Retail Notebook: Kids' voices, from behind a black door, give the ...

In the windows of Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. are cans of Dark Matter brand rocket fuel, a box labeled "Gravity" and a full-sized chrome rocket bike straight from the 1950s. Intrigued and a bit puzzled, you are drawn inside. The walls are covered with antiquated scientific equipment. For sale is a whimsical assortment of toys, food, books, clothes and gewgaws -- everything needed to travel in outer space, according to the signs on the wall. Much of the items' appeal lies in their witty labels. Then you notice the murmur of kids' voices -- though none are visible -- and the black cylindrical door set into the back wall. It's marked "Atomic Teleporter" and carries the warning, "Keep atoms belonging to your person inside teleporter at all times." With a grin, you wonder: What is this place? It's a retail store whose profits help fund 826 Seattle, a 14-month-old non-profit center that offers free creative-writing programs, drop-in tutoring and homework help to students ages 6 to 18.

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Mission accomplished in Monster Concert: Kids learn to perform for ...

Glenna Battson directs piano students during the 2007 Music Teachers' Association of California "Monster Concert" Saturday at Chico State University's Laxson Auditorium.(Bill Husa/Enterprise-Record)

All Chico E-R photos are available here.

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Enforce gun laws to protect kids

Two years ago, when a 14-year-old boy accidentally shot his 11-year-old brother, we called for the strict enforcement of gun laws even in family tragedies. We argued that not doing so sends the wrong message, and that before enacting new gun laws, we need to aggressively enforce the laws we already have -- even if at times it seems "hardhearted." Such an example is the case of Andrea Parker, a Cook County correctional officer who was charged Wednesday with reckless conduct in the accidental shooting death of her 6-year-old grandson, Jaylen Parker. The grandmother apparently left her handgun in the glove box of her car, and her grandson in the backseat, when she stopped at a South Side school to pick up his younger sibling. Jaylen allegedly crawled into the front seat, found the gun and shot himself in the mouth.

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