CheapThrills

With Michael Jackson's death, so too ends my childhood

My mom made me take dance lessons from the ages of 2 to 15. I started actually enjoying them in 1991, the year Michael Jackson's Dangerous album came out. I was 8, taking Jazz and Tap classes at the Wissahickon Dance Academy in Philadelphia.

I knew lots of people in the classes at Wissahickon. My mom took adult Jazz lessons with the other “old ladies,” as she put it. My best friend took intermediate Jazz with me (even though she had two left feet). And so did my ultimate frenemy from school, S.

S and I had a very peculiar breed of friendship – one based on competition and jealously. I’d buy MC Hammer pants, and she’d have to get a more expensive pair. If she wore a brand new Cross Colors outfit to school, I had to outdo her with an even hipper ensemble. And when it came to boys, there was only one guy for us. His name was Ian and he was the cutest boy in 2nd grade – and maybe even all of Greene Street Friends School. So and I raced during recess – to the gate and back – and whichever girl won “got to be his girlfriend.” I had long, gawky limbs, which came in handy: I dusted her.

When it came time for the Wissahickon Dance Academy recital, our amazing Jazz teacher Leon had a vision: Good vs. Evil. The entire Jazz company danced in vignettes to two songs: The Pressure by Sounds of Blackness and Will You Be There by Michael Jackson. In our dance to first song, “Evil” kills “Good” and the world is a mess. Leon, perceptive as he was, cast S and I as leaders of two warring gangs (think Beat It, except swap the actual gang members for 8-year old Quaker School girls). In the second song, “Good” resurrects herself and shows “Evil” that he too has love inside of him (in the form of a skin tight white unitard).

I keep coming back to the final portion of the dance.

Evil is now wearing that white unitard, and he’s realizing his power for good. He’s doing these incredible leaps and spins across the stage, as the rest of the company configures behind him in a diamond shape. We’re actually all wearing white unitards, marching and doing simple hand movements in unison.

When I watch the VHS tape of the performance, I can always pick out my mom because her arms are 10X longer than everyone else’s. And I can always see my best friend, because she’s a few beats behind everyone else. And S, my frenemy, she’s easy to spot, because she's dancing right next to me.

And then there’s the presence of my childhood. That’s easy to find too. It’s spoken by Michael Jackson:

In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?

In My Trials
And My Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow

I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always
In My Heart.

With MJ’s last words, the song ends. We configure in our final pose, and bow our heads.

I'm now 26. I have a “real” job, a couple bank accounts, a heart that knows how to ache, stress-related muscle spasms in my shoulders, and beer in my fridge. My mom is older. My best friend is married. My frenemy's father recently died. And now, so too has Michael Jackson.

We configure in our final pose, and bow our heads. Childhood is over. But never forgotten.

Vote CheapThrills for the Black Weblog Awards!

Hey! So this is fun. I've been nominated for the Black Weblog Awards in 4 categories:

1. Best Culture Blog (ref: Boston posts)
2. Best Personal Blog
3. Best Political/News blog (ref: Obama election commentary)
4. Best Sex and Relationships Blog (well, no sex, but interracial relationships galore)

To vote for me, just click on graphic below (or the first link in this post). I really appreciate your support (you all make this whole thing worthwhile, after all) :)

A closer look at Disney's first Black princess

Disney's The Princess And The Frog trailer hit the web last night (don't watch if you don't want to see spoilers). It gave me goosebumps, sure, BUT!

So maybe I was expecting too much... but I was kinda hoping Disney's first Black princess would actually remain Black throughout the whole film.

Ack. Oh well. It's just a trailer. And the prince pre-frog transformation is kinda hot (I've always had a thing for Disney princes). So I'm still excited to see the flick. How 'bout you?

