We all have struggles in our lives - at school, at work, at home.  Maybe you're having personality issues with a coworker or feel that you're not getting the recognition you deserve or you feel that your significant other isn't helping enough with the housework.  I ran across this quote a few days ago and I think it offers some very wise advise, so I thought I'd share it with you.

My son graduated from high school a couple weeks ago and now we are getting ready to send him off to college.  So, in his honor, this week's topic is:

University Trivia

The Air Mouse GO Plus isn't new on the market, but it is new to our product assortment.  It's a mouse that can eliminate the need for multiple presentation devices.  With this mouse, you can control your desktop from up to 100 feet away, use it as a laser pointer, onscreen pen, highlighter or remote.  It's really pretty cool.  Take a look:

Here's a quick one that I want to pass along to all the schools.  Yes, I know - school just got out, but I also know that this is the time that schools start putting in their supply requisitions for the next school year.

Xyron is offering either a $10 or $25 gift card as a rebate for purchases of their XRN624672 or PRO XM1255 cold laminators.  These are perfect for schools - cold lamination means no heat or electricity required.  Click on the image below to be taken to a printable copy of the rebate form.

Well, well well......................you really liked last week's question, didn't you?  I had a record number of replies to that one.  Let's see how you do with this week's topic:

Famous Firsts

Whiteboards are a common office element.  Or should I say "necessity?"  Just about every office has one.  Or more than one.  

If you find that you run out of space to write during meetings and conferences, you may want to consider the MasterVision Tile Whiteboard Wall System.  This system allows you to create any size writing surface or posting surface.

Today I have a product from Smead to share with you.  As you know, Smead is one of the big manufacturers of filing and organizational office products and is known for its innovation.  (Plus, it is a women-owned company.)

The new Corner Organizer File is a way to maximize the corner space on your desk.  

Here we are again - it's Trivia Day!  What shall I test you on today?  

(Hmmm................Thinking.............................)

I've got it!  Today's topic is:

Famous Hoaxes

When evaluating a workspace for ergonomic correctness, remember to consider the keyboard.  Many people can work just fine with the keyboard on top of the desk, but frequently the desk isn't the right height and the user can't be positioned correctly.  Ergonomics are a critical component of an office - a space that isn't ergonomically correct can cause multiple health issues.

Over the time I've been writing this blog, I've reviewed a couple of different staplers - and I'm about to do it again.  Why?  Because the stapler that is my topic today comes from a company whose products I have not liked.   I tried PaperPro staplers when they first hit the market years ago and they were touting their products as the greatest new invention since sliced bread.  I had continuing problems with them jamming - and jam-free stapling was one of their marketing points in their ad campaign back then!  I finally gave up and threw the stapler in the trash.  So, when the manufacturer rep gave me samples to try recently, I was intrigued to see if the newest model was an improvement over my last experience.  

This is my first "team" review.  I was given several samples of the PaperPro inPOWER+ staplers, so I distributed them to my coworkers and we've all been testing them for several weeks now.  There are several different models - we tested both the 28 sheet capacity and the 20 sheet capacity and today we are pleased to present our findings to you.

Okay, it's late at night as I write this and I'm a little slap happy right now, so this question is a bit on the silly side.  Today's topic is:

Useless Trivia

I'm going to temporarily stray from the Do's and Don'ts that I've been writing lately to address a subject that we get a lot of questions about:  paper weights.

Paper weights can be a bit confusing.  I mean, how is it that a 65 lb. cover stock is heavier than a 90 lb. index paper?  Give me a few minutes of your time and hopefully it will be a little clearer.

My mom always told me to dream big.

I can't believe it's already June - the year is half over!  But never fear - we have reason to celebrate.  My birthday is in June - Yay!   I'll expect a large party........  (Okay, maybe just a small one.)    

Speaking of June (and birthdays............)

Today's topic is:  June Trivia

In his song "American Soldier," Toby Keith sings "I will always do my duty, no matter what the price.  I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice.  Oh, and I don't wanna die for you, but if dyin's asked of me I'll bear that cross with honor 'cause freedom don't come free."

Those lyrics just take my breath away - and reduce me to tears every time.  I can't help it when I think about all the men and women who have served our country over the years, fighting for independence, for justice and for freedom.

For my freedom.  Willingly.  

And we're back - to the small screen!  Step through the time machine and go back to the mid-sixties.  Today's topic is:

Star Trek Trivia

If you have a large conference room (or two) in your facility, or if perhaps you are a teacher in a school, you probably have a PA system available to use for events with lots of participants.  But sometimes the microphone isn't quite the right tool.  What do you do if your event is outside? Perhaps you're the school's football or soccer coach.  Or your company is sponsoring a 5K charity run.  Or your subdivision association is having an Easter egg hunt.  Or you're conducting an emergency preparedness safety drill.  How do you make your voice heard above the crowds?

Last fall, I wrote a review of two new ballpoint pens from Bic, called the Atlantis Exact and the Atlantis Comfort.  I really liked those pens - I gave them 5 paper clips.  So when the Bic rep came to see me again with another new model in the line, I was eager to try it.

Introducing the Bic Atlantis Ultra Comfort ballpoint pen.

The official category for today's question is:

Useless Trivia

but I should probably call it New Parent Trivia.

Today I have two sets of rebates for you on Swingline Shredders.  The first one is on the Stack and Shred Cross-cut shredders.  You can get anywhere from $50 to $500 cash back depending on which model you purchase.  The offer includes purchases made from Jan 1 to June 30 and all submissions must be received by July 31.