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Cinderella Star Keke Palmer Goes Glam on the Cover of Essence

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first_imgCinderella star Keke Palmer plays dress-up in a gorgeous gown every night in the hit Rodgers and Hammerstein musical—but on the cover of this month’s Essence magazine, the Broadway headliner is trying out a whole different look! Decked out in a gorgeous black-and-white party dress and beautiful makeup, Palmer is looking incredibly glam—Ella would be proud! The stage and screen star is thrilled to be the first African-American woman to play Cinderella on Broadway. “I know that the role of Cinderella is primarily for a Caucasian girl,” she told Essence, “But it didn’t stop me from going in and it didn’t stop [casting directors] from seeing me. There is a bit of intimidation. You think about Denzel [Washington], Viola Davis, and you think, ‘Only great people can do Broadway.’ That was the scariest thing about it, but I’m the type who thrives on pressure.” Read more in the newest issue of Essence, then see Palmer in Cinderella at the Broadway Theatre through January 3, 2015! View Comments Cinderella Related Shows Show Closed This production ended its run on Jan. 4, 2015last_img read more

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Capital Cities: The Top Adventure Hubs in Appalachia

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first_imgLooking for the best adventure hubs in Appalachia? Memorize your capitals and then listen to a local. They know what makes their towns tick. Here are the capitals of hiking, running, biking, paddling, fly fishing, and climbing towns across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic according to their most adventurous citizens.   HikingDamascus, Va.Jeff Patrick has worked at Mt. Rogers Outfitter for nearly three decades. He sums up his hometown’s love for trail succinctly: “Hiking isn’t a sport. It’s a way of life.” That’s apparent every May when Trail Days comes to town. This three-day festival celebrates hiking with workshops, music, arts, and even a parade. As for actually humping a pack, Damascus has immediate access to high-profile trails, like the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, and nearby Mount Rogers Recreation Area harbors 400 miles of trail. While Damascus is certainly a popular destination, it is not short on authentic Appalachian flair. “The best spots? I wouldn’t tell you!” says Patrick. “I’m not gonna butter your toast. That’s what your momma’s for.”    Charlottesville, Virginia Gear salesman, and trail builder Mike Meintzchel raised two kids in Charlottesville. They spent countless days hiking around the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Everything is within a half-hour reach,” says Meintzschel. “You can get out in the middle of nowhere and have a really productive weekend.” Even when hikers can’t make a 20-minute drive to 500 miles of trail in Shenandoah National Park, they can get their fix downtown. The city has developed urban green space, including the popular Rivanna trails. Great Outdoor Provisions hosts weekly meetups that even include historical hikes. “They’re connecting neighborhoods and making easier access for families,” Meintzschel says.Hot Springs, N.C.Hot Springs is an anticipated stop on an Appalachian thru-hike. It has a quaint downtown, a beautiful river, a few good pubs, and only 645 residents. While small, Hot Springs is colorful. “There are some characters in town,” says Dan Gallagher, part-owner of Bluff Mountain Outfitters. From the downtown you can a hike a number loops and side trails, such as Lover’s Leap Ridge. South of town, Max Patch is an iconic bald with stunning 360-degree views. Bluff Mountain, Laurel River Trail, and the Van Loop Trail are less-popular but equally rewarding hikes. “If you come downtown, I’ll give you a free map,” says Gallagher.[nextpage title=”Read on!”]BIKINGDavis, W.Va.“There is such a history here,” says Rob Stull, owner of Blackwater Bikes in Davis. “We just had the Revenge of the Rattlesnake for the 34th year.”  Infamous for races, festivals, and rugged riding, the Canaan Valley is steeped in mountain biking lore. “There aren’t many places like it,” says Stull. Riders can access hundreds of miles of singletrack from downtown. The surrounding wilderness includes six different land entities with singletrack. “A lot of it’s backcountry riding,” Stull explains. “Rooty, rocky, and muddy. It’s not something you find just anywhere.” Hellbender Burritos and Sirianni’s dish up tasty post-ride grub, and nearby Thomas has two breweries. While Davis is growing, it’s kept its soul. “We’re still a little rough around the edges,” Stull says, “That’s what I like about it.”Brevard, N.C.Professional downhill racer Neko Mulally chose Brevard, North Carolina as his home four seasons ago. For this world-class athlete it proved to be the perfect training ground. “The trails are so good,” Mullaly says. “They’re natural, raw trails. A lot of places are built for beginners, but [in Brevard] there’s still natural, raw riding, and the weather is great. We have enough altitude, so summer isn’t too hot and winter’s not too cold.” Mulally,  who’s sponsored by Brevard-based brewer Oskar Blues, says the culture is as rich as the riding. “We’ve got a couple good bike shops