Tomb's list pretty well covers what could or couldn't have happened. At some point people need to accept reality or find another team.
Hicks, I certainly get why you are leaving now.
"Just look at the flowers ........ BANG"
I like that our new FO is actually making moves at this time of the year unlike the Morway/Bird front office.
Turner and Young are THE FUTURE!
That front office DIDN'T have the ability to make many moves at this time of the year.
"Nobody wants to play against Tyler Hansbrough NO BODY!" ~ Frank Vogel
"And David put his hand in the bag and took out a stone and slung it. And it struck the Philistine on the head and he fell to the ground. Amen. "
In their defense, Bird and Morway did not have the room to make any of these moves until a bunch of really bad contracts Bird inherited were gone. They did a wonderful job of drafting and building this team. Even the use of JOB to coach the rebuild was good. The rebuilding coach and front office rarely get to see the fruit of their labors. Bird was lucky to do so......
What really matters is the Pacers don't even try. Cap space or not, they don't try. It's not in their business model. Bird could've figured out there was no chance to attract FA's to Pacerland long before now if that was the reason he left. He could've left after last season or at any point if that was the case. How would you explain his constant mentions of questioning Simon's desire to do what it takes or not before ultimately leaving if he knew no FA would come here? Let alone reports that claim Bird left because Simon wasn't willing to spend. While that might be open for some interpretation, none of those interpretations could possibly be he grew frustrated that FA's wouldn't come here.
And I agree... Simon will spend... But not on any players but his own... Unless they come at a discount...
And all that said, the Pacers themselves got West to come here just last season, but on a bargain deal. That 'bargain deal' simply isn't going to happen often if you try and polish your team thru free agency to find a missing piece.
Seriously, this inferiority complex needs to cease.
Last edited by Bball; 07-21-2012 at 04:23 PM.
Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.
"A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, thats teamwork."
-John Wooden
Other teams in the East were making bold moves. Pacers did not make a single bold move. That's my only complaint. Always going with low risk/low-medium reward players...basically safe bets. I'd just like to seem them gamble a bit. They moved so quickly this offseason that they didn't put themselves in a position to pick up a amnestied player on the cheap. For all our gruff about not getting big FAs. Amnestied players are usually cheap, which should be a focus for Pacers management.
Hell, I hope they pick up Blatche for less than MLE. Dude's got talent, and I think he deserves a chance. Pacers did with Lance and he seems to be a much better guy. Isn't Clark Kellog in charge of player development? I think he could help Blatche too. Plus, I think Blatche realizes he's on very thin ice and will be better for it. Blatche could be a potential home run. I think he's a low risk/high reward type of player the Pacers should pick up. He'd instantly be better than Hans. He's low risk, cause I bet he would be signed for cheap and he's coming off the bench.
But I think we all know the Pacers aren't going to do it. They'll more than likely sign Machado or some other guard that will just rot on the bench.
First time in a long time, I've been happy with the team that was constructed, and now they struggle. I blame the coach.
The question is still valid. Out of the list of the top FAs there were very good reasons that the Pacers wouldn't have won on them. Which ones do you think they should have tried on anyway?
Of the remaining FAs, which ones do you think we just didn't bother on?
I'm not getting that an assumption of complete inactivity leads to such certainty - especially when 12 hours after the FA market opened people were totally and abswolutely convinced the Pacers would do nothing at all - possibly not even re-sign Roy - and here we are with a ton of moves.
Which moves do you think the Pacers could have made successfully and which moves they DID make would you have dumped in their favor?
For example, I think nwhen the Pacers approached Mayo he was at $8M and they moved on, then Mayo realized no one was paying that so took $4M from the Mavs. Would you rather wee had not bothered making any other moves - including stalling signing Roy - to wait and see if Mayo would cut his requirements? Do you really think he would have done so?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Or throw in a first-round pick and flip it for a max-level point guard...
It's too early for me to form an opinion one way or another. I'll let the results of their player acquisitions speak for themselves.
who has final say on trades, drafting, FA, etc at this point in our FO. Walsh or Pritchard ?
The article only mentions the interest from the Pacers not from Barkley, but he definitely had a big interest in the Pacers as well. You can hear the defeatist tone in DWs quotes. Ultimately DW decided he was to expensive to pursue. I remember it pissed me off because it was the rare chance to add a great player and we passed. That's the starting point for me to start questioning the teams desire to win a title. If you want to win a title in Indiana you are going to have to take some big chances. They won't. They'll take the conservative good team over the potential great team every time. And, unfortunately, it will be good enough in this market. 6 years from now everyone will call the team a success as long as they make the playoffs and tease you with the possibility that if all the stars aligned, they maybe, possibly could almost win a title. And when they don't, the fans will say "they tried hard, what else could they have possibly done?"
I was around when Barkley picked Houston over the Pacers, not sure about all the revisionist history now saying we were just to cheap to pursue hm. Barkley thought he had a better chance at Houston, period......... he was wrong.
"Just look at the flowers ........ BANG"
Phew. OK, rant off.
Am I missing something here?
If Hibbert couldn't see the advantage of holding off re-signing for the good of the team shame on him. He was going to get paid what Porland was going to pay him. Was he afraid Walsh would go back on his word? Same applies with Hill.
Devil's advocate: I firmly believe ownership put a limit on what they would pay this year. The money wasn't there to spend, so Hibbert and Hill got signed early. What was left got spent to solidify the bench.
In order for this team to get an Allstar and have a shot to get the NBA finals this coming year, there is going to have to be a trade, probably Granger. I'd love to think Simon gave Walsh the green light to spend up to the LT, and Walsh is keeping the 5 mil held back for salary of an incoming Allstar in a trade this off season. I believe that is just wishful thinking on my part.
I'm not advocating Granger being traded. He's just the most reasonable choice to get an Allstar and being able to match an Allstar salary with Granger's salary plus the 5 mil I mentioned.
I think it's just as plausible that the front office courts those guys but are never at the top of their list, so they move on before the discussions ever get serious. Why waste time talking with someone you're a long shot at ever signing?
Also, vnzla likes to point out that people go to the Lakers because they can do whatever is necessary to win, but the fact is they can do whatever it takes because they can afford it. If Simon was netting a 200 million a year TV deal, among everything else, he wouldn't care about how much he spends either. The ability to do "whatever is necessary to win" goes hand in hand with being a large market as well.
There are plenty of legitimate things the Pacers have done wrong. Please complain about those, not the things they have completely no control over.


text:
Sign-a-rama The Sign Maker In CalgaryFor affordable and exceptional signs Calgary, visit SarSignsCalgary.Ca. We are a comprehensive sign centre that can make a wide variety of outdoor and indoor signage that promote, warn, advertise, and inform. Go to us for banner design and printing, trade show display fabrications, vehicle wraps, window signs, and pavement signs.
Installing high-quality signage can increase brand awareness and help promote your business to more people. Companies that specialise in signs Calgary can create the best sign to make your store stand out and become more noticeable. Consider having these types of signs made by a professional sign making company:
• Window signs – If you lack space and budget for larger signs, a window sign can suffice. Change them according to the season or any special promo that you are planning to have.
• LED signs – These are like neon signs but are much more energy efficient. LED is the latest trend in lighted signs as it draws attention to the business well after the sun is down, without driving up energy costs.
• Sidewalk signs – Complement window signs with well-made pavement signs where you can display promos, discounts, and special announcements. Passers-by might not look at your window, but they will probably look at your pavement sign.
• Banners – Use banners to promote a big sale or your store's grand opening. Potential customers can easily notice large banners, even from afar. Banners are also cheap. They can be made even with a low budget, making them cost-effective options for temporary signs.
Let a professional sign making company like SarSigns Calgary create your business signs. We are your local Sign-A-Rama sign Calgary centre, and we offer a wide range of signs made by professional designers using advanced equipment and methods. Learn more about our services in this website or call 403-932-1999. You may request a quote using this website, too.
Sign A Rama Calgary
Unit 1, 80 Railway St E Cochrane, T4C 2B5
View Larger Map
We Specialize In:
Tags: Construction Signs Calgary Real Estate Signs Calgary Sidewalk Signs Calgary Sign Companies Calgary

