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Forza Soccer Uniform - Catalog

2012-05-18T03:26:38Z

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Nike Football Jersey - Catalog

2012-05-18T03:22:18Z

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basketball shirt - Catalog

2012-03-20T01:01:46Z

This shoe has been designed with the safety and comfort of children in mind. The outsole is fully EVA with strategically positioned pillars on the heel to ensure enough shock absorption. Children have not mastered the mechanisms of running as adults so their safety and comfort is paramount in our children's designs

What Did You Expect? - Blog

2012-03-02T17:29:33Z

Location: India
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO 400 • f 6.3 • 1/100 sec

What impression of this woman do you get from the picture? Is she tired? Lonely? Deep in thought? Does she have friends or family nearby she's waiting on? Now go a little deeper... what's her name? What's her home life like? Does she believe in God? What does she do for a living? What are her dreams?

This leaves a lot up to the imagination, doesn't it? If you assume she is homeless or a beggar, it's easy to believe her family could be dysfunctional. What if you assumed she was just tired, worn out from a long day at the market with her friends and needing to rest her feet? Her life would seem joyful and exciting. What if you believed she was praying? Would you see her as a woman of faith? Any of these could be true.

Now think about the people you meet every day. What assumptions do you make about them? We often get partial information about people - we know their names, jobs, or families - but how often do we dig deeper? Do we really see what motivates those around us? Or do we make our conclusions based on what we've seen, coupled with the reasons we make up?

Ninety-nine percent of conflicts are the result of mismatched expectations. Often, we expect people to react to life based on the unconscious assumptions we make about them, whether they are close to the truth or far from it. So it's wise to continually re-evaluate our opinions of others. Let them tell their story. Let them share their dreams & passions. Maybe you'll see them from a different perspective.

When was the last time you made an assumption about someone and were proved wrong?

The Thing No One Wants to Talk About - Blog

2012-01-27T05:46:38Z

Location: Indonesia
Camera info: Fuji Finepix A303 / Automatic Point & Shoot
ISO 100 • f 2.8 • 1/240 sec

I don't know how I got here. I can't remember much of the past few hours at all. This afternoon, I went to the market with my friends, and one of the merchants offered us free samples of his latest dish. Not long after trying it, I felt really tired, so I sat down on a bench while my friends continued shopping nearby. That's the last I remember. Now I'm in a dimly lit room with no windows, and a door locked from the outside. I've tried calling for help several times, but no one answers.

Soon, an older man and woman enter the room. I try to get them to help me, but they just look at me coldly. The woman accuses me of stealing food at the market, and tells me I must work to pay her back. I refuse and try to run past her, but the man grabs me and hits me until I stop fighting. He drops me to the floor, where I sit there crying, unable to move because of the pain.

That first night in the brothel still haunts my dreams. I had three "customers" visit me, and each one was meaner than the one before. They didn't care that I was only a child, or that I was trapped in a tiny room while my family searched for me in vain. All they wanted was what I could give them, no matter how unwillingly.

(This fictional story was adapted from the testimony of a young woman in India, who was rescued after being enslaved since she was 12 years old).

It's Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so I wanted to focus on that tough topic this week. As most of America gears up for the Super Bowl on Feb 5th, traffickers are also preparing for one of their busiest weeks of the year. Children and young girls are brought into the city from Asia, Europe, and the Americas to give visitors more "entertainment" during their stay. Local law enforcement and many ministries are working to prevent these things from happening and rescue these modern-day slaves, but it's everyday people who can raise awareness and protect their children and others' the best. Turning a blind eye to the problem will only allow it to continue unhindered.

So what is your part in ending modern-day slavery?

Stucco Skillz - Blog

2012-01-06T17:00:00Z

Location: Mexico
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO 200 • f 5.6 • 1/640 sec

Do you have any hidden talents? What about a skill you never thought would be useful? I discovered one of those on a building trip to Mexico. I had started my journey thinking I would spend most of my time taking pictures, and helping with painting & nailing boards (the easy stuff), or roofing & electrical (things I had done before). Sure, I did all those things, but one of our team leaders had another idea.

"Hey, you two girls are probably the lightest," our leader remarked. He pulled a couple of us from our work nailing boards and led us over to the freshly-poured cement still in the frame. "We need people to smooth this out before it dries, which will be really fast in this heat." So that's what we did. They had us balance on our hands and knees on flat metal pieces (to spread out our weight over a larger area), and we ran trowels over the cement to take out all the rocks and bubbles.

I know I'm a bit of a perfectionist, as well as an artist, but I never thought that would apply to making cement look pretty! :) They apparently thought I did a really good job at it, because later they put me in charge of smoothing the stucco on the walls as well. I guess there is something to be said for using your skills and talents to the best of your ability, no matter what!