and Carmichael Training Systems out of The Hub. They’re bringing in camps with pros and high-level amateurs. The vibe here is good. I was just driving to the hardware store and saw a couple friends on the bike path. Everybody’s got a bike on their car.”Joe Driver, Megan Hutton, and Dan Ennis ride Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County.Ellijay, G.A. “We’ve got a great variety of trail around here,” says Kate Gates, co-founder of Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Getaway. “It’s flowy singletrack. It’s a really fun style.” Bear Creek, Stanley Gap, Fort Mountain State Park, and the Pinhoti Trail, with its many appendages, round out a lineup of top-notch options. “The Cohutta National Forest is right in our backyard,” explains Gates. “There’s great overlooks, swimming holes, and waterfalls.” Additionally, Ellijay hosts numerous road races and is home to a hip bike shop, Cartecay Bikes, and a handsome, little tavern called River Street.   [nextpage title=”Read on!”]RUNNINGChattanooga, Tenn.“We’ve got trails galore to run on, from easy trails through the parks to more burly technical mountain runs,” says ultra runner Eric Loffland. “We’re surrounded by mountains. With the Chattanooga River dividing the city, the views are awesome.” As a sales rep at Fast Break Athletics, Loffland selflessly directs visitors to his favorite spots: Lookout Mountain, Sunset Rock from the Bluff Trail, Snoopers Rock via the Cumberland Trail, or the Chickamauga National Battlefield. “You’ve got history, a beautiful trail, and great views,” he says.  Loffland moved to Chattanooga from Athens, Georgia to take advantage of the city’s thriving ultra-marathon scene. In the last four and a half years, he has seen the city thrive. “Every time I turn around there’s another brewer. Beer seems to bring runners and cyclists together.” His personal favorites: Heaven and Ale and Hutton and Smith.Asheville, N.C.Asheville runner Joe Quinlan loves running and living in Asheville for a multitude of reasons. First, there’s the people. “It’s a very accepting, open community,” says Quinlan. “There is an overwhelming friendliness, regardless of where you’re at in your talent or experience in running.” Then, of course, there’s the access. “There are so many trails no matter which way you go. It’s very humbling. There are endless trails that are very steep that take you to some remote peaks that give you a sense of how small you are and how big our world is.”  Did he mention racing? “What I really enjoy about the racing is how there is a different race for every level. There’s the Rock to Rock, Grand Further 25k, The Quest for the Crest. There is a 100-miler in April, Asheville’s first 100-miler. It’s going to be an incredible race.”Asheville, North Carolina, USA at twilight.Lynchburg, Va.For Alexis Thomas, a mother of four children, running in Lynchburg has been an inspiration. Despite zero experience in collegiate or even high school racing, she started a running club in 2013, The Blue Ridge Trail Runners. “I don’t have a history in running,” Thomas confesses. “Getting in with the people and the races totally changed my perception. If it was not for the people, I wouldn’t have kept running.” Thomas also loves Lynchburg’s trail networks, especially Candler Mountain, Riverside Park, and Blackwater Creek. Every Monday and Wednesday the Blue Ridge Trail Runners meet at any one of scores of trailheads to pound dirt and build community. Lynchburg also hosts a variety of races, including a gutsy Lynchburg Ultra Series.PADDLINGFriendsville, Md.“What’s great is we are right at the upper Youghiogheny,” says paddler Ian Wingert. “It’s a pretty central location. We are 30 minutes from Ohiopyle and the Lower Yough, 40 minutes from the Blackwater River and Red Creek—class IV and V whitewater. We are also near the Cheat, an ultra classic, big-water run and Big Sandy, a big-time-classic class five.” Friendsville is sleepy, but Wingert and a core group of local paddlers can always hit Ken’s Irish Pub or Water Street Cafe after a run. “People are usually hanging out there,” Wingert says. For outfitting or a raft trip, Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitters has a stellar reputation.Asheville, N.C.Chris Mclain is living the dream. He’s a sales rep at High Wire Brewery in downtown Asheville, and he’s paddling the Green River Narrows constantly. “That’s why I’m here,” he declares. Mclain cut his teeth seven years ago paddling the French Broad, the Upper Green, the Nantahala, and the Pigeon. Today he’s after consequential runs, like Raven’s Fork, the Linville River, and of course the Green. “In the Asheville area we have everything from beginner to expert. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is, there is a run for you. We have the full spectrum here. It’s also an outstanding place to develop as a paddler. There’s a lot of resources. There are so many great breweries and bars and outstanding food. For me Asheville has it all.”Fayetteville, W.Va.