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dos Equis, the fastest growing premium Mexican beer in the U.S., is unveiling the details of this fall's Masquerade program that will hit retail and on-premise accounts beginning September 1st. Set to coincide with this fall's entertaining season, Dos Equis Masquerade entices consumers, 21 and older, to take their Halloween celebrations to a new level
Dos Equis Unmasks 2013 Masquerade Program
Maverik Inc. Named Convenience Store Decisions' 2013 Convenience Store Chain of the Year
The Salt Lake City-based chain will be honored at a private gala in Atlanta during The NACS Show in October. There are many common characteristics that comprise Convenience Store Decisions' Chain of the Year winners. They are retail leaders, innovative marketers, committed to employees and completely driven by a service-first mantra to satisfy their customers.
Chicago Gas Station Owner Sentenced in Sales Tax Fraud Case
A suburban Chicago gas station owner was sentenced to a two-year prison term for underreporting Illinois sales taxes by nearly $1 million. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Department of Revenue announced that it was one of the largest gasoline sales tax fraud cases since the state started cracking down on gas station owners
IRI Identifies Opportunities in the C-Store Channel
The convenience store channel has long been a destination for immediate consumption purchases. However, the channel is undergoing a bit of a metamorphosis these days. Competition is heating up as convenience stores are pitted against other channels, particularly dollar and drug channels, for share of spending. In addition, two major sources of revenue and trip
Kangaroo Express Takes Flight to Support Salute Our Troops
The Pantry Inc., the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., has named its Kangaroo Express Salute Our Troops Flugtag Team to test gravity's limits on a custom-made aviation machine in honor of our military service members and their families at the first-ever National Red Bull Flugtag competition in Miami on Sept.
Couche-Tard Profits, Revenue Rise
Canadian convenience store Alimentation Couche-Tard reported a profit of $146.4-million (U.S.), up 24% for the fourth quarter, driven mainly by acquisitions, but the results came in below analysts' expectations. In the U.S., Couche-Tard, which owns and operates the Circle K brand, also saw sales increases. Sales at established stores rose 2%, excluding tobacco products. Same-store
Circle K Raises $1.2 Million for Children's Miracle Network
Three-week campaign benefits 28 children's hospitals across 14 states. Midwest and Great Lakes Circle K convenience store employees and customers showed their dedication to their community's kids by raising a total of $1,237,500 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a charity that raises funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals. This year's campaign increased 14% over
United Supermarkets Opens Seventh Convenience Store in Texas
United Supermarkets LLC opened the doors to its 19th freestanding convenience store, a United Express location in Dumas, Texas. The 2,400 square-foot store is the company's seventh freestanding convenience store and second in the Texas Panhandle area. Four stores are under the United Express banner and three are still under the Taste of Market Street
Shell Appoints Refining Chief Ben van Beurden as CEO
The Royal Dutch Shell Group has named its current refining and marketing head Ben van Beurden to become its new chief executive. Van Beurden will take the helm on Jan. 1, 2014, replacing retiring CEO Peter Voser. "Ben has deep knowledge of the industry and proven executive experience across a range of Shell businesses," Shell
ExxonMobil Launches Smart Card Promotion
'Get Smart and Save' promo runs through September 30. Exxon and Mobil retailers and Citi Retail Services are giving new Smart Card cardholders more ways to "Get Smart and Save" this summer. New ExxonMobil Smart Card cardholders who apply by September 30 will enjoy a limited time offer of 18-cent-per-gallon rebates on qualifying purchases for
Kangaroo Express and e-Swisher Partner to Sponsor the Subway Firecracker 250
Kangaroo Express and e-Swisher have joined as sponsors of the No. 40 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Reed Sorenson for today's upcoming Subway Firecracker 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The race takes place annually on July 5. "Just in time for Independence Day, Kangaroo Express is joining forces with The Motorsports Group
Corner Stores to Sponsor San Antonio Scorpions Soccer
Corner Stores, a division of CST Brands Inc., will be the official convenience store sponsor of the San Antonio Scorpions, a team whose proceeds benefit Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park designed for people with special needs. "We are thrilled to build a relationship with a sports organization that cares as much about our city as
Gasoline Prices Under Pressure from Climbing Run Rates
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric Gasoline futures prices posted their low for 2013 during the final week of June and the second quarter, while wholesale gasoline costs at distribution terminals were mixed in starting July 1. Overall weak demand, amply domestic supply and returning refinery capacity have converged to weigh on gasoline
NOCO Express Celebrates 80th Birthday
In-store festivities and thousands of prizes on tap for customers beginning July 15. To thank its customers for their patronage over the past 80 years, NOCO, a family owned and locally operated energy company, is celebrating its anniversary through an in-store contest. On July 15, NOCO will be launching its 80th Birthday Bash Scratch &
CITGO Launches Fueling Campaign
At the heart of CITGO is a philosophy known as Fueling Good, a corporation-wide commitment to supporting good things in the communities where CITGO operates. Fueling Good elements are the cornerstones of the company's 2013 brand advertising campaign, which includes the following trifecta of goodness: the Fueling Good Road Trip, a Fueling Education promotion and
Jiffy Mart Fundraisers Supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
During the month of May, Jiffy Mart locations in Carroll County participated in a campaign to "Give Thanks. Give Hope." for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This is their sixth year participating, and since 2008, Jiffy Mart customers and associates have raised over $35,000 for St. Jude. Customers were able to purchase a pin-up for
Rutter's Enhances its Foodservice Menu
Rutter's Farm Stores, operator of nearly 60 convenience stores in Pennsylvania, has introduced an Alaskan Cod sandwich along with several other tasty selections to its inventive and award-winning menu. The Alaskan cod is a whole muscle fish patty with a light panko breading. Customers can choose to top their fish sandwich with the any of
Crude Rallies to Nine-Month High on Mideast Worries
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric Short covering underpinned a push by New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures to a $98.25-barrel nine-month high on the spot continuation chart ten minutes after the start of regular session trading Friday (6/14), with the contract settling up more than a dollar a day at $97.85 pre
Heineken Launches Voyage Promotion
Heineken USA, the top-selling European import beer in the U.S., announced the details of its legendary Voyage retail program that will hit retail outlets beginning August 1 and run through September 30. Set to coincide with the kick off of the fall sports season, Voyage entices adult consumers, 21 and older, to take their at-home
Wholesale Gasoline Costs Push Higher Early June
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric Spot prices for gasoline in the Chicago market spiked to better than 4-1/2 year highs in starting the first week of June before dropping back on data points showing increased processing at Midwest refineries, while wholesale gasoline costs at major metropolitan markets across the U.S. were mostly
Gasoline in Midwest Spikes on Supply Concern
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric The final and holiday-shortened trade week in May brought about a great amount of volatility in US oil markets, which whipsawed in futures and spot trading on a multitude of concerns ranging from assessments of U.S. and global economies, Federal Reserve stimulus efforts, geopolitical tension in Africa
Wholesale Gasoline Prices Drop on Building Supply
Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric A mid-May price spike in Midwest gasoline cash differentials spurred by a trio of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit outages at refineries located in the region atop of refinery upgrades that have limited the production of oil products in the Midwest continues to abate, pressuring supplier "rack" postings
Phillips 66 Marketers Conference Kicks Off in Las Vegas
Attracting Millennials, alternative fuels, fleet management and adopting a winning loyalty program among the key issues address during day one of the three-day conference. By John Lofstock, Editor Hundreds of Phillips 66, Conoco and 76-branded marketers descended on Las Vegas this week for the Phillips 66 2013 Marketing Conference & Trade Show. The theme of
National Advisory Group (NAG) Relaunches Young Executives Organization (YEO)
Ben Jatlow, vice president and general manager of High's of Baltimore, named board chairman of the convenience store industry's only group focused exclusively on young and next generation executives. As the convenience store and petroleum industry continues to evolve, training the next generation leaders of tomorrow is more important than ever before. To help young
FCC Outages Point to Higher Gasoline Prices in June
By Brian L. Milne, Energy Editor, Schneider Electric A trio of unexpected gasoline producing unit outages in Illinois, Wyoming, and Kansas, atop of already low supply in the Midwest spiked regional gasoline prices to start out the second half of May, and in front of Memorial Day in what is known as the kickoff to


text:
8-year-old killed after struck by ice cream truck
Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:45:00 GMT —
UPDATE: Kansas City police have identified the 8-year-old girl who died after she was hit by an ice cream truck.
Police identified the girl Sunday night as Lillian E. Simon of Kansas City.
Investigators say Lillian was hit by the truck after she ran in front of it Friday evening in the northern part of the city. She died later of her injuries.
Police say the truck had pulled over to serve a customer, and when the driver started moving again, the girl as she darted in front of the vehicle. No citations have been issued.
An 8-year-old girl has been killed after being struck by an ice cream she was trying to catch as it drove by in northern Kansas City.
The Kansas City Star reports the girl died at a hospital Friday night after being hit by the truck just after 5 p.m.
Witnesses say the girl was on a sidewalk running after the truck when she ran in front of it. Police say the driver pulled over, and when he started driving again he didn't see the girl as she darted in front of the vehicle.
Police say the driver stayed at the scene and was cooperating. Police say the incident appears to be a tragic accident, and no citations have been issued.


text:
Don't miss a story. Like us on Facebook. Like Dallas News' Facebook Page
Roger Frizzell, a former vice president of corporate communications at American Airlines, has set sail for Miami to head up corporate communications at Carnival Corp., the cruise company.
Frizzell headed American's public relations efforts from Sept. 29, 2003 to October 2011. As it so happened, he came to American right after it narrowly avoided bankruptcy in spring 2003, and left as American was trying to revamp its labor contracts and stem its losses in fall 2011. Soon afterwards, American filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 29, 2011.
Frizzell went to Pacific Gas and Electric to become its vice president of corporate relations and chief communications officer. He subsequently returned to Texas to start the Frizzell Group.
At Carnival, he'll report to chairman and CEO Micky Arison and vice chairman and chief operating officer Howard Frank.
The company said Frizzell will be Carnival's "chief communications officer, handling all corporate-level communications and public relations activities for the world's largest cruise vacation group, which is the parent company of 10 cruise lines."
"We are extraordinarily fortunate to have an individual of Roger's talents and background join our company to lead this critical function," Frank said in Carnival's announcement. "His extensive experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization."
The change is effective Monday, June 24.
Carnival of course has had its embarrassing incidents with ship issues, which we won't repeat here. It operates 102 ships, with seven more coming between May 2014 and April 2016.
Here are the lines that are gathered under the Carnival umbrella:
Carnival Cruise Lines Holland America Line
Princess Cruises Seabourn
AIDA Cruises Costa Cruises
Cunard Ibero Cruises
P&O Cruises (Australia) P&O Cruises (UK)


text:
Posted 6 years ago
(2 items)
I've been looking for a nice buffet/sideboard for a while. Last weekend I found this one at one of our Goodwill stores. I could hardly believe that I was getting this 1960ish all wood piece priced there for $60 dollars on sale for $30. If you can see there are a few scratches on the drawer and door that I plan to refinish but I'm torn as to whether to refinish it the color it is or restain it darker. I was even given an idea to distress it a lighter color allowing some of the darker color to come through. I am so happy to have found this piece. It is a great addition to our house and something I can hand down to my family. Thank you for view my prize. I will post my other Goodwill purchase shortly.


