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In honor of the 20th anniversary of All That Jazz Dance Studio, a very special group of 13 year old students organized a HUGE surprise for Miss Deb Vogel, the Director and Founder of All That Jazz in Newton. Here is what they presented her at the recital:
"Eva: Since this is the 20th year of dance lessons at All That Jazz, we decided to celebrate by making a special gift for you.
Emma: Miss Deb, you are so kind, thoughtful, generous and so much more. Without All That Jazz and the support from Miss Deb and the teachers, none of us would be the people we are today.
Lily: Therefore, we decided to make a book to show you how much the whole community loves you, the studio and all the dance classes for kids. Thank you to all who contributed to make this project happen.
Molly: This book is filled with short and long paragraphs from almost every student and faculty member at All That Jazz. And a special thanks for Miss Lindsay for all of her help!
Gabby: From everyone at All That Jazz to you, we would like to say a big thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have put into the studio for the past 20 years."
"Deb, You and your dance studio came into my life right after I had been blessed with my first taste of joyful movement and was hungry for more dance lessons. Luckily, my smart parents found you, and it feels like divine timing. To have that kind of a haven, a safe space to learn and grow among friends, and with the loving support of a teacher-turned- mentor and friend, is a true gift. Especially during those high school years that can be so difficult. I tear up just thinking about and trying to articulate just what you and All That Jazz meant to me, and all of us, at that time in our lives. It is therefore especially gratifying to see you going on two decades strong, and to see how many, many more lives you and your studio have touched and continue to each day. In my adult years, even during times when we haven't been in touch much, you are a constant source of inspiration and support and I love that we have recently reconnected more. I loved getting to grow up with you and All That Jazz. I love your joy, your compassion, drive, dedication, generosity, mentorship and friendship. Thank you for being YOU and for being there for us. I love you, Deb! Congratulations on this beautiful milestone!
~Love, Light, and Gratitude, Emily (Class of 2003)"
"Dear Miss Deb, Congratulations on 20 years of bringing immense joy to our lives! Thank you for creating a space that is always there for me at the end of the day. I know I can count on dance to lift me up no matter what. Thank you for testing us physically and mentally, providing us with invaluable emotional support throughout the year, and always encouraging us to smile and have fun!!
~Love, Hayden" (Class of 2018)
"I Love All That Jazz because it's an amazing place where I've met some of my best friends and favorite teachers!! All That Jazz has taught me how to be confident and have fun while still working hard and being a part of a team. I'm so grateful for Miss Deb and how she taught me that with practice and effort, I can accomplish anything. I miss All That Jazz and all the people in Newton there all the time, and I am so happy I got to grow up in a studio with incredible women doing incredible things!!
~Anastasia (Class of 2017)"
"I love All That Jazz because I've always loved dance. The dance classes for kids are super fun here because the dance teachers are really fun and nice and I love dancing in the costumes on stage at the recital. I'm always really happy when my dance class comes. I really love All That Jazz!
~Maddie (age 10)"
"I love All That Jazz because of the kind people. The teachers and students are all wonderful. If you mess up, no one judges you or pressures you. They will only lend you a helping hand to you. It is special to me because through it I have evolved very much. Once I didn't think I could dance, now I know I can and I am a much more confident person.
~Caroline (age 13)"
"The disco ball is fun when we dance with it. It is fun when we have studio sleep-unders and when we have a dance party. Happy anniversary Miss Deb!
~Rachel (age 8)"
"I love All That Jazz because it gets my wiggles out and it improves your balance and everything about dance.
~Evan (age 7)"
"I love All That Jazz because I get to express my feelings.
~Leah (age 5)"
"I love All That Jazz because it is fun! Miss Deb is very kind!
~Charlotte (age 3)"
"20 Years of All That Jazz:" Anniversary Book created by All That Jazz students for Miss Deb Vogel
Thank you for another great year!! Julie loves dance and loves being at your dance studio. All she wants to do is take more classes and spend more time there because she loves dance and she loves the atmosphere that you create during her dance lessons. I pick her up and watch her walk out confidently and sometimes get misty eyed because I am so grateful that she has this safe haven where she can go and have fun and forget all her worries. It has been such a life saver for her. She will turn on music at home and just dance. I can't tell you how grateful I am for your dance classes for kids.
"I just wanted to write you a quick note to say why All That Jazz Dance Studio in Newton is so important to us... The recital was simply incredible from a choreography and programming standpoint. I know it's for fun, and I know it's for them to be in a safe, supportive, caring environment. But in it all, we can't forget that it's hard work, it takes practice and dedication, and in your dance classes for kids, they learn to love their work. I'm so proud of my girls and for them to be in your program. You're teaching them exactly what we value in our home.
Renee and I spend a lot of time thinking about and grooming our daughters for the world they are growing up in, and you are a HUGE part of what I think we're doing right to prepare them for it.
With love and appreciation for you, your staff, Todd, and the extended family that is All That Jazz, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts."
"Wow! What an incredible day it was yesterday. Every year I am just completely blown away by how incredible the All That Jazz Dance Studio recitals are. Of course I love watching Ellie, and this year especially loved seeing Ellie and Bob dance together, but I'm also just so impressed by all of the other dancers and your amazing faculty.
Seeing the 21 young people getting ready to graduate from High School and head off to the next stage of their lives, embolden by the skills and confidence they've gained from dancing with you over the years is beyond impressive.
Seeing young women with all body types embracing their strength, flexibility and looking so self-assured is nothing short of a miracle in today's world of body shaming and an overwhelming sense from the media of what we "should" look like.
I love that Ellie has those girls to look up to, to be the assistants in her dance lessons and that they form her vision of what a dancer is- someone who LOVES to dance.
I can't believe you've been doing this for 20 years, and I hope that you'll continue for the next 20, 40, 60...
Being a part of the All That Jazz community is a true gift for our family.
Thank you for everything you give of yourself to ensure the success of these awesome dance classes for kids.
With so much love and admiration."
"I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how impressed I am with my daughter's class and All That Jazz Dance Studio in Newton as a whole.
Miss Ellen is amazing!! It is incredible to see what she has done with the group in her wonderful dance classes for kids. She is excellent with the kids and has them all dancing and enjoying their dance lessons! I am so pleased! I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings (and of course the recital!)"
I just have to let you know how incredibly impressed, moved, wowed I was at the recitals on Sunday in Newton.
FIRST of all I can't believe what you do as an educator in all aspects of these dance lessons. You and your dance studio staff are incredible.
The level of dancing, professionalism, enjoyment of the art in the kids was so impressive. Then the mechanics of the recitals. They were so smooth. The organization and effort that must have gone into that-I can't begin to imagine.
Then of course the heart and dedication of you to the kids and vice versa. Plus your skills as a business owner. And of course your incredible talent as a dancer. Just blown away.
All That Jazz in Newton is a wonderful dance studio for kids of all ages. Both my daughters take dance lessons there, and love it! The teachers are talented, enthusiastic, and caring. There are dance classes for kids in many different dance styles for both beginners and experienced dancers. The kids have fun, gain confidence, and put together impressive performances for the end-of-year recital. I highly recommend All That Jazz!
All That Jazz Dance Studio is a terrific studio and has been a wonderful experience for my daughter. The instructors are kind and energetic. The director is fantastic-knowledgeable, organized, responsive, and very dedicated to encouraging all of her young dancers, from beginners (of any age!) to the more experienced. I was blown away by the range of dance styles and the quality of dances at the recitals. Also it is clear that the students are having so much fun. Highly recommend these dance classes for kids in Newton.
"The Best of the Best! If you want a Dance Studio that cares just as much about Dance Technique and the well being of their students, then you've come to the right place.
The Owner Deb has carefully hand selected each Dance Teacher, not only due to their impressive resumes, but because of their true love of the Art of Dance and wanting to spread their knowledge to children of all ages. Deb has "kept up with the times" while keeping it classy! I like to call her dancers "Sassy & Classy"!
Her students can show off their amazing dance skills while being in tasteful costumes! Deb's Dancers come in all shapes and sizes and each one is featured equally. Deb encourages each Dancer to be themselves, keep smiling and have fun!
I'm grateful for this Studio, Miss Deb, Miss Ellen & the Entire Staff! Don't Stop Dancing! I'm a Mom who's daughter is in this studio in Newton. I grew up in the "Dance Field". I drive from Wayland to have my daughter be part of this Studio. It's very hard to find a well-rounded Dance Center where the Teachers truly care!"
All That Jazz Dance Studio|330 Watertown St., Newton, MA 02458|617-641-0784|
Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and more!