“There is always something to paddle. If the New River gets too low, the Gauley runs all the time,” explains West Virginia native Shane Groves. “Proximity is the big thing that separates Fayetteville from all other destinations. There are a ton of paddlers here. We have a core group of paddlers, but a lot of young guys are getting into it. Fayetteville’s vibe is down-to-earth, not much pretense to it. Sometimes random groups from Quebec come down. There really isn’t a bad season.” Groves, a local math teacher, likes to hit Pies and Pints (started by a former raft guide) or Secret Sandwich Society after a long day of paddling. “A lot of people are coming to Fayetteville to eat. It’s become a food destination too. West Virginia is such a quirky state and then you have this outdoor mecca in the middle of it. It’s so cool.”  [nextpage title=”Read on!”]CLIMBINGChattanooga, Tenn.Chattanooga’s position on the Cumberland Plateau means an abundance of routes. Local Drexel Bakker says there is a rock for every climber in every discipline. “There’s lots of easy areas, places that are super-accessible. Stone Fort at Mott Lake Golf Course is just about the easiest day of outdoor climbing. There’s also back-in-the-outdoors, adventure-style climbing. The rock quality is phenomenal.” Dayton Pocket is a popular urban bouldering locale. Rock Town and Horse Pens offer remote, world-class bouldering within an hour’s drive. And when summertime temperatures soar, Chattanooga climbers take refuge at one of three downtown climbing gyms. Plus, there are hip amenities, like The Crash Pad, an adventure-focused hostel, and their neighbor The Flying Squirrel Bar. “I’ve been to other places like Boulder and people here are climbing just as hard but there is not as much ego,” Bakker explains.Boone, N.C.Marshall Gilbert came to Boone for school, but rock climbing is what made him stay. “It has the small town feel. There is this really cool, tight-knit community here.” Gilbert, who works at Center 45 climbing gym, frequents Grayson Highlands, Moore’s Wall, The Buckeye Knob, Linville Gorge, Blowing Rock, or Highway 221, a bouldering circuit just south of town. Above all, he loves Boone’s hidden climbing gems. “A lot of places have been developed, but who knows how many places have been overlooked. There’s so much that draws people,” Gilbert says. When he’s not climbing, he is introducing kids to the sport through camps. When he’s thirsty, he’ll swing by Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which supports his kids camp with fundraisers.Fayetteville, W.Va.Kenny Parker opened climbing outfitter Water Stone Outdoors in 1994. “The climbing was always here; it was just in the background,” says Parker. “The quality – you hear it again and again. This is the best rock in the world. There’s just miles of it. That’s what distinguishes it. As far as cragging, you are not going to beat this place.” The New River Gorge, The Meadow River Gorge, and Summersville Lake, all within 20 minutes, have superb cliffs. “The beauty of Fayetteville is you can basically go out your back door,” says Parker. “It’s absolutely a welcoming place. The big ego thing doesn’t work here. One of the big selling points is it is still a very affordable place. There was a never a housing bubble.”FLY FISHINGBrevard, N.C.Carlton Murrey’s office window overlooks the Davidson River, one of America’s top 100 trout streams. “It gets a lot of attention from visitors as well as locals,” says Murrey, associate director of the Cradle of Forestry. “It’s a very technical trout stream. The fish are smart. Stealth and presentation are important. Local knowledge can be very valuable.” The Davidson’s stocked lower sections are good places to hook your dinner. Near Looking Glass Rock, catch-and-release anglers can wrestle monster fish that gorge on pellets from the hatchery. Intrepid individuals can push back into side streams where wild rainbows and wild brook trout are more aggressive. Fishing aside, the town is ideal for all stripes of adventurers as well as families. “Brevard is a wonderful place to live. Pisgah Forest, The Parkway, Dupont, Gorges, and Gorges State Park are all incredible. Brevard has a lot of culture in the downtown area, including the Music Center and the many top-notch restaurants.”Jeff Tyler paddle boards near Hooker Falls in Dupont State forestBlue Ridge, Ga.Fannin County is the official fly fishing capital of Georgia. Gene Rutowski says Blue Ridge merits such a distinction. He’s been guiding trips out of Blue Ridge for 14 years through his company Fly Fish Blue Ridge. “It’s paradise,” he says. “People from all over the world love coming here because it’s pristine, beautiful water, and great fish. We’ve got all four species of trout.” The Toccoa River, Rock Creek, Stanley Creek, and Noontootla Creek are all prime public fisheries. There’s also a wealth of private streams that guides can access. As for the town: “It’s really come a long way,” Rutowski says. “It has a lot of good restaurants, a lot of good shops. It’s awesome.”Harrisonburg, Va.“There is so much fishing here it’s kind of crazy.” Bob Cramer has been fishing Western Virginia for over fifty years. Thirty years ago he started Mossy Creek Fly Fishing but sold the business in order to spend more time on the river. The shop still exists and now occupies a 200-year-old colonial house in downtown Harrisonburg. Cramer says the secret of Harrisonburg’s success is in its geography. “We have a ton of public land. To the east in the Shenandoah Valley, we have 40 wild trout streams. To the west, George Washington National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres, and that entire forest has stocked trout and wild trout. Western Virginia’s underground caverns supply countless springs with cold, crystal water. “It’s the perfect environment for trout year round,” Cramer explains.  “We have so much diversity, and we have a really long season. There is something to fish for year round.”[nextpage title=”Read on!”]MULTISPORTRoanoke, Va.“We are fortunate to be surrounded by mountains on all sides,” says James Revercomb, owner of Roanoke Mountain Adventures. “If you don’t have time to drive 30 minutes for a morning session, there are trail systems within the city limits. You can ride downtown and be on singletrack in 15 minutes. Then there’s the Roanoke River Gorge or Carvin’s Cove. There’s a lot of close access for everyday stuff.” Revercomb lived in Jackson Hole for three years before returning to start Roanoke Mountain Adventures. “It’s certainly changed for the better,” he says of his hometown. “A lot of locals have known about the outdoor scene. We are seeing it do a lot for the city. It’s affordable and it’s livable. I spent a lot of time outdoors growing up, but I never realized how much we have close by. There’s this great variety.”Roanoke, Virginia, USA downtown skyline at dusk.Bryson City, N.C.Graham County EMT Hamilton Boxberger spent six summers working in Bryson City as a raft guide and wilderness counselor. When he wasn’t paddling down the upper Nantahala, he was bouldering behind the train tracks, swimming in Lake Fontana, or riding singletrack at Tsali State Park. “There’s a ton of stuff to do,” Boxberger says. “It depended on what I was feeling. I really enjoyed the river or being out hiking. Deep Creek is my favorite place to run. Downtown Bryson City is a cool place to hang out. They’ve got quite a lot to offer.” The Road to Nowhere a spooky tunnel northwest of town remains one of Boxberger’s best haunts.  “There’s a lot of hiking into the Smokies from there. I don’t think people realize that’s a trailhead. It’s good access.”Knoxville, Tenn.Legacy Parks Director Carol Evans can churn 25 miles on her bike, go for a paddle on the Tennessee River, and still arrive home on time for dinner. “You can do it all from the heart of the city,” says Evans. “It allows you to not reserve your play time to the weekend. You can get out everyday.” As Knoxville’s popularity grows, more urban trail systems are popping up, including purpose-built singletrack with trailside amenities. “We’re seeing the restaurants spring up where the trails are. The city is working on making connections, connecting the urban with the wilderness. Market Square has about 12 restaurants and is pet friendly.” In Knoxville’s surrounding areas, options for recreation grow exponentially. “You can drive 10 miles to House Mountain, the highest point in the county. There’s also Seven Islands State Birding Park and Big South Fork National River. An hour south are the Smokies and TVA lakes. We are surrounded by a lot of state and national parks, which is pretty unique for a city.”ravine and sunbeams shining through branches of treesUP-AND-COMINGJohnson City, Tenn.When whitewater boater and fly fisherman Matt Whitson was just 23 years old he opened his own outfitters.  After two years of business, he says, “It’s going pretty well. I saw an opportunity here in my hometown. An outdoor shop was something the area needed.” With the Appalachian Trail just 15 minutes away and easy access to the Nolichucky Gorge, Watauga Gorge, the South Holston River, Whitson says Johnson City is fast becoming an adventure hub. “It’s grown quite a bit the past five years. There’s a little bit for everybody down here.” One of the most exciting developments is Tannery Knobs, a state-of-the-art mountain bike park located close to the downtown.Slade, K.Y. The Red River Gorge and its climbing community are the backbone of Slade’s outdoor scene. That, however, doesn’t mean Slade is a one-trick pony. River trips, swimming holes, jumping rocks, caverns, fishing, waterfalls, and friendly people make Slade a dynamic town. Danielle Braden, who helps run her family’s river guiding outfit Red River Adventure, says Creation Falls is a must see. “It’s absolutely beautiful. A lot of people go there and propose to their girlfriends.” Climbing dirtbags hang at Torrent Falls Outfitters and Miguel’s Pizza, where you can order a pie, buy gear, or rent a cabin all at the same site.  “It’s grown but it keeps its small-business charm,” says Braden. “It has hidden jewels. It has this rustic charm. It’s really about the people.”State College, P.A.The home of Penn State University is young, vibrant, and increasingly crusty. You can ski, road bike, mountain bike, fish, hike, or boulder, and be back on time for the Nittany Lions’ kickoff on Saturday. Grant Corman, manager at The Bicycle Shop, says he’s been watching State College grow as an outdoor community. “The thing about Pennsylvania is our quality and lengthy seasons. We have Rothrock State Forest four miles away with over 100 miles of singletrack. We’ve got tons of public land that is at our disposal, a few areas with bouldering options, world-class fly fishing, lakes for kayaking. There’s four microbreweries in town and others nearby, and a distiller.”  Last year Corman cycled through the winter, and if the snow comes the local ski resort is a good practice slope for Seven Springs or Blue Mountain.last_img read more