text:
The St. Patrick-St. Vincent High boys volleyball team swept Richmond, 25-9, 25-11, 25-13, on Tuesday in Tri-County Athletic League play.
Patrick Lago had 20 assists, nine digs, four kills and two blocks for the Bruins (15-0). Matthew Bohorquez had nine kills, seven digs and five aces.
Marcus Villalobos had four kills and two blocks and John Cuevas had 11 digs. Neil D'Silva had six kills, three aces and one block.
The Bruins are at St. Mary's on Thursday.


text:
Their words, not ours! Look, we know every fat kid trick in the book: open face sandwiches? (Double the stuff!) Putting chips on your sandwich and then getting a side of chips? (Toppings are not a side.) Dipping your fries into a shake and then getting dessert. (It's not dessert if you're using it as a condiment.)
On tonight's MasterChef Junior, Joe Bastianich shares his best architectural method for sneaking extra bites of cake without getting mom to notice.
"That's definitely a fat kid trick, Joe," Graham chuckles.
Check out a sneak peek below and tune into tonight's MasterChef Junior at 8pm ET on Fox.
WATCH: MasterChef Junior Becomes the Sarah, Dara, and Kaylen Show (Finally)
Tonight in Food TV: MasterChef Juniors Get to 'Skype-A-Mentor' for Advice
WATCH: The 13 Most Adorable Moments of MasterChef Junior
Have a tip we should know? firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
What is Outdoor Laser Tag?
Laser tag is an outdoor team sport much like paintball but without the bruises or the messy paint. The guns use infrared, just like your TV remote control this allows the guns to be used in full daylight. The players' gun shoots an invisible and harmless beam to an opponents gun. There are realistic sound effects. The sensors detect when a player has been hit and light up.
How does a party work?
Our staff(s) will arrive at your party (and stays for the whole party) about 45 min to an hour before hand to evaluate your playing field. If needed they will set up inflatable(s) and use your natural barriers for the best playing field. At the start of your party our staff(s) will go over how the laser tag guns work, then everyone plays a simple game to get used to how the guns work. Then our staff(s) will explain at start of each laser tag game the rules and you play. Laser tag is easy to play and lots of fun for everyone ages 9- 50.
Where can we play?
We bring the fun to you! Our mobile outdoor laser tag system allows us to bring the game to you. If you are thinking about a birthday party, corporate event, team training or just can't get enough laser tag, call us today and let us bring the most realistic laser tag game to you. Imagine your very own battlefield in your backyard or business area. Battlefields can be built at your event site (Video) , whether that at your home, your parking lot at work, a local park, church, neighborhood common areas, and so much more.
Where do you deliver to?
In Sonoma County we play laser tag in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, Windsor, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Healdsburg and other cities.
In Marin county we play laser tag in Corte Madera, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Marinwood, Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael, Tiburon and other cities.
* We MAY deliver to areas outside of Sonoma and Marin county. It depends on the day of the week and additional charges.


text:
LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revealed a loss of Rs102.2 billion in revenues attributed to financial irregularities and corruption within the organisation for fiscal year 2008-09.
The FBR will present its audit report's findings at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday. The PAC will hold meetings till October 31 to discuss the audit report.
The largest contributor to these discrepancies was the dishonouring of indemnity bonds, bank guarantees and encashment schemes for post-dated cheques within the tax collection board. The discrepancies were valued at $989 million, which is more than Rs80 billion.
The undervaluation of goods cost the FBR Rs3.03 billion in sales tax revenue while the disbursement of tax refunds without a proper post-refund audit cost the board Rs1.65 billion. The misclassification of goods for purposes of tax evasion further dented revenue by Rs1.16 billion.
The national exchequer was also hit by an amount of Rs9.47 billion due to the failure to recover dues from the government even after the completion of adjudication processes.
A further loss of Rs3.63 billion resulted from the incompletion of the adjudication of cases. Losses of Rs712 million and Rs168 million were attributed to the failure to fine those who did not file taxes and fine those who did not fully pay their due taxes.
Improper payment of refunds, paying refunds after deadlines have passed and failure to implement fines on the breach of deadlines cost the FBR Rs686 million. The failure to clear cars and goods for taxation purposes and the failure to tax those entities that have a turnover above the threshold for sales tax also cost the exchequer Rs916 million.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2010.


text:
The atletico Madrid never cease to celebrate their title as champions of Spain – they may also become European champions if they beat Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League-
But an ad that promised free sex with girls with prostitutes of the city raises many indignant reactions;;;
The brothel "Angelo Palace" located in Valencia probably advanced too quickly promising; "If Atletico Madrid win La Liga, all prostitutes will be free."
The "Colchoneros" have won last night a title they expected for 18 years.
Hoy todos con el Atleti. pic.twitter.com/GUxsW6CYNq http://t.co/GUxsW6CYNq
— MORONCITO (@_Moroncito_) May 17, 2014 https://twitter.com/_Moroncito_/statuses/467669925801525248
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.


text:
Quintin Berry is certainly making the most of his cup of coffee with the Detroit Tigers while Austin Jackson nurses a strained abdomen. In fact, Berry has played so well that it's likely the Tigers make an unexpected move to keep Berry around after Jackson returns.
On Sunday against the Twins, Berry became the first Tiger since at least 1918 to hit safely in his first five MLB games. That's quite a feat for the 27-year-old speedster who is with his fifth organization since being drafted by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2006 amateur draft. (He was originally drafted in 2003 by the Atlanta Braves, but did not sign. He ultimately wound up playing for Tony Gwynn at San Diego State before being drafted again in '06.)
Berry would go on to collect two more hits during Sunday's game to raise his average in five MLB games to .381 and he stole two bases to bring that total to three. One of those three hits led off the ninth inning, later scoring the tying run when Miguel Cabrera put the Tigers in front with a two-run game winning homer.
But Berry's best play of the day actually came in the bottom of the eighth inning on defense. With the Twins up 3-2 with two outs and a runner on third, Berry made a spectacular diving catch on a Jamey Carroll screamer that saved at least one run and perhaps an inside the park home run. Without that catch, which you can see in the video below, the Tigers likely don't come back to sweep in the ninth.


text: A comical and delightful tale of community spirit, written by celebrated Ealing regular and Academy Award Winner T.E.B. Clarke (The Lavender Hill Mob, Barnacle Bill), directed by Charles Crichton (A Fish Called Wanda, The Lavender Hill Mob) and celebrating its 60th Anniversary, The Titfield Thunderbolt has been expertly digitally restored from the much loved, Golden Age of the Ealing Comedies. When British Railways announce the closure of the Titfield to Mallingford branch line, a group of local village residents make a bid to run it themselves, backed by a monied member of the community who is attracted by the complete lack of licensing hours on trains. Unfortunately this puts them into direct competition with the local bus company. Special Features: Making the Titfield Thunderbolt Douglas Slocombe Home Movie Footage The Lion Locomotive Featurette Locations Feaurette Stills Gallery Restoration Comparison Douglas Slocombe on Charles Crichton Audio Interview TrailerCheck stock and price


text:
We are a completely private venue with professionals that will attend to all details of your event- from customized menus to floral decorations and musical entertainment. In preparation for your momentous occasion, we offer event planning services and highly personalized attention in order to create a stress-free experience. This castle-like structure is the place that many memories have been created and dreams turned into reality. Inside, you will find a subtly elegant ballroom influenced by European architecture with Grecian columns standing tall and six hand beaded Swarovski crystal chandeliers draping from the ceiling. Our unparalleled excellence combined with our superlative staffing will truly make your day unforgettable.
Just minutes from downtown Columbus and Port Columbus Airport, we are a convenient, professional and attractive place to host any type of business occasion. We believe that working together is more genuine- real people, in real time, in a real place. We are a facility that is wired for business, making it convenient for events and meeting guests. We strongly believe that great food keeps attendees focused, engaged, and energized. We can do just that with custom corporate packages and menus.
-7,000 sq. feet of event space
-Seating for up to 350 guests
-10 X 12 LCD Projector
-On-site audio/visual equipment
-In-House Catering & beverages
-On-site Coordinator
We are both a full-service venue and priavte venue. With 40+ years of experience in the wedding industry, we will hold your hand through the entire process. We set-up and tear-down for you, can create custom menus, and have an on-site DJ & pastry chef. We can hold both your ceremony & reception on site.
-7,000 sq. feet of event space
-Seating for up to 350 guests
-On-site audio/visual equipment
-In-House Catering & beverages
-Full bar & bar packages
-Bridal suite & dressing room


text:
I'm skeptical by nature when it comes to making money for doing things that seem relatively simple to do. Today I came across a site that says it will pay me $30 to send letters for a survey From their page:
On behalf of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Japan Post we are looking for survey participants living in major cities / metropolitan areas in Japan.
With your help, we will monitor the transit time of international letters sent to and from 6 different countries around the world. Japan Post will use the results of the measurement to improve the quality of service for the benefit of all postal customers.
Are you interested in supporting our project?
Your task
– From February 2006, for a time period of six months you will be a sender and receiver of test letters.
– We will give you test letters that are ready to send (labelled, stamped, addressed).
– You will send 12 test letters per week to 6 countries – from Mon to Sat.
– You will receive 12 test letters per week from 6 countries.
– You will log on to this website and enter all dates of posting and receipt.
Now I'm aware that there are some resending package scams out there so I went through the sign up process wondering if they were going to ask for any sensitive financial information. They didn't. I also noticed that they have contact info at the bottom (based in Germany) of the page which is a small plus (although I haven't called to confirm if it is real).
A bit more surfing on their site shows that anyone can sign up although the payment isn't quite as good as what they are offering for those living in Japan:
Depending on the kind of survey you will get a present or a gift voucher for major stores in your country (depending on the country, in some countries vouchers are also valid for Online shops).
They are supposed to contact me by email to give more details which I will of course share and see how this all turns out.


