Target sells shirts to help pro-gay marriage group

This undated photo provided June 1, 2012, by Target Corp. shows one of the T-shirts target is selling to raise money for a group working to defeat a gay marriage ban in Minnesota. The Minneapolis-based retailer is taking heat from same-sex marriage opponents in its home state, where voters will decide this November whether to put a gay marriage ban into the state constitution. (AP Photo/Target Corp., Paul Weber)

This undated photo provided June 1, 2012, by Target Corp. shows one of the T-shirts target is selling to raise money for a group working to defeat a gay marriage ban in Minnesota. The Minneapolis-based retailer is taking heat from same-sex marriage opponents in its home state, where voters will decide this November whether to put a gay marriage ban into the state constitution. (AP Photo/Target Corp., Paul Weber)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) ? Two years after Target Corp. angered gay marriage supporters with a political donation that benefited a fiery gay marriage opponent seeking the governor's office, the retailer is now upsetting same-sex marriage opponents by selling T-shirts to raise money for a group working to defeat a gay marriage ban in Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-based retailer is taking heat in its home state, where voters will decide this November whether to put a gay marriage ban into the state constitution. One organizer of gay marriage opponents warned that their displeasure could spread to 32 other states where voters have banned gay marriage.

"Target is attacking traditional marriage, which is an incredibly misguided thing for them to have done," said Chuck Darrell, spokesman for Minnesota for Marriage, a group campaigning to pass the constitutional marriage amendment. "It's an insult to the overwhelming majority of their customers."

Target's move comes two years after it endured a backlash from gay rights supporters for giving $150,000 to a campaign group backing the conservative Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, Tom Emmer, who narrowly lost to Democrat Mark Dayton in a race that went to an automatic recount. The donation set off protests and calls for a boycott from a constituency that had seen Target as an ally.

Supporters of gay marriage see Minnesota as having the potential to halt their long losing streak in statewide votes.

The T-shirt promotion will raise up to $120,000 for the Family Equality Council, a Washington-based group that is part of a Minnesota coalition pushing to defeat the constitutional amendment. The $12.99 shirts will be sold on Target's website through June, or while supplies last. They come in four designs, emblazoned with words such as "harmony" and "pride." Singer Gwen Stefani designed one shirt featuring a rainbow and a cloud that says, "LOVE IS LOVE."

Target hasn't taken a position on Minnesota's ballot question. Spokeswoman Molly Snyder said the T-shirt promotion was organized by a group of gay Target employees and their allies. She said it is Target's second promotion to benefit a specific group. The first, during last year's holiday season, raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the sale of limited-edition plush dogs.

"Target is pleased to be able to bring our guests products they want while, in turn, helping support the LGBT community through the donation of 100 percent of the purchase price to the Family Equality Council," the company said in a statement noting its long-standing support of the gay community.

Another statement from the retailer notes "a broad range of strongly held views" on the marriage issue and urges employees to vote.

Family Equality Council director Jennifer Chrisler said the T-shirt proceeds will fund her group's work around the country, ranging from community building to political advocacy. She added that Target, a longtime sponsor of the Twin Cities gay pride festival, is now sponsoring Family Equality Council retreats for gay families in Massachusetts and California.

"I know and understand what a big reaction that donation had two years ago, and I think they have taken steps, serious steps, to show that they understood that reaction," Chrisler said. "But I really think this is an extension of the longtime partnership we have had and their commitment to family."

Minnesota for Marriage doesn't plan to organize action against Target because of its focus on the November vote, Darrell said. Instead, he is asking supporters of the constitutional amendment to counter the Target promotion by donating $12.99 on his group's website. He said donations are up since Target started selling the T-shirts.

Darrell also urged Target to get out of the marriage issue ? and stay out.

"Just get out of this debate and do what they're good at," Darrell said. "Get out of the business of trying to redefine marriage."

___

Follow Martiga Lohn at http://www.twitter.com/martigal

Associated Press

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rubber flooring - Rubber flooring works in a Daycare

Daycares need space for the children to play that is also safe. Rubber flooring comes in forms which allow children to crawl, jump, and run. They also need something which will endure frequent scuffing and mistreatment as furniture is rearranged, sometimes daily. This special covering is exactly what they are looking for.

