Please read this compelling argument supporting gay marriage, and consider the five reasons the author claims the Constitution supports marriage equality. Definitely worth your time!
Thanks to my friend Richard Dedor for tweeting a link to this outstanding article in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
October 30, 2009 - Starbucks announced via Twitter a plan to consolidate their customer rewards programs, eliminating the annual fee component of the Starbucks Gold Card and providing what appears to be stronger loyalty rewards through their new three-tiered program.
Original Gold Card members will continue to receive their membership benefits until December 31, 2009 or until the membership expires - whichever lasts longer. This means I will continue to get my 10 percent discount off of every Starbucks purchase for a month-and-a-half after my card was originally set to expire. Thanks, Starbucks!
During the Fall 2008 semester, I discussed my addiction to Starbucks with my First Year Experience classes, giving them a tangible (and personal) example of an area where I could improve my finances. In the lesson about financial health, I shared that I learned from mint.com that my all-too-regular lattes made Starbucks my most frequented business. I had three outstanding students with whom I became close in my First Year Experience course, who purchased a Gold Card in my name as a fantastically fitting gesture of their appreciation, telling me that the use of the card would let me continue my trips and help ease some of my guilt. (Thank you Darien, Kelley, and Monica!)
Come to think of it, I don’t really know of the three of them even realize how much more money I’ve probably spent because of the rewards I’m getting, but I’m sure Starbucks is thrilled. At least now I don’t have to renew the membership. :o)
Full details about the program here: Starbucks Consolidates Card Programs for Easier, More Rewarding Loyalty Program
(Photo courtesy of Words About Things)
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com. (from article)
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Helen Keller (Courtesy of Paul and The Ripples Project) |
“The 1968 statute, passed in the aftermath of the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., applies to people attacked because of their race, religion or national origin. Under the new provision, the law will cover those attacked because of their sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.”
It’s about time! Thank you, President Obama!
Caption: President Barack Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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Og Mandino (via calidre)
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I was shopping at the local supermarket where I selected:
A half-gallon of 2% milk
A carton of eggs
A quart of orange juice
A head of lettuce
A 2 lb. can of coffee
A 1 lb. package of bacon
As I was unloading my items on the conveyor belt to check out, a drunk standing behind me watched as I placed the items in front of the cashier. While the cashier was ringing up the purchases, the drunk calmly stated, ‘You must be single.’
I was a bit startled by this proclamation, but I was intrigued by the
derelict’s intuition, since I indeed had never found Mr. Right. I looked
at the six items on the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about my selections that could have tipped off the drunk to my marital status.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I said, ‘Yes you are correct. But
how on earth did you know that?’
The drunk replied, ‘Cause you’re ugly.
Oh calidre, you make me smile! I’m going to miss you…
Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden announced today that the balloon boy incident was indeed a publicity stunt.
“The “Aha!” moment that led authorities to realize what had happened was an interview with the family Thursday night on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” Sheriff Jim Alderden of Larimer County said Sunday. In the interview with Wolf Blitzer, filling in for King, the Heenes asked their son why he had not come out from hiding when they called his name.
“You guys said we did this for the show,” the boy responded.”
People who would use their children for an ounce of fame disgust me. Seriously, what are you teaching your children? A friend shared the following link to the public service announcement below that hits the nail on the head.
“People always wonder where children learn things. Look in the mirror. Be a positive influence.”-Mandie Thacker
Or, as Sondheim so eloquently put it in Into the Woods,
“Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see, and learn. Children may not obey, but children will listen. Children will look to you for which way to turn, to learn how to be. Careful before you say, “Listen to me.” Children Will Listen.”
Children will listen - and follow suit. What lessons are you teaching your (and others’) children through your actions?
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Vincent van Gogh
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Yes, friends - this was in Fort Collins, Colorado. Or, as us locals call it, FoCO. The Choice City. Home to Colorado State University, the most pizza places per capita, and Old Town - a quaint downtown area modeled after Main Street USA in Disneyland. Also known as my home. That’s right, folks. I grew up in the Loveland/Fort Collins area in Northern Colorado. Yes, Loveland - the Valentine’s Day Capitol of America. Oh, and of course I’m Proud, To Be, A CSU Ram! We Coloradoans are a fantastic bunch - and you’ve gotta say, we certainly do make the news exciting!
My coworkers and I followed this story throughout the day. I’m just glad the drama is over, and the poor child is safe.