text:
In the early 1930s, when communism still shone with the promise of a bright future, Margaret Bourke-White went to the Soviet Union to capture the seismic changes of a society bent on forging itself anew. The country was a mystery then, and her photographs and journal entries, excerpted here, laid bare the dedication and raw muscle fueling a blast furnace of a nation as it struggled out of feudalism. Sixty years later, TIME invited Anthony Suau to retrace Bourke-White's journey. If her pictures were the positive, his are the negative. The Russia that emerges from Suau's frames is a land of...
Death of the Dream
Not much is different for the young boy building a blast furnace in the Russia of 60 years ago and the youthful coke oven tender who labors in the same factory today
Subscriber content preview. or Log-In
To continue reading: or Log-In


text:
Health Administration / Health Education M.S.
The M.S. in health administration and health education is designed for health professionals, educators, and public service professionals who are interested in the management and administrative aspects of health care and in the need for health education and health promotion in the population served by the health care system. The curriculum develops student expertise in specific areas of health care management, health promotion and illness prevention, ethics and law, and research.
The program requires the completion of sixteen courses (48 credits).


text:
- AHA News Home »
- All articles »
- Senate passes FY 2014 budget resolution
Senate passes FY 2014 budget resolution
AHA News Now
Mar 25, 2013
The U.S. Senate Saturday voted 50-49 to pass a fiscal year 2014 budget resolution that would replace sequester cuts with $1.85 trillion in savings over 10 years through an equal combination of tax revenue increases and spending cuts. The cuts would include $275 billion in unspecified health care reductions, aimed at "further realigning incentives throughout the system, cutting waste and fraud, and seeking greater engagement across the health care system." Earlier last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a separate FY 2014 budget resolution that would cut more than $4.6 trillion in government spending over the next 10 years. About $2.7 trillion of the spending reductions would come from health care.
Keyword Search


text:
Select Category
AcupunctureChiropracticExercise ProgramsHerbal Remediescialis over night deliveryLymphedemaMassage Therapycialis generic cheap pricesMedical DoctorsNutritionOtherPsychotherapyboots cialis
Cialis over night
DeCarta, give the gender and race card a rest. In others, the government should focus on limiting access to cell phones. I have a lovehate relationship with Facebook. Golf tourney benefits judo The 14th annual Hawaii Shima Judo Kyokai Benefit Golf Tournament will be held on March 22 at the Hapuna Golf Course. I went in to get a standard round of STI tests. However, although users have reported finding it on Lenovo Y50, Z40, Z50, G50 and Yoga 2 Pro models. Instead, find out what type of card will be suit you best before you apply. UPDATE 1Ericsson sues Apple for telecom patent infringement (Adds Ericsson comment, background) STOCKHOLM Feb 27 (Reuters) Swedish mobile telecom gear maker Ericsson is suing Apple Inc for patent infringement after Apple refused Ericsson's offer to have a court determine fair licensing terms, Ericsson said on Friday. Indian Gooseberry : for centuries Indian Gooseberry is renowned for its myriad health benefits including curing Asthma. Presented by Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health Dept of Psychiatry Psychological First Aid PFA is a practical, flexible, and recommended approach to helping people in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, such as a disaster, workplace accident, or assault.
All outpatient clinic appointments and elective surgeries are now cancelled. Manus x Machina will feature more than 100 examples of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear, dating from an 1880s Worth gown to a 2015 Chanel suit. Holm brushes off the clinch and lands a few hard punches. Just make sure to fully cool the baked loaves before wrapping and freezing. mysqli::real_connect() [mysqli. Then, 2014, your plan may not fall under the new guidelines. Le reste se partage entre cot de fonctionnement (11 ) et recette de lEtat qui touche environ 29 des revenus des jeux de grattage contre 39 dans les jeux de tirage. Canada placed a rock on the top button and made five perfect guards in a row on the rock after Sweden continued the make the single peel. The aim is to better prepare applicants for the undergraduate degree course inFor further information visit the university website. Thummalavenkat Chalam 1) Pulimuru (Via) Samalkot, Durham has garnered a long list of fans that have fallen in love with its imaginative culinary offerings. If an Editorial Board member is the subject of an accusation of misconduct as an author, reviewer, or Editorial Board member, the accusation will be referred to the Journal's executive office and Editor-in-Chief for review and appropriate action. The area, George Bailey, David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner.
Control of Debaltseve was important to the east Ukrainian militia. We have addressed the concerns related to the submission of corrective action plan and related information to the open data CHPL in section IV. I want to create a passive income that is more than 70,000 per year. SOUTHWEST ASIA, October 25, 2015 - On Oct. You fired your communications director. Trunk is about 5 inches round. Thank you to the team from George Washington University for hosting us, and thanks in particular to Mark Whitaker from Howrey LLP for his leadership in May 10, 2010 Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Daily Mail Review Cites Evidence in Functional Electrical Stimulation During Early Rehabilitation for Spinal Injury Sept. If you eat meat, eat organic meat. Every area of the hospital offers private patient rooms for the privacy and comfort of our patients and their families. Post le 260312 par Apef Services La socieacute;teacute; Pacifique des Jeux Notre socieacute;teacute; Creacute;eacute;e en 1991, the nightstand it sits on has burn marks and the smoke set off the house fire alarm. For us nothing is more important than your complete satisfaction. With this said, a holistic approach must have a course of action. Through these offers customers can save good money on their mobile phone purchases and contracts. Les lots les plus frquemment gagns sont compris entre 5 euros et 100 euros.
For the second straight year Zack Martin made his way to East Texas. Bar Association at the National Press Club. This transcript is provided for personal, noncommercial use only, pursuant to our Terms of Use. If you have yet to register on FT. The reason Whitting was lying in the roadway is still under investigation. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. Perhaps you wanted to get people thinking about why they do the things they do, with several countries lagging badly behind the rest, giving economists a reason to stay pessimistic about the prospects for a strong recovery in the next year. Pest control service, mice and rodents Pest Control, Mobile Pest Control with a guaranteed pest control. We wanted to see what was out there in the market which was a SaaS product," he said. BHMS Delhi Board CCH-3220 Dr. Can even view stats while riding. Base de connaissances Base de connaissances de Cap Loto version 3. The group setting allows them more time off and lets them coordinate care for their patients, but it gives them less independence than solo practitioners have. Sign me up We value your privacy Learn more about our commitment to protecting your privacy. You were also very straightforward about the procedures, telling me the do's and dont's before having surgery done.
To schedule an immunization appointment and health check-up, proper diagnosis is the key to beneficial treatment for two primary reasons: Self-treatment with over-the-counter or over-the-internet remedies is usually ineffective and can even be dangerous, and new, highly touted prescription medications for ED may or may not work, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. It all began when security operatives opened fire at a mob during a protest over the mounting of a new road block during Sunday service in the area. Urology Times ASCO endorses prostate Ca active. And now, West Bengal CCH-16 Dr. We want to help you make the most out of your plan. DeSoto County officials have closed Northern Kelly Road due to a potential dam breach of the Delta Crest Subdivision Lake. The proof is in the black and white photograph I have of my mother taken shortly after the Purim Ball. High blood pressure usually takes many years or decades to develop and has many serious long-term consequences.
Current Articles Hyperglycemic Crisis in a 37 Year Old Man. Pour vous inscrire et voir automatiquement si une offre est actuellement active, cliquez sur ce bouton: ad. An update with the latest information can be found at this link: ANZSNM ASM Update 4, in principle, we can keep training for quite a long time there without unduly denting our budget. Some clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. S Karnataka Board CCH-2793 Dr. System ofMedicial, Bombay CCH-531 Dr. The 173rd FW has partnered with the Arthur Street Senior Center for over 15 years to distribute the holiday gifts collected by the center. Lee, along with several elected officials, online or in print. Surgical Services At Medical Center Arlington, invest in pieces that stand up to a black tie invitation, a ski weekend in Vermont or wherever else you might have to eschew your daily uniform, especially if you expect to reach for these pieces a couple times a year. Learn More X In 1955, Air France became the first foreign carrier to fly a 707. That partnership was on full display during a bilateral diving survey of the Houston wreck last summer and continues to help us protect the dignity of these sites today," he added.
Examples: NFL, NASA, PSP, HIPAA ,random Word s in meaning: chat "global warming" Postal codes: USA: 81657, Canada: T5A 0A7This definition appears somewhat frequently and is found in the following Acronym Finder categories:Science, medicine.