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They may have become the number three brand in their segment, but the aggression doesn't seem to be waning. Mercedes-Benz India is ready to launch the ML 250 CDI, a smaller-engined version of the ML in a bid to become a prominent player in the luxury SUV segment. We first reported about this variant back in May in our story here: bsmotoring.com/storypage.php
The third-generation ML that was launched in May this year is currently offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel, badged the ML 350 CDI. But come October 10, the first ML to roll out of their new Rs 200 crore plus new paint booth will be the ML 250 CDI.
The ML 250 CDI is a four-cylinder, 2,143cc diesel motor producing about 204 bhp@4200 rpm and 51 kgm of peak torque at 1600-2500 rpm. This motor is assembled by Force Motors for MB India and is also offered on the C-Class and E-Class. Torquey and reasonably refined, the engine is also known for its decent economy figures.
With the India assembly of the ML beginning, Mercedes-Benz will look to price the ML 250 CDI somewhat lower too. We also expect this variant to be devoid of certain features to keep the price rather competitive. The current ML 350 CDI is priced at Rs 65 lakh, ex-showroom, but we wouldn't be surprised if Mercedes price the ML 250 CDI around Rs 55 to 58 lakh. That should take it closer to the likes of the six-cylinder versions of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, a strategic move considering Mercedes-Benz don't offer the GLK in India since it's designed to be left-hand drive only.

subset: commoncrawl


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Some 213,000 tickets sold for Minsk European Games
A total of 213,000 tickets was sold for the competitions of the 2nd European Games in Minsk, Belarus Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said in an interview with the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA has learned.
"Of 213,000 tickets some 12,700 tickets were sold to foreign tourists. Various public organizations invited about 7,000 foreign representatives to attend the games," the minister said.
Travel companies organized tours for 15,000 guests to Minsk during the 2nd European Games. "We are not taking into account guests from the neighboring countries: Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. There were also tourists from China. Today we see the official statistics of 35,000 tourists. This is without taking into account the visitors who came to the country on their own, without the help of travel companies," the minister noted.


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Aid for Trade at a Glance 2011
Showing Results
This joint OECD-WTO publication provides a comprehensive analysis of trends and developments in aid that aims to help developing countries integrate into the global economy and benefit from trade opportunities. Over 260 case stories and 140 self-assessments by partner countries and bilateral and multilateral donor agencies provide the basis for this analysis.
Copublished with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development


text: The latest offer is now here and is definitely one that will get your attention. This fabulous deal from the No.1 internet and telecoms company in the UK is truly fantastic and will save you so much money over the next year. There are various different packages you can choose from depending on your situation and requirements. The superb BT.com/knockout introductory offer is now on and there is definitely something to suit everyone. The BT Broadband Plus package is offering 50% the normal price for the first 12 months. If you want more from your broadband then take a look at the amazing BT Infinity Plus, this amazing fibre optic connection will give you up to 5 times faster speeds than the normal broadband and with this offer you can save up to 20% on the normal price. This also includes the fabulous wireless router, the Hub 5. Alternatively if you need more whether it be for work or you have a busy household then take a look at the BT Infinity Plus and the BT TV Starter package. This amazing package not only gives you their fantastic fibre optic broadband along with the brilliant BT Sport channels, where you can watch all the UEFA Champions League matches live along with lots more sports games and matches. Plus you will have full access to plenty of Freeview channels along with the brand new AMC channel, exclusive to BT Sport. Each of these fabulous packages also includes FREE unlimited access to their huge wi-fi network. You will also get BT Net Protect offering online protection for you and your family along with 50GB of BT Cloud storage. Make the most of this unbelievable deal from BT.com/knockout and click on the banner bar just below to find out more, including the different packages to choose from and easy steps to place your order online.


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I'm Voting Republican VideoJune 19, 2008
Wisdom Teeth RemovalJune 12, 2008
I had my wisdom teeth out today. Its yet to be seen if it was a wise choice. Currently it hurts like bitch and it super gross. But who know what the future would have held. While reading up on the medicines I was prescribed WIKI had this to say:
Preventive removal of the third molars is a common practice in developed countries despite the lack of scientific data to support this practice. In 2006, the Cochrane Collaboration published a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in order to evaluate the effect of preventative removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth.[6] The authors found no evidence to either support or refute this practice. There was reliable evidence showing that preventative removal did not reduce or prevent late incisor crowding. The authors of the review suggested that the number of surgical procedures could be reduced by 60% or more.
Likewise, ClinicalEvidence published a summary,[7] largely based on the Cochrane review, that concluded prophylactic extraction is "likely to be ineffective or harmful." The website offered the following details:
|While it is clear that symptomatic impacted wisdom teeth should be surgically removed, it appears that extracting asymptomatic, disease-free wisdom teeth is not advisable due to the risk of damage to the inferior alveolar nerve.Some non-RCT evidence suggests that extraction of the asymptomatic tooth may be beneficial if caries are present in the adjacent second molar, or if periodontal pockets are present distal to the second molar.
Some Funny SkitsJune 11, 2008
Hot Hot Days, Cold Cold DrinksJune 10, 2008
Two drinks I want to try pool side for this crazy heat wave:
Tequila Cocktail
From Bobby Flay
Critics Review: With chunks of fresh pineapple and a slight fizz, it tasted like a tequila sangria.
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
10 ounces white tequila
12 ounces fresh pineapple juice
12 ounces lemon-lime soda
Crushed ice
- Combine pineapple and mint in a pitcher, muddle. Add the tequila, pineapple juice, and lemon lime soda.
- Serve over crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Kiwi-Lime-Ginger Cocktail
From The Spirit Net
Juice of 1/2 a lime, freshly squeezed
1 kiwi fruit, diced with some larger chunks for garnish
1/4 tsp finely minced ginger
Dash of salt (if desired)
slightly crushed small piece of ginger
3 Tablespoons simple sugar syrup
8 oz. Ginger Ale
Kiwi and lime rind for garnish
**Feel free to modify this recipe by adding vodka, gin, or light rum.
- Rub lip of chilled tumbler with ginger, drop into cup. Add ice.
- In a separate mixing container, add sugar syrup, dash of salt, minced ginger, diced kiwi, and lime juice; mix well.
- Pour ginger ale into chilled tumbler, and pour juice mix over soda, making sure to swirl minced ginger and kiwi back into suspension first.
- Garnish with kiwi and/or lime rind. Enjoy!
The House BunnyJune 10, 2008
"The House Bunny" comes out August 22. It looks a like a cute, feel good comedy. Fairly predictable and definitely a chick flick. None the less I love Anna Faris and can't wait for it.
Shelley (Ana Faris) is living a carefree life until a rival gets her tossed out of the Playboy Mansion. With nowhere to go, fate delivers her to the sorority girls from Zeta Alpha Zeta. Unless they can sign a new pledge class, the seven socially clueless women will lose their house to the scheming girls of Phi Iota Mu.
When Celebrities Should Shut the F**K Up and Talk to a DoctorJune 10, 2008
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards are fighting some more, this time their girls are caught in the cross fire. While media whoring Richards is usually just as wrong as the womanizing junkie Sheen, in this situation I side with her. Like a small but growing group of uninformed, reckless parents Sheen doesn't want his children vaccinated.
I have news for you Charlie: vaccinations are safe and effective. negative reactions are rare. autism has not been linked to vaccines. the biggest vaccine problems occur from improper supervision afterwards (parents need to monitor for a fever) or allergic reactions. but more important than all the science in the world, since some parents will believe whatever they want anyway: vaccination is not just about your kids, it makes all kids safer to be in an immunized community.
And so the tool bag of the day award goes to Charlie Sheen.
The Evil OlsensJune 10, 2008
Some may recall the Olsen Twins as the actors who played the youngest child on Full House, but PETA wants you to remember something else about them. They wear fur, lots and lots of fur. PETA has an entire site dedicated to the "Trollsen Twins" where you can find the latest campaigns against the young actors. Currently PETA is suggesting to send some of your hair to the Olsen Twins in protest. But that part of the site that I find amazing is the "Dress Up the Trolllsens". You get to put dead animal clothes all over them!! Trollsen Website


