I have lived in many different places, had more than one career, and done a lot of different things. So, in case you’ve ever wondered…
I cannot speak Swedish, and this is not me. Nope, neither is this, although it’s fun to see my name on Amazon.
I do not write paranormal romance novels, although it sounds like fun and maybe someday I will.
I have never been, nor ever will be, a member of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (G.L.O.W.), although I was a cheerleader (small ‘c’) and am a member of the Gorgeous Ladies of Publishing (G.L.O.P.).
I would love to be a zookeeper, but I’m not.
I enjoy playing with my camera, but I’m not a professional photographer.
Not an executive search professional, or a finance and business affairs executive, or a science teacher.
This is DEFINITELY not me.
Perhaps a pseudonym is in order? Any ideas?
Does anything interesting come up if you Google your name?
Laurie Ann Thompson
Inspiring young social entrepreneurs from around the world
The Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition combed through a record-breaking 530 entries from 61 countries and chose 15 finalists who represent the best of the best. Check out the finalists and vote for your favorite here.
Two good things go great together!
Starbucks and (RED) today announced a multi-year partnership that will give coffee lovers a chance to do good every day.
Throughout the holiday season, Starbucks will contribute five cents from the sale of any of (Starbucks) RED Exclusive beverage (the three beverages that make up the Starbucks popular holiday trio) at all of their US and Canadian stores to the Global Fund to invest in AIDS programs in Africa.
“(RED) is making remarkable progress in the worldwide effort to address AIDS in Africa,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and CEO. “We have a deep partnership with coffee growing regions in Africa. We are proud to partner with our customers to contribute toward an AIDS-free Africa.”
Schultz joined Bono, co-founder of (RED), for today’s announcement in front of 10,000 Starbucks partners (employees) at the company’s 2008 Leadership Conference in New Orleans.
“(RED) is coming to a corner near you thanks to Starbucks. I’m very excited to be able to say that,” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “The business of Starbucks with roots in Africa and branches all over the world is an ideal fit for (RED). It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that millions of people can buy (RED) going about their daily lives and in doing so raise millions of dollars to fight AIDS in Africa. That’s not a bad hit from your caffeine.”
(Starbucks) RED Exclusive Holiday beverages go on sale November 27, 2008 and continue through January 2, 2009.
I’m it!
Wow, I’ve been tagged! I don’t normally do this kind of thing, but I’d do just about anything for Jolie, so here goes:
1. What are your nicknames?
One of my best friends called me Spoory Laur (since my maiden name was Laurie Spoor). I guess I’m not really a nickname kind of gal, though.
2. What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD?
Dirty Dancing. I still have it!
3. What is your favorite scent?
Pumpkin pie.
4. What one place have you visited that you can’t forget and want to go back to?Whistler, B.C., my favorite (borrowed) “cabin” in the mountains. Thanks, dear friends, for all the wonderful mountain getaway trips!
5. Do you trust easily?
Yes, probably too easily.
6. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
I think before I act, way too much. I just finished reading Chris Eboch’s Well of Sacrifice, and I think I need to take a lesson from Eveningstar: sometimes you need to act before you think, or the opportunity is lost.
7. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Politics, negative ad campaigns, lies and manipulations of the truth, the deep divisions and disagreements in our society and around the world.
8. Do you have a good body image?
Good? No. Sufficient? Yes.
9. What is your favorite fruit?
Hmmm… tough call. Peaches or strawberries? (You decide; I hate making decisions.)
10. What websites do you visit daily?
My Google calendar, Google reader, Facebook (in that order).
11. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Coffee, the all-important productivity enhancer. Facebook, the fun but insidious productivity killer.
12. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Determined, modest, generous, glamorous, wonderful mother.
13. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
The theme song from I Dream of Jeannie (no, I have no idea why it’s in there).
14. What’s your favorite item of clothing?
Pajamas, the fuzzier the better.
15. Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
Yes, with or without butter and marshmallows. Snap, crackle, pop!
16. What would you do if you saw $100 lying on the ground?
Just lying there, with no one around and no idea who it belongs to? Well, in that case, I’d pick it up, silly!
17. What items could you not go without during the day?
Coffee. Hugs and “I love you”s from my family. (Okay, family comes first, but they don’t come anywhere near me until after I’ve had my coffee.)
18. What should you be doing right now?
Cleaning the car out for the drive down to the Second Annual Kidlit Blogging Conference!
Now, to tag eight more who haven’t yet been tagged. I’m going to tag a few Facebook friends since they don’t have active blogs that I know of, but hopefully they can post their answers on their wall or profile or something. 🙂
DoSomething.org launches fundraising IPO
According to a recent press release:
Borrowing private sector techniques, Do Something is issuing an IPO that promises significant Social Return on Investment (SROI). The growth capital investment will foster exponential growth and bolster the organization’s self-sustaining programming.
OK, this is cool, but really just an interesting way to put out a call to donors and raise funds. Will it work?
Nominate Youth Social Entrepreneurs!
Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Changemakers is partnering with Staples to launch their first global competition to recognize young leaders who are finding new ways to create positive change in their communities. They are seeking the most inspirational ideas and projects led by young people between ages 12 and 24. Spread the word about this initiative and nominate young leaders with fantastic ideas! Now through October 15, 2008. Winners will be announced November 12, 2008.
WooHoo!
I just got back from my first ever SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles, and besides all of the:
- inspiration and information to be soaked up “like gravy on a biscuit,”
- wonderfully creative, talented, generous, and adorable people,
- frivolous fun with friends old and new…
the best part of the whole conference is that my teen nonfiction manuscript about how to save the world got nominated for the Sue Alexander award!
So, now I’m feeling this awesome pressure and responsibility to GET TO WORK! (Along with an irresistable urge to break into my happy dance.)
Busy, busy, busy…
I haven’t posted any new articles for quite awhile now, so you’re probably thinking I’ve been sitting at home all day eating bon-bons and watching Oprah. No way! I’ve actually been taking a conscious break from article writing to focus on a book… or two. What started out as an idea for one middle grade book has now become a picture book biography of Emmanuel Yeboah AND a teen how-to guide for Youth Venture! I’m not sure working on two so totally different books at the same time is a good idea, but they’re slowly moving along.
I also joined the Advisory Committee of our regional SCBWI chapter last year, and was very busy helping to organize our 17th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference. It was one of the most daunting, eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life, and I truly can’t wait to do it again!
And now, back to work…
Wheel‑y cool!
What has more kid appeal than a gigantic truck that drives from town to town looking for tires to chomp? One that cleans up the environment at the same time! Here’s one company’s latest invention intended to help clean up waste tires in the U.S. and Canada.
Child specialists
No, not the specialists who know a lot about children. Rather, the children themselves who know a lot about their chosen specialty. Is it better for today’s kids to be well-rounded generalists or hyper-focused elites? That is the question I examined over the summer. You can read all about it here.
The risks and rewards of ‘specializing’ early, LearningMap, October 2007