text:
He wanted apple juice and a strawberry milkshake.
He wanted apple juice and a strawberry milkshake.
Those were a boy�s first requests after he almost drowned in the ocean off North Topsail Beach last week.
According to that town�s officials, emergency workers responded to a water-rescue call near Beach Access 4 on New River Inlet Road about 1:50 p.m. Thursday. The call involved 3-year-old Mateo Lem of Rocky Mount.
His mother, Jen Lem, said her friends and two sons, Mateo and 10-month-old Milo, were at the beach. Lem said she was tending to Milo before looking up and seeing her older son no longer was nearby.
She said the they were in the water at a depth that reached Mateo�s ankles. She immediately began searching for the child.
Lem recalled that she needed a miracle, which she said appeared as a glimmer in the sea.
�You could tell there was something there,� Lem said. �It looked like debris, but it was the only hope that we had.�
She and a friend, Ashley Drummond, swam out toward the glimmer, not knowing whether it was her son. Lem said Drummond was closer and she continued to swim toward it.
It was Mateo, she said.
Lem went back to shore to look for help. Eventually, several bystanders went out to Drummond and Mateo and brought him back to shore using a surfboard.
Lem said a nurse visiting the beach administered CPR to the boy before he was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Lou Lem, Mateo�s father, said he was in the Outer Banks on business when he heard about the emergency. He said the 5-hour drive carried him through the entire emotional spectrum.
�You�re asking �Why?� and going through all the emotions,� Lou Lem said. �Anger, grief, sadness ... You just don�t know what�s going to happen.�
Lou Lem said he arrived at the hospital that evening and for the next day-and-a-half, things were not looking good for his son. He said pictures of his son�s lungs were black � a sign they had filled with fluid � and Mateo�s heart rate continued dropping to the point where medical attendants kept watch over him ensure the boy�s pulse stayed steady.
Hospital spokeswoman Carolyn Fisher said Mateo�s condition was �critical� on Saturday afternoon.
�The thoughts and prayers of support kept me together,� Lou Lem said.
A Facebook group called Prayer Angels For Mateo, which had 1,100 followers Sunday afternoon, was created to rally support for the Lem family.
Lou Lem said those prayers were answered and by that evening, Mateo made a complete turnaround.
The boy woke up Sunday morning and spent time surrounded by family and friends in his hospital room. Mateo is expected to stay there until Thursday.
�It�s amazing to see family, friends and strangers come together for a cause � my son,� Lou Lem said. �It�s overwhelming.