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Freehold Soccer League Small Sided Development Program
Mission: Create the appropriate environment for our players' to achieve a solid foundation of skill, confidence and creativity playing the game. FSL encourages and emphasizes individual player development within all of its small-sided teams, leading up to the full-sided 11 vs. 11 game. Winning is important, and remains an objective, but the most significant objective remains to develop skilled, intelligent, and confident players that play attractive soccer.
General Small-Sided Program Objectives
· Provide a fun, organized and competitive soccer environment
· Develop each individual player's technique, insight and personality within the game
· Utilize skill, intelligence and teamwork in order to achieve success
· Encourage players to be creative and confident while in possession of the ball
· Display principles of teamwork and good sportsmanship at all times
· Represent FSL with pride and dignity, regardless of game results
Accomplishing this mission, and the objectives identified above, requires all of us to strengthen and develop our small-sided program and cultivate a culture, which fosters age appropriate development in the game, and increase fun, learning, and player retention in the Freehold Soccer League.
Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA): As part of our investment in and partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, each small sided team is required to indentify a parent "culture keeper" as a part of their team management structure. All new Small Sided Parents (1 per family) and Coaches entering the program must attend the appropriate PCA workshops.
Collaborative Culture: The program recommends that coaches work collaboratively with each other to develop a portion of their training as a joint session together at least one time per week during the season.
· U8 Training Session: 60-75 minutes
· U9 & U10 Training Session: 75-90 minutes
The objective is to improve the cohesive development of the entire pool of players for the age group and reinforce the "club" atmosphere.
Small Sided Coaches (Responsibilities & Resources): Player development requires that coaches continue their own development in the game, as well.
1. The "BLUE" team coach will serve as the point of contact for the age group and will share information periodically with the Small Sided and Training & Development coordinators on issues such as:
· PCA Progress and Updates (Culture Keeper)
· Status of Training Sessions
· Issues or Concerns
2. Coaches should evaluate each team member based on the FSL Player Assessment form (attached). This will be used as part of a players overall evaluation at try-outs.
3. All coaches must possess their USSF "F" Coaching License prior to coaching. In addition, all small-sided coaches should obtain their USSF "E" Coaching License prior to the completion of their first full-sided (U11) season.
U8 Developmental Objectives & Characteristics
TRAINING FOCUS: Individual Skill Development/Introduce concept of teamwork
o Passionate about children and the game of soccer.
o Knows the rules of the game.
o Encourages sportsmanship and fair play within the game over results.
o Willing to play on the field with the children and demonstrate ability in the game.
o Must be sensitive to the variety of interests and abilities of the children.
o Wins or losses are not discussed.
o Encourage dribbling skills using all surfaces of the foot.
o Receiving and controlling the ball is demonstrated.
o Introduce how and why passes are used.
o Players are shown how to strike the ball correctly.
o Encourage players to "hold" the ball while under pressure of an opponent and not kick it away.
o Players should spend 75% of training time with their own ball.
o Use of the left and right foot should be encouraged.
o Emphasis should heavily favor individual technique over group tactics.
o Players begin to understand the contribution of teammates.
o Attacking principles of "penetration" and "width" can be introduced.
o Defensive principle of "pressure" can be explained.
o Play lots of 1 v 1, 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 1, 3 v 2, 3 v 3.
o Eye, hand, foot coordination is improving, but not completely mature.
o There is tremendous variety in children's size (early developers vs. late bloomers).
o No separate running should be done, especially as punishment! (sit them out of activity/games – take away something they want to do!)
o Make the games fun so that they will enjoy it.
o Things they enjoy they will want to return to, and that will increase their involvement and repetitions.
U9 Developmental Objectives & Characteristics
TRAINING FOCUS: Individual Skill Development/ Introduce Positional Responsibilities
U10 Development Objectives & Characteristics
U10 TRAINING FOCUS: Development of Individual Skill/Small Group Tactics


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I am not feeling well. Sigh…. I have been alternating chills and fever. It hurts. My head feels raw inside. So do my lungs. My eyes hurt so bad that I closed the blinds. The light between the slats is piercing into my skull. I took my last antibiotic this morning. This doesn't bode well.
I know I was pushing it, but I decided to hop the bus and shop at the new Chinatown mall. I took the bus down State Street to 3300. The building is very similar to one in Portland, Oregon. The grocery store is huge and well lit. I asked if they took food stamps and was told yes. After filling one bag, I was about halfway through the store when the cashier came and told me they couldn't take FS because the system was down. Yes, I burst into tears. I spent all that time getting there and then shopping all for nothing. I used up every speck of my energy. I decided to pay cash for the ground pork and baby bok choys. Everything else I put back.
I can't think of many reasons why I would go back to Chinatown. There are two Asian markets pretty close by that have the same stuff without the obnoxious fluorescent lights.
I got a call from my new lawyers. They are two young sounding women. We meet up next week. Here's hoping they can kick some butt.
Geeze, at 6:30, I am having brutal chills. Gotta go…..
Olive was lying on the couch with all four paws in the air. The flash made her move. Darn! Great Halloween cat 😉


text: On a good day, I just love to write! I can write series of blog posts again and again so that sometimes i'll Just be wondering what's up with me. Even, designing websites just for the fun of it has also become like a hobby. There are times i get on my laptop to design…Read More


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The television landscape in 2006 was an uneven one for lesbians and bisexual women. In some areas, such as unscripted programming, lesbians became so commonplace that there almost seemed to be one on every reality show. But on the broadcast network channels, recurring lesbian characters could be counted on one hand. Meanwhile on cable, lesbian characters did show up regularly, but were rarely if ever allowed to have romantic lives unless they were part of a primarily gay show such as The L Word.
In terms of racial diversity, lesbians of color are relatively well-represented, appearing on several programs. Latina lesbian characters appeared on Nip/Tuck, Degrassi: The Next Generation and The L Word, while African-American lesbians were on The L Word and The Wire (Shakima Greggs on The Wire is Korean and African-American). As usual, however, Asian American and Native American lesbians are missing from television, a situation that is expected but continues to be disappointing.
Lesbians on television continue to be predominantly feminine in appearance, a situation that was underscored by The L Word's third season transgender story line in which the show's sole butch character, Moira, quickly transitioned from female to male. Unscripted programs offered the best opportunity for diversity of gender expression, particularly in the Bravo series Work Out. Although Jackie Warner typically wore makeup and was shown enjoying being feminine, her body language, clothing and general attitude did push the envelope — ever so slightly — to make more room for women who are not traditionally feminine to be seen on television.
In addition, Ellen DeGeneres, who has largely silenced herself on all gay issues, has taken a more genderqueer approach to her fashion in the fourth season of her hit talk show. While in previous seasons she underwent uncomfortable on-air makeovers in which she was dressed in feminine outfits that she clearly did not enjoy, this fall her approach to fashion has scaled back the pink sweaters in favor of neckties. While this may not seem like a significant moment in the representation of lesbians on television, gender expression remains the last frontier in terms of how lesbians are portrayed on TV, and DeGeneres' evolution marks a relatively significant change, especially considering her mainstream popularity.
Unscripted Television
Unscripted or reality television remains the best place to find regular or recurring lesbians or bisexual women on the small screen. In 2006, it seemed as though lesbians were on nearly every reality series other than heterosexual dating shows (although, unfortunately, "bisexual" women did show up on VH1's Flavor of Love). On Rock Star: Supernova, unapologetically bisexual Patrice Pike was one of seven finalists in the competition to front the rock band featuring Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. Not only did she hold her own against male contenders in a male-dominated industry, she also spoke openly about the stigma that bisexuals often face in the gay community.
A lesbian was also found on CBS' The Amazing Race, where Lauren Marcoccio became the show's first openly lesbian contestant. She and her father, Duke, teamed up to race around the world for $1 million, and although they were eliminated in the fourth episode, the competition gave them the opportunity to work through some issues — in a very positive way — that Duke once had about his daughter being a lesbian.
On Last Comic Standing (NBC), out lesbian comedian Michele Balan took fourth place, and on I've Got a Secret (GSN), out lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer became one member of an all-gay panel. Queer women also participated in both seasons of Bravo's Top Chef to air in 2006. In the first season, bisexual chef Tiffani Faison became the second-place winner, and in the second season, which is still on the air, out lesbian Josie Smith-Malave made it through the fourth episode. Alexandra Hedison (The L Word) hosted the A&E series Designing Blind, in which blind designer Eric Brun-Sanglard remade people's homes. Even the ABC show American Inventor featured a lesbian contestant: in-brella inventor Sheryl McDonald.


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The award winning music production app KORG Gadget is now available for the Mac.
It comes with the complete collection of gadget instruments, and also lets you use them as plug-ins in any DAW. A unified single-screen interface that fully utilizes the large display of the Mac makes music production workflow intuitive.
Inter-operation with the iOS version via iCloud, powerful functionality for exporting to Ableton Live, and many other new included technologies bring you additional production possibilities and creative enjoyment. Providing numerous instruments, yet simple to operate and easy to use, it's a completely new concept in DAW software that could have only been created only by the renowned musical and audio instrument manufacturer, KORG.
KORG Gadget for Mac is equipped with the ultimate collection of more than 30 gadgets. In addition to a wide range of synthesizers that each emanate their own powerful personality, there's a lavishly high-quality piano that's suitable for professional use, a sampler that will accelerate your inspiration, a realistic acoustic drum machine, video game sounds developed in cooperation with Bandai Namco Studios, and gadgets that provide software incarnations of classic instruments of the past including the KORG M1, WAVESTATION, and ARP ODYSSEY, all available for immediate use.
For more info: korg.com


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Emily's Garden
Out of stock
Grow flowers, herbs and vegetables together in ONE hydroponic system. Emily's Garden includes individual planters (filled with Geolite Growing medium) that rest in a pump-aerated nutrient solution. Your plants absorb food and water as they need it. Pour in a little nutrient and water every week… and that's it!
• 2 Gallon Reservoir w/ Formed Cover
• 6 Planters (6″ x 6″ x 7″ tall), Seed Starter Cubes & Growing Medium
• Pump & Tubing
• Hydroponic Nutrients and pH Test Kit
• Water Level Indicator
Size: 16″ x 24″ x 6″ tall
Product Manual (PDF)
Grower's Tip:
Ebb & flow systems provide an ideal environment for growing orchids because of their ability to accommodate different growing media. Also, because food and water are delivered directly to plant roots all of their energy is devoted to growing (and blooming) above the surface… not below it!


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- Home
- What's New
- Jewellery
- Collections
- Occasion
- Return Centre
- Our Store
Rs. 828.00 Rs. 2,300.00
The floral inspired ruby studded pearl drop jhumka brings the women out of you. Its gold plated, well set with synthetic ruby and emerald stones and secured with a post and back closure.
Dimensions: Length 4.5 cm
Material & Care
Metal : Brass Alloy
Care Label : It is advisable to avoid contact with water and organic chemicals i.e. perfume sprays. Store jewellery in airtight box. After use, wipe the jewellery with soft cotton cloth.