More: It Ain't Cool

Mayor Menino announces his candidacy at my company

I caught a glimpse of Mr. Menino practicing yesterday (he actually asked me and a co-worker to stay and watch him go through his speak - pretty freakin' cool - but we were most likely running to some mind-boggling meeting or something). We had no idea what he was doing here until we heard he'd be at Digitas today announcing his candidacy. Apparently he chose us because we're one of the largest employers in Boston. Plus, the office is pretty hip.

Here are some pics from the press conference (the crappy ones were taken with my wack LG Chocolate, please excuse the low quality. The good photos courtesy of P. Johnson's iPhone).

That's our president on the steps with the reddish hair.

Related -
Boston.com: Menino not ready to leave quite yet
Boston Herald: The race is on, Menino announces candidacy

Lincoln is my homeboy

Can you believe it!? A few days ago, I spotted not one, not two, but three of America's most beloved presidents - all in one room! I heard they had been hanging around the Smithsonian Museum of American History, so you know I had to go scout it out.

We caught the tail end of Thomas Jefferson's speech on something or other, and after he concluded my mom started grumbling under her breath. She hates Jefferson. While he was walking around the crowd shaking hands, she pulled him aside and asked:

"Okay, Mr. President, tell me about Sally Hemmings."

Good for Jefferson, he proceeded to give her a 10 minute detailed account of what may or may not have happened with his slave Sally. Well, more of what may not have happened. I call B.S. on that one... and so does my mom, judging from her stone-cold facial expression.

And then, of course, Lincoln gave a speech on slavery. But also! Did anyone else know he had a high, whiney voice? And that he tended to flap his arms around while orating? That seriously threw me off, because I've always had a little schoolgirl crush on Abe. 

But then he started mingling with the crowd, and my faith was thus renewed. As you can see, he's totally badass.

 

I’m profiled in the Washington Post today

Washington Post: In Obama's Run, Finding A Long-Sought Sense of Acceptance

_________________

Remember last month, when Philly Daily News published my inauguration ticket request letter? Well, I still don’t have a ticket (tear)… but I do have some fun news: after it ran a Washington Post reporter contacted me requesting to profile my family – particularly for the family's “bi-racialness”, as it were.

The profile ran today, and I must say it’s pretty awesome to see my name in Washington Post print. The reporter even included a lengthy quote from this blog.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the piece. But just a couple notes from my end: 1) My mom definitely feels the significance of Obama’s presidency, it just hasn’t hit her yet. I expect her to be sobbing on my shoulder at the inauguration. 2) My daddy woulda loved to join me in D.C. – for both the historical significance of Obama’s presidency and for his own studies (he’s a professor of political framing). So it’s not that he won’t come, but rather, because he’s a professor of political framing and will be teaching, it’s more that he quite literally can’t.

In any case, the coolest thing of all to me is the fact that journalism has become such a two-way street. From blogs posted to articles published to profiles written, there’s this new fluidity to journalism that lets us all join in on the conversation. Pretty neat stuff.

Obama’s Inauguration – My ticket request (published in Philly Daily News!), your plans, general craziness

These Inauguration Day tickets have taken on a life of their own. It’s like some Charlie and the  Chocolate Factory Golden Ticket madness up in here.

A virtual friend of mine (we met through a blog – so millennial!) wrote a heartfelt letter to her senators requesting inauguration tickets… and received a pair, on the spot!  That’s an impossibility today, though, because every senator and congressperson is keeping a 1,000-person wait list.

Knowing this, I decided to draft a letter of my own, send it to PA senators Specter and Casey, and also send a copy as a submission to Philly Daily News’ opinion section. And just my luck, they published my letter today!

Here’s a link to the Philly Daily News publication, and here’s a copy of the full letter.

________________________

Dear Sens. Specter and Casey,

I’m sure you’ve both heard it a million times.

What an Obama presidency represents for this country. How invaluable a ticket to his inauguration would be. And, finally, a request for one. I can’t say that my reasons for writing you are any different, or that my claim to a ticket is any stronger than the next Pennsylvanian’s.

What I can do is tell you a short story.