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Supreme Court suspends, reprimands 13th circuit judge

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first_img Supreme Court suspends, reprimands 13th circuit judge Associate EditorA Hillsborough County circuit judge who shook her finger and angrily yelled at a fellow judge presiding over a bitter child custody case of a friend was ordered to stand before the Florida Supreme Court to receive a public reprimand December 13 (after this News went to press) and be suspended from office without pay for one month.The Supreme Court’s per curiam ruling in the Judicial Qualifications Commission case against 13th Circuit Judge Cynthia A. Holloway (Case No. SC00-2226) nixes Holloway’s plan to gracefully exit the bench in her announced retirement in January, making her last day as a judge December 10. She was also ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings.Two of the charges involve a single outburst that lasted no more than minutes on March 3, 2000, in the hearing room of Judge Ralph C. Stoddard. What the verbal blast lacked in duration, it made up for in intensity, and the court deemed Holloway’s actions — finger-shaking, a crude remark to the presiding judge, and angry demands on how the judge scheduled the case — serious ethical violations.“From the beginning, Judge Holloway has admitted that this contact was absolutely improper. Her explanation is that she was upset and emotionally involved in the case which concerned the sister of her best friend, and a child she had grown close to,” the opinion stated. “Although such motivation is understandable, her actions were entirely improper and certainly cannot be tolerated by a sitting circuit judge.”While counsel for the JQC suggested removal from office was the appropriate sanction, the high court sided with a hearing panel that concluded the harshest punishment was not warranted in Judge Holloway’s case. On the other hand, a mere reprimand without financial penalty, as Judge Holloway had asked, would be too lenient, the court agreed.The court noted that Judge Holloway has accepted responsibility for her actions in chastising a presiding judge in her friend’s case, and apologized to that judge. Also, “testimony of numerous character witnesses that, other than in the instances which are the subject of these charges, [Judge Holloway] has demonstrated that she is capable of performing ably in judicial service.”However, the court’s opinion cited “multiple instances of misconduct” and “the extremely serious nature of these charges” in violating Canons 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.The charges for which Judge Holloway was found guilty stemmed from an acrimonious custody fight over a 4-year-old child involving allegations of sexual abuse by the child’s father and removing the child from the home. Judge Holloway, a witness under subpoena in the case, became personally involved in how the case was being conducted because the child’s mother is the sister of Holloway’s best friend.Judge Holloway was reprimanded for the following unethical actions:• Judge Holloway shook her finger and criticized Judge Stoddard, the presiding judge in the custody case, in a “loud, angry, and temperamental manner” for leaving the child too long in the custody of a third party. In the presence of others, Judge Holloway let her feelings be known that the father in the custody battle should not get the child and demanded that Judge Stoddard hold an early hearing. The ex parte contact contributed to Judge Stoddard’s recusal in the case.“Despite admission of guilt to the charge, substantial evidence was presented by the prosecution and responded to by the defense concerning the details of the contact with Judge Stoddard. This evidence was in sharp conflict,” the panel found.• Judge Holloway “demeaned the judicial office by making a crude remark to Judge Stoddard, suggesting the father’s lawyer must have obscene pictures of the judge with a dog” because the father’s lawyer had such a hold on the judge.“Judge Holloway admitted her conduct was an ethical breach and was outrageous. She agreed she was overly emotional and had made a terrible mistake,” the opinion said.Judge Stoddard accepted Judge Holloway’s apology, “believing it to be genuine,” according to the findings. Judge Stoddard testified that he was “shocked, dismayed, and hurt, but that in his opinion Judge Holloway was a good judge, exercising ‘deference and respect’ and that he ‘had the highest opinion of her abilities as a judge,’” according to the court record.• Judge Holloway was found guilty of giving false or misleading testimony when she said under oath that she had not called a detective on the case, in a deposition taken by the father of the child, acting pro se. Judge Holloway was represented by counsel, her husband Todd Alley. When Judge Holloway completed an “errata sheet” to her deposition, she admitted she did have a brief telephone conversation with the detective after all. She said she did not want to discuss the facts of the investigation, but only hoped it would be handled in a timely fashion. The panel noted “this single phone call to the detective would not warrant discipline if it were not a part of the entire unfortunate series of events,” and the panel found insufficient evidence in the record to support the charge that she improperly called the detective.However, despite purported corrections, Judge Holloway was found guilty as charged “to the extent that the errata sheet was misleading, vague, incomplete, inaccurate, and intended to keep secret inappropriate contact with Judge Stoddard.”According to the panel, “Judge Holloway’s testimony and her deposition in a later errata sheet became the central most important contested matters in the case.”• In a separate matter, Judge Holloway asked another judge for a favor for her brother, requesting that his uncontested divorce hearing be moved ahead on the docket so he could catch an airplane. The request was made in the reception areas of Judge Katherine Essrig’s chambers, where others could hear.“Judge Holloway’s contention that she could not have committed an ethical violation because Judge Essrig would freely grant such scheduling favors ignores that this was an ex parte communication on behalf of a party in a pending case,” the court found. “Judge Holloway’s conduct in this regard was in violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.” Supreme Court suspends, reprimands 13th circuit judge December 15, 2002 Jan Pudlow Associate Editor Regular Newslast_img read more