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Official Website of the City of Milwaukee
CALL for Action (414) 286-CITY | Click for Action
The classes are FREE and held on a regular basis throughout the year at various locations. They are held on evenings and weekends to accommodate virtually anyone's schedule. The classes are generally either one (1) five hour session in one day or two (2) 2.5 hour sessions for two nights. Attendees get a free 100 page comprehensive manual and handouts on a variety of legal and business issues related to managing a property. (NOTE: The Class is meant only as an overview, and to provide sources for information relating to the business of landlording; legal advice cannot be administered). (Bringing note-taking materials is recommended) Walk-ins will be accepted in the order they arrive, as space and materials allow.
To register for an Upcoming Landlord Training Class, please provide the following information: full name, address with ZIP, email address, telephone number, and the date(s) of the class you prefer, and please email firstname.lastname@example.com or call (414) 286-2954
To learn more or view other class sessions, visit our website at: milwaukee.gov/Landlordtraining
– No vending machines at this location. Please bring snack/buy lunch locally.
– Parking around-the-building, on-the-street
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Blog Archives
To Heels, With Love
There are no words to describe how I feel about what happened Monday night, so I won't even try. I'll simply say, "Congrats, Villanova" and move on.
I do have words to describe how proud I am of this team, from top to bottom, upperclassmen to underclassmen, scholarship players to walk-ons.
I remember 1998 being the first team I really followed and not just because my mom was watching them. I loved that team. I cried the night they lost in the final four in San Antonio, and after tonight, I truly believe the state of Texas is cursed for Carolina teams.
I loved the 2005 team because it was Roy's first championship and that squad had been through so much.
I loved the 2009 senior class. That group of guys who didn't even have to speak to each other. They knew what each of them was thinking from a look.
But this team…THIS TEAM…this team knew. They knew what it meant to wear that jersey, to play in that dome, to fight for each other, to BE a Tar Heel. They just made me proud to cheer for them every day. They entered every single game with one thought in mind…win or lose…you gotta take us outta here kicking and screaming. This team didn't need rings or trophies or hats and shirts or pieces of nets to solidify or determine their worth. They demonstrated it in every way they represented Carolina on and off the court. They did it by doing the unthinkable: they made me love Carolina basketball more than I already did. I didn't think that was possible.
I am grateful for Marcus and Brice and Joel and Kennedy and Isaiah and Justin and Nate and Joel (II) and Theo (I didn't forget you, Theo "where's my chair at" Pinson). I loved this ride they took us on…the ups and downs and twists and turns were worth it…every bit of it. Just like Marcus, I wouldn't change a thing or give back any of the losses to change tonight. Well, maybe I'd give back that one in Chapel Hill against that team from 8 miles away, but whatever. It's all part of the story. It's all part of the journey. It's all part of what makes Carolina Basketball great. Vince Carter and Phil Ford who don't have national championship rings are just as important to The Family as Michael Jordan and James Worthy who do. Now, this 2016 team will be folded into that canvas. A lot is said about that Carolina family, but this group made their own family within it. The rest of the Family could be seen in grand display behind the Carolina bench Monday night as I saw all of them stand in unison, unprompted, to cheer for their own. No one has that. No one ever will.
So maybe it didn't end the way we hoped. So maybe they aren't hanging a national championship banner in the rafters. Sure, it would've been great to win that game, to see Marcus and the rest of the guys cut down the nets. But, do you know how many Carolina teams in my lifetime alone I have watched who flat-out had the talent to win it all and didn't or the ones who had the heart to win it all and didn't or the ones who had both and still didn't win it all? I don't have enough fingers and toes to count that high. For crying out loud, that 2009 senior class could've walked away with 3 instead of 1 easily in their 4 years, but they didn't. Even Coach Smith used to say to win a championship you have to have a lot of luck.
Luck. It's a funny word when you look at it, but when I look back on this year and all the years that came before them, I'm reminded just how lucky I am to be a fan of a program that is consistently considered to make a deep tournament run every year. There are four, maybe five programs in the country you can set your watch to for that. So much pressure is placed on the shoulders of 18-22-year-olds to carry not only the expectations of the current season, but the entirety of a historically successful program as well. The comparisons alone are enough to make anyone crack underneath it all, and no one would've blamed them. They didn't. Instead, this team brushed off those expectations, pulled on those jerseys that represent so much, and fought every damn day for a program, for a school, for a coach, for a fan base, but most importantly for each other. Make no mistake, this Carolina team will be remembered for years to come, but the way they came together to create their little family, to scratch and claw for each other, is remarkably unmatched in Carolina basketball's over 100-year history. So, when I think of Carolina basketball, this 2016 group is one I will remember with great pride and admiration.
And so, I fight for and with them every season…for The Family…for my Heels, with love.
Happy 50th, Your Airness
It is in our human nature to mark important milestones in our lives, and on this day 50 years ago, Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born to Deloris and James Jordan in Brooklyn, NY. I can say with almost complete certainty that when Mrs. Jordan looked down into her baby boy's eyes for that first time that she did NOT see the future that was ahead of him. At that moment, she probably just hoped to raise a good kid, and yet here we are 50 years later celebrating the birthday of one of the greatest athletes ever in the history of sports. I tried to think of how to properly mark this occasion for a man who epitomized the words dedication, determination, strength, competitiveness, and perseverance as well as phrases like "love of the game" and "never quit" and "no obstacle too big." The best I could come up with was to post a few of my memories of him.
From North Carolina, At Guard, 6'6″, Michaelllllll Jorrrrrrrdan…
And a few of my favorite videos.
"Be Like Mike" Gatorade Commercial
"Let Your Game Speak" Nike Commercial
Three "generations" of Michael Jordan's
"Maybe It's My Fault" Become Legendary Commercial. My favorite of the series.
And the greatest Hall of Fame Induction Speech EVER…
Opportunity Knocks
UPDATE: Loss #17.
In about half an hour, the North Carolina Tar Heels will take the floor at Madison Square Garden in New York City to play the championship game in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). If you had told me five months ago that Carolina would be playing in the NIT rather than the NCAA tournament, I would have laughed in your face. I would have conceded that this season was not going to be like last season's championship run, but I never would have expected that they wouldn't make the 65 team field.
Since the NCAA tournament took over as the definitive championship tournament, the NIT lost its luster to most college basketball fans. Daily Tar Heel columnist Brandon Staton even wrote about it this week. I, on the other hand, loving college basketball as I do, always kept an eye on it. Maybe it was some small part of me that believed those kids on those basketball teams deserved attention just like the NCAA tourney teams did. After all, they did practice day in and day out for four months just like those other teams. They worked just as hard to try and earn an opportunity to play for the championship, but for whatever reason (the ball bounced the wrong way, they didn't have all the right pieces, they didn't have the right coach, they didn't have the talent) they didn't make the tournament. Though I was never a student-athlete, I've always had a soft spot for them because knowing how hard I worked in college, I can't even begin to imagine throwing in a full load of practices and workouts and games/matches as an athlete on top of it all.
And so with all due respect to my readers out there and in the words of UNC's coach Roy Williams, I say, I "could give a shit" what you think about the NIT. You may call it the Not Invited Tournament, but those boys on that court are playing for something. They didn't start their season hoping to play in the NIT, but that's where they landed. They didn't choose this opportunity, but you don't always get to pick the opportunities that come knocking on your door. However, you do get to choose what you do with that opportunity once you open that door.
I know there are plenty of fans of other teams out there getting a laugh at Carolina's expense because a 20-16 record is laughable at best for one of the winningest programs in the history of college basketball. But what's done is done, and no amount of anger or sadness we have about this season compares to the anger or sadness that the players and coaches have about this season. We can't go back and change any of those losses into wins. We have to move forward and take the hand that's been dealt.
I don't know if tonight's game will turn out to be win 21 or loss 17, but I do know that every single one of those players is talented and they have fought so hard to get to the point where they are. They never once gave up and threw in the towel. They just kept playing because just like I believed they weren't as "terrible" as their record suggested, they KNEW they weren't that "terrible." At some point during the season, it stopped being about wins and losses and post season expectations and it started being about how do we get this team to become something Carolina can build on. In these last few games of the NIT, we've started to see shades of the Carolina we fans know and love. We started to see those boys play together, set up shots, and generally just "get it." Do they still make some stupid mistakes? Absolutely, but I don't know ANY team…even the ones in the Final Four…that doesn't make stupid mistakes.
Opportunity came knocking when Carolina thought it was all over, and thankfully for us fans, that program, and those players, they didn't look a gift horse in the mouth…remarkably…look where it got 'em…one win away from two championships in as many years. So, tonight I will be watching because when the NCAA tournament field expands to 96 teams and becomes watered down and all about marketing and money stripping away what little bit of true focus on basketball it had left, I'm still going to long for the days when the tournament was really just about the game of basketball and the kids who play it.
It's Been A Pleasure
The title you see above are the words that Deon Thompson published on his Twitter feed today in the hours leading up to Senior Night for Carolina Basketball. Every season, I write a post about the graduating seniors from UNC. This season hasn't been exactly what we expected it to be. It's been frustrating to say the least, but none of us fans have been as frustrated by it as the players themselves. As I watched the loss column rack up numbers I hadn't seen in nearly 10 years, my heart ached for Marcus Ginyard, Deon Thompson, and Marc Campbell. How could this be their last season, but then I reminded myself that it's not about one season or one game. It's about the journey. It's about the whole story. It's about the career. And my goodness what a career those three men have had. They're all National Champions. They're all back to back ACC tournament champions. Simply put, they're all Tar Heels.
I could sit here and tell you about each of them. I could tell you about Marcus's journey. About how he had to give up his real senior year due to injury and watched from the bench as his friends and teammates played for a National Championship, but what you might not have noticed is how much of a cheerleader he was. That when you see pictures of the goofy smiles as the players celebrated in Detroit, Marcus's smile was the biggest of them all. I don't think any one of those players could have asked for a better teammate. I could tell you about Marc Campbell who is a Carolina basketball legacy as his father played for the program, too. They're the only father-son combination to play for the program in 100 years. We haven't seen much of Marc this season because he's part of the clean up crew that comes in at the end of blow outs. But, what you don't know is that the length of his hair has gotten longer and longer every year and that his journey to Chapel Hill was bumpy to say the least. He's honestly an incredible ball handler and a very, very underrated point guard. He's a classic example of someone who probably could have started at some other schools in the country but chose to come to UNC because it's UNC. And then I could tell you about Deon Thompson. The kid who grew up on the entire opposite side of the country and knew absolutely nothing about Carolina basketball before he decided to become part of the tradition. I could tell you about how his game has improved every season because he has put in the time and the hard work. He doesn't try to be a player that he's not. He just tries to be Deon, which is pretty fantastic.
Sure, I could tell you all of that, but instead I'm going to let Deon tell you how much the last four years have meant to him. The following is a speech Deon gave at a dinner for Rams Club (booster organization) Donors, so without further adieu, Deon Thompson, in his own words…
I want to reach out to you all and tell you what you have done for me while also saying thank you!
For me growing up in California, I didn't know very much about Carolina athletics — much less Carolina Basketball. At home, pro basketball is a bigger deal than college basketball, so I knew about James Worthy, because he played for the LA Lakers. And when Roy Williams made his recruiting visit to my home, I knew I wanted him to be my coach. I thought Carolina would be the best possible place for me to get an education while also playing basketball at the highest level.
What I found out when I got here was that everything at Carolina is done at the highest level. The first fall I was on campus, women's soccer won a national championship. That spring, Brie Felnagle won the 1500 meters national championship and Justin Ryncavage won the javelin throw national championship. The baseball team went to the College World Series. The women's basketball team went to the Final Four.