Baby rooms need a material which can withstand many spills, both by drinks and body fluids. Mats must also be safe from chemicals, since these infants spend most of their times crawling, rolling, or otherwise playing in very close proximity to the ground. Eva foam tiles are safe for use with these babies. While some concerns have been raised about a chemical which is naturally created during the manufacturing of this product, no test has proven that it is present or that it poses any danger to the user. There are no large pores for water or mold spores to accumulate, making it safer than carpeting.

Toddlers, usually aged twelve to twenty-four months of age, are more active than infants, but they spend a great deal of time playing on the carpet or other covering. Mats in this zone should have some buoyancy. Whether just from general movement or from their exploration of higher spaces, when these children fall, they need help to be sure they are not injured. An elastic base will be a great help in this region. Spills are also a concern for this age group, and having a non-absorbent surface is necessary to keep the room disinfected.

Preschool rooms are filled with bouncing, active bodies. These rooms need rubber flooring that will last. Scuffs occur on most woodwork and linoleum will tear, but these resilient surfaces are almost impossible to damage. This special material has no residual chemicals that will harm the little ones who play and run in this room, and the buoyancy reduces minor injuries. Falls are frequently caused by rough housing at this age, and using a material that gives a little will reduce these minor bruises. It is also useful for dividing a large space into individual centers, assisting in the learning process and making it easier for children to identify the space that the teacher is referring to.

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Interconnecting squares may be used in smaller spaces. Because these small mats do not need adhesive for use, they may be moved around the building, as needed.

Finally, any room which leaks need a mat which will not grow mold or bacteria. Dripping hot water tanks are easier to clean when they are not absorbed into the carpet. With no room to grow mold, there are not as many concerns for allergies for the children or caretakers in the building. Rooms with ill-fitting roofs, a crooked window, or ancient appliances which may allow water to drip to the ground can now be sanitized in record time after an event. Since it cannot absorb water, there is no wait time before the space may be used again safely once the surface water is removed.

Eva foam tiles are efficient in many spaces in a daycare. Rooms housing any age group or leaks could use rubber flooring. It will not be destroyed even with active routine use, and it can be cleaned up easily after events. Children should be able to play safely, without fear of damaging their surroundings.

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Video: Murder trial starts for ?Survivor? producer

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Significance of Product Reviews When You Shop

Nobody hates shopping. All age groups like to shop though they have different wants and needs. It is a necessary thing to do for every individual to support his daily living. Everybody loves to shop in department stores and shopping malls.

Recently, consumers are becoming more specific and wise in purchasing variety of goods or products. Every shopper checks the items thoroughly first before buying it. However, at some point, we are being careless and spending too much in an item for the sake of having it. Watch your savings. Do not be impulsive in shopping. Take your time doing product reviews so that you won't regret anything in the end.

To have an effective product review, search to the Internet about the product you want to procure. Internet has no limitations with regards to information dissemination. It has the latest updates about the availability of products in the market. Have a thorough research of the item and learn its features and benefits. You can also compare two or more brands with the same purpose. Have a brief and approximate review of those products before you will decide to finally choose one. You can have your checklist so that you will be able to compare the products' features clearly. List the pros and cons of a particular product. There are available websites in the Internet where you can see the product's rating. Today, buyers use search engines just to get the information that they need. You can also see some of the comments in the company's website or even in personal blogs made by previous consumers.

When you are doing a product review, it is very essential that you are knowledgeable enough and well-informed about the product. Know the item in full details. The item you are looking for might be faced out already in the market or had been replaced with new upgraded item. Always verify the price and the shipping fee if you want to purchase it online via delivery.

Be aware that there are so many existing producers, manufacturers and companies who offer the public almost the same product. Product review can help consumers to select. All companies have their own and unique advertisements to promote their products. It will be a waste of time and money if consumer will buy different kinds of brands which only serve one purpose. That is why reviews will be of great help to consumers to help him come to a decision.

Be very careful when searching for product reviews online. Some are just bogus ideas or comments to encourage shoppers to go for that item. Double check the genuineness of the review. Global crisis is very prominent nowadays which affects our economy. It is not that easy to look and earn for money so be meticulous enough before spending your savings in a specific item especially if the item is a bit expensive.