The story takes place in Port Richmond, Philadelphia, where my father grew up. The second oldest in a family of 4 Italian boys, my dad spent his childhood skinning his knees alongside neighborhood buddies in a schoolyard across the street from his family’s modest middle-class row house.

Grammar school became Junior High. Stickball bats became cigarette butts. And my studious father became the outsider. He was teased for his love of music, his glasses, his clothes… even his hair.

His thick, curly hair. His “nigger” hair, as the kids put it.

Fast-forward 20 years to find his 9-year old biracial daughter, me, playing with my Caucasian cousin in the exact same schoolyard of my dad’s childhood.

It’s the moment when I am first called the n-word to my face. And the moment when an inexplicable bond forms between my cousin and me. Because my cousin not only came to my aid, but he actually chased away my aggressors – who were about 8 years older and 18 inches taller than him.

I’ve noticed a new energy across the country since Obama became the Democratic nominee, and even felt it among complete strangers. It’s in the slight upturn of the corners of their mouths. In the knowing glow in their eyes. And in the pronounced statement they made on November 4, 2008.

I think of this energy as the same inherent urge to overcome ancient barriers demonstrated by my cousin so long ago. It’s also the reason why I’d like to attend Obama’s Inauguration on January 20th. To witness the strength and the courage of Americans like my father, my cousin, and the millions of strangers in between—Americans who made their will for something new loud and clear.

Because Obama’s Inauguration is a celebration of his presidency, sure, but to me it’s more a celebration of all the Americans who made this day possible.

Please let me know if there’s a ticket available for me.

Sincerely,
Ms. Ryan D’Angelo Barrett

_________________________

I’m traveling to D.C. for Inauguration Day regardless of whether or not I receive a ticket to the event. My whole family lives in D.C., and I’d be remiss to miss this opportunity to witness history being made alongside my family. But still… having a ticket would be pretty sweet ☺

What are your Inauguration Day plans?

The October 7th presidential debate, cocktail party politics style

I've been covering the politics beat over at AOL's Lemondrop for a couple weeks now, writing a column called Cocktail Party Politics. It's basically a fun way of discussing a current political issue... I give a short recap, then offer up talking points according to your stance.

And, of course, what political debate would be complete without a complementary drink tip?

Today's post covered last night's presidential debate. I think my take on the debate shines through my apparent "unbiased" stance. This week's drink? "That One": No real recipe, just involves pointing to whatever the guy next to you is drinking and saying, "I'll have whatever 'that one' is having."

You can also check out last week's post on Sarah Palin - a commenter calls me "liberal trash"! Haha! Total crazytown. 

I'm a Lemondrop blogger

I’ve been blogging over at Lemondrop, the new lady-focused blog hosted by AOL. More silly than snarky, Lemondrop hit the Internets two weeks ago to much fanfare. I’m psyched to be a part of it.

I cover the Weird News beat on Mondays and Fridays, and also have some features in queue. The first one was posted yesterday, in honor of Wednesday’s America’s Next Top Model makeover episode.

Definitely check out Lemondrop if you’re itching for a lighter, goofier side of Ryan. Because, though I know I can get mad serious up in here, my all-time favorite workout is laughing. Great for the abs.

Here's a run-down of my posts to date. Lemme know what ya think!

Beyoncé's washed-out L'Oreal ad and role models

Beyoncé’s L’Oreal print ad (shown to the right, in which she appears totally whitewashed) has been sparking discussion all over the blogosphere. I was reading some thoughts presented by one of my daily reads, The Black Snob, and came across a comment to her post that went something like this:

"…who cares how light or dark Beyonce is? She is an incredibly talented singer and she has done well for herself. She doesn't go out and get trashed or forget to wear important articles of clothing under short skirts, like certain other celebrities. Actually, she is one of the few celebrities I would actually call a good role model. It's really none of my business what shade her skin is.”

This really got me to thinking. Does the commenter have a point? Is Beyoncé a good role model? Why do we all seem to care so much about her complexion?