We lost to Georgetown in the NCAA tournament final eight. We were one of the best teams in the entire country…but we weren't even the best team on our own campus.
We did a little better the next year — we made it to the Final Four. But that same year, field hockey won the national championship. The baseball team went back to the College World Series.
In the fall of 2008, women's soccer won the national championship — again. That's their 19th NCAA championship. Do you know how hard it is to find room for 19 banners? The men's soccer team played for the national championship, and so did the women's lacrosse team. The baseball team went to the College World Series — again.
A couple weeks ago, my teammates and I stood in the Smith Center and watched them unveil the banner for our 2009 national championship. It reminded me of all the hard work that went into winning that title. But it also reminded me how high the standard is at Carolina.
Since I got here, I've gone to Boshamer Stadium and watched Dustin Ackley — the best hitter in college baseball — play. I've gone to Kenan Stadium and watched Hakeem Nicks — the best receiver in college football — play. I've gone to Carmichael Auditorium and watched Ivory Latta — the best point guard in women's basketball — play. I know some schools have a great program or maybe even two. But there's nowhere else that you can walk across campus and see the very best in so many sports on any normal day.
Being a Tar Heel is more than just the Old Well or the fight song or Franklin Street. It's doing things the right way — in every area. We've been the top-ranked ACC school in the Director's Cup all three years that I've been here. But it's more than winning. We also had 274 student-athletes on the 2009 ACC Academic Honor Roll.
The Rams Club members here gave all of us the opportunity to make that happen. I know there are other benefits to giving a scholarship. You get tickets, or you get a better parking pass, or you get the chance to come to dinners like these. But just know that you did something I appreciate even more: you gave a kid from California a chance to come to Chapel Hill, spend the best four years of my life, and totally understand what it means to say I'm Deon Thompson, and I'm a Tar Heel.
Thanks Marc, Marcus, and Deon for the memories and for showing all of us what it means to be a Tar Heel. It's been a pleasure.
Silver Lining
Believe it or not, every season of Carolina Basketball I get so frustrated with them that I seriously consider not watching ever again. I'm conditioned to believe that they'll win every game they play when in fact they've only gone undefeated once in 100 seasons. I sort of did that last season when I got so angry with them beating themselves (all 4 times), that I would DVR the game and not start watching it from the beginning until the 2nd half started. That way, by the time I caught up to the live feed, the game was over or almost over and I would know the outcome. It helped save a few years on the end of my life, so that was worth it. This season, to say the least, has been frustrating. So frustrating, that I'm at the point where I have to laugh to keep from crying. Last night watching the UNC/FSU game, I actually physically hurt when one turnover after another just made my muscles ache.
Then, I got up this morning, and as I do after every game, I log on to tarheelblue.com and read Adam Lucas's post-game column. I've studied most of the great literary writers in history. Charles Dickens's Great Expectations is still a page turner, and I find something I missed in Shakespeare every time I read him. But no one has ever made me feel like he was sitting in my living room watching the game with me like Adam Lucas. Like clock work, after every game, Adam posts a column not about the stats and percentages but about the story behind the game. He's moved me to tears and made me laugh…sometimes in the same column. In short, he's more often than not put what I was thinking in print because he's just as much a fan as the rest of us.
North Carolina is currently a .500 team that could end up being a below .500 team before it's all said and done. A rare occurence at best. In the 100 years of Tar Heel Basketball, the program has amassed a nearly 74% winning percentage second only to Kentucky in the history of college basketball. This losing thing is really kind of new to all of us. In those 100 seasons, the program has experienced a .500 or below season just 11 times. ELEVEN TIMES! Think about that. It's entirely possible that someone had an entire lifetime without EVER seeing Carolina have a losing season. So, as I read the words that Adam Lucas wrote to remind us all that no fan of any other team is feeling sorry for us…that in fact, they're likely rejoicing in our learning how the other half lives, I laughed. I remembered just how incredibly lucky I am to be a Carolina fan. To know that the one place where people like Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison are just "one of the guys" is tiny little Chapel Hill, NC because those bigger than life NBA and former NBA players will never be bigger than the program itself.
Using the advice his own father gave him after a Carolina loss, Adam reminded us just how important it is to be a Carolina fan during the good times AND the bad times. "You have to sit through the bad ones to enjoy the good ones." Truer words were never spoken. I remember feeling the sweetness when we won the National Championship just 11 months ago (yes…that was just 11 months ago) because the year before had ended on such a horribly sour note in the Final Four. I remember crying all the way to church the next day because I was so upset, and then I remember just 12 months later not being able to wipe the stupid, silly grin off my face. Even now, when I think about that run to the championship, I still giggle a little. Someday, we'll all look back on this and laugh…I hope…when we think about how frustrated we all were. How we all felt like a program that has spent nearly 90% of its lifetime winning more games during the season than losing them couldn't catch a break this season. And I hope when we are at that point, we will look back and remember that Adam Lucas was the one who set us on this course by finding the silver lining in the midst of misery.
Lucas: Fatherly Advice
Feb. 24, 2010
By Adam Lucas
In the spring of 1986, I cried when Louisville beat Carolina in the NCAA Tournament round of 16. It was a sound 15-point whipping, as "Never Nervous" Pervis Ellison was in the middle of one of the best months of his basketball life. It left my beloved Tar Heels without a Final Four for the fourth year in a row–imagine that, four straight years without a Final Four!–and I went to my room, cried, and wished evil things for Never Nervous Pervis (it worked, as he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings).
I'm not particularly proud of the reaction. Since then, I have moved on to much more mature responses to losses, such as breaking things. At the time, though, I think my parents were a little concerned about what type of weirdo/person they were raising. After what I imagine was probably some intense negotiation, with my mother slamming down her fist and yelling, "I have to pack his lunch every day, do you know what it's like to make peanut butter and jelly five days a week?" my dad came into my room very cautiously.
It was at that moment that he gave me some of the most profound advice he ever shared with me. Yes, even ahead of, "Don't plan on being tall," or, "A red light is a great place to catch a nap."
This is what he said: "You have to sit through the bad ones to enjoy the good ones."
And he was right. It didn't make me like Never Nervous Pervis (you'd be surprised how many ways a 9-year-old can find to make fun of a name like "Pervis") any better, but it did make it feel a little sweeter seven years later when George Lynch and the Tar Heels were on top of that ladder cutting down the nets in the Superdome. Somehow, I felt like I'd earned it. I'd weathered Louisville and Syracuse and Arizona and Kansas. Michigan felt good.
The truth is, we don't sit through many bad ones as Carolina basketball fans. No one feels sorry for us. You know that, right? They love this. They are downright gleeful that for three months out of our lives, we're experiencing what it's like to be everyone else. We're even having to talk about…next year.
We stink at talking about next year. That's because we have no practice at it. Next year to us might as well be 20 years away (same with last year, but that's a different column). Most every year that I've been alive except for maybe three, a Carolina basketball season has been about this year until the last possible second elapses in the NCAA Tournament.
Take Roy Williams's first year. That team couldn't figure out how to play together long enough for the water to get hot. But when the brackets came out on Selection Sunday, do you know what everyone said? "Carolina is a Final Four sleeper." This year.
That was crazy talk. But it was Carolina, so it made sense. Struggles are never a permanent condition. The Tar Heels are .500 right now and every national media outlet is wondering what's wrong. You know where this team will be next November? Right back in the national preseason top-25. This isn't a foundation-shaking season. It's just a disappointing season.
If you're a Tar Heel, in most years sitting through the bad ones means that maybe six or seven times a season, you're miserable. This year is different. This year, now that I'm a father and don't want to risk raising my son to be the same weirdo/person that I am, I'm having to come up with different ways to answer the question, "Daddy, did the Tar Heels win last night?" at the breakfast table each morning after a game.
Usually, I try to distract him with Spiderman, which has a remarkable success rate.
Maybe it would be better to tell him the truth, to prepare him that there will be some bad ones along the way to all the good ones. And the truth is that Wednesday night was a bad one. On Wednesday night, Florida State was demonstrably better than Carolina. The Tar Heels couldn't get stops when they needed them, shot 52 percent from the field in the first half and still trailed by 15 points, and committed too many silly turnovers.
You don't worry about the upperclassmen quite as much, because they've won at Carolina and know how to win. It's the freshmen that concern you.
"I don't want to feel like this ever again," Dexter Strickland said. "I feel embarrassed. It's probably the worst game I've ever played and it's aggravating."
Without prompting, though, he quickly turned the focus to the future.
"This season will help us in the future," he said. "This feeling I have right now, it makes me want to play even harder to make sure I never feel this way again."
The freshmen don't have to look far to see recent examples of other Tar Heels who endured first-year hardships on the way to eventual success. Raymond Felton played in the NIT. Jawad Williams was on a team that didn't even qualify for the NIT.
Both left Carolina as national champions, which means when they return to Chapel Hill they are kings. They played through the bad ones to get to the good ones, and both would tell you even today that the ending was a little bit sweeter because of the way it all began.
"I talked to Melvin (Scott) the other day," John Henson said. "He told me you have to keep pushing. He said they had their rough times, and if you fold up, it's going to be worse. We can't do that."
Adam Lucas is the publisher of Tar Heel Monthly. He is also the author or co-author of five books on Carolina basketball, including the just-released book on the 2009 national title, One Fantastic Ride. Get real-time UNC sports updates from the THM staff on Twitter.
A Kick In the Teeth
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
~Walt Disney~
If you haven't noticed, I've been pretty quiet about the current college basketball season. It's not because Tyler, Danny, Wayne, and Ty don't play for Carolina anymore. It's not because Carolina has lost more games in the first half of the season than some previous teams lost in an entire season. It's because I felt like this team deserved the benefit of the doubt. They deserved an opportunity to experience growing pains and learn from their mistakes and experiences. So, I've held my tongue. Heck, I probably actually bit my tongue. And I'm not writing this JUST because Carolina lost to College of Charleston last night in an overtime game. Actually, last night was just the last straw. To be perfectly honest, the opinions I'm going to voice here have been gathered by watching Carolina WIN games…not lose them. I apologize ahead of time if my focus in this blog post turns to sounding as if I'm speaking directly to the players, but sometimes that's the only way a thought gets worded correctly. I also want to make sure that I give every bit of credit to College of Charleston that they deserve. They embodied what I say all the time…the majority of playing any sport is mental. And if you fully believe that you can beat your opponent, you have a much better chance of actually doing it…despite any amount of talent or skill you might have…ANY.GIVEN.GAME. The minute you walk in there with a shred of doubt is the minute you've lost the game.
So, here goes…
I get that they're young. I get that they're inexperienced with the college game. I even get that the entire starting 5 with the exception of one player is no longer on the team. But let's also point out that the intended starting 5 for the team (if we can ever get everyone healthy at the same time) does not consist of one member of the incoming freshman team. In fact, all but two of the intended starting 5 played major minutes last year and in the championship game. Now, I'm not the kind of person who expects a national championship every single season, but I do expect the players to actually compete. What I've noticed in the 15 games they've played so far this season is that they don't have rhythm. They don't look good on the court together. It's like 5 complete strangers showing up at a school yard court deciding to play together against 5 other people. I understand that rhythm takes time. It takes learning how each person moves on the court and where they're going to be at each point in any given play. But we're talking about a group of people who have been playing pick up games since the beginning of the summer. Basketball is not rocket science, folks. We are all creatures of habit and that flows right down to every last movement we make as individuals. It shouldn't be that difficult to learn your teammate's idiosyncrasies.