What random skill do you have that you never thought could be useful? Have you done anything with it?

Dilly-Dally in Piccadilly - Blog

2011-12-09T17:00:00Z

Location: England
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens EF 70-200mm f/2.8L
ISO 200 • f 2.8 • 1/2000 sec

As our double-decker tour bus looped the London streets, the tour guide announced, "This is the statue of Eros (Cupid), on one of the most visited streets in Europe. It is said that if someone waits here for at least 30 minutes, they will run into someone they know." I didn't have time to test his theory, but that would certainly be interesting!

This fountain in the middle of Piccadilly Circus (a large and busy intersection) was originally erected in 1893 as the Shaftesbury Monument Memorial Fountain. It was meant to commemorate the 7th Earl of Schaftesbury for his work for the poor, and is also named The Angel of Christian Charity. The figure on top, made of aluminum, was meant to be the Greek god Anteros (the god of selfless love), but most Londoners call it by the name of his twin brother Eros/Cupid (the god of sensual love). Don't try to correct them, though. It's like telling an American that the "Statue of Liberty" is actually named "Liberty Enlightening the World."

The statue is the site of several rumors like the one the tour guide told me. Another is that a proposal under the statue at the stroke of midnight will bring good luck and happiness to a marriage. There are several stories about where the archer's arrow might be pointing. Then there's the "what were they thinking?" stories, like how some locals planned to climb the statue on New Year's Eve. One drunken man succeeded in 1994, damaging the statue. It has since been repaired.

What's your favorite piece of art? Are there any fun stories you remember about it?

Dirt, Band-Aids, Paint & Prayer - Blog

2011-12-02T17:00:00Z

Location: Mexico
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO 200 • f 5.6 • 1/320 sec

The cliche says "A picture is worth 1000 words," but sometimes a few extra are helpful. This was one of my favorite pictures from the Mexico building trip, because I think it summed everything up perfectly. (If you missed the earlier story, I wrote about it here and here.) In the picture are four things that remind me of the trip: dirt, band-aids, paint, and prayer.

The dirt is probably self-explanatory. We were in Mexico, and it was everywhere!!! When the team first arrived, some had a difficult time adjusting to the mess after leaving the comfort of America. All that was forgotten, however, when we caught one of the local kids trying to drink out of one of the construction wash barrels because that was the cleanest water they had. Ick. A large tank of clean water was quickly added to the project.

My friend had a very good reason why her fingers were covered in band-aids. She had been working on stucco all day. The mixture we used included sand, cement, water, and lime. The last ingredient is hard on skin, so we usually wore cloves to work with it. However, my friend noticed there were gaps in the stucco near the roof, where the angle was too small for gloves to fit. After several failed attempts with a trowel, she gave up and took off the gloves to fix it with her fingertips. We didn't want gaps that would let in breezes in the winter. The mixture chewed up her fingers quite a bit after several hours of work, but she was happy that the kids would stay warm and dry.

Paint was the finishing touch on the houses, along with a numbered plaque. It was our pay of personalizing each building and making it look more cozy. The inside walls were unfinished, but outside, we went crazy! My team's building had blue window and door frames. The large building used wood and chicken wire under the stucco to create an embossed cross on the outside wall.

Finally, but most importantly, we prayed for the kids, the families, and the other work teams. It was the faith of the host family that led them to care for all the homeless children, and it was faith that led the three work teams to help build the orphanage. God brought us all together at one time to make a miracle for those kids, and we needed to take time and thank Him.

Do you have a picture that tells a story you love to share? Let us know... and don't forget to include a link!

A meeting of the stomachs - Blog

2011-11-28T05:58:25Z

Perspective is a strange thing. Also, a very dividing thing. But sometimes I think we give it more credit than it deserves. Other times we simply under estimate its influence. Sometimes we agree to disagree, sometimes we can find common ground. I don't mean to make deep-rooted and painful issues trivial, but I do want to share an anecdote and hopefully a smile.

I walked into an elevator on the first floor of an educational facility in Washington, DC.

On the right hand wall of the elevator was an advertisement for the "Jewish Law Students Society Luncheon." On the left hand side of the elevator was another advertisement for "Law Students Supporting Peace in Palestine Luncheon."

The rooms for both?

Different

The menu for both?

Falafel

An ocean apart - Blog

2011-11-16T06:00:11Z

For anyone who has traveled to Europe, you remember the elegant, venerable buildings. The tranquil countryside, or perhaps the sidewalk cafe's, settled into your heart as a little corner of heaven experienced on earth. But between Europe and the USA, as closely related as we are, there are significant cultural differences. Today I was reminded of one of the greatest differences; our work ethics, and how the recession might be changing them.