Product reviews play an important role not only to consumers but also to the producers. Some deals are being made through an effective and efficient review.

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Tribute To Pete Seeger : Betty & Baby Boomers & Tom Paxton ...

THE POWER OF SONG: A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF PETE SEEGER WITH BETTY AND THE BABY BOOMERS AND TOM PAXTON AT THE MAINSTAY JUNE 1 ? 3

?The Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD pays tribute to the music and activism of Pete Seeger with a concert with Betty and the Baby Boomers on Friday June 1 at 8:00 p.m. and a concert with legendary songwriter Tom Paxton on Saturday June 2 at 8:00 p.m. There will also be a discussion on Saturday afternoon, June 1 led by Mainstay founder and director, Tom McHugh, and a sing-around on Sunday June 3 at the new pavilion in Rock Hall Village at the corner of Main Street and Route 20 in Rock Hall. Admission is $15 for Betty and the Baby Boomers and $20 for Tom Paxton. The discussion and the sing-around are free. The weekend is sponsored by Judy Kohl. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay?s website http://www.mainstayrockhall.org.

On Friday June 1, Betty and the Baby Boomers return to the Mainstay from their home in the Hudson River Valley to help pay tribute to their long-time associate and collaborator, Pete Seeger. The folk music magazine Sing-Out called them, ?a refreshing reminder of the halcyon days of American folk music.? Betty Boomer, Steve Stanne, Jean Valla McAvoy and Paul Rubeo met as singers on the sloop Clearwater in 1985. Bassist Robert Bard joined the group in 2009. The Clearwater organization was founded by Pete Seeger. It built the 106 foot Hudson River sloop Clearwater and is dedicated to environmental causes.

With a sound inspired by the enthusiastic harmonies of folk groups like Peter, Paul & Mary and the Weavers, the Boomers draw material from traditional folk music, from contemporary songwriters and classic folk writers like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Phil Ochs. Their distinctive arrangements feature rich three and four part harmonies, strong instrumentals and occasional a capella voices. David Malachowski in the Kingston (NY) Daily Freeman said, they ?sing and play old-school folk like it was brand spanking new.? Admission to Betty and the Baby Boomers is $15.

Betty Boomer is a former English teacher turned naturalist, working on the Hudson and in the Valley?s other precious open spaces. Jean Valla McAvoy is the education coordinator for the Hudson River Research Reserve, protecting wetlands along the river. Paul Rubeo, a longtime social studies teacher, today trains teachers to use computer and video technology to bring the river into their classrooms. Steve Stanne directed Clearwater?s teaching programs for nearly twenty years and now coordinates the education projects of New York State?s Hudson River Estuary Program.

On Saturday afternoon June 2 at 1:00 p.m., there will be an informal discussion about Pete Seeger?s music and activism with Tom McHugh and some of Pete?s colleagues and associates. Steve Stanne is a founding member of Betty & the Baby Boomers who directed Clearwater?s teaching programs for nearly twenty years and now coordinates the education projects of New York State?s Hudson River Estuary Program. Judy Kohl was a Hudson River Valley resident for 40 years, a Clearwater member, co-founder of Hedgelawn Foundation and sponsor of this weekend tribute to Pete Seeger. John Mylod is a former Director of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and a Hudson River shad fisherman. Tom McHugh, is a former VP of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and is founder and director of The Mainstay. The discussion will take place at the Mainstay and admission is free.

Saturday June 3 at 8:00 p.m., Tom Paxton, one of America?s great folk songwriters returns to the Mainstay stage to continue the tribute to Seeger. Included in Paxton?s body of work are such timeless standards as ?The Last Thing On My Mind?, ?Ramblin? Boy?, ?Bottle Of Wine?, ?Whose Garden Was This??, ?Goin? To The Zoo? and ?The Marvelous Toy?.

Tom Paxton has been writing witty and incisive topical songs since the 60s. His songs are at once timeless and contemporary. He has become a voice of multiple generations, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture, and celebrating the most tender bonds of family, friends, and community.

In describing Tom Paxton?s influence on his fellow musicians, Pete Seeger has said: ?Tom?s songs have a way of sneaking up on you. You find yourself humming them, whistling them, and singing a verse to a friend. Like the songs of Woody Guthrie, they?re becoming part of America.?

