Happy Easter!

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St. Baldrick’s Day Fundraiser: I am Number 1 in the World…

St. Baldrick's Day

St. Baldrick's began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world's biggest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer! Events have taken place in 10 countries and 42 US states, raising over $20 million, and shaving more than 26,000 heads.

I have personally been involved in this event for the past three years. The first two years as a volunteer, and then this year as a "Barber / Fundraiser". There are two types of people raising funds for this event: Shavees and Barbers. Since I already have a shaved head, it would be pointless for me to try to raise funds for shaving my head. So I decided to lend my head shaving skills, and try to raise some money. My original goal was $1000, which was 1/83 of the Atlanta Jaycees overall goal for this year. Raising $83,000 would have put us at a 4-year total of $250,000 raised for this event. Needless to say, I reached my goal a few days ago, and our Chapter, as a whole is up over $120,000 so far with one day to go. The reason I am writing this is to thank those who donated on my behalf. Their names are listed below alphabetically. It is also to tell you that of 985 total "Barbers" across the USA, and in Argentina, I am the number 1 overall fundraiser for Barbers.

Click Here to See World Barber Rankings.

Click Here to see my personal fundraising page.

Click Here for Event Details: Sat March 17th @ Front Page News (Little Five)

List of Donators: Friends, Family, and a few Complete Strangers

· Amber L Maynard · Andrew Gleason · Andrew Paton · Autumn N Coleman · Brad, Jen & Brian Michaels · Brian T. Spirio · Chase Entertainment · Christopher S. Carter · Cuz Jane · Denise M Johnson · Elisha Reasor · Erika Lindroth · Heather Radler Chirino · in honor of Abigail Mendoza · Jason Brown · Jeana Maruggi · Jeff Hussey · Joan McFather · Kathleen O'Connor Conway · Kimberly, Marc and Mia Passarella · Lara R. Stegman · Matt Ford · Matthew Richter · Memberize · Peter Katz · Photog Studios (Mitch and Gina Sinberg) · Ribels · Ryan T Paton · Sarah McFather · Shinobu Uematsu · Susan L Malkasian · www.FSBO.com

Seoul, Korea Trip: Nov 10th-19th 2006

Seoul, Korea Trip: Nov 10^th-19^th 2006

I recently returned from a trip to a land, far, far away in Seoul, Korea. This was my first adventure overseas, and I could not have been more impressed, nor could I be more excited about traveling abroad again in the very near future. My excuse for going was the Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress 2006. JCI is the third largest international organization, with members from over 112 countries across the globe (Can you name the only other two organizations that have more global coverage?). As you know, I currently serve on the board of directors for the Atlanta chapter as VP of Communications and IT (Atlanta Jaycees). I have been a member for over three years, and was awarded Member of the Year for 2005.


My major responsibilities at the conference were to help the Atlanta Chapter promote for USA's national conference (Met Net 2007) in July of next year, and of course to have a good time. I met hundreds of great people, and made many quality friends from all parts of the Earth. Another responsibility was to tend to the incoming JCI World President for 2007, Scott Greenlee of JCI Michigan (USA). This is a great honor for both him and our wonderful nation.

This should be the largest Met Net in the USA in quite some time. Met Net involves all of the large Metro chapters across the USA, and any international chapter, gathering to promote and motivate for recruitment and involvement within organization. Atlanta is very excited to be chosen to host the event. More info can be found on our website at http://www.atlantajaycees.org/.

The conference started with a bang for Opening Ceremonies held at the site of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea (pictured below). One of the Keynote speakers was Han Myung-Sook, the first female Prime Minister of South Korea (equivalent to the President of the United States). They had traditional Korean dancers and a whole lot more. Each night a different county hosted a party, sponsored by Budweiser, and provided many different kinds of food from their native country.

The First night was Korean Night. I have posted several pictures below from this night, including the greeting entertainer, a Transvestite Karaoke singer. Korean's love their Karaoke. Apparently, they also love the song "Y.M.C.A.". I must have heard that song over 100 times throughout the week. The local drink was SOJU. I love this stuff, and took home many bottles after each night of partying. Again, I love this stuff, and hope to find more of it here in the USA.

The second night was USA Night. We were the first to serve ice cold Budweiser (served warm every where else, but cold every night after that). We also had over 600 pizzas delivered, and played some traditional games like baseball and basketball. I spent a brief stint in the USA kissing both, and it was quite interesting. Anyway, I have plenty of photos from that night. Everyone had a great time. I was on the Set-up committee, so I started drinking at around 2pm with some warm Buds left over from Korea night.