In America, the protestant work ethic is a significant influence, though not the only influence. Immigrants and children listening to their parents stories know that in America, rags to riches is really possible, but it's not meant to be easy. Statements like "if you just work hard, you will get everything you want" are rooted in that history and mature in modern professional motivation. A spirit of competition is infused into many American work places and the recession has intensified it.

In Europe, vestiges of the siesta and afternoon tea, hearken days of long chats and social extravaganzas. Even if you are at work longer, but only actually working for 6 hours, that is usually part of building relationships with colleagues and customers. And if every employee in the pet shop just sat down for coffee break, even though you wanted to checkout... no worries, just take a minute and share a cup of coffee with them! The recession has very much hurt Europe, too. Some leaders question whether the governments can sustain the costs of supporting or paying for weeks of vacations for European employees.

To be sure, there are many negatives and positives on both sides. But a fundamental principle to most employees and employers on both sides of the ocean is stick to your values and beliefs. So, if you value money, make wealth. If you value relationships, keep them strong, if you value balance, make that your mantra. It's hard. But, I think my European cousin placed this dilemma best when she said;

"You know, sometimes it's so difficult to fit work into my social life! But how to have a social life without any money?"

Whatever value chosen, we have only finite time, and there are other things foregone. But, the power to choose is ours alone.

Spice in Life - Blog

2011-11-16T05:00:21Z

T.J. Creamer

Sohaib Athar

Derwent Capital

Mark Luckie

Who are they and what is the common thread?

Each of these people did a very ancient thing: Communicate. But did so using an innovative medium: Twitter.

Creamer tweeted @ the "twitterverse" from space. Although in ignorance of the fact, Athar was the first to report the Abbottabad raid that killed Bin Laden. Derwent capital is trying to predict stock, and Luckie found a job.

Before you decide that I am simply trying to preach the blue bird into your already hectic life, rest assured, I am not. Today is not about how you should sign up for Twitter. It is about the creativity to do an every day thing in an innovative way.

Life is exciting. Too often we let everyday commitments and obligations take the fun away from even the things we used to love. So, to keep the message simple and sweet... invest some of your energy into taking one mundane routine and spicing up the process with something innovative!

To read more about how the people above did it, see these links...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10439573-36.html

http://eu.techcrunch.com/2011/05/02/heres-the-guy-who-unwittingly-live-tweeted-the-raid-on-bin-laden/

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2011/08/how-twitter-based-hedge-fund-beat-stock-market/41389/

http://www.mediabistro.com/10000words/how-twitter-saved-my-career-and-my-life_b356

Random Acts of Kindness - Blog

2011-11-11T22:25:39Z

Location: Thailand
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens EF 70-200mm f/2.8L
ISO 200 • f 2.8 • 1/500 sec

I love flowers. They're beautiful and can brighten my day - especially when I get one by surprise! One day, after a long day at work, I went out to my car and discovered a rose hiding on my car. This wasn't the only time I was the "victim" of a random act of kindness. I was once part of a large group at a restaurant, and some stranger paid for our entire table. Then, one time I had a flat tire. A few people were helping me change it, and one lady noticed my tires were old and needed replacement. I had been saving up to do that, but was still $100 short of what I needed. To my surprise, the woman handed me a check and told me to get new tires.

It's fun to pass on the kindness. My family likes to pick a single person in a restaurant or get a car behind us in a drive-thru and anonymously pay their bill. A friend of mine got the idea to take flowers to forgotten service people, like gas station attendants. She also joined me in putting flowers on cars at our hospital's emergency room parking lot. Another friend likes to go downtown to visit the homeless, armed with a pair of toenail clippers.

In a day where most of the news is filled with people hurting others, the strong taking advantage of the weak, and all kinds of disasters and greed, it's nice to hear stories of kindness from time to time. Personally, I think it's even more fun to be part of those stories.

What about you? Have you committed an act of random kindness or had one done to you? What happened?

Hoo M I 2 U? - Blog

2011-11-06T07:47:43Z

In a remote parking lot not long ago, I heard the last half of a conversation about a new mutual acquaintance...

Kim: Well, I met a woman 2 weeks ago and I think she might be a good connection for you.

Mo: Who are you talking about?

Kim: Shona, she has the experience, both here and internationally and her educational track will be helpful as well. In fact, I think you met her already!

Mo: I did??

Kim: Yes, 2 weeks ago, we were talking to her at the luncheon for about half an hour, remember?

Mo: When? What luncheon?

Kim: Two weeks ago, at the seminar on human rights.

Mo: Really? I don't remember...

Kim: The one at our table, the african woman.

Mo: Oh!! Yes, I remember.....

Before I continue let me disabuse you of the notion that this entry is about racism. It's not. This time, I wanted to write about identity. About the way we identify people. About the way we identify each other.