Another thing I notice is that they play selfish. I'm not sure if it's ego driven and that certain members of the team are more concerned about being a one and done college player or a two and done college player, but I can tell you this much: No NBA scout is impressed with how you performed individually in the losses to Syracuse or Texas or College of Charleston. Sometimes I think the selfishness lends itself to the history of Carolina basketball. I think a lot of the team is walking out on that court expecting to win the game BECAUSE of the name on the front of the jersey instead of playing FOR the name on the front of the jersey. There's a big difference there. Just because Carolina basketball is what it is does not mean that when you step on the court in that uniform, they automatically hand you the win and we can all go home. No…wearing that uniform means that your teammates, your coaches, your fellow students, your fans EXPECT you to play at a high level. They expect you to be some of the best talent in the entire country, but yet still skilled enough to play a team sport. Maybe that's a lot of pressure, but if you expected playing for Carolina to be a walk in the park, you were dead wrong. Let's also go back to the selfish bit and talk about why you came to Carolina. Did you come to Carolina because players from there go to the NBA? Or did you come to Carolina to play college basketball, to learn from one of the greatest minds the college game has ever seen, and to have a CHANCE to win a national championship? Think about that. Why are you in Chapel Hill?
I've listened to countless hours of press conferences from Coach Williams. I'm soon to be engrossed in his autobiography. I understand from what he tells us all in the mainstream world what he expects from his players. I've heard him rake the team over the coals and I've heard him take the blame for something that's a million miles from being his fault. And this is what I've come to learn: If you listen to Coach Williams and then do what he tells you, you win the dadgum ballgame. Should I repeat that to make sure everyone heard it? If you listen to Coach Williams and then do what he tells you, you win the dadgum ballgame. The man has been to more Final Fours than he has fingers on one hand. He has two national championship rings. HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT, BOYS!
I realize we were all spoiled the last 4 years of Carolina basketball to have a team of players that just flat out read each others' minds. I'm not expecting you to be Tyler, Wayne, Danny, and Ty. I'm expecting you to be Will, Larry, Deon, Marcus, and Ed. I'm expecting you to listen to each others' movements and react to them the way you've been taught. I know a lot of people have compared this team to the 2006 team after the championship, but WOW…that team lost 6 games all season. They hadn't lost 4 games until January 22nd of that season…and guess how many seniors were on that team: 2…and one of them was Byron Sanders.
I'm not saying you have to be great or spectacular or anything like that. But I'm expecting you to compete. I'm expecting you to care about who you play for. I'm expecting you to listen and check your personal agendas at the door. Take this kick in the teeth and find a way to stop doing what you've been doing out there. Cause it ain't workin. Incidentally, players, quoting the pearls of wisdom from your coach is only cute if you're actually doing what you're quoting.
Now…I know some of you might say, man you're a horrible fan, but think about it. What kind of fan am I if I just sit here watching and gloss over the elephant in the room? There are a lot of people out there saying, "oh y'all will be ok. Just hang in there." Um…no! You won't be ok if you keep going the way you're going. I don't believe in coddling the players and making them think everything is ok when it's not. They're clearly not listening. They clearly don't care when they lose. They clearly don't care when they win despite how crappy they play. That's an attitude problem and certainly one that doesn't belong anywhere near the hardwood. So let's stop pretending and let's stop acting like everything is going to be ok. Are they young? Yes. Do they deserve a little slack? Absolutely. But, ask yourself this…are they using being young and deserving slack as a crutch or are they ACTUALLY WORKING TO BECOME WHAT WE KNOW THEY CAN BE? I still wouldn't want to be a fan of any other team (besides my alma mater, Alabama), but to use something my mother used to tell me: I always love you, I just don't always love what you do. Call me a bad fan if you want, but personally, I think I'm just saying what we're all REALLY thinking.
1 vs. 100
Next week, the 2009-10 college basketball season begins, which means we're roughly 21 weeks away from knowing who the 2010 national champion will be in Indianapolis, IN.
There are lots of changes to this season. For my Alma mater, Alabama, they're at year 1 of a new beginning, a new chapter with a new coach. There's a new scoreboard for Coleman Coliseum among other improvements to the venue for this season. I have lots of memories of the basketball team when I was in school. I can remember my freshman year sitting court side behind one of the baskets for the Kentucky game. I remember going to that game specifically to see Rick Pitino. I remember thinking how strange a feeling it was when he walked out on the court, like a king had just entered the building with his bodyguards dressed like mobsters. I remember when Mark Gottfried was hired. I remember it being such a breath of fresh air when he arrived. I remember going to Midnight Madness when the NCAA still required the teams to NOT scrimmage until it was actually after midnight. I had a huge crush on Jeremy Hays. He was the center on the team when I was in college. I still have his autograph on a poster and a t-shirt. But alas, the Mark Gottfried era, though it brought an Elite Eight and Mark's Madness student section who did their best to keep the SEC refs in check, came to an end last season. Anthony Grant was hired in March and that same newness and breath of fresh air seemed to overtake those of us who actually pay attention to Alabama basketball. It's a spark, an excitement, a push in what we hope is the right direction for the program. And it begins with this first season.
There are lots of changes this season. For North Carolina, the team I've pulled for since I was in my mother's womb begins it's 100th basketball season next week. For the 6th time, they are beginning a season as the reigning National Champions. In some ways they are starting over, too. Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green, Mike Copeland, and Bobby Frasor will not be dressed in Carolina uniforms. This team will do everything they can to chart their own course, make their own legacy all the while living in the shadow of the legends that have walked that campus and played for that school. They will look to model their game after people such as Lennie Rosenbluth, Phil Ford, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Antawn Jamison…among 100s of others. They'll play for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the one on the back (we hope). They'll be guided by one of the most accomplished coaching staffs in college basketball. They will try to handle the pressure not only of living up to the legacy that has been built over the last 99 seasons of Carolina basketball, but also the pressure of the media to see what this reloaded team can do as an encore to the last 4 seasons that culminated in the school's 6th championship.
It's exhausting, sometimes, what these 21 weeks can bring. I know with great certainty that while I absolutely LOVE the game of basketball, I usually feel like I've run a marathon by the time the championship game rolls around…and all that without ever putting on a uniform or dribbling a ball, so I can't imagine the exhaustion level of one of the players. I'm determined to have fun with this season. Last season I was frustrated with the way Mark Gottfried's tenure ended. He deserved a better ending. And I was nervous for every Carolina game that it would be the undoing of the entire team and they wouldn't win their championship they'd worked 4 years to win. So, this season I want it to be different. I want to enjoy it…to feel that fun that Coach Williams talks about all the time. To experience the journey whether it be with the 1 or the 100 or both.
Bring on the season.
Bring on the fun.
ROLL TIDE and GO HEELS!
Tyler Hansbrough Day
There's really no way that my own thoughts could do this event justice, and since I wasn't there in person, I won't attempt to do so. I'll just let the news report speak for itself. I will tell you that they painted his autograph on the floor as the way to designate it Tyler Hansbrough Court at Poplar Bluff High School. I hadn't even really thought about what it would look like, but using his autograph was a pretty creative idea, I think.
My favorite part is that he specifically referred to his teammates when talking about what an honor this was. As you can read in the article below, he wants all future players at PBHS who see his name on that court to remember all his teammates that worked just as hard as he did. Team First = Tyler "what planet are you from" Hansbrough
For a slightly longer, professional video by the Pacers, go here.
Poplar Bluff presents Hansbrough with key to city
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Indiana Pacers rookie forward and former University of North Carolina national champion Tyler Hansbrough was honored Thursday night in his hometown as the city awarded him a key to the city and the gym floor was named in his honor at E.T. Peters Gym, where he played prep basketball at Poplar Bluff High School.
Hansbrough was a three-time all-state selection for the Mules from 2001 to 2005, winning two Class 5 state championships in his junior and senior years.
Hansbrough owns the school record for points scored in a career (2,464), career rebounds (1,175), points in a season (801) and points in a game (44).
Hansbrough, who was wearing a walking boot due to his recent shin injury, pulled the sheet off the newly enshrined Tyler Hansbrough Court.
"One thing about this court is when you see my name out on the floor when the kids are back [from summer break] working out, one thing I want them to remember is about the team that I was involved with," Hansbrough said. "It wasn't just myself."
Hansbrough thanked his teammates for helping him earn this honor.
"It was more the people that I was surrounded with that helped me out in high school and in college," he said. "I've been lucky to be around great people and a great community."
Hansbrough had family, former teachers and teammates, along with about 500 fans, in attendance.
"We've had a lot of great memories here," Tyler's mother, Tami Hansbrough, said. "It's hard to describe. It's just great to be back and having people supporting you. He's excited about [the honor], too. Basketball is just a big part of our lives."
North Carolina coach Roy Williams, former Poplar Bluff coach John David Pattillo and Pacers coach Jim O'Brien also attended the ceremony.
O'Brien said he hoped Hansbrough's winning ways at UNC and Poplar Bluff rub off on the Pacers, who haven't made the NBA playoffs since the 2005-2006 season.
Hansbrough went 99-15 at Poplar Bluff and 120-22 at North Carolina.
O'Brien, along with Pacers president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway, were shocked he still was available at their No. 13 pick in June's NBA draft.
"We are absolutely delighted to have Tyler," O'Brien said. "We were shocked that he was available to us at 13. We made the decision [a few years back] that we were going to build a team of people of high character that loved to be in the gym, that loved to work, that would be good teammates and good representatives of their community."
Williams spoke of his memories of coming to Poplar Bluff during the recruiting process.
He made a visit one fall to watch Hansbrough lift weights and shoot baskets. After a visit to a golf course with some Poplar Bluff coaches in the afternoon while Hansbrough was in class, Williams returned later that evening to watch a Mules pickup game.
"I couldn't talk to Tyler," Williams said. "It was during the time period that we couldn't talk to individuals, you could only watch him play.
"I remember walking back and saying to John David, I said, 'Coach would do me favor? Would you tell Tyler that I was here from weights at 7 a.m. and I was here for shooting at 7:45 a.m. and came back to the scrimmage at 7 p.m. and [Duke coach Mike] Krzyzewski's butt was just here for the pick up games.'"
Williams never will forget the time spent as Hansbrough's coach.
"It was a wonderful experience to coach him for four years and be in that locker room," Williams said.
Earlier in the program, Poplar Bluff Mayor Loyd Matthews read a proclamation and presented Hansbrough with a key to the city.
Later in the evening, Hansbrough remarked that he wished he had that key while in high school so he could have worked on his game.
"It would have been a lot easier to get in this gym," Hansbrough said. "I wouldn't have had to climb through the window or break a door. I was really religious about getting in here and working out and getting my shots."
Friday, August 14, 2009
By ROB TATE ~ Daily American Republic
I've been to the Carolina Basketball Museum three times now, and it's not old, yet. I'm still finding something I missed every time. This time was important though. This time we were going to see the newest additions to the family. The 2009 National Championship trophies. I proudly wore my new Hansbrough Pacers t-shirt and still cried when Antawn Jamison says in the video introduction to the museum that he's never felt on any level the way he felt when he ran out of the tunnel at the Smith Center.
I understand there is a case in the works for Tyler's memorabilia that he has donated to the school/museum, but it isn't ready, yet. And, the new trophies will eventually be placed in a case similar to the ones the other national championship trophies are in. Just another reason to visit the museum. This time through, I only took two pictures because only two pictures needed to be taken, and I still got giggly when I saw the trophies like the game was just the day before.
Funny story: when I took the picture of the game ball and NABC Coaches' Trophy, I did a double take on the ball at first thinking that it couldn't possibly be the ball signed by the team from this year because the score of the game wasn't nearly lopsided enough. HA! But it was the correct ball from the correct team.
If you'd like to see all my pictures from my visits to the museum, go here.
It's Official
Pacers News Release | Indianapolis, July 8, 2009
The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have signed their No. 1 draft pick, Tyler Hansbrough, to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Hansbrough, a 6-9, 250-pound forward from the University of North Carolina, is the all-time leading scorer in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 2,872 points. He is the only player in league history to earn First Team All-America and First Team All-ACC honors four times.
As a senior in 2008-09, he was named First Team All-America by Sporting News, USBWA, NABC and AP. He is the North Carolina Tar Heels' all-time leading rebounder with 1,219 rebounds.
Hansbrough is currently playing with the Pacers' summer league team which is participating in the Orlando Pro Summer League through Friday. The Pacers have won their first two games and play again on Wednesday (3:00 p.m.), Thursday (7:00 p.m.) and Friday (3:00 p.m.).
You can watch all the Pacers' summer league games live on Pacers.com and be sure to visit Pacers Summer League Central for comprehensive coverage.


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by Madhu Mati Brodkey
The month of October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Feng Shui we have an entire system of health incorporating the five elements, the proper flow of Qi (vital energy) and other factors.
When we wear binding clothing we block the flow of Qi in our body. Therefore, it is important to dress in properly fitting garments.
After removing brassieres, it is important for women to massage the sides of the body near the breast. This area is considered yin and if the Qi is blocked it cannot flow freely to the breast. The results may lead to breast pain, blocked fluids, or worse.
Memorable Writing:
The Beauty Of A Woman by Audrey Hepburn
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anybody.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!"
BIO – Madhu is a certified professional BTB Feng Shui consultant who graduated from the three-year professional training program of the Black Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui Institute based in San Francisco. Madhu has taught Feng Shui at Five Branches Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Santa Cruz, California as well as private classes. She is often called upon to lecture at bookstores, hospitals, garden clubs, real estate and private groups. Madhu has been featured in newspaper articles and writes for a local paper. Television and radio appearances are other venues Madhu has used to deliver her message. Madhu has collaborated on a book about the Nine Star Qi system of astrology with master Chinese astrologer, Dr. Edgar Sung. Visit her at fengshuireflections.com


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(bal) (ATTN: News editors)
// Gonzales' Departure Reflects Bush's Decline// (Washn)
By Paul West
(c) 2007, The Baltimore Sun
WASHINGTON — They rode into town in 2001, bent on changing the capital and stamping it with George W. Bush's " compassionate conservative" brand.
The influential circle of Texans surrounding the president was close to him personally and shared many of his defining characteristics, including fierce loyalty, devotion to secrecy and a stubborn reluctance to admit error.
Now, those Texans are all but gone. The impending departure of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, two weeks after top White House aide Karl Rove resigned, reflects the waning of the Bush presidency amid deep unpopularity at home and enormous problems overseas.
"The White House is getting to be a pretty lonely place for George Bush," said Paul C. Light, a New York University political scientist. "Dick Cheney is really the last person standing after all these resignations."
In contrast to Rove, who plotted Bush's rise to power, Gonzales was a prized protege. He began as then-Gov. Bush's legal counsel in 1995, was promoted by Bush through a series of high-level state positions and wound up as White House counsel in 2001.
Gonzales attracted criticism for his work in that job, including his role in post-Sept. 11 policies that promoted what some saw as torture in the interrogation of suspected terrorists. Democrats called for a perjury investigation last month after questions were raised about his testimony in a congressional probe into allegations of improper political influence at the Justice D epartment.
Bush, well aware of the growing power of Hispanic voters, advanced Gonzales as a role model, choosing him as the first Hispanic attorney general and considering him as a potential pick to be the first Hispanic on the Supreme Court. The 52-year-old Mexican-American leaves an administration that has experienced a sharp reversal of fortune with Hispanic voters, largely due to the war and a fierce debate in Washington this summer in which Republican politicians, though not Bush, were seen as anti-immigrant.
As recently as mid-July, Gonzales had told friends that he planned to stay in his job until the administration ended. But he yielded to reality as it became increasingly clear that he could not redeem himself in the face of unrelenting calls from Democrats, and some Republicans, for his resignation.
A White House spokesman acknowledged that the president did not try to talk him out of leaving when Gonzales told him late last week that he was stepping down. Those who know Gonzales said that he is leaving of his own volition.
"The last eight months have taken a personal toll on Judge Gonzales and his family, as it would on any ordinary human being," said Viet Dinh, a former assistant attorney general, who noted that the pressure to resign was no greater last week than it was last spring.
As Rove did, Gonzales chose to wait until August, when members of Congress and much of Washington is on vacation, to announce his departure, in an apparent effort to show that he hadn't been hounded from office.
Bush spoke bitterly as he accepted the resignation, remarking that Gonzales' "good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons."
But it didn't pass without notice in Washington that Gonzales — whose entire public career was spent in Bush's service — was allowed to leave Crawford, Texas, after meeting with the president Sunday. As a result, there were no photographs of the two men together the next morning, when they made statements some 1,200 miles apart.
Republican relief over the decision could be glimpsed in the virtual absence of any immediate reaction from prominent figures in the party or its presidential candidates. Democrats, meantime, unleashed fresh criticism.
"Better late than never," was the entire statement from presidential candidate John Edwards, issued minutes after the first, unconfirmed reports surfaced that Gonzales was leaving.
"This resignation is not the end of the story. Congress must get to the bottom of this mess and follow the facts where they lead, into the White House," said Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader.
The Republican National Committee — which did not issue a statement about Gonzales or his service to the administration — responded with a statement from party chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, accusing Democrats of playing politics with the selection of a new attorney general.
As the exchanges heated up what normally is one of the quietest weeks of the year, analysts said they did not foresee any lessening of the confrontation in Washington, even though two of Democrat s' favorite targets — Rove and Gonzales — were leaving the scene.
With presidential primaries fast approaching and the White House up for grabs, there is little incentive for Democrats to back off. Bush continues to be weak politically and preoccupied with defending the deployment of U.S. forces in Iraq.
"It's not going to change the issues of executive privilege or surveillance programs. That wasn't driven by Gonzales. That was the White House," said George C. Edwards III, a presidential scholar at Texas A&M University. "Gonzales was an irritant, and his performance was so bad that it was an embarrassment. But it was just a sideshow."
Gonzales' departure means that almost none of the Texans who came to town with Bush still hold influential positions in the administration. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, his education adviser in Texas and a former White House staffer, is the most prominent exception.
Karen Hughes, a once-powerful aide who left Washington during Bush's first term, is at the State Department and no longer part of the White House inner circle. Perhaps the most senior Texan left on the White House staff is Gordon Johndroe, press spokesman for the National Security Council.
Bush "brought Gonzales and Harriet Miers from Texas to be his lawyers, and both turned out to be utter disasters," said a Republican close to many in the Bush circle, who requested anonymity to talk about their private discussions. "The Texans he insisted on surrounding himself with, how well did they serve him?"
Mark McKinnon, media adviser in Bush's gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, said it wasn't a surprise that the Texans headed for the exits.
"The surprise is that they stayed as long as they did. These people have gone through a lot, from the get-go: the (2000 election) recount, 9/11, Katrina, a lot of very stressful events," he said. "It's good for the president to get some fresh perspective and I think he's, frankly, ready to have some fresh blood" for the final 17 months of his presidency.
Sun reporter Siobhan Gorman contributed to this report.
Distributed by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service