I had to travel back in time to find my answers to these questions. Back to when I was about 10.  Even though my mom wore her hair natural, I seriously believed that light skin and straight hair were the norm.

Why? Well, ever notice that there are virtually no ads on TV or in mainstream fashion magazines for Black beauty products?

Truth be told, advertising lied to me on a daily basis.  Ads for hair dyes, foundations, lip sticks – all of it. I’d watch a Pantene TV spot and then save up my allowance for a bottle shampoo because I thought it’d make my thick curly hair flow in the wind.

Notice, you'll never find a disclaimer on a Pantene ad that says, "Our advanced Pro-V Formula will not work for Black hair. No matter how many times you use it." After many failed attempts, months of savings spent and a few tears shed, I realized that Pantene would never do for me what it claimed it could do for everyone.

So finally, at the age of 11, I got my hair chemically relaxed. When I walked out of the beauty parlor, I had straight hair down to my waist that the wind could carry effortlessly.

I’d never felt such joy.

Now, we see beautiful high-profile Black women taking the Pro-V standard of beauty (the White standard, really) and emulating it. Women like Tyra Banks (shown), sporting fake hair every day. Claiming she’s a “slave to her weave.” Women like Beyoncé, who is becoming lighter and lighter right before our very eyes.

But in reality, they are projecting the ultimate lie. They’re celebrating this phony ideal that little Black girls will try to achieve. That little Black girls have been trying to achieve for years.

And lying does not a good role model make.

Beyoncé's L’Oreal ad? That’s not African-American beauty. That’s someone else’s beauty. I'd like to see a little more of ours.

Related:
Jezebel: Photoshop of Horrors
Guardian: Mighty White
Afrobella: Whitewash and Photoshop
Racialicious: Feria Can Lighten Anything You Want
E! Online: We Didn't Lighten Beyonce. Honest.

Obama wrapping it up: My grandparents would have been so proud

Last night was huge. Huge. Not only did Obama trounce Clinton in North Carolina, but also he closed the gap to less than 2 points in Indiana (props to Gary!). Clinton won by less than 20,000 votes, and many are attributing this to stupid Rush Limbaugh and his stupid “Operation Chaos” (can we just call it “Operation Dumbo Drop” from now on?).

Now in no way am I discrediting or marginalizing all the non-Black (ha, such a funny designation) men and women who turned out and voted for Obama—but from a personal perspective, Andrew Sullivan's post this morning, Black Voters Did It, and the accompanying photo (shown right, photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty) brought a tear to my eye.

I think of my late grandmother, who, at 81 years of age, stood in line for 4 hours to view Rosa Park’s body rest in state. And my late grandfather, who served his country in WWII and then came home to D.C., where he married my grandmother, fathered two beautiful girls, and worked for the government as a postman so that he could help send his daughters to college (my grandmother, for her part, got a Master's Degree in French and worked as a teacher).

My African-American grandparents grew up poor in the Jim Crow south, where discrimination against Blacks was written into law. Yet they still fought for and won a piece of the American Dream--because they worked hard, loved their family, and actually believed in the future of their country (I can't fathom how they mustered up this sentiment in the face of such discrimination. But they did. With pride).

(pictured, my grandparents dining at a cafe in 1941).

I soooo much wish they could be alive today to see this presidential race. I wish it deep in my heart, in my dreams even. I wish I could share this moment with them.

Obama and Michelle would make them so proud.

Photo via The Modesto Bee
Andrew Sullivan, The Daily Dish: Black Voters Did It

Tax rebate checks to boost economy? ...LOL, so anyway, what will you do with yours?!