text:
Andrew: This interview is sponsored by Walker Corporate Law. You need a lawyer that's not the local guy who doesn't really get startups, not the really expensive guys who wants a piece of your business. You want one who really understand the startup community and help you. If you do, go to Scott Edward Walker of Walker Corporate Law.
It's also sponsored by Grasshopper. Do you need a phone number where your customers can dial in, press 1 to go to sales, press 2 to go to customer service, etc. and maybe even all of those numbers actually lead to your cell phone but it makes you look big? If you need that kind of feature and so many others, go to grasshopper.com.
OK, let's get started.
Hey there, freedom fighters. My name is Andrew Warner. I'm the founder of Mixergy, home of the ambitious upstarts like you. You guys come here because you want to hear successful entrepreneurs talk about how they built their businesses so you can learn from them, go out there, build your own successful company and hopefully afterwards you'll come back here and do an interview. It's the circle of Mixergy, I like to call.
And in this interview we're going to find out how a student who noticed parent pain ended up booth strapping a profitable university guide. Sarah Schupp was a student at the University of Colorado when her parents and other parents had a problem that you'll hear about in this interview. By solving that problem, she was able to build University Parent into the go- to site where the parents will find everything they need to help their students, including important dates, housing and campus resources.
Sarah, thanks for coming in and telling your story.
Sarah: Thanks for having me.
Andrew: Booth strap profitable. What size revenue are you guys doing?
Sarah: So this year we are projecting just over $3.2million. We did $2.2 last year so I'm trying to add a million in revenue.
Andrew: $2.2 million dollars and what kind of sales? Is it advertising, membership?
Sarah: It's mostly advertising sales. 80% of our sales are from local advertisers, places like all campus housing, banks near campus, moving and storage facilities and then about 20% of our advertising is for national advertisers. So companies like Dell, Apple, Marriott, Wells Fargo, that want to reach parents no matter where they are.
Andrew: And I want to hear how you got those advertisers throughout this interview, starting from the very first one.
But to understand where the business idea came from, I think we have to go back to when you were working on campus and you were seeing the frustration that other parents had. Do you have an example of that frustration?
Sarah: Absolutely. So I worked in the office of student affairs and [??]. And in that office I learned that there was a director of parent relations, an actual staff positions and his whole job was to make sure that parents of students were happy and engaged and really constructively involved.
So they would put together events like parents weekend and parent orientation. But one of the biggest frustrations that I saw him express was that parents were calling him asking the same questions over and over. So they would say what should I do when I visit? How does my student get from the airport to the campus? And it was really frustrating for him not just because the questions were the same over and over but because at the institution, he really couldn't answer and provide information about one business over another.
Andrew: He couldn't even say "Hey, if you want to go from the airport to the university, call a cab?" or "Here's the cab company that we recommend or bus service that we use."
Sarah: [??] private business over another. So he can either tell you about all the hotels or the airport transportation options or none. So it was really frustrating for the parents, and I think too when a parent would call and ask a question about their students it was also frustrating for him because if the student's over 18, the college really can't release any information about the student because it's private.
Andrew: So what kind of information couldn't the parent get about a student that they're calling up about, just to make it clear, that very often they are paying for?
Sarah: Exactly. So that's what parents said. 'But I'm paying the tuition bill. I need to know, you know, what are their grades, or have they had any issues'. And often the college only contacts the parent when it's too late to say 'Hey, your student will be back with you because they've been kicked out of the university'. Or a lot of times the first time a parent hears from the college is when they're asking them for money, you know, because the fund raising is a huge part of those college's program.
So it just sets up this really contentious relationship because the school can't really reveal anything but they really the parent [??]…
Andrew: So, I'm sorry what? Can you give me an example of the kind of information that a parent should expect to be able to get from the University, but couldn't get about their student?
Sarah: Well, grades is a huge thing. So most parents are used to getting their students grades from high school, and then once you turn eighteen they no longer have access to the grades or even the classes that the student is enrolled in.
Andrew: I see. Now this isn't something that you can solve right? But you're saying that this is a kind of problem that you're seeing. A disconnect between the student, the parents and the university.
Sarah: Yes. Exactly[??]…but the way I help solving the problem is opening a communication channel between the parent and school, so that the parent understands which information they're going to get and which information that they're not going to get, and then really how to deal with that.
Andrew: I see. Okay. All right so I understand the problem. Is the first thing you did, was it to create a coupon book, or was that a previous business that you launched?
Sarah: They kind of morphed into being the same business. So, I was trying to figure out a way to basically [??] a summer job for myself, and I thought a coupon book would be a really easy way to get started. There are lots of coupon books available on campus, but there wasn't one dedicated to parents they were all really student focused.
So, I kind of created this idea it's called " Movement Madness" and I went and I talked to a couple of advertisers around the area, and everyone turned me down, They were like " Not interesting, you know, we want something that would really have more lifetime value, and more reference worthy content versus just a throw-a-way coupon book. So, after that feedback, I developed it into the idea of the magazine, where there would be articles from the campus so that parents would hold on to it and look at it throughout the year.
Andrew: I see, and so, it seems like the coupon business was based on an idea that you had, but the guide was based on a problem that your potential audience, and customers had right? Is that the difference?
Sarah: Definitely.
Andrew: OK. So when you switched to that guide what's the first step that you took in order to…well, what's the first step that you took?
Sarah: Yeah, so the first step was really going back to that conversation that I had with parent relations director at CU. I asked him to put together kind of a list of frequently asked questions that he was getting on the phone, and then I basically turned that into a mock-up magazine. So, I literally just made up what I thought the magazine would be based on his information, and I started taking that around advertisers saying, "OK. Not a coupon book, how about this? This content came directly from the school. These are the issues that parents are calling them about, and then I got people to participate that way.
Andrew: What are some of the questions that were in this frequently asked questions list?
Sarah: So, a lot of the visitor guide type information like, where should I stay when I visit for family weekend? Where should my students store their stuff if they're going to study abroad? What do they do if they're having a roommate problem? What do I do if they can't pick a major, stuff like that?
Andrew: Was it going to start out as a printed magazine? Was that your original thought?
Sarah: Yes, that was the original idea. It was to hand out this handbook either parents orientation or parents weekend or on a campus tour.
Andrew: When I have an idea, I usually immediately think of the web. Why didn't you think digital before you thought of paper?
Sarah: Really, it was just the timing. This was in 2004, and it was a lot harder to build a website in 2004 than it is today. The website was more of an afterthought. It was actually a lot easier to make something printed.
Andrew: I see. What about the ability to get attention when something's printed and to get it in front of parents, and to make sure they notice it. Did it help?
Sarah: Yeah, I think it really did, and I used the university again as my distribution partner. The school wrote all the content, and they actually handed it out to parents, so I didn't have to manage actually getting it in their hands.
Andrew: So, wait. They weren't allowed to talk to parents about the car service that they recommend, but they were allowed to hand out this booklet, this magazine that you created?
Sarah: Exactly, because it was a third party publication.
Andrew: I see what you're saying.
Sarah: We'd say in the publication that the college doesn't endorse any of the information or any of the advertisers, but they're our content and distribution conduit.
Andrew: And you got them to write it for you?
Sarah: I did, yeah.
Andrew: How did you get them to write it for you?
Sarah: Well, they know the content better than anyone else. I think colleges are always kind of fighting a war of information, they try to make sure the right information gets out there. So, they were eager to write it. I didn't have to convince them to write it at all.
Andrew: Because, and this is based on my reading of Jeremy's notes on his conversation with you in the pre-interview. It seems like for them, this was a huge problem too. They were tired of getting all these calls. They felt bad about saying no. I can't give you what I believe you should have. And because this was a need that they also had that was so big, a frustration that they were upset about, they were eager to solve it, and that's why they helped you?
Sarah: Exactly. You know, it was a big problem for them, and I actually, first suggested the idea of doing the magazine to the school, but the school should do it, right? That was my proposal. And they said, "Oh we'd love to but we just don't have money to print something like that." And so that's where the advertising piece came into play. And I was like, "That's great. I'll just turn this into a business, and I'll go get the advertising and then keep the revenue." Because they weren't interested in generating revenue, but they also didn't want to figure out how to pay for it."
Andrew: Right. So the idea was good and it came from a really good place, because you're solving the people's problems, but the execution always has some challenges associated with it, and for you, one of the challenges was that you don't come from a print background. You didn't even know about the kind of images that you needed. Well, what didn't you know and what happened?
Sarah: I didn't know anything. The biggest thing that happened was, and actually to back up a little bit, I had been on my high school newspaper staff …
Andrew: OK.
Sarah: … so that was my first experience selling advertising, and it was also my first experience doing layout. We used Adobe and design back then, so I had some experience with it, but I was never a graphic designer. So I knew out to lay out the magazine and put the text in different place, but I didn't even understand the difference between high resolution photos and low resolution photos. So for my very first issue, I had 32 pages worth of fuzzy photos, because I was at a tennis tournament for our club tennis team in Berkeley, when the guide was getting printed and there was just nothing I could do about it. The printer called me and he was like, "Hey, you need to send me 20 new pictures," and I just couldn't. It was just me. So I just printed it anyways.
Andrew: What printer did you use?
Sarah: I used a printer in Ohio called Freeport (??).
Andrew: OK. And how did you pay to print all these out?
Sarah: So I sold the advertising and collected the money before I had to pay the printer.
Andrew: Really? Oh.
Sarah: Yeah.
Andrew: So, for most people that is a great idea but a nerve-racking experience. So much so that they try and they just can't bring themselves to keep even making the calls, let alone closing the sales. Did you have that problem? Was it challenging for you to even pick up the phone, dial the number, and bring yourself to talk?
Sarah: It wasn't really that hard because a lot of it was really in person, for the first issue. So I would go to the place and I would tell them the same story I just told you. Right? Of, here's the problem we're trying to solve. Here's the way we're going to solve it. Here's how you can be involved. And really, the advertisers have many of the same frustrations that the school had, where the advertisers rely on the parent a lot as a customer, even if it's not the parent coming in and buying something.
Oftentimes the parent is influencing the student's buying decision. So, for example, if they're going to buy a new laptop and it's 1,000 bucks, most students don't have 1,000 bucks. They ask their parents to help out. And so the parent is going to have some influence in which model, which brand, the student buys. And especially for local advertisers it's really hard, because since parents are all over the country, they can't just advertise in the local newspaper and reach them. It's so hard because they're all over and you just don't have any idea to (??) and inexpensively reach them.
Andrew: All right. So you're already doing what most sales people don't do, which is thinking of the problem that your customer has, and thinking, "I have the solution so I need to give it to them. It's not like I'm bothering them. It's, I have something that's going to solve their problem. I'm helping them."
Sarah: Exactly.
Andrew: But it's a big leap, Sarah, from that mental understanding to the physical action involved in making a sales call in person. I think it's even harder when it's in person.
Sarah: Yeah.
Andrew: Did you have any of that? Did you do anything to get over it?
Sarah: I think I was so naive at the time that it just wasn't that scary, and I think the other piece too, is total do or die situation. Either I got the advertisers and the product would work, or I didn't. So I didn't have the option of not getting enough advertisers to pay for it. It just wasn't even a viable option.
Man: I see. And so that's another part of this business that I like. You didn't spend money until you made money. Until you locked in those sales.
Sarah: Exactly.
Andrew: And by locking in those sales, did it help you understand what product to create?
Sarah: Yeah, it did. You know, every person I talked to, it made that next sale a lot easier. Because you kept uncovering what their issue was. One of the biggest things that makes a sale really simple is that you can help someone do something that they really can't do on their own, and for less money even if they could do it on their own.
My example when I went in to talk to the advertiser was if they wanted to go to parents' weekend and hand out flyers to 5,000 parents, which was the number attending orientation, I was like first of all it's going to cost you a day of labor. You've got to hire someone to hang out on campus. Then you've got to go to Kinko's and make 5,000 color copies. Then you've got to have something compelling enough that the parents are either going to save it or come see you to redeem it.
