Topeka Festival of Trees

Don't miss the festival of trees Sunday, December 2nd. This is an all day event for $2.00. Children under 12 get in free. There will be a market, toffee sales, auctions, and much more.

http://calendar.topekachamber.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=2036&month=12&year=2007

Washburn Lady Blues Enter Semifinals

Watch out! The Washburn Lady Blues executed a major coup de grace last night defeating No. 1 ranked Tampa volleyball team in a 3-2 win at Lee Arena last night. This win takes the Lady Blues on to the semifinals where they will play No. 15 Western Washington. A victory in the semifinals would give the team a chance at the national championship game on Saturday, December 1.

To read more about the Washburn Lady Blues Volleyball team see:
http://www.wusports.com/news/2007/11/30/VB_1130070334.aspx

Topeka Performing Arts Center Events

Looking for somewhere to take your date or even the family for a night out on the town? Don't discount the Topeka Performing Arts Center as a place to look for entertainment throughout the year. Upcoming shows include Cirque Dreams on December 22, 2007 and Franki Valli and the Four Seasons in February 2008. TPAC is known for hosting concerts, musicals, ballets, comedians, and other shows in the Topeka area.

For a complete list of upcoming shows and events check the Topeka Performing Arts website at:
http://www.tpactix.org/

Kansas Players Recognized in Big 12 Awards

Kansas State and the University of Kansas football teams both faced challenges during the season. Kansas State posted a 5-7 record for the season losing the last four straight games. Over Thanksgiving weekend KU faced a devastating 38-26 loss to rival Missouri in the Border Showdown at Arrowhead Stadium blemishing a previously undefeated record for the season. Though both overcame hurdles, K-State and KU fans have much to celebrate as the Big 12 Conference announces the 2007 Football Awards.

The Topeka Capital Journal quoted KU head coach as saying, "I mean it when I tell you the credit belongs to our coaches and our players." Big 12 voters disagree giving him the credit as Mangino takes the 2007 Coach of the Year award making him the first coach in Kansas history to receive the honor. He will have to share the award with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, although this makes the honor no less impressive as he took his team up the polls as high as No. 2 and finished the regular season No. 5 in the BCS rankings.

Mangino makes a valid statement though in giving his players credit as well. Fellow award winners include WR Marcus Herford as Special Teams Player of the Year and James McClinton receiving the Defensive Lineman of the Year award. Four other KU players were named to the 2007 All-Big 12 Football First Team, one offensive and three defensive players.

Kansas State fans also have reason to feel good about the 2007 team as KSU players took both Newcomer of the Year awards for the second time in conference history. Deon Murphy, WR, was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Gary Chandler, DB, received Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Three other KSU players were named to the 2007 All-Big 12 Football First Team, one on offense and two defensive players.

To see a list of all 2007 Big 12 award winners see:
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big12/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07-big12-awards-fb.pdf

For the Topeka Capital Journal article on Mark Mangino, 2007 Coach of the Year:
http://cjonline.com/stories/112707/bre_coach.shtml

Right vs. Left Brian

Click on the image to view it. Which way do you see it spin? If the image is spinning clockwise then you are more right brained and if it is spinning counterclockwise then you are more left brained. The left side "uses logic" and "facts rule," while the right side "uses feeling","imagination rules"

Read more here...

http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php?p=27

Job Trends in Northeast Kansas

The Kansas Department of Labor lists these as the state's top five most vacant occupations:

1. Laborers & Freight, Stock & Material Movers, Hand
2. Waiters & Waitresses
3. Registered Nurses
4. Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants
5. Truck Drivers, Heavy & Tractor-Trailer

The top 10 occupations expected to add the most jobs in Kansas between 2002 and 2012:

1. Registered Nurses
2. Cashiers
3. Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, including Fast Food
4. Retail Salespersons
5. Nursing Aides, Orderlies and Attendants
6. Janitors and Cleaners
7. Truck Drivers, Heavy & Tractor-Trailer
8. Customer Service Representatives
9. Waiters and Waitresses
10. Elementary School Teachers

For more information on Kansas job statistics visit:
http://www.dol.ks.gov/lmis/jobseekers.html

Downtown Topeka Celebrates the Season

Thirty-fourth is not the only street creating miracles. The Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade will take place in downtown Topeka on Saturday, November 24th. Help ease into the holiday season this year by enjoying this Topeka tradition since 1995. The parade begins at 6pm starting in the Judicial Center parking lot and then heading north on Jackson from 11th Street.

For more information on attending or entering the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade go to:
http://www.miracle-on-kansas.blogspot.com/

Key Staffing Thanksgiving Week Schedule

Key Staffing will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. (Thursday, November 22nd) We will re-open Friday, November 23rd at 8:00 am.

Payday for our temporary employees will still be on Wednesday, November 21st.

Any questions, please call! (785) 272-9999.

Positions Available ASAP

Key Staffing has full and part time janitorial positions available starting ASAP. These positions are long term, pay $8.00 an hour and are running second shift, though the hours may be flexible.

If interested in these jobs, or other employment, apply in person at Key Staffing!

2815 SW Wanamaker Rd.
Topeka, KS 66614

785.272.9999

Deck the Halls!...

...with new employees? It's the middle of November, why would you be thinking about job searching? Better yet, why should you? There are more important things to think about, such as, who's playing Thanksgiving Day? (And what time?!) How early are you going to have to wake up on Black Friday? Is it really necessary to get the dog a stocking? (And fill it?) Job searching should be the farthest thing from your mind right now, right?

WRONG!

I came across an interesting article written by John M. O'Connor, President of Career Pro of NC Inc, "After the Holidays (And Other Bad Job Search Advice). According to John O'Connor, the holidays are not such a bad time to job search: Logically, there is less competition! "The truth is," O'Connor says, "many positions come open hear the holidays. It's a good time for individuals to make moves, quit and end employment. Remember this-The Bureau of Labor Statistics report that 65% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. This may put companies into a bit of a crissi mode. But it's an advantage to you."

O'Connor suggests that even though the Holidays can be stressful enough, be productive with your time and your attitude. "Develop a new, professional resume; .... It may be a good time to face reality about your resume." He suggests working on Choppy Work History, Out of Work, Unrelated Experience, Lack of Experience and Hazy Objectives over the Holiday season.

Finally, O'Connor reminds us to act happy through out the Holiday season: "No one wants to network with or interview a depressed, negative sounding person. The people you meet have reason to talk.. Hey, it IS the Holidays after all!


Information was taken from John M. O'Connor's article on http://carolinanewswire.com/. John M. O'Connor is the President of Career Pro of NC Inc. (http://www.career/proinc.com).

Tips to Help Save Money at the Gas Pump

With gas prices reaching nearly $3 a gallon, we're all looking for ways to try and conserve our use of gasoline. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are several ways to help conserve gas while driving:

-You could improve in-town gas mileage by up to 5% by avoiding "jack-rabbit" starts and stops.
-Stay within the posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
-Use cruise control when appropriate.
-Keep your engine tuned, and be sure to change your oil on a regular basis.
-Check and replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can decrease your gas mileage by 10%.
-Remove all unnecessary items from your trunk to help reduce fuel economy.
-Keep your tires properly aired and aligned.

For more tips on saving money at the gas pump, go to:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/savegas/flash.html

Don't Forget!

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 4th! Don't forget to fall back an hour.

It is recommended that you change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!