Spelling smarts appear to run in the Lin family.

Forestview Middle School seventh-grader Ammy Lin said past experience helping her older brother Jimmy study for the spelling bee was one of the things that led to her success Wednesday. The seventh grader took home the first place trophy at the 2015 Lakes Bee, besting 31 other spellers in a swift 12 rounds at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd.

The daughter of Yi and Xi Lin of Baxter, Ammy is now headed to Washington, D.C. for the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 24-29.

The field narrowed quickly as students from schools in Crow Wing, Morrison, Wadena, Todd and Cass counties competed for top honors. After the second round, only half of the field of 32 spellers remained as words like "spitz," "muumuu," "hassock" and "falsetto" tripped up the talented tweens.

Ammy successfully spelled "grabble," to search with the hand, and "confidence" in the first and second rounds. Oliver Knudson of St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School in Brainerd, an eighth grader who claimed second place honors, made it through with "crimson," a deep purplish-red color, and "honcho," a person in charge. Third-place speller Hannah Paulbeck, a seventh grader from Aitkin, safely navigated "macaroni" and "belladonna," a poisonous plant with red flowers.

In the third round, four more spellers took their bows after misspelling "refugee," "gordita," "odori" and "wanderlust." By Round 8, just five spellers remained: Ammy, Oliver, Hannah, sixth-grader Aidan Hagen of Mary of Lourdes Catholic Middle School in Little Falls and Andrew Hoplin, sixth grade, Pine River-Backus school. Ammy mastered "sequin," Oliver "muslin," Hannah "ridiculous" and Andrew "thesaurus." A stumble on "chary," or cautious about something, sealed Aidan's spelling fate.

The word "satori," or sudden enlightenment representing the spiritual goal of Zen Buddhism, took out Andrew, while Hannah correctly spelled "vulcanize," Oliver "omnipotent" and Ammy "Boswell." The Round 10 word "homburg," or a man's felt hat with a stiff brim, eliminated Hannah, leaving the last two spellers to battle for glory.

Victory came soon thereafter for Ammy. She correctly spelled "relevant" while "hygiene" threw Oliver for a loop. To win, Ammy need only spell one more word correctly, and she did, nailing "benevolent," or well meaning and kind-hearted.

The whole contest lasted little more than 1.5 hours and 12 rounds, while some local bees in the recent past have continued for more than 70 rounds.

Ammy's parents said they're excited she's on her way to the national competition. Ammy said she plans to spend more time studying for her trip to the nation's capital, and it's likely her brother will be helping her prepare.

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'Benevolent' earns Ammy Lin a trip to D.C. Bee

Cleveland, Ohio (PRWEB) March 18, 2015

Zen Windows Cleveland, LLC earns Angie's List Super Service Award for the 2nd straight year. Zen Windows is proud to introduce a new business model that makes it incredibly simple and easy to buy replacement windows and doors for your home. Customers love the Zen process which is reflected in their reviews. This brand new approach completely removes expensive commissions and guarantees a more pleasant experience free of those high-pressure sales calls that everyone dreads. It also streamlines the process of buying windows and doors, so that everyone can get the right product from their home conveniently through their computer or tablet device.

Dan Grahovac is president of Zen Windows Cleveland, LLC and is highly experienced within the industry. Before working at Zen, he spent over two decades working in and around the industry. It was his time here where he saw an opportunity to improve a flawed system. "I love providing my customers with a zero pressure buying experience."

Common hallmarks of the industry include discounts, price drops, window trade-in programs, 2 for 1, and limited time offers. While these offers might sound good in theory, they really just leave the customer confused and unsure whether they're really getting a good product.

When Dan discovered Zen Windows, he discovered a company that took a different approach and was revolutionizing the window industry. Zen Windows pricing is up-front and transparent with no price drops or bait and switch techniques. They don't pay heavy commissions to a sales team or maintain fancy showrooms. You deal only directly with the owner. This makes Zen the most competitively priced company in the industry. Zen doesn't have to try and win over its customers with schemes. Their business model allows for a most enjoyable experience.

About Zen Windows Cleveland, LLC

Zen Windows Cleveland, LLC will continue to offer a zero pressure buying experience for the customer. Your time is valuable! Furthermore, Zen believes so strongly in what they are doing that they are the only company that does not require a deposit for their windows, and get this, you only pay for your windows once you are 100% satisfied. How easy is that? Relax. Window quotes in 5 minutes and never allow a window salesman into your home again.

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Zen Windows Cleveland Earns Angie's List Super Service Award 2nd Straight Year

One of my all-time favorite movie scenes is when John Cusack frantically recites the mantras hes learned at rehab before facing his ex-wife (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones) in Americas Sweethearts. Im grateful for the sun. Im grateful for the moon. Im grateful for the cool night breeze, he declares (unconvincingly). Its my personal well of comic relief in my own moments of stressor when the world has stripped away all the zen Ive achieved in my morning yoga class by mid-afternoon. Fortunately, I now have an accessory that remindsme to remain in my peaceful state throughout the day.

Time Peacewatchespresent an alternative to traditional time-telling. The company used its guiding universal principals (read them below) to inspire the watch's design. This lead to swapping dials for soothing LED lights surrounding a peace sign.

Clearly a play on classic watches from Time Piece, the clever newoption's blinking light indicates the hour while the solid lights represent minutes. The statement design boasts a chic exterior with a leather band in black ($123) or white($99) as well as large faces in various metals. Meanwhile, the actual time feature is meant to be subtle, serving as a secondary function. The brand also boasts more casual, customizable watches($39$42) and an assortment of graphic shirt styles ($15$24).

Keep your spiritual glow throughout the day by stocking up here.

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Editors' Pick: Get Zen With This Smart Accessory