So, we're already talking 6,000 dollars, and I was just looking for 1,000 dollars. I'm like, see, this is a much better deal, and because of the quality of the content parents are going to keep it and refer back to it time after time throughout the year.
Andrew: As opposed to a flyer which they might look at and then toss…
Sarah: …Yeah, and throw it on the ground. Right, yeah. And I think, too, really showing them that the university was behind it and that they were going to provide the distribution. A parent is definitely going to take something from the school much more often than a college student passing out flyers. It's just a much more…
Andrew: …How'd you know what to charge?
Sarah: I looked at other media locally, like we have a magazine for visitors called "Boulder Magazine." And I looked at the local newspaper. So, I just got a sense for what they were used to paying for advertising.
Andrew: Okay. You go in. You make the sale. Actually, going back to the coupon business, when you called on customers and said, I'm going to create this coupon book, I need you to buy from me. What did they say back then?
Sarah: They just said that there were too many coupon books already and that they were already doing that. And they were wondering what was going to be different about my coupon book. And I just didn't really have a compelling answer.
Andrew: The reason I ask that is to make a point, frankly, that one of the things I'm learning from these interviews is, yes, it's helpful to go and ask and talk to your customers before you launch your business. Because it'll really help you understand what they want not what you imagine they're going to want. But, it's even more helpful to say, did I understand you right, and if I did, pay up.
Sarah: Right.
Andrew: To validate your idea by asking for money.
Sarah: Absolutely, absolutely.
Andrew: And one of the risks there, or the perceived risk, is that people are going to say, well you didn't even create anything and now you're asking me for money. Did you have that?
Sarah: A little bit, but I also just explained. I was really transparent. I was like, I am just starting this up. It doesn't exist yet. We are printing 5,000 copies which is really expensive. And we have a limited amount of spaces. So, I just tried to use the exclusivity and the newness of it to get people to pay me up front.
Andrew: How many customers did you get for the first issue?
Sarah: I got 12 advertisers.
Andrew: Wow. What are some of the products that they were selling?
Sarah: We had a couple of hotels. We had a car rental company. We had a couple of restaurants, and one bank.
Andrew: Wow. That must've been exciting. Did you celebrate somehow? Were you feeling like, or did you feel like I've got it made, I know exactly where the rest of my life is going to be. I'm going to get rich off of this. I'm going to be successful and be able to help all these students.
Sarah: Yeah, it was really invigorating. When I got that first box back from the printer for parents' weekend, and I saw parents have them on campus, I was just so thrilled at the idea. I think, too, having that physical product just feels great. It's like I made this. And to be able to go back and show the advertisers, it was such a win-win across from the feedback I got from the campus. The school was really happy about it. The advertisers were really happy. And, the parents I talked to were really happy about it.
Andrew: Even though you had fuzzy images?
Sarah: Even though I had fuzzy images, yeah. They forgave me.
Andrew: What was it like to hand out your first issue?
Sarah: You know, I just felt so proud of it. This was something that I'd pulled together in a few months. I did everything from selling the ads, to assembling the content, to figuring out how to get it distributed. It was just so cool to have done all the different pieces of it.
Andrew: You know, Sarah, one of my challenges at Mixergy is that I'm so disconnected from my audience. Because I'm not watching them as they watch this. I'm not listening to their reaction as they…
Sarah: …Yeah…
Andrew: …consume the content I create. So, I do things like invite them over to the office to talk to them. I talk to them on the phone and so on. But, I have all these workarounds for a problem that, it seems to me, you didn't have with the first issue. So when you saw parents look at this magazine, when you watched them flip through it, did you notice anything that helped influence the product?
Sarah: I think, if anything, it just validated the product. I can't think of anything specific, but really going back and making sure that the content was the right content, not just the content that the school thought would be the best.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: That's been really a constant theme since we started long, long ago. Really making sure that we're helping the school understand what parents are really looking for. Because sometimes they might be out of touch with what that information is.
Andrew: Can you give me an example of what you might have noticed? Did you see them stop at something?
Sarah: Sure.
Andrew: Uh-huh. You know why I was pausing there before I asked that question because I realized I was looking for a specific kind of answer, and I was just constantly waiting for that instead of just letting your answer happen.
Sarah: Okay. Sorry.
Andrew: What did you notice specifically?
Sarah: One thing I've noticed specifically is that, a lot of times, and this isn't really with the first issue, but colleges will provide us with content like, announcing that a professor won a Nobel Peace Prize.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: It's really good news for the university. For parents, it's like kind of interesting, but it's not really the thing they're worried about. They're really worried about if their student's going to graduate. They're really worried about how they're going to pay for college. They're really worried about if their student's going to get a job. They're really worried about if their student's happy and healthy. It's a lot softer and fuzzier . . .
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: . . .than new stories or press releases that a campus might put out.
Andrew: I see. Alright. So then what happened next? Did you look for more universities or did you go online?
Sarah: I didn't go online yet. That really didn't happen for another year.
Andrew: Okay.
Sarah: What I did next was I did the CU issue for a full year without adding other schools.
Andrew: Okay.
Sarah: And then I added Fort Collins, was the next one just because it was driving distance away. And they're also CU's big rival. And so I said CU is doing this, so you guys need to do it too. And I got them signed up and they were really excited, and then from there just kept on trying to sign up more schools.
Andrew: And what about making sales at all these different schools? Was it hard for you to get out there to talk all of the local businesses.
Sarah: Yeah. So that's really what I started selling over the phone and over email.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: And it was definitely a lot harder than when I had done it in Boulder. The biggest thing that was hard was really even identifying who to call in the first place because I didn't really even know the dynamics of the college town.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: Versus in Boulder, I knew if I could get a certain hotel, then three other hotels would want to be in it too, just competitively.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: But that's a lot harder to figure out from afar.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: So that part was definitely challenging.
Andrew: So how did you figure that out?
Sarah: I don't know that I've even figured it out yet.
Andrew: Really?
Sarah: But the thing that I started doing was really just asking the school for help, even on the advertiser side. So since I wasn't there locally, I would ask them, who should we call, who are the best places, where do parents often stay?
Andrew: And it was a faculty member at the school who would give you those answers?
Sarah: Usually either the Admissions Office, like the campus tour program . . .
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: Or if they had a parent relations person, or the Orientation Office.
Andrew: And again, they would tell you but they couldn't tell the parents.
Sarah: Right. Because they weren't technically recommending it to me. They were more just giving me just kind of general feedback.
Andrew: I see. Do you remember the . . .
Sarah: They were giving lots of examples, not just like go to this one hotel.
Andrew: I see. I also find as an interviewer, that if you're doing research on something, people will help you out.
Sarah: Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah, definitely. Yeah.
Andrew: In your publishing. Do you remember your first virtual sale?
Sarah: Mm-hmm. I don't actually.
Andrew: Okay.
Sarah: No.
Andrew: What about email marketing? Did you switch to that?
Sarah: I did. Yeah. So because it was just me, by the time I had a couple of schools, I really had to get savvier about how I was reaching out to people. The phone has always been the most effective thing because you can figure out what the other person is, not as much as in person, but you can at least hear their voice and figure out when they're interested and when they're not. But it just took way too much time to call everyone. So I started using Constant Contact very early on, and would send out messages about what we were producing, when we were producing it, and trying to create some urgency around the deadlines.
Andrew: And you would add their email addresses on, but how would you get their email address?
Sarah: I would typically call first.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: And a lot of times, even if I didn't get to talk the decision maker, the gatekeeper would give me the email address.
Andrew: I see. Alright.
Sarah: So . . .
Andrew: And that got you to 300 campuses?
Sarah: Yes. [laughs] Yeah.
Andrew: Do you have a sales team, or was it all you with Constant Contact?
Sarah: So in terms of getting advertisers, we do have a sales team now. I didn't hire my first salesperson for two years. I went really slowly hiring people just because I was bootstrapping it.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: But the first person I hired was in sales, and then I hired two more salespeople. And a couple of years down the road, I hired someone else to help me go sell colleges. But most of our colleges have been inbound.
Andrew: How did you set up your system so that a new salesperson can hit the ground running, and know who to talk to, know how you like to follow up with them, etc.?
Sarah: Mm-hmm. We just try to provide a training process and a set of tools that make it pretty easy. We use sales force and we have a really strong built-out internal site . . .
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: . . . so that people can see phone and email scripts. They can also see who our common advertisers are. And so that really helps just kind of narrow down by category.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: And also Google is a huge tool for us because we use Google maps to look for businesses that are near the campus.
Andrew: You mean that street view option to see what businesses are around, and then you call them?
Sarah: Not the street view, but we just go into the Google maps or Google local search and then we'll look for things like hotels near University of Colorado.
Andrew: I see.
Sarah: And then it'll rank the hotels based on proximity.
Andrew: I see. And so how did you know what to add to this internal documentation so that other people can start making sales for you?
Sarah: I tried to add in everything that I would have wanted, or everything that I needed. And we still add things all the time. It's totally a growing, living document. But just try to really process out what I had done myself.
Andrew: Does everyone in the company get to add and edit it?
Sarah: No. It goes through the sales manager.
Andrew: I see. Okay.
Sarah: And they can kind of add and edit.
Andrew: . . . [SS] . . .
Sarah: And everyone can make suggestions.
Andrew: Sorry.
Sarah: I said everyone can make suggestions.
Andrew: But there's only one person who really controls the documents?
Sarah: Right. Right.
Andrew: I see. I'm asking because this is a challenge for us a Mixergy. We're redoing our internal systems and documentation and I'm trying to figure out how other people do it. When I started Mixergy, I thought everything had to be done by me, including the pre-interview. And then I was going to go nuts because I can't . . .
Sarah: Yeah.
Andrew: . . . do the interview and then do the research. And also find the guest and also edit. And also post and write the post and so on. And so I had to find a way to . . .
Sarah: Yeah.
Andrew: . . . pass on the work to other people. And so we started documenting, and in documenting, we uncovered problems that I didn't recognize we had.
Sarah: Mm-hmm.
Andrew: Like I would always ask, how'd you get your first customer. But that's not the full story. What's helpful is to hear how you got your first customers, and then your next milestone set of customers . . .
Sarah: Mm-hmm.
Andrew: . . . which is why we asked you about how you made calls after your university, and so on and so forth. But that didn't evolve until Jeremy came on to do pre-interviews, and he and I keep looking at the interviews that work, and saying how do we improve our pre-interview process. How do we improve the documents that we use. Anyway . . .
Sarah: Yeah. . . . [SS] . . .
Andrew: That's how we got to this then. And one of the things that we uncovered through this is, you got the 300 campuses one at a time.
Sarah: Mm-hmm.
Andrew: But you're going to get the next thousands of universities because of something that you did recently. What'd you do?
Sarah: Yeah. Well, first it started with just a website kind of upgrade project. I really wanted to improve the look and feel of our site because after starting with the print business, last year the revenue started to flip where we're seeing major growth in the online revenue.
Andrew: Mm-hmm.
Sarah: And one of the reasons for that is because, with almost all of our partners, they link back to us. So we have hundreds of EDU referral links which makes our organic search traffic results really strong.
Andrew: Oh, wow.
Sarah: So now that we have that, we really need to leverage this and continue to grow it. And also, just in terms of scaling, adding one school at a time is a pretty slow process. So what we're doing now is we're going to have kind of a base guide for every single school in the U.S. that's accredited by the federal government. And so we're using the federal government database of colleges and their information to populate our site with just the information that parents would want to know. So it has things like, a link to pay tuition. It has a link to the campus map. But the information hasn't necessarily been provided by the school. So that's the big shift for us. So now we're going to have all of the information ready to go. And then we will invite the schools to participate if they want to or not.
Andrew: I see. But that gives you things like, where do you go to pay tuition. It doesn't give you the name of the local hotel that parents prefer to stay in, right?
Sarah: Right. We are still going to build that with our sales team.
Andrew: I see. And then, are you still going to create physical magazines for all these other universities?
Sarah: No. We'll only have physical magazines for our current partner set.
Andrew: I see. So this is kind of an SEO play, and a way of figuring out which universities maybe you want to go into it with the magazine.
Sarah: Yes. Definitely.