Pres. Bush was slated to stimulate my checking account today—I’ve been logging in to my bank account all day, over and over, looking for a direct deposit that still hasn’t arrived. But when it does, what will I spend my $600 on? A few options include:

• A pair of Manolos (which I will keep forever and tell my grandchildren Pres. Bush picked out special for me and only me)
• Couple months payment on a new Sony flatscreen
• Plane ticket to Paris – on AirFrance, of course

Hmm, but none of these options stimulate the American economy, do they? What a conundrum! Either way, this absurd plan does nothing to address the reasons why our economy is in peril. So I can get all cheery about an extra $600 in my pocket, but I’ll never be fooled into believing that this plan will promote any long-term boost in the economy. Who could be, after 8 years of Bush presidency?

In any case, how do you plan on spending your tax rebate?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/05/02/notes050208.DTL
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/news/0804/gallery.real_people_rebates/index.html

Welcome to the ad:tech Blogger pit!

I'll be coming to you live from sunny San Francisco (well, actually, from a windowless room full of bagels and coffee) with the news, the scoop and the down-low from ad:tech '08.

Fun fun fun!

The Beauty of Face-to-Face: What I learned in NYC at Blogger Social '08

Last Saturday I found myself walking into a room full of 80 elegant bloggers—most of whom I knew by their written wisdom, several with whom I had exchanged multiple e-mails, but only a few of whom I had actually met in person.

The only word that I can use to describe the experience? SURREAL. Like, imagine knowing someone’s thoughts and ideas inside and out, but only really recognizing them by their smiling business photo. There are SO many little things that cannot come through written words or photos, or even video chat. Like, for example, the way someone shifts their weight when they talk to you. The way someone holds a glass. These seem like little trifles, but they all come together to define a person in a way that an avatar never can.

Anyway, the weekend was such an overwhelmingly different experience… and I really didn’t know how to approach "the recap" blog post. But then I read David Reich’s synopsis of the weekend and decided to take a page from his playbook. So I’m going to list ten quick and fun little tidbits I learned this weekend, and then tag 5 of my socialite buddies to do the same.

1.    Last weekend was the first time that Age of Conversation creators/editors Drew McLellan and Gavin Heaton had ever met face-to-face.
2.    CK is just as lovely in person as she comes across in every blog post and photo she posts. She also wears jewelry over gloves, a fashion daring fashion choice that I find ever so chic.
3.    When you are in a foreign place and don’t know all the menu options, take a tip from Luc Debaisieux and just google image them. That’s how he decided against the Eggs Benedict.
4.    C.B. Whittemore can make you feel like a zillion dollars with one smile. She was the first to recognize me at the door, which instantly eased all of my nervous energy.
5.    A Singelringen is a Swedish ring for singles (I’m write a separate blog post with more details), and Linda Sherman wears two of them on her hands. I suppose they cancel each other out, because she’s got an amazingly cool husband, who I had the pleasure of meeting at Brunch.
6.    Back in undergrad, Jennifer Berk’s team won the MIT Mystery Hunt puzzlehunt contest. Yeah, it’s a really big deal.
7.    Last weekend was the first time that Arun Rajagopol had ever been to the United States, though he’s moving to Houston soon. I’m trying to convince him to settle in Austin instead though.
8.    Both of David Reich’s children went to school in Boston, and they now have very different and equally unique professions.
9.    Shashi Bellamkonda speaks something like 7 languages, and totally baffled my Soviet boyfriend when he broke out into fluent Russian. 
10.    Todd Andrlik is tall. Like, really, really tall. And has a glowing smile.

Now,
Kristin Gorski,
Toby Bloomberg,
Matt Dickman,
Cam Beck,
and Mario Vellandi,
what jewels of face-to-face goodness did you take away from last weekend's adventure in NYC?

P.S. These photos are courtesy of Matt Dickman and Lori Magno, and were taken from the Blogger Social Flickr pool.

Digital Marketing Industry in April! ad:tech, Blogger Social, Age of Conversation craziness

I know, I know, I’ve gotten totally into the whole Election ’08 scene. But for right now, I must focus my attention elsewhere. I am an advertising copywriter and digital trend-watcher after all, a fact (and a passion) that cannot be left to the sidelines. Because this month, as you can see, it’s all about the industry.

Announcements!