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Donald Trump on credit unions

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first_img(Note: This is not an endorsement of Donald Trump, nor is it a discussion on politics. It’s merely the first in a series of observations on marketing lessons credit unions can learn from the presidential candidates we’ve seen and heard from over the last few months.)Last year as Donald Trump was hinting at running for president, he wasn’t labeled as a serious contender. “It’ll only last a few months,” media pundits guessed. “The more he talks, the more people will dislike him,” others predicted. The facts are that it’s been more than a few months, and the more he talks, the higher he ranks in many polls.Whether you love Trump, or would rather build a “yuge” wall around Pennsylvania Ave to keep him out of the White House, there are some great lessons you can learn in marketing for your credit union.Apologize—or not: Trump is like no other candidate we’ve seen run for office in recent years. He has no public sense of regret or shame. He says what he thinks at the moment. He calls it as he sees it and moves on, all the while ignoring his critics. He seems incapable of admitting mistakes or being wrong. If a member has a truly awful experience with your credit union, should you apologize? If a member is offended by something your credit union posts on social media, should you apologize? Should you ignore your critics or try to learn from them? It’s often difficult to know when and where to draw the line. If you apologize too often, it means you’re probably catering too much to members who really don’t understand the value of your credit union. On the flipside, if you don’t apologize when an apology is needed, you have the chance of damaging your brand. You have to toe the line between maintaining your brand reputation and doing the right thing. In short, don’t spend all of your time and energy on trying to make “bad” members happy, it will never happen.Trust your gut: Trump doesn’t follow the advice of focus groups like other candidates do. While other candidates test their message, trying to find the right mixture of words and issues to appeal to the right demographic segment of voters, Trump stays his course. While focus groups have some benefit, often candidates end up sounding like they are pandering to them. The real human connection of the candidate gets lost in trying to appeal to too many people. Many credit unions do the same, especially when it comes to the ever-elusive Millennial. Too many credit unions are lost trying to appeal to every demographic who has a dollar, or needs one. Trump seems to be resonating with conservative Republican voters because he’s so unrehearsed and unpolished — he’s not afraid to go without a teleprompter and speak whatever comes to mind. Every day on the campaign seems like he’s just really talking about whatever is most urgently on his mind at that moment. The same goes with your credit union. It’s good to do some homework to find out whether a new product or service is needed, but it’s even more important to trust that you have a good idea. If you trust your gut, know that others will feel the same. Get to know your “perfect member” and know what he/she needs from a trusted financial partner. If you try to make your message appealing to everyone, you’ll ultimately end up appealing to no one.Know your audience: Donald Trump doesn’t care one bit if you love him or hate him. He is engaging a very select crowd of voters—those who believe in his message and who want to support him. There’s something about Trump’s tough-talking “I don’t care what the experts think” attitude that appeals to voters. Many of the Republican primary voters are both frustrated and passionate about seizing the opportunity to “take back the White House.” Trump is giving a voice to those feelings. In the same way, your brand doesn’t have to appeal to everyone. As noted in point two above, know your perfect member and speak to their concerns in a relevant way. Forget the industry lingo that plagues many credit union marketing pieces.Understand your brand and your value proposition: Whether you agree with him or not, Donald Trump knows who he is and what his brand means. The Trump who we see on the campaign trail is well known to his fellow New Yorkers. The world has watched him for many years as he become famous as a New York real estate mogul, author, and, most recently, the TV reality-show host of “The Apprentice.” Trump hasn’t changed. Today, however, instead of talking real estate, he’s talking politics. He’s always been bold and and always had a sharp tongue. His take-no-prisoners attitude is legendary. The lesson? Your credit union needs to stand for something. Perhaps not as black and white as Trump, but it needs something your members can hold on to. Even many who oppose his candidacy and find themselves gritting their teeth every time he speaks, admire the consistency of his brand message. What you see is what you get. What does your credit union stand for? How can you position your message consistently? How can you send the message of service with a non-apologetic plan?Be audacious: Trump has no shortage of outrageous sound bites from the campaign trail. From inflammatory remarks about immigrants to accusing John McCain of not being a “war hero,” every new outrageous statement or media whirlwind seems to only boost his polling numbers. How can the very thing that has ended many campaigns, be such a positive for Trump? His core supporters respect him for speaking his truth, even when he’s not saying it in a polite way. Most political candidates are so polished and focus-grouped that it’s almost impossible for their true feelings and emotions to come out. Every day, Trump is in your face, with un-Normal Rockwell-like depictions of life as he sees it. He’s not afraid of what anyone thinks about him. The lesson for your credit union can be the same. Too many brands try to be inoffensive and become beige and bland in a failed attempt to be mainstream and appeal to everyone. It’s better to be memorable, even if you lose some members who don’t understand, as long as you keep appealing to the niche market of customers who love you the most. I think you would be surprised how little flack you’ll get. Example? Several years ago we launched a “Banking In Your Boxers” campaign for Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union. Braced for some unhappy members who wouldn’t understand the why behind the campaign, there were only two complaints were lodged. Neither were heritage members, nor were they members who were doing much business with the credit union. In fact, it went over so well that members were asking for branded boxers!It doesn’t matter if you are in the #Trump or the #NeverTrump camp. While the subject of the his candidacy is a political lightning rod, and not fit for dinner discussion with the in-laws (usually), there are some valuable lessons your credit union can learn from the Donald on how to learn your target audience, and appeal to them in a way that no one else can. What are you waiting for? Do something. 64SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr,Bo McDonald Bo McDonald is president of Your Marketing Co. A marketing firm that started serving credit unions nearly a decade ago, offering a wide range of services including web design, branding, … Web: yourmarketing.co Detailslast_img read more

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Rob Holding credits Hector Bellerin and ex-Arsenal star Danny Welbeck for ‘helping’ him on road to recovery