Paxton received a 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. He was nominated for a Grammy for ?Comedians and Angels? in 2007, and ?Live in the U.K.? in 2006. He was also nominated for Grammys in 2003 for his Appleseed Records CD, ?Looking For The Moon?, and in 2002 for his children?s CD, ?Your Shoes, My Shoes.? He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCAP, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC in London. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music from Washington College in 2009.

His place in folk music is secured not just by hit records and awards, but by the admiration of three generations of fellow musicians. An internationally recognized and loved cultural figure, he has always chosen goodwill over commercial success. He not only wrote but also lives the words, ?Peace will come, and let it begin with me.?

Judy Collins, another legend whose body of work goes back to the 60s said ,?Tom Paxton?s songs are so powerful and lyrical, written from the heart and the conscience, and they reach their mark, our most inner being. He writes stirring songs of social protest and gentle songs of love, each woven together with his personal gift for language. His melodies haunt, his lyrics reverberate. I have sung Tom?s songs for three decades and will go on doing so in the new century, for they are beautiful and timeless, and meant for every age.?

Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1959 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Paxton acted in summer stock theatre and briefly tried graduate school before joining the Army. Brought to the New York vicinity courtesy of the Army, Paxton remained there following his discharge. His early success in Greenwich Village coffeehouses, such as The Gaslight and The Bitter End, led to an ever-increasing body of work and a widening circle of fans. Pete Seeger started singing his songs including ?Ramblin? Boy? in the early 60s.

In his book ?Mayor of MacDougal Street,? Dave Van Ronk said, ?Dylan is usually cited as the founder of the new song movement, and he certainly became its most visible standard-bearer, but the person who started the whole thing was Tom Paxton ? he tested his songs in the crucible of live performance, he found that his own stuff was getting more attention than when he was singing traditional songs or stuff by other people? he set himself a training regimen of deliberately writing one song every day. Dylan had not yet showed up when this was happening, and by the time Bobby came on the set, with at most two or three songs he had written, Tom was already singing at least 50 percent his own material.?

Over the years, Paxton?s songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, the Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Simon & Garfunkel, Harry Belefonte, Neil Diamond, Glen Campbell, John Denver and Placido Domingo among hundreds of others.

Admission to the Tom Paxton concert is $20 and reservations are a must.

On Sunday June 3 at 1:00 p.m., the Mainstay concludes its tribute to the music of Pete Seeger with a sing-around at the new pavilion at the corner of Rte. 20 and Main Street in Rock Hall. Everyone is invited to bring their voice, guitar or other instrument. Attendees can bring a Pete Seeger song to share with the group or just join in on the choruses of Seeger songs like ?Where Have all the Flowers Gone,? ?If I Had a Hammer? ?Turn, Turn Turn? and ?We Shall Overcome? and songs associated with Seeger like ?This Land is Your Land, ?Michael Row the Boat Ashore? and ?Goodnight Irene.? Admission is free. In the event of severe weather, the sing-around will move indoors to the Mainstay.

The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall?s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.

The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. .

For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay?s website http://www.mainstayrockhall.org.

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Upcoming Mainstay performances include:

June 9????????????????????????? Guy Davis

June 16??????????????????????? Red Mountain (free outdoor concert)

Wed. June 20????????????? Bob Seeley & Daryl Davis

June 23??????????????????????? Red June

June 29 ?????????? Byron Stripling with the Chuck Redd Quartet

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Treasure Coast Real Estate | White City Homes For Sale May, 2012 ...

by starfish on May 31, 2012

Find White City Homes For Sale and White City Home Values. We also have information on mortgages, insurance, movers and other Treasure Coast Real Estate Services for anyone looking to sell or buy a home in beautiful St Lucie COUNTY Florida.

Paul Kitchen and Starfish Team provide clients, family and close friends with professional, honest and dependable service. A resident of Treasure Coast, Paul is extremely familiar with the local neighborhoods including White City, school districts and the Treasure Coast Real Estate market in this beautiful Florida town.

Paul Kitchen
Broker-Owner
Starfish Real Estate
8985 SE Bridge Road Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
(772) 539-8376
(800) 793-7304 toll free
Treasure Coast Real Estate
Treasure Coast Real Estate Blog

Tagged as: Treasure Coast Real Estate, White City

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