1. I will be attending ad:tech, which is scheduled to take place April 15-17 in the lovely city of San Francisco. As a member of the press, I will be reviewing creative and conducting interviews, as well as live-blogging some Keynote Presentations and covering select breakout sessions. So if you can’t make ad:tech this year, join in on the conversation with me and it'll be like you're there in spirit!

Here are the presentations I'll be live-blogging -
Tuesday:
Keynote Roundtable: The Art of Conversation - Building Great Brands in the Digital Age

Wednesday:
Keynote: Consumers, Content and Control: Big Media in the Digital Age
You Don't Know Jack! Teens Speak Out

Thursday:
Closing Keynote: Internet Superstar, Live at ad:tech

And the sessions I'll comment on - 
Power Panel: Tales from the Bleeding Edge - Game-Changing Opportunities for Tomorrow's Marketer
Power Panel: The Modern Agency
Power Panel: Social Network Marketing - Exploring the Value Proposition
Exchange Series I: New Creative, New Tools 
Urban Wallpaper: Digital Signage and the Rise of the Fourth Screen 
Making Widgets and Gadgets Work for You

Let me know if there are one or two of these sessions that you find especially compelling so I can be sure to write a particularly robust blog post on the subject.

2. Blogger Social is this weekend! Tons of marketing bloggers attending (see list here) and looks like there are a bunch of Sunday brunchers as well. If you’re interested in joining, sign up here. Or if you're traveling home through New Jersey, hit Steve's backyard BBQ!

3. This year’s Age of Conversation list of authors is out, and I am seriously pumped. The number of contributors went up from 100 to 275, and I can hardly wait to read what everyone’s got to say. The topic for 2008: “Why don’t people get it.” I’ll be writing about my personal experiences in the conversation lane how my perception has changed/evolved since last year. As always, my aim is to write something that’ll raise a few eyebrows ;)

Here is the complete list of 2008 AoC authors in all its glory. Please join me in giving 2008's Age of Conversation a celebratory lift-off toast!

