ClassWish Gets an A+

Posted by: gretchen on July 7, 2008 | 1 Comment |

I received a heads up about a new organization to help teachers get what they need for their classrooms. The program is called ClassWish and it will be launching soon. You can sign up to receive a notification when it launches in the coming weeks.

classwish.org

Jenny’s Heroes Make A Difference

Posted by: gretchen on July 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment |

Back in the day when I actually had time to watch TV, I used to watch the Jenny Jones show. I am a Jenny fan and I have been for quite some time. Jenny is also a fellow percussionist so that gives her instant cool points in my book anyway. b-)

Recently I was notified about a new venture called “Jenny’s Heroes.” I checked out the web site and found out that Jenny is giving away $1,000,000 this year to deserving individuals who want to better their community. There is an application process and Jenny is directly involved in the selection and follow-up processes. This is a great motivator, not because people are getting cold, hard cash to spend, but that they are being rewarded for their sacrifice and dedication to helping others in need. You can read each recipient’s story and follow the diary to see how they used the funds to make a difference. Major kudos to Jenny for such a brilliant program. :)

Jenny’s Heroes

Side note: This is especially intriguing to me because one of my goals with Girls Can’t WHAT? is to build up enough revenue to also give away one million dollars. I’m quite a ways off from reaching that goal, but that won’t stop me from trying.  In fact, I am not waiting until I have amassed my fortune to do this. I regularly contribute to charities and good causes directly from my Girls Can’t WHAT? account and I frequently donate my designs and products to women’s organizations for fundraisers, etc. I track it in a spreadsheet and every once in a while I take a peek to see where I am with the total. Some day I will be able to say I gave away one million dollars - not because I want to pat myself on the back - but because I want to inspire others to do the same. I have everything I need already. Some people don’t. I can help. ;)

Superchick: Rock What You Got

Posted by: gretchen on June 27, 2008 | Leave a Comment |

Rock What You GotOne of my favorite bands released a new album this week. Rock What You Got by Superchick has been a long time coming, but it’s finally here! If you’re not familiar with Superchick, you really should check them out. With hits like Anthem, One Girl Revolution, Me Against the World, Hero, We Live and Beauty from Pain, Superchick has made a big impact in the music world. Their songs are upbeat and very positive with a unique sound that blends techno, pop with R&B and other styles for a very unique sound.

I’ve had Rock What You Got blazing through my iTunes for a couple of days now and it is phenomenal. I love it when bands reinvent themselves and aren’t afraid to try new things. Superchick excels at creating new sounds and catchy lyrics. The best song on the album, in my opinion, is track #7 “So Beautiful”. The song is another fantastic anthem for girls. My own daughters caught onto it right away and they’ve been playing it in their rooms before bedtime. Here is a preview of “So Beautiful” (lyrics listed at the bottom of this post):


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Book Review: If I’d Known Then

Posted by: gretchen on June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment |

Ya know, I have the greatest job in the world. Seriously. I get to work at home with iTunes blaring through my speakers, windows open, no shoes and I get to sit and draw cartoons, write and build web sites all day long. EVERY DAY! And if that is not awesome enough, I get 2-3 deliveries a week from UPS and FedEx with the best gifts ever - books! People send me books to review non-stop and I love it. Especially when I receive real treasures like this one:

If I'd Known ThenIf I’d Known Then: Women in Their 20s and 30s Write Letters to Their Younger Selves (edited by Ellyn Spragins) is a fantastic collection of letters from some astonishing women who describe themselves as they were in their youth and offer advice and encouragement. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like this type of book or not. I don’t like novels and personal stuff, I much prefer self-help and psychology as my standard reading material. As fate would have it, I flipped it open to page 49 where I find fellow geek Catarina Fake (cofounder of Flickr) recounting her kindergarten troubles and I could immediately relate!

Catarina goes on to tell her rebellious child:

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Support An Athlete in Need

Posted by: gretchen on June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment |

I received this in my email today and I think it would make a good weekly challenge:

Ashley Runion This is written in an attempt to help a 15 year old softball player named Ashley get through a very difficult time. She has been diagnosed with AML (leukemia) and has recently begun treatment. So far many people who don’t even know Ashley have been posting messages in a guest book within a website that has been made specifically for her. I understand that she reads the messages and it has been a great source of comfort and support. I thought I’d reach out even further and see if teams, players, celebrities, and softball people generally from across the country would be interested in posting a message of support to Ashley. You should check out the guestbook. There has been an unbelievable show of support for this young player. I have attached the website below.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashleyrunion

Thanks!

Dave
Baseliners 14U
Sterling, Virginia

Ladies - this is an excellent opportunity to encourage a fellow athlete. Drop her a line and show your support. I did. ;)

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