Magic Bird

Back in 1984, I was a bright eyed college freshman who arrived to my first day at my freshman dormitory and met the girl who would be my college roommate. I was as excited as I had ever been. My mom had planned my dormitory supplies well. I had new bedding, flashy new pillows, coordinating blankets and sheets, tons of toiletries (it is me, after all) new clothes and big dreams. My roommate and I, shook hands, met each others families, then said our goodbyes to them and immediately got busy setting up shop on our own "side of the room."

For me that was a bed, a bureau, some shelves, and a desk. My mom and I had picked out together almost everything, except for the wall art. That was my job alone, and I could only imagine what my roommate thought when the first thing I did was hang two enormous posters, side by side, over my bed. One poster was of Larry Bird and the other was of Magic Johnson. A huge Celtics fan, then now and forever, back then Larry and Magic were the show and I was besotted. And so was the nation.

Their rivalry was legendary, and in that shared history they ultimately became friends. The learned about the game from each other, they learned about themselves from each other and Magic says that Larry's presence on the court made him a better player and a better man. The great Boston Globe sports scribe, Jackie MacMullen, (who is from my home town of Westwood, MA, and who I know) had the incredible opportunity to co-author a book with these two legends. "When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson" tells the tale of how these sports legends basketball careers coincided from college; Bird at Indiana State and Magic at Michigan State through to their NBA careers. Both men always observing the other, often time obsessing over achievements.

It is no surprise to me that on this Wednesday a new show on Broadway opens up entitled, "Magic Bird". It's a show that gives me goosebumps because it takes me back to a time when these two were Kings of the parquet and I was buying whatever they were selling. While sport and theatre may mirror each other in their spectacle, the real story here is of mutual respect, admiration, determination, perseverance and show business. Win or loose, we wanted to experience every second of it because we knew they wouldn't disappoint. We loved the show.

Here's hoping Magic Bird on Broadway doesn't disappoint.

This Just In....

Ok, so I never do this.
As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever done this, but there's a first time for everything.

I posted a whole different Easter post earlier today. Typically whatever I post, I post and it becomes my message for the day. Scroll down and you will see that this is post two of the day, and this time I couldn't help myself.

My sister just forwarded this to me and this was EXACTLY what I was looking for in my previously stated desire to share with you all a little naughty Easter wish. Aunt Anna'a cute also, so make sure you scroll down and listen to her too.

Happy Good Friday Bloggers!

NSFW Easter Wishes

Happy Easter Bloggers!

So I was searching the Internet this morning looking for a dirty little Easter ditty to share with you, and I gotta tell you, it wasn't easy.

But in my searches, I think I found something that won't disappoint.

This gem came up under dirty Easter jokes, and God bless Aunt Anna, she's so cute, she even cracks herself up!! This one is entitled, "Aunt Anna's Dirty Jokes-Easter Italian Style" and she's just my kind of girl! Stay with it for the entire 2:25, as Anna shares two jokes with her family.

Happy Easter to you and yours from Candy's Daily Dandy Bloggers, and may you enjoy the holiday making your loved ones smile.

Beantown Breakthrough

This is very cool.

The medical minds over at MIT have come up with a potentially life-saving device in the battle against cancer. Dr. Omid Farokhzad and Dr. Robert Langer created an effective approach to cancer treatments by using targeted nanoparticles called BIND-014. These nanoparticles act as drones who seek out and deliver cancer killing medicines to cancer cells only. This could be the big Kahuna for cancer treatment.

What really caught my attention was the story of a woman cancer patient in this morning's Boston Herald. She had failed chemotherapy and radiation treatments and had exhausted all other options for her diagnosed stage two cervical cancer. Evelyn Sorensen was told by her doctors that she had about a year to set her affairs in order. She was urged to take a vacation, say goodbye to friends and family and prepare for the worst. The 47-year-old demanded to see a list of clinical trials from her radiologist and spotted the BIND-Bioscience trial, based in Cambridge.

Sorensen, who lived in Cambridge in the 1990's, joined the trial in August. "People in Cambridge really know what they are doing," Sorensen said. What she didn't know was that serendipitous moment would change the course of her life and reverse her death sentence. Her tumors shrank by 70 percent after her first treatment. Sorensen reported to no horrid side effects such as nauseua and hair loss. She even joked about the docs slipping her a "placebo mickey" because she felt no ill effects. In the six months since the trial, Evelyn's body has no cancer and is still taking the medication to stay that way. She is now strong enough to return to work and is exersicing regularly. Her family is amazed at how far she's come in six months. "I'm starting to feel like my old self," she said.

Thank God for medicine, money and the brilliant minds who devote their lives to making incredible science. BIND-014 is very interesting and how it works was explained to me like this:

-Imagine these nanoparticles like microscopic robots who have a targeted, cancer-detecting "GPS'".

-These microscopic robots have their work cut out for them. Our immune system is designed to stop them before they get to the cancer. Like a division of our armed forces elite, these tiny robots must be quick and stealth to evade the immune system.

-When they reach their target they release their cancer-killing medicine, then slowly biodegrade and get absorbed safely in the body.

One can only hope that his breakthrough brings life and hope for so many battling this devastating disease.

Today's Special: Pinteresting

Old School

I'm thinking I have to go back to school, so to speak, because I need to do some "market research" for the future development of my business. I need to assess the viability of the retail market in my area so that I can make an informed decision about my next move. I'm doing my due diligence.

Since the last time I was in school was in 2000. I may be a little rusty and not sure if I'm quite ready for the comitment I need to make. Sure, I could hire someone who's already obtained most of the data that I need, but with the world of information at our finger tips today, I figure I can at least set myself on the path of knowledge all on my own. And who knows what I will find on my jorney?

Where do I start?

The Internet: of course! Google conquers all.
I was doing some research yesterday and I came across some very useful information along with some email addresses of people who would be willing to help. Email could prove to be a valuable and easy way to exchange information and network.

The library: Yup, the old school, tried and true public library. Whenever I needed to buckle down in school, the library was where I went. I always went to the silent part too. It was the most productive place for me to get my work done back then, so why not now? The librarian may also have some great tips on searching for more information or even getting me to that information.

Local Organizatiuons: The Retailers Association of MA is also be a great place to start. They offer free webinars and links to lots of business resourses.

Networking: Probably the most valuable way to garner information. Speaking to other retailers and comercial real estate agents in the area will undoubtedly shake some fruit from the trees. Like myself, these people have the pulse on whats really going on in the area when it comes to retail. We are the ones in the stores, talking and communicating directly with the consumer. We know their spending habits.

Looks like I got my work cut out for me.
If you've got any suggestions, or know of any magic mirrors that can tell me exactly what I should do, don't hesitate to let me know.

Until then, it looks like I'm rolling Old School.

Did Bama Get A Job In Advertising?

I was just minding my own business this morning.

I was working out on my elliptical, like I do almost every morning watching Good Morning America. (Katie Couric was guest hosing because Robin Roberts is on vacation. I hope they don't replace Robin, because I'm a huge Robin Roberts fan...)

Anyway, like I said, I was just minding my own business and this commercial came on. I could hardly believe it. You know the old saying that sex sells? Well holy Liquid Plumber! I might have even got a little hot and bothered, had I not been so surprised that this commercial was airing on morning TV. Imagine all the desperately dirty housewives out there in America after catching this PORNY ad? The househusbands of America could be rejoicing!!

For sure, it's got moxie. Judge for yourself: