Friday, July 31, 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Casting Alert! -Target Stores & LA Casting Call for Models with Special Needs

REMINDER!
Target Corporation is holding a casting in LA on August 14th, 2009, for children and young adults ages 6 to 26, to feature in its future advertising.

To be considered, you must respond by Monday, August 3rd. Thanks to Gail Williamson of DSALA for the heads up. You can download the pre-casting sheet which outlines casting and photo shoot expectations at DSALA/Heart & Halo here.

Target asks that all those interested:
-Look over the expectations to ensure the individual or child will be comfortable with both the casting and potential future photo shoot experiences.
-Fill out the casting sheet electronically if possible.
-E-mail it back to SpecialNeeds.Casting@Target.com along with an attached photo no larger than 500K or 1/2MB. Potential models and their parents/caregivers will be contacted by email or phone if selected to appear at the LA casting. Further information will be given at that time.
_______________
Target gets big kudos for their on-going commitment to including special needs diversity in their advertising, one of the first large retailers to do so.

The Bullseye rocks.

Photo from RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 09


31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Thirty


DAY THIRTY
Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer filmed the 1980 cult classic Somewhere in Time on Michigan's beloved Island.

Autographed photos of the two stars hang in the lobby of the Grand Hotel and die-hard fans still gather for a special SIT weekend each October.

Can you say romantic?

Photo by Judy Winter




Wednesday, July 29, 2009

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Nine



DAY TWENTY-NINE
Two of the joys of staying overnight at the famed Grand Hotel include leisurely strolling its amazing 660-foot porch (the longest in the world) and playing dress up for dinner.

Pull up a rocking chair and sit a while.

Photo by Judy Winter


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Alabama Taser Story Highlights Big Challenges Facing Law Enforcement vs the Rights and Dignity of Those With Disabilities


Today's story about the Alabama police officers who tasered a man who is deaf and intellectually challenged after he refused to come out of the bathroom at a Dollar General Store, highlights the challenges facing law enforcement officials who may lack appropriate training, sensitivity and understanding necessary when dealing with those with special needs, especially if mental health issues are involved and/or the situation is not at first clear cut. Read the story here.

May this be the beginning of critical conversation and action on both sides of the issue. 

When it comes to disability, things are not always as they may first appear.

Photo Judy Winter 09

Did You KNOW? Blue M&M's May Hold Key to Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries?



CNN/Health reports that the same blue dye found in M&M's may help in treatment of spinal-cord injuries. Tests also turned the mice blue. Read it here.

Blue is a lovely color.

Photo: 'Blue' by Judy Winter 09

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Eight


DAY TWENTY-EIGHT
If butterflies are your thing, a visit to the The Original Butterfly House and Insect World and/or the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory will help you indulge in your love of the winged creatures. 

If you're lucky, one of these charming beings will land on you, something I consider to be one of nature's loveliest and most gentle of blessings.

More Island magic.

Photo by Judy Winter

Monday, July 27, 2009

Casting Alert! -Target Stores & LA Casting Call for Models with Special Needs


Target Corporation is holding a casting in LA on August 14th, 2009, for children and young adults ages 6 to 26, to feature in its future advertising. 

To be considered, you must respond by Monday, August 3rd. Thanks to Gail Williamson of DSALA for the heads up. You can download the pre-casting sheet which outlines casting and photo shoot expectations at DSALA/Heart & Halo here

Target asks that all those interested:
-Look over the expectations to ensure the individual or child will be comfortable with both the casting and potential future photo shoot experiences.
-Fill out the casting sheet electronically if possible.
-E-mail it back to SpecialNeeds.Casting@Target.com along with an attached photo no larger than 500K or 1/2MB. Potential models and their parents/caregivers will be contacted by email or phone if selected to appear at the LA casting. Further information will be given at that time.
_______________
Target gets big kudos for their on-going commitment to including special needs diversity in their advertising, one of the first large retailers to do so.

The Bullseye rocks.

Photo from RicStar's Camp by Judy Winter 09


31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Seven







DAY TWENTY-SEVEN
The Island dock area is usually bustling with activity, but calm can be found amid the busyness. Grab a lunch and head for the large grassy knoll just outside of town, where you can leisurely watch the brides, horses, boats and fudgies go by. Some visitors even take a refreshing nap or sunbathe here.

Refuel for the next leg of your Island adventure.

Photos by Judy Winter 

Sunday, July 26, 2009

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Six








DAY TWENTY-SIX
There's no shortage of places to satisfy your sweet tooth on the Island. No photo of fudge with this post, because I ate it all. But I left plenty for you.

Hint: The new chocolate/coconut fudge at the Murray Hotel is devine and deadly and totally trashed my resolve not to overindulge. 

Think Mounds Bar. It's that good, fudgies.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Obama & Beer Invite- Secret to World Peace?


Love this! President Obama has invited Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Sgt. Jim Crowley to the White House for beer and conversation and resolution. Both have accepted. Read it here.

Maybe this is the real secret to world peace.

Photo Judy Winter 

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Five



DAY TWENTY-FIVE
Unexpected charm is everywhere on the Island, especially off the beaten fudgie track.