The above conversation illustrates one common approach. The initial speaker, Kim, tried to convey the identity of a person by her talents first and their possible benefit or connection to Mo's needs. Secondly, Kim stated the woman's name and continued to illustrate her talents and qualities. Finally, Kim identified her by race.

Mo could not recall the individual by talents, qualifications or name. Only Shona's race triggered Mo's memory of who Shona is.

So, who is Shona?? I suppose it depends to whom you talk. There are some places in the world today where a person is recognized by their name, and that name may be inherently attached to the character of their person. Some cultures and societies answer who a person is by where they are from or what they do. Sometimes we identify them in relation to their significant other, orientation or ethnicity. I am not an author who is in a place to say whether an approach is "wrong" or "better" than another. However, I really challenge readers to think hard about HOW and WHY we use identity to relate to people and how much our presumptions and assumptions affect our relationship (or lack thereof) with them.

Because, even a name comes with certain presumed identities. For example, consider the conversation above... Kim is the most common name on planet earth. Depending where you are from, Kim may be female or male, Korean, American or South African. Mo could be a nickname or real name, elderly man or teenage girl. Maybe you think you can tell by the way they spoke? The words they used?

Which identity did you give them?

Either you had in your mind an image about the characters in the conversation, or maybe you read the whole blog with one of a few questions in your mind the entire time... "Who is Kim, and who is Mo?" Well, all names and circumstances are changed to give anonymity to all characters. So, forget Kim and Mo, it does not matter who they are. Instead, start thinking about your friends and acquaintances. Who are they? Who do you think they are? How do you identify them? How do you identify with them? How do you identify them to other people?

....Would they identify themselves the way you do?

One final thought: Every new person I have met self-identifies with a name... and a smile.

Must Love Elephants - Blog

2011-11-04T04:45:05Z

Location: Thailand
Camera info: Canon Rebel 350D • lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
ISO 400 • f 5.6 • 1/80 sec

"But... all Americans LOVE elephants!" the merchant said, shoving a carved stone sculpture into my hand. He was sure that if I bought the souvenir to take home, it would be an instant hit. I've run across the same thing in India and Thailand now. What is it with Asians thinking Westerners love elephants?? Well, at least these guys didn't expect us to be running around in bikinis.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen many generalizations and stereotypes on my travels, in all ethnic directions. Some of them are pretty funny, actually. Many have heard the old joke: "In heaven, the cooks are French, the mechanics are German, the bosses are Swiss, the cops are British, and the lovers are Italian. In hell, the cooks are British, the mechanics are French, the cops are Italian, the bosses are German, and the lovers are Swiss." A graphic designer has even created maps of common stereotypes (Note: semi-NSFW due to language) and another blogger made a top 10 list.

When traveling, I am often confronted by the stereotypical American mindset that thinks I'm rich, ignorant, liberal and like to eat lots & lots & lots of food. As frustrating as that can be, I'm not the only one that gets it. My boyfriend is Taiwanese by birth, but raised by Americans. Recently he was at a Chinese restaurant, and someone asked him to find them a seat. Also, a disgruntled cashier at a grocery store expected him to try to haggle the price, just like the Burmese guys that were in line in front of him. When he travels abroad, people don't believe he's American because he doesn't "look like one," whatever that means. At least we both get a good laugh out of it.

What stereotypes have you faced when traveling? What ones do you hold about other ethnicities/countries?

Even Strange Dreams Can Come True - Blog

2011-09-30T17:11:30Z

Location: Indonesia
Camera info: Fuji Finepix A303 / Automatic Point & Shoot
ISO 100 • f 2.8 • 1/340 sec

Fitri lived on an island that was a 10-minute walk from shore to shore. She only knew her family and the small Muslim community that had raised her, but she desired to go to the mainland and attend college. Fitri was already learning English when our tour group arrived, so she helped translate for us. Her mother had never left the island, but for years had watched the rest of the world via satellite TV. If you've turned on the tube lately, you may know that our TV programs don't exactly represent Americans well. When we arrived at the island, another local expressed surprise that we did not show up in bikinis. Right...

We were invited to Fitri's home to meet her mother, and we spent a while on the porch drinking tea and strumming a guitar. Then her mother gave us a tour of the small home. Like many island houses, it was located over the ocean on the end of a rickety boardwalk. Some of the locals could not afford glass for their windows, but almost all of them had satellite dishes -- their only connection to the outside world. When we were getting ready to leave, Fitri's mother told us that her dream had come true.

"I've always dreamed of having white people come to my home."

Wow... thanks, I think.

It's amazing what a simple visit might mean to someone. Who knew that our stop-over for tea was this woman's life-long dream? It's neat to make a difference in someone's life, even if their dreams are a bit... interesting.

What's your strangest dream? Has it ever come true? Or have you, like us, become the answer to someone else's dream?