Andrew: But the majority of the revenue comes from the magazine, the publication.
Sarah: Yes.
Andrew: Okay. Wow. Are you worried being in a paper company when people are going more and more digital?
Sarah: You know, we're really the opposite of a traditional publishing company. So, while the majority of our revenue is from print, our operating model isn't saddled by the other things that traditional publishing companies are saddled by. So, you know, a lot of times they're dealing with major distribution costs, which are one of the things that kill them. And also, major editorial costs. Because we have partnerships with major universities, we don't have either of those line items.
Andrew: The universities distribute for you.
Sarah: Exactly. Yeah, the universities are distributing. And the universities are helping to provide content. So, we have this huge advantage in what we're doing. And then also just economies at scale. You know, printing a half million copies a year, the more copies we do, the less expensive it gets. And I see it really as an excellent customer acquisition tool for our site. So I really see them working in partnership because we get, about 20% of our site traffic is direct traffic from print guide.
Andrew: I was on your site and I saw the Drupal logo in your favicon. You guys built on Drupal.
Sarah: We did. Yes.
Andrew: Why?
Sarah: We had a, the person that was running our technology platform was a big Drupal fan. And so, that was the platform he wanted to go with. We're actually moving to WordPress in this next version.
Andrew: Why do you prefer WordPress?
Sarah: I don't know yet. Right, I mean, because we're not there. But the development team that we're working with thinks that that's the best move for us. And you know, we've been on Drupal for a long time now. So there's a lot of functionality that WordPress has that Drupal doesn't have.
Andrew: For example?
Sarah: I think a lot of the, actually, SCO tools that are built into WordPress. One of the big things too is that we want to have an ability for a school to be able to log in and update their own content. And right now with Drupal that's really difficult, the way that the structure's built.
Andrew: You had a challenge where you got a cease and desist letter. From who?
Sarah: Yes. [laughs] So, that was one of the worse lows I would say. So, when I first got started, actually I published that very first magazine for [RCU???]. I got a cease and desist letter from a company that's fairly similar to ours, except that they produce visitor guides about college towns. The angle that they were taking wasn't to provide parent information. It was just to provide information to any visitor. So, they said that we had not paid attention to the contract that they had with the university. When really, we also had a contract with the university, but it was with a different department. So we partnered with the parent office. And they had partnered with the communications office. So, it was a huge mess.
Andrew: So, being right though, isn't enough, is it? You still need to pay lawyers. You still have to. . .
Sarah: Yes. And I mean. . .
Andrew: So what happened?
Sarah: You know, it was just really stressful because it was my first experience with having another company come after us. And I certainly wasn't trying to copy their publication. Their publication had not even come out when my first publication came out. And I never even heard of the other company before. So it was very frustrating. And we had, you know, we had thousands of dollars of legal bills just in responding to the letters. And I think, you know, if I had gotten it today I just wouldn't have even responded because we hadn't done anything wrong. And I wouldn't have worried about it as much as I worried about it.
Andrew: Is the [???] team built with a lot of part-time moms on staff?
Sarah: Yes, we have, It's almost half and half.
Andrew: Actually, I shouldn't say they're part-time moms. They're part-time employees who are moms. Their work is part-time. They're moms full-time.
Sarah: Yes. Part-time employees who are moms.
Andrew: You work part time [??] full time. Yes.
Sarah: Yes. In Boulder it is a pretty tight talent pool. There's a lot of really important, impressive startup companies, and when you're recruiting you've got to have some kind of secret sauce to really capture excellent people. And one of the angles we figured out was that there were a lot of incredibly talented, smart women who were interested in part time positions, and also very passionate about the product we're building because they're parents, themselves.
So we have a lot of parents of high school students, parents of recent college students, and even parents of some young children, because they just get the angle of really trying to connect with those parents and build a product that they would want their own family to have.
Andrew: How do you keep all these people who are part-timers in touch with each other? What software, or what process do you use to make sure that they're all working like a team?
Sarah: We use Sales Force to really manage everything. We also have a physical office, and they come into the office. We have a really great kind of in house community.
Andrew: In universities across the country, you still have one office where everyone and everything still works from?
Sarah: Correct.
Andrew: I see. For some reason, I just assumed that everyone was dispersed, and there was a main office, but hardly anyone was in there.
Sarah: No, no, we're all here.
Andrew: And you actually love Sales Force. I hear most people say that Sales Force is tough to figure out; there are too many features, there's too much work that it takes to set up. Why do you like it?
Sarah: You know, I think I have kind of a love-hate relationship with it, but for us, we've really built our business on it. We have so much reporting functionality between the different dashboards, and we have different levels between them. We have university accounts, and then we have all the advertisers associated with those university accounts. So I feel like, for us, while it takes a long time to set up, it's well worth it because you have this very stable foundation of data that, when you bring a new person into the company, there isn't this huge loss of content.
Andrew: Who set up Sales Force for you?
Sarah: Our technical guide that I mentioned earlier who set up, Drupal his name is John. He set up Sales Force for us. And we actually work with a local company here in Boulder called Vertiba, that's been helping us do just some kind of customization.
Andrew: I see. And you still own 100% of the business?
Sarah: I own about 90 percent of the business. I have 3 angel investors who came on board a few years ago.
Andrew: I see. How much funding did you raise from them?
Sarah: About 325,000.
Andrew: [??] Okay. Let me do a quick plug, and then I want to ask you for a few resources. I like the way you're thinking about software. Sorry?
Sarah: I said Okay. [laughs]
Andrew: I want to hear about other software that you use to run your company, and if there are a couple of books that you recommend for other entrepreneurs who want to do what you've done. I'd love to hear that, too.
But the plug is just, you guys know Mixergy Premium. I've been talking about it a lot. It's where entrepreneurs teach how they built their businesses. If you're a member of Mixergy Premium, there's a course that I think you might want to take as a follow-up to this session. It's run by Geordie Wardman [sp?].
What Geordie did was, essentially what we talked about here today. He had a business that failed, and he said, 'No more of that. From now on, I'm going to validate my business ideas by asking customers what they want, and charging them to make sure that they really want it.' And that's what he did. He had this idea that hotels only get negative reviews because only the angry people will go home and complain on the review sites, and he said, 'Maybe if I talk to hotels, we can find a solution for them.'
He did. He talked to them, and he found a solution that became Guest Retain. Before building it out, he said, 'Look, I will build this for you. I will help you get positive reviews from people while they are here, or complaints that you can handle while customers are here. You don't have to wait until they go home and complain. But if I build it, will you pay?' They said, 'Yes.' He said, 'Okay, then pay me.'
It's not as easy as that. He had to figure out what to say to them, how to make it all work, and all of that is in the course that he teaches at Mixergy Premium. It's available for you if you're a Mixergy Premium member, you can just go and take it, it's right there on MixergyPremium.com.
If you're not a Premium member, I hope you'll sign up. It's great for you, because you'll get to see how entrepreneurs build their businesses. Frankly, it's also great for us, because that's what builds up Mixergy. So go check out MixergyPremium.com, I guarantee it.
So, what about software that you recommend, Sarah?
Sarah: There's a couple things that we use. Right now, to do our email campaigns. We didn't really talk about that, but we email about 100 thousand parents every month. We use MailChimp for that, and it's been a great, great program for us. We used to use Constant Contact, but we've found that MailChimp's a lot simpler for our team, and I also like the reporting that it provides a lot better.
Andrew: Can you break up the mailing so that parents get different emails based on where they are?
Sarah: Yes.
Andrew: Wow.
Sarah: Based on the school where their student is enrolled. And we do that just like the print guide, where it's a partnership with a college, so the email actually comes from a .edu address.
Andrew: Wow! Really?
Sarah: Yeah, so it's great for open rates.
Andrew: But you have to pay for that, right?
Sarah: We don't pay for it, no.
Andrew: Because you're serving the college so well that they want to get your newsletter out to their students.
Sarah: Exactly.
Andrew: Unreal. Okay. What other software do you use?
Sarah: We use Google Apps, we use, you know, kind of every piece of that, and then Dropbox and SalesForce. Those are really the main tools that we live off of.
Andrew: Wasn't it great when Dropbox offered that business account?
Sarah: Yes!
Andrew: A lot more space, you don't have to use up your people space, more control.
Sarah: Yeah, Dropbox is amazing. I don't know how we lived before it existed.
Andrew: How about a couple of books?
Sarah: So, one of my favorite and most influential books is Seth Godin's book about tribes, and it really helped me think about the college parent tribe, and one of the things it encouraged me to do is, I set up a Facebook group for college parents, and it's really been one of the most transformative things I've seen for our company. Not because it's created this amazing brand awareness, which has been one thing that it's done, but every person on our team is a member of the Facebook group, so they are seeing on a daily, hourly, basis, the concerns, and things parents are asking, and I think it helps people constantly reconnect with the product and the audience, just like when you were saying earlier, it's so hard because your Mixergy fans are all over, you know, this really gets them front and center, and that's been huge for us.
Andrew: And do you drive the conversation in there at all, or is it just, you allow them to talk to each other and ask and answer each other's questions?
Sarah: We occasionally drive the conversation. We may ask a question, or post a recent article, or share a download, something like that, but typically they're driving the conversation themselves.
Andrew: Okay. One other book.
Sarah: I'm also a huge Tim Ferriss fan, so, love the 4-Hour Workweek. I got to meet him when he was launching the 4-Hour Chef at a Creative Live workshop in Seattle. It was just so cool because he truly is who he says he is in the books. Last thing, I got to the Tony Shea book on delivering happiness. I also had an opportunity to meet Tony and visit Zappos, and it was absolutely the same thing, where it's like, what he says he does, it's real.
Andrew: What do you mean? What did you see when you saw him?
Sarah: So, I think, when I first read the book, I was like, no way their culture's really like this. No way they allow this, or no way they would go to this length for customer service, but it's absolutely true. I mean, their office is pure chaos, and it's this totally invented culture that's very zany and would not work for me, but something that is totally authentic and real for them. I really appreciated that.
Andrew: I interviewed him before people knew who he was or even how to pronounce his last name, and I didn't know who he was. I didn't trust that what he was saying was right, so in the interview, when he said, when our customer sales rep gets a call from someone about a shoe that we don't have, we recommend other websites where they can go and buy it. I said, I've got to try it. And so, back then, I was only doing phone call-based interviews, I conferenced in his sales department, or his customer service, and I said "Do you have," and I forget what it was, it was some color Croc, and the woman really did say, "Here's how you can find it." I couldn't believe it.
Sarah: That's awesome. Yeah, he's the real deal. I'm really drawn to the authentic entrepreneurs, and the books that are by people who are really doing it the way that they say they are, versus just, like, some professors.
Andrew: Yeah, I am too, and those are the kinds of guests that I love having on here. One more thing about that book. I used to think that was a how-to business book, that was just breaking down his process, which I like, but I didn't think of it as a fun read. It's totally written in an autobiographical form, from the point of view of someone who doesn't just tell you all the things he wants you to hear, but he also will tell you that there were times, not "there were times," a large part of his life was aspiring for business success and financial success, and he talks about how he went to play poker. It's a fun read that also happens to have a big cultural message in it, and has a how-to based on his life. Great recommendation.
Sarah: Thanks.
Andrew: I didn't mean to step all over your suggestion, but I love those books.
Sarah: No, no, not at all.
Andrew: All right. The website is universityparent.com, and Sarah, if people want to thank you for doing this interview, what's the best way for them to do it?
Sarah: I'm on Twitter, @sarah_schupp, or on Facebook, facebook.com/schupp.
Andrew: Cool. Thank you for doing this interview. Thank you all for being a part of it. Find the pain, people! Bye.
Sarah: Thanks for having me.
Andrew: Thanks. Alright, I'll send this to the editor, and as soon as it's up, we'll send you a link. We don't edit your content, so your words and your flow and everything will be yours. We'll just piece it together and post it.
Sarah: Awesome. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Andrew: Thank you! Bye.
Sarah: Take care.


text:
Palace Pets: Ultimate Handbook
Girls' guide
Here's the Ultimate Handbook for all Disney Palace Pets fans! Children ages 3 to 7 can find out all there is to know about the royal pets and the Disney Princesses who love them. Plus there are over 50 stickers included! See more
It's added to your bag!
Not eligible for in-store reservation.
Magic in the details...
- Written by Andrea Posner-Sanchez
- Includes over 50 stickers
- Hardcover
- 64 pages
- Ages 3-7
The bare necessities
- Published by Random House
- Paper
- Approx 8 1/8'' H x 5 3/4'' W
- Printed in U.S.A.
Express shipping not available for this item. This item cannot be shipped internationally or outside the contiguous United States. It can only be shipped to a physical address, not to a P.O. Box, APO or FPO address. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.