Wonder where this door leads?

Friday, July 24, 2009

Writer Alert! -Writer's Digest Announces Poetry Contest


In a previous post, I told you about the Writer's Digest call for your short stories.  Now it's time for all you brooding (or happy) poets out there to chase fame and fortune, or at least go after validating professional kudos, part of the WD 5th Annual Poetry Awards Competition. Find out more here.
 
Photo: Judy Winter 08

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Four



DAY TWENTY-FOUR
Fort Mackinac

On a bluff 150 feet above the Straights, you can experience Island history at Fort Mackinac, an 18th century fort once occupied by British Redcoats (admission fee).

While there, be sure to visit the lovely Fort Mackinac Tea Room with its cool yellow umbrellas. Here, you can dine alfresco while enjoying amazing views of the Straights of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge below and beyond. Simply lovely. 

Hear the cannons booming?

Find out more about Fort Mackinac and other nearby State Park attractions here.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Sports Illustrated Piece 'The Fire Still Burns' Well-Deserved Tribute to Coach Izzo/Spartans



What a terrific piece in this week's Sports Illustrated about the MSU Spartans, Coach Tom Izzo and their Cinderella run during the 2009 NCAA Final Four in Detroit. Read the well-deserved, well-written feature entitled 'The Fire Still Burns' by Lee Jenkins here.  Brings all those exciting moments of Spartan pride right back again. 

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Three








DAY TWENTY-THREE
More lovely Island flowers. Worth a second post.

On the Island, beauty is everywhere.

Photos Judy Winter


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

CNN Money & Thumbs Up Detroit-For a Change



For all you folks tired of people hating on Detroit, here are some positive takes on the city, and some long-overdue respect from the residents who proudly call the Motor City home. Visit CNNMoney.com. 

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-Two


DAY TWENTY-TWO
Horses are Mackinac Island royalty. But unlike most reality TV stars, they work hard for their fame, especially while navigating all those steep Island hills. Few vacation experiences compare with the relaxing and spirited cadence of the charming Island horses.

Be sure to check out the First Annual Mackinac Island Festival of the Horse being held July 23 thru July 25th.

Magnificent creatures.

Photos Judy Winter 09





Tuesday, July 21, 2009

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty-One



DAY TWENTY-ONE
The stunning sunsets and gentle breezes on the Island are worth staying late for. It's Northern Michigan at her finest. 

Simply mesmerizing. 

Turn off all technology, and breathe out.

Photo Judy Winter 

Monday, July 20, 2009

DJ Gregory Walks On: The Game of Golf, Cerebral Palsy & Reaching for a Dream


The ESPN video 'Walk On' features golfer DJ Gregory as he successfully walks a total of 988 miles to accomplish a personal dream of walking every hole of every round of each event on the 2008 PGA tour
-- a shining result of Gregory's refusal to allow a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at birth keep him from living life to the fullest. The story is made more remarkable because Gregory's parents were told their son, now an adult, would never walk.

This powerful story is also a testament to great choices made by Gregory's terrific parents who raised their son to reach his full potential in light of cerebral palsy, and did their best to rewrite some harsh statistics. 

Please, take time to watch this incredible twelve-minute video. It will inspire and motivate you, and remind you of the power of focusing on individual ability, not disability. This is one of the finest features involving special needs that I've ever seen. Kudos to ESPN for a job exceptionally well done. 

Watch 'Walk On' here, and be prepared to up your own life game.

Most of us can dream bigger dreams.

Photo: Golf Course Cafe-Mackinac Island/Judy Winter 09

Special Needs Shout Out! -Happy 41st Birthday Special Olympics


Happy Birthday Special Olympics-- making a big difference in the lives of millions with intellectual disabilities and their families for 41 years!  

What began in Eunice Kennedy Shriver's backyard as a passionate mission to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities athletic opportunities, today commands an international stage and status as a special needs giant, with no signs of slowing down.

Thanks for the great example, Special Olympics. You've aged beautifully.  BRAVO!

Photos courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Twenty



DAY TWENTY
In addition to the famed Grand Hotel (see Day 31 post later on), there's an abundance of charming hotels and other accommodations on the Island. Book weekends and holidays well in advance and consider visiting in the off season, too, when rates are lower.

Staying overnight on the Island after most tourists have left and the Island is quiet, is a wonderful experience, one well worth the cost.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Aussie Update- Jack Discovers Dairy Queen




Thank you, God, for my great new life, and for Dairy Queen.

Grateful Jack / Judy Winter 09


31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Nineteen




DAY NINETEEN
Lovely window boxes adorn the Island, providing amateur and professional photogs with some great photo ops.

Charge your batteries before heading out.

Photo Judy Winter

Saturday, July 18, 2009

31 Days of Mackinac Island Beauty- July 2009-Day Eighteen





DAY EIGHTEEN
Bustling Main Street is where much of the Island buzz happens. Once you've gotten your bike and fudge, head out of town and escape to less inhabited areas for personal rejuvenation, and peace and quiet.

Turn off your cell, get your camera ready, and watch where you step.

Photos Judy Winter 

Friday, July 17, 2009