The third Night was Japan Night. Can you say Saki? I can still smell it on my breath. These guys are crazy in Japan. I don't know if the food I ate was still living, or just that odd tasting. Anyway, they put on a great show, and a great party.

The fourth night was a free night, and the Atlanta boys were invited to a private dinner with new 2007 World President Scott Greenlee, and his closest staff members to discuss thoughts on next year. We kick off our shoes, and sat down to a traditional Korean Dinner. It was phenomenal.

The fifth and final night was a Presidential Gala Dinner and Party. One of my pictures below with the Syrian and the Hookah was featured in the slide show that was playing the entire night. They served a five-course dinner, followed by a live band and dancing.

Most of the events above ended by 12:00 - 1:00am every night. JCI hosted an unofficial after party every night, sponsored with free Budweisers, and snacks, at the Seven Luck Casino, which was inside of the main hotel that we all stayed in, COEX Intercontinental Seoul (Native Koreans are not permitted inside of the Casino?). The after party generally lasted till about 3:00-4:00am on most nights. All but one night, the Atlanta crew did not stop there, or even stop there at all.

The nightlife in Seoul was crazy. We went clubbing most nights (arrived one day early to party all night), and returned only once before 5:00am. I think the latest we stayed out partying was around 8:30 or so. Very fun, very blurry, but very worth it. One night we were hanging with a Polish rock star that could barley keep up. I don't remember his name, but I don't think you all would recognize it anyway.

Some of my favorites that I met were from Catalonia (Barcelona Area), Finland, Syria, Tunisia, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and most definitely Mongolia. Those guys loved us.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos below. Please feel free to leave me any comments regarding your experiences in ASIA.

Oh, yeah, the markets for shopping over there were absolutely amazing. I got some great souvenirs, and some very quality, but inexpensive tailored suits with my name embroidered inside of the jacket.

Pictures from Seoul, Korea

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Spain 2006

Brad & I just got back from a week in Spain. We went to Madrid & Barcelona, spending 3 1/2 days in each city. We went with two other couples and had a blast! Both cities are beautiful - filled with old buildings & wonderful parks. We ate amazing food, drank a lot of Sangria and even sang karaoke! In Madrid, we enjoyed the parks, went to a few museums and ate at the oldest restaurant in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records)! In Barcelona, we enjoyed walking through the streets and soaking in the architecture. We spent an afternoon at the beach, which was a very relaxing way to end the trip! And of course, the guys were able to find the UF vs. TN football game at 2am (while the girls were sleeping at the hotel)! We took a lot of pictures, so you will need some time to look through them all...Enjoy!

Madrid Pictures

Barcelona Pictures

I meet Famous People Sometimes!

I recently met and was photographed with two notable celebrities:

Tara Reid @ Fever Nightclub: I know people who know people...




Andruw Jones @ Peachtree Tavern: Again, I know people...


Andruw Jones: Starting Center Fielder for the Atlanta Braves, multiple Gold Gloves, and multiple All Start game appearances


I have been extremely busy lately, and have about 10 blogs I should have posted on here already since my last one. I will try to get you all caught up soon.
Mike

30th Anniversary Party

The 30th Anniversary Party for Ted & Sue has been confirmed for October 28, 2006 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta Cocktails start at 6:30pm with dinner to follow. The party will be held on the 50th floor with an amazing view of the city! http://www.fourseasons.com/atlanta/

Let me know who is interested in visiting the Georgia Aquarium and we will buy advanced tickets. The best day to go is probably Friday (may be a little less crowded), but we will see when everyone is planning on flying in. www.georgiaaquarium.org

For the younger people (or young at heart), we have a big Halloween party to go to on Friday night - costumes required! Our friends have this party every year - last year they added a bartender and this year they are adding a DJ! It should be fun!

Delta & Airtran are both having a sale to Atlanta right now - these are the lowest fares I have seen since the beginning of the year! Don't miss out! www.delta.com or www.airtran.com

Can't wait to see everyone! Let us know if you have any questions. -Jen & Mike

Family Reunion

Finally getting back to normal after our trip to Michigan. Just wanted to say that we had a great time and it was really nice to see everyone! Here are the pictures we took (as you can see it is tough to get toddlers to sit still for a picture!)