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Based at Beijing Normal University, the Academy for the International Communication of Chinese Culture promotes international cultural exchange. The Dean, Professor Huang Huilin, is a distinguished academic and the leading expert on Chinese film studies.
AICCC runs the 'Looking China' Youth Film Project, a scheme that provides heavily subsidised places for overseas students to visit China for a fortnight and make short documentary films about their experiences. OPP is the UK partner for this annual project, opening it to students from Oxford University and elsewhere.
AICCC also publishes the academic journal International Communication of Chinese Culture.


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Workwear for women
Sustainable products
Sustainable profile
Gold Rush is the most viewed TV series on the Discovery Channel. In the USA alone, six million people are in front of their TVs every Friday evening following the gold diggers' ups and downs. The series is broadcast in 125 countries including England, Germany and Denmark.
»Hoffman's team have visited our showroom many times, and they love the workwear«, says MASCOT distributor Ray Freeman from Repcon NW in the USA. He has followed the Hoffman-team's ups and downs since the TV series started five years ago. »They inspired me to not give up no matter how tough things get,« he explains. As a MASCOT distributor, it was his big dream to dress his heroes in MASCOT workwear from head to toe.
»I made it a mission to try to get them on board. We finally did that last summer,« Ray Freeman explains. Thanks to Ray and his hard work, the dream came true for season five of Gold Rush. He made sure that everyone on the Hoffman team was dressed in MASCOT clothing. The team is crazy about the workwear, as senior team member Jack Hoffman explains: »I am a big fan of MASCOT. I love that the workwear has a lot of pockets and of course its high quality.« His wife has no doubt: »He has even thrown out his old workwear. He just loves MASCOT!« In the next and sixth season, you will see even more of MASCOT's workwear on Gold Rush on the Discovery Channel.
Todd Hoffman is the man behind the success of the series Gold Rush. He just had not had as much success in his life. In 2010, the economic crisis hit Todd Hoffman's aerospace business hard, and suddenly he was without both a job and a home. He decided to follow in his father's footsteps and start digging for gold. He had nothing to lose, and the price for gold was on the rise. Despite the fact that his father Jack Hoffman's own gold-adventure in the 80s had ended in failure, Todd sourced a mining claim and some machinery and gathered a team of unemployed friends. Then he convinced a TV-crew to follow the team's successes and failures. It was the beginning of the Hoffman-team and the series Gold Rush.
Todd Hoffmann led his team to success. In three seasons, he steadily increased earnings and developed a solid knowledge of the gold industry. He became a good businessman and welcomed new team members. However, in the fourth season, the Hoffman team gambled everything on a mining adventure in Guyana, South America. Unfortunately, they arrived there only to discover that someone had already dug all the gold, illegally. With one fiasco after another, the Hoffman team returned home empty handed. The unsuccessful mission hit Todd hard. He took full responsibility, and what was worse - he felt that he had let his family down. In the fifth season of Gold Rush, Todd Hoffman tried to rise from the failure in the jungle and proved he is not the type that gives up without a fight.


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I was vacationing last week, doing some winter unwinding in warmer climes. In that relaxed state, it was particularly startling to walk by this graphic banner outlining the foie gras production process.
These multiple graphic images of force-feeding geese helped me understand how foie gras is produced, in a few seconds. Those dining in the restaurant these protesters were targeting didn't stop eating, but I know they learned something too.
What worked here was:
- Relevance: The protesters made their case on site, right in front of a restaurant serving foie gras.
- Strength of messaging: Messaging was mainly graphic here. These strong, unforgettable images told the story. More than you wanted to know.
- Call to action, with a clear, doable act outlined: The brochure distributed a card from the Humane Society stapled to it, ready to be detached to give to the waiter or owner of a restaurant serving foie gras. Easy.
But here's what could work even better:
- When I asked the protesters what organization they were with, they couldn't answer. One said they were just individuals, not an organization. Another handed me a brochure from In Defense of Animals.
- That was confusing, and raised a question of credibility for me. Have your story straight, and be consistent in sharing it.
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