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first_imgRob Holding credits Hector Bellerin and ex-Arsenal star Danny Welbeck for ‘helping’ him on road to recovery Unai Emery on Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Nottingham ForestTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Play VideoLoaded: 0%0:00Progress: 0%PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration Time 10:34FullscreenUnai Emery on Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Nottingham Foresthttps://metro.co.uk/video/unai-emery-arsenals-5-0-win-against-nottingham-forest-2013038/This is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.‘It’s horrible to say it but it helped having Hector who was going through the same thing. You’ve got a little buddy in the gym.‘And when Danny Welbeck (now at Watford) was still with us, he had a long injury. So the three of us were together and getting each other through it.’ Metro Sport ReporterWednesday 25 Sep 2019 4:58 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link635Shares Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin both enjoyed dream comebacks (Picture: Getty)Holding added: ‘It’s been a totally new experience, I’ve never experienced a long-term injury like that before but credit to the club and the medical staff and the ­fitness people.‘They’ve put their arms round me and got me through it.‘There was a little bit [of nerves]. Obviously you get that nervous energy coming back in front of a full crowd.‘I played a few games for the Under-23s, so it was a good experience and I was over the moon with it.’More: FootballBruno Fernandes responds to Man Utd bust-up rumours with Ole Gunnar SolskjaerNew Manchester United signing Facundo Pellistri responds to Edinson Cavani praiseArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesUnai Emery reserved special praise for Holding in the aftermath of Arsenal’s third-round tie.‘It is perfect to have more options at centre back,’ the Spaniard said.‘His spirit, his positive minutes. Every day in training he helps us to have more performances like a team.‘He needed to take minutes and confidence. It was a perfect match. He was a little tired at the end, he’s happy.’Who will make the biggest impact for Arsenal this season?Hector Bellerin0%Rob Holding0%Share your resultsShare your resultsTweet your resultsMORE: Juan Mata sends message to Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool boss joins Common Goal charity Advertisementcenter_img Comment Advertisement Rob Holding returned from a serious injury to score for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)Rob Holding has credited Danny Welbeck and Hector Bellerin for their help in getting him through his lengthy rehabilitation following a serious knee injury.The 24-year-old was sidelined for ten months with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and finally made his comeback as Arsenal thumped Nottingham Forest 5-0 to reach the Carabao Cup last-16 on Tuesday evening.Unai Emery made Holding vice-captain for the clash and the defender was handed the armband when Mesut Ozil was replaced in the 71st minute at the Emirates.Within seconds, Holding buried a powerful header past Forest goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to double Arsenal’s lead and the floodgates opened.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTMore: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man CityBellerin, like Holding, returned from a long-term knee injury on the night and also made a significant contribution as he assisted Joe Willock just moments after being introduced in the 77th minute.Speaking after Arsenal’s win, Holding said: ‘It was the dream comeback really for me.‘For Hector to come back and get an assist straight away, you couldn’t have wrote it any better really.last_img read more

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Bayern Munich willing to let Jerome Boateng join Arsenal for no transfer fee

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first_imgBayern Munich willing to let Jerome Boateng join Arsenal for no transfer fee Arsenal have opened talks to sign Jerome Boateng from Bayern Munich (AFP/Getty Images)Bayern Munich would be willing to let Jerome Boateng join Arsenal for no transfer fee, according to reports in Germany.Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive options in the January transfer window following Calum Chambers’ long-term injury.RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is on Arsenal’s shortlist but the German club are unwilling to lower their £70 million asking price.That has left Arsenal seeking cheaper alternatives and the Gunners have reportedly opened talks with Bayern over a potential deal for Boateng.ADVERTISEMENTInitial reports had claimed that Bayern would want a €15m (£12.75m) transfer fee. Bayern were willing to loan Jerome Boateng to Juventus last summer (Getty Images)But according to Bild, the German champions would be willing to waive the transfer fee for Boateng if the Gunners paid the 31-year-old’s salary in full.AdvertisementAdvertisementBoateng’s current contract with Bayern expires in 2021 and is worth around €230,000 (£196,000) a week.Bild report that Bayern offered a similar deal to Juventus last summer which would have seen Boateng join the Serie A champions on a season-long loan for no fee, but Maurizio Sarri vetoed the move.Boateng, who has been with Bayern since 2011, ended up staying and has made 15 appearances for the German club this season.More: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man CitySpeaking after Arsenal’s win over Manchester United on Wednesday evening, Arteta admitted the club’s focus has turned to recruiting a new central defender following Chambers’ injury.‘Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back,’ said the Arsenal manager.‘The reality is we will not be able to do much. I’m more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we’re trying to do.‘And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let’s do it.’More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing Arsenal Comment Advertisement Metro Sport ReporterFriday 3 Jan 2020 7:06 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link17.2kShares Advertisementlast_img read more

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Retiree buyers start moving into Aveo Carindale ahead of schedule

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first_img Diane and Bruce Marshall, the first residents to move in to the Aveo Carindale redevelopment. Photo: SuppliedThe village will feature restaurants, bars, a library, cinema and hair and beauty salon.Located opposite Westfield Carindale and adjacent to lush parklands, Aveo Carindale will deliver 430 independent living apartments and a 115-bed high-care facility, with the final stage proposed to be completed in 2028.The integrated retirement community includes a technology lounge, consulting rooms with visiting GP and allied health services and a care team on-site 24/7, beauty salon, gymnasium, swimming pool, private cinema, library, games and billiards room, bar and restaurant.More from newsParks and wildlife the new lust-haves post coronavirus11 hours agoNoosa’s best beachfront penthouse is about to hit the market11 hours agoAveo Group CEO Geoff Grady said he was thrilled the first stage of the Aveo Carindale redevelopment was now completed.“Aveo Carindale is located near a vibrant shopping and entertainment precinct, parklands, leading health and professional services and Brisbane’s CBD, complementing our strategy to provide residents with access to established infrastructure and lifestyle amenities both in the community and within the broader setting,” he said.“With data suggesting 13.7 per cent of the projected population for Carindale in 2021 will be over the age of 65, redevelopments like Aveo Carindale are crucial to enable retirees to stay in their local area and in contact with their community social groups.’’ Inside the Aveo Carindale redevelopment.The first residents at Aveo Carindale are kicking back and enjoying life at the first stage of its newly redeveloped precinct.After unprecedented demand from retiree buyers, Aveo fast-tracked the release of additional independent living apartments within the first stage, and the first residents, Diana and Bruce Marshall, moved in last month.last_img read more

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Martin Gilbert named chair of OGTC