Adam Crowe, Adrian Ho, Aki Spicer, Alex Henault, Amy Jussel, Andrew Odom, Andy Nulman, Andy Sernovitz, Andy Whitlock, Angela Maiers, Ann Handley, Anna Farmery, Armando Alves, Arun Rajagopal, Asi Sharabi, Becky Carroll, Becky McCray, Bernie Scheffler, Bill Gammell, Bob Carlton, Bob LeDrew, Brad Shorr, Bradley Spitzer, Brandon Murphy, Branislav Peric, Brent Dixon, Brett Macfarlane, Brian Reich, C.C. Chapman, Cam Beck, Casper Willer, Cathleen Rittereiser, Cathryn Hrudicka, Cedric Giorgi, Charles Sipe, Chris Kieff, Chris Cree, Chris Wilson, Christina Kerley (CK), C.B. Whittemore, Clay Parker Jones, Chris Brown, Colin McKay, Connie Bensen, Connie Reece, Cord Silverstein, Corentin Monot, Craig Wilson, Daniel Honigman, Dan Goldstein, Dan Schawbel, Dana VanDen Heuvel, Dan Sitter, Daria Radota Rasmussen, Darren Herman, Darryl Patterson, Dave Davison, Dave Origano, David Armano, David Bausola, David Berkowitz, David Brazeal, David Koopmans, David Meerman Scott, David Petherick, David Reich, David Weinfeld, David Zinger, Deanna Gernert, Deborah Brown, Dennis Price, Derrick Kwa, Dino Demopoulos, Doug Haslam, Doug Meacham, Doug Mitchell, Douglas Hanna, Douglas Karr, Drew McLellan, Duane Brown, Dustin Jacobsen, Dylan Viner, Ed Brenegar, Ed Cotton, Efrain Mendicuti, Ellen Weber, Emily Reed, Eric Peterson, Eric Nehrlich, Ernie Mosteller, Faris Yakob, Fernanda Romano, Francis Anderson, G. Kofi Annan, Gareth Kay, Gary Cohen, Gaurav Mishra, Gavin Heaton, Geert Desager, George Jenkins, G.L. Hoffman, Gianandrea Facchini, Gordon Whitehead, Graham Hill, Greg Verdino, Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming, Hillel Cooperman, Hugh Weber, J. Erik Potter, J.C. Hutchins, James Gordon-Macintosh, Jamey Shiels, Jasmin Tragas, Jason Oke, Jay Ehret, Jeanne Dininni, Jeff De Cagna, Jeff Gwynne, Jeff Noble, Jeff Wallace, Jennifer Warwick, Jenny Meade, Jeremy Fuksa, Jeremy Heilpern, Jeremy Middleton, Jeroen Verkroost, Jessica Hagy, Joanna Young, Joe Pulizzi, Joe Talbott, John Herrington, John Jantsch, John Moore, John Rosen, John Todor, Jon Burg, Jon Swanson, Jonathan Trenn, Jordan Behan, Julie Fleischer, Justin Flowers, Justin Foster, Karl Turley, Kate Trgovac, Katie Chatfield, Katie Konrath, Kenny Lauer, Keri Willenborg, Kevin Jessop, Kris Hoet, Krishna De, Kristin Gorski, Laura Fitton, Laurence Helene Borei, Lewis Green, Lois Kelly, Lori Magno, Louise Barnes-Johnston, Louise Mangan, Louise Manning, Luc Debaisieux, Marcus Brown, Mario Vellandi, Mark Blair, Mark Earls, Mark Goren, Mark Hancock, Mark Lewis, Mark McGuinness, Mark McSpadden, Matt Dickman, Matt J. McDonald, Matt Moore, Michael Hawkins, Michael Karnjanaprakorn, Michelle Lamar, Mike Arauz, Mike McAllen, Mike Sansone, Mitch Joel, Monica Wright, Nathan Gilliatt, Nathan Snell, Neil Perkin, Nettie Hartsock, Nick Rice, Oleksandr Skorokhod, Ozgur Alaz, Paul Chaney, Paul Hebert, Paul Isakson, Paul Marobella, Paul McEnany, Paul Tedesco, Paul Williams, Pet Campbell, Pete Deutschman, Peter Corbett, Phil Gerbyshak, Phil Lewis, Phil Soden, Piet Wulleman, Rachel Steiner, Sreeraj Menon, Reginald Adkins, Richard Huntington, Rishi Desai, Beeker Northam, Rob Mortimer, Robert Hruzek, Roberta Rosenberg, Robyn McMaster, Roger von Oech, Rohit Bhargava, Ron Shevlin, Ryan Barrett, Ryan Karpeles, Ryan Rasmussen, Sam Huleatt, Sandy Renshaw, Scott Goodson, Scott Monty, Scott Townsend, Scott White, Sean Howard, Sean Scott, Seni Thomas, Seth Gaffney, Shama Hyder, Sheila Scarborough, Sheryl Steadman, Simon Payn, Sonia Simone, Spike Jones, Stanley Johnson, Stephen Collins, Stephen Cribbett, Stephen Landau, Stephen Smith, Steve Bannister, Steve Hardy, Steve Portigal, Steve Roesler, Steven Verbruggen, Steve Woodruff, Sue Edworthy, Susan Bird, Susan Gunelius, Susan Heywood, Tammy Lenski, Terrell Meek, Thomas Clifford, Thomas Knoll, Tiffany Kenyon, Tim Brunelle, Tim Buesing, Tim Connor, Tim Jackson, Tim Longhurst, Tim Mannveille, Tim Tyler, Timothy Johnson, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, Toby Bloomberg, Todd Andrlik, Troy Rutter, Troy Worman, Uwe Hook, Valeria Maltoni, Vandana Ahuja, Vanessa DiMauro, Veronique Rabuteau, Wayne Buckhanan, William Azaroff, Yves Van Landeghem