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first_imgIt has invested in nearly 250 projects that could generate up to £15 billion in value to the UK economy. This includes changing how they generate energy, preparing facilities to operate remotely and also cutting the cost of hydrogen generation. He will succeed Archie Kennedy who has been vice chair and chair of the OGTC since 2017. It aims to accelerate technology to support the UK’s transition to a net zero economy. The OGTC was established in 2016 with £180 million of funding as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal. CEO Colette Cohen OBE, said: Posted: 5 months ago Technology “Despite the significant economic challenges facing country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, governments and industry remain committed to delivering net zero. OGTC Integrates OGIC More recently, the OGTC also created a Net Zero Solution Centre. “The OGTC therefore has a crucial role in developing technologies to enable the oil and gas sector to be a valued part of the transition.” It supports a host of companies focused on reducing carbon emissions. Posted: 5 months ago “Martin’s extensive experience and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we accelerate technology to support the post-Covid-19 recovery and deliver a net zero North Sea. Martin Gilbert, chair, said: Categories: The Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) has appointed Martin Gilbert as chair of the Aberdeen-based research and technology organisation. Gilbert was a founding director of Aberdeen Asset Management and was instrumental in its £11-billion merger with Standard Life.last_img read more

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Doctors’ education and license, concern for Medical Professionals

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first_img Share 179 Views   one comment HealthLifestyleLocalNews Doctors’ education and license, concern for Medical Professionals by: – June 6, 2011 Share Sharecenter_img Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Johnson. Photo credit: GIS NewsMedical professionals here have underscored the education of doctors, and their code of ethics must be addressed.They met at Fort Young Hotel Monday at a consultation on the medical professional bill, agreeing that the practice of medicine in Dominica must be adjusted to address existing problems.“We now seem to have to legislate the code of ethics for registered medical professionals,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr David Johnson, as he listed “critical issues” that have to be dealt with.Among them are post-registration, education and training of doctors, qualification to practice, “duration of registration, and license to practice, specialist registration, complaints of the public, misleading signage, advertisements or persons holding out themselves to be what they are definitely not, false assumption of title of specialist,” Johnson disclosed.The medical legislation, under review, was developed in the 1930s.Ophthalmologist Dr. Hazel Shillingford Ricketts has spoken out against a deficiency in the number of medical consultants here.“The deficiency at the consultant level is filled by foreign medical doctors on technical assistance. These doctors do not participate in administration and management level activities… and they do not participate in the various positions required of the medical practitioners on the medical boards…this has resulted in the few Dominican consultants being overworked.”Dominica Vibes News Sharing is caring! Tweetlast_img read more

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China blocks access to LinkedIn

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first_img Tweet Users in China are reporting that access to LinkedIn has been blocked throughout the country(Fast Company) — Users in China are reporting that access to LinkedIn has been blocked throughout the country. By all indications, it seems that the popular career networking site has run afoul of the country’s infamous Great Firewall.According to LinkedIn’s Hani Durzy, the company is aware of a blockage in China and is “currently in the process of investigating the situation further.”The shutdown follows days of calls for a “Jasmine Revolution” in China, on the model of the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions. Access to Twitter and Facebook has been blocked throughout China for some time; Chinese internet users seeking to use Twitter have been forced to access the site through difficult-to-use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).However, Chinese dissidents have another way of accessing Twitter… LinkedIn.Use of LinkedIn, which is fully integrated with Twitter, was by far the easiest way to access Twitter in China. Messages can be easily read and posted through Twitter via LinkedIn. Sharing is caring! Share Adding credence to the LinkedIn-shutdown-to-block-Twitter strategy is the news that the Chinese government has started censoring the name of U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman from search results on the wildly popular homegrown Twitter/Tumblr clones Sina Weibo/QQ Weibo. Weibo means “microblog” in Chinese.Huntsman faces widespread charges in China of support for the Jasmine Revolution after a citizen journalist spotted him watching a pro-democracy protest from within a crowd this past Sunday. Like any good American abroad, Huntsman was standing outside a McDonald’s.According to The Wall Street Journal, Chinese dissidents have been disseminating calls to protest and organizing events via LinkedIn. Reuters notes that the LinkedIn outagecould hurt the firm’s chances at an IPO:“If the disruption for LinkedIn is permanent in China, it could hurt the company’s prospects at an IPO as a ban would exclude the company from the world’s largest Internet market–about 450 million users and growing.”“It certainly would be a negative in terms of the company’s future growth and profitability,” said Jay Ritter, a professor of finance at the University of Florida.“This is something where investors would take it into account and be willing to pay a little lower price per share.” Luckily for LinkedIn, China’s Internet censors are notoriously fickle: Sites blip on and off the Great Firewall frequently, with no prior warning. Related: Fast Company’s Anya Kamenetz recently interviewed LinkedIn CEO Reid Hoffman. Read more about the social networking site as part of our Most Innovative Companies of 2011 project.Related: Fast Company’s Anya Kamenetz recently interviewed LinkedIn CEO Reid Hoffman. Read more about the social networking site as part of our Most Innovative Companies of 2011 project. News China blocks access to LinkedIn by: – February 25, 2011 Share  CNN News Share One Chinese Twitter user who accesses both Twitter and LinkedIn through a proxy posted photos to Twitpic that seem to confirm a Chinese LinkedIn outage. 33 Views   no discussionslast_img read more

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