HE`S SO ORIGINALHE`S SO ORIGINAL
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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, March 1, 2010, 0 comments

Note to Charleston’s culinary aficionados: The city’s rise in foodie fame has as much to do with superstars like Darryl as it does with big wigs in white hats. Darryl is a food-and-bev fixture in town: a 13-year front-of-house veteran of the former Mary Ann’s on Meeting Street, then a 17-year stint bartending at Vickery’s (where he earned “Best of Charleston” honors four times over), and now back to the linen-napkin scene at Halls Chop House, where Darryl keeps diners happy and fine food flowing. “I love being around people. It gives me energy,” says the master waiter with an easy smile.

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, February 1, 2010, 0 comments
Cyrus Buffum keeps things flowing

As the founder, visionary and chief water boy of Charleston Waterkeeper, Cyrus doesn’t mind getting his feet wet.
The Cape Cod native spent the last year and a half working to establish the local chapter of this international waterway watchdog group, and now he’s ready to take action. The mission: to protect and measurably improve the quality of Charleston’s harbors, rivers, waterways, creeks and estuaries—where we work, play, fish, swim, and get literal and spiritual sustenance. “The waterways are my playground,” says the former College of Charleston sailor. “I take it personally when they are degraded.” He hopes to align with innovative partners in the effort to protect our liquid gold, and
currently Cyrus is reviewing all the DHEC permits for each of the 40-some industries that discharge waste into our watershed. “We want polluters to know that we, as Waterkeepers and citizens, demand compliance to protect our natural resources.”

The best thing about wearing a skirt? “The ease with which I can slip my boots on and off.”
His favorite thing about reading skirt!? “I like feeling like a spy. I read it to gain insight into women.”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Friday, January 1, 2010, 0 comments
Ian Sanchez is a natural teacher

Wearing a skirt is second nature to Ian, as long as it’s a kayak spray skirt. The outdoorsy director of the Lowcountry Environmental Education Program (LEEP) uses kayaks, hikes, marshy excursions and all things creepy and crawly to teach kids about the natural world. “It’s amazing how many local kids have never even seen the beach,” says Ian, a Californian who joined LEEP in 1999. By teaching students outdoors, Ian works to break a cycle. “We can pick up trash in marshes all day long,” he notes, “but it’ll just reappear unless we teach people to care, and people don’t care about something unless they experience it.” A musician by training and teacher by choice, he’s also an advocate (lobbying for improved environmental educational opportunities statewide) and movie star—his 2008 adventure kayaking from the SC mountains to the sea is chronicled in the ETV documentary, Web of Water. 

The best thing about wearing a skirt? “Being able to move around easily au naturel.”
His favorite thing about reading skirt!? “It teaches me that women are the true movers and shakers in Charleston.”

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He`s So Original
By lindseybreitwieser, Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 0 comments
Benjamin Hollingsworth Scores on Canvas

Finesse, agility, focus and determination. Lightning reflexes and intuitive reactions.
The skills and talents that served Benjamin well during his career as a professional soccer player now propel him toward a new goal—making it in the art world, where competition is fierce but, thankfully, you can use your hands. The transition from stadium to studio, cleats to canvas, came after an injury sidelined this Mount Pleasant native and College of Charleston soccer standout. But the former Charleston Battery midfielder switched direction without remorse. “I knew as soon as soccer was over that art is what I’d do. I didn’t know where it would take me, but I knew I’d pursue the hell out of it,” says this self-taught painter whose colorful mixed-media style is aggressive and expressionistic. Benjamin now splits his time between New York and Charleston (see his work at Aster Hall). “I’m committed to art,” he says. “There is no Plan B.”
 

The best thing about wearing a skirt? “The freedom of movement spurs my creativity.”
His favorite thing about reading skirt!? “The more you know about women, the better.”

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He`s So Original
By lindseybreitwieser, Saturday, October 31, 2009, 0 comments
Andrew Petersen Will Put Your Best Face Forward

As Trish McEvoy’s regional make-up artist extraordinaire, Andrew has brightened the countenance of many a baggy-eyed gal. But a little blush here, a dab of concealer there isn’t his only talent. Andrew has reached out beyond his loyal clients at Saks and Gwynn’s to brighten the outlook for those living with HIV across the Lowcountry. When Andrew was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS a few years ago, he refused to cower behind the disease’s stigma. Instead, he has spoken about safe sex and HIV prevention at college fraternities and other groups, and used his lip and eye shade expertise at various fundraisers to support Lowcountry Aids Services, including an upcoming November 13th and 14th Gwynn’s event featuring the world premiere of a new Trish McEvoy lip color, “Gorgeous Red,” which she created especially for World Aids Day (in honor of Andrew, with proceeds benefiting LAS). “Make-up is so personal,” says Andrew. “For me it’s about building quality relationships with my clients.”

The best thing about wearing a skirt?   “My parents always thought one day they’d find me in a skirt. It’s nice to finally fulfill their expectations.”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 0 comments
Victor Hranowsky makes it personal.

 

It's a good thing Victor grows his own organic tomatoes, beans and melons—his pals at Whole Foods keep ribbing him for agreeing to pose in a skirt. But daily grocery shopping is his bread and butter, so this personal chef swallows his pride (they're just jealous, Vic) and shops for choice ingredients for his choice clients—two busy families and two professional couples whom he keeps well-fed and well-stocked with fresh, wholesome vittles. "I love the creative freedom of working independently," says this father of two, who after 13 years in restaurants realized he wanted something "calmer and more conducive to family life." With a flare for Asian, Victor favors American fusion cuisine, which he did not learn from his Russian-born mom, though he credits her for teaching him to cook. "I was the youngest of five, and by then she was tired of cooking. I had to fend for myself."

The best thing about wearing a skirt: "It makes shopping a breeze."


His favorite thing about reading skirt!: "Its commitment to empowering women."

 

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, August 31, 2009, 1 comments
Nick Shalosky is a Campaign Crasher

A last-minute lark and a Facebook shout-out landed Nick in the annals of South Carolina history. By earning a spot on the Charleston County Constituent School Board (District 20) during the 2008 election, Nick became the state’s first openly gay elected official and a hero of Internet-savvy campaign wonks. The College of Charleston senior and political science major was voting early last fall when he noticed a blank ballot slot and wrote his name in. Without spending a dime or campaigning in person, he invited his social networking contacts to do the same, and 21 votes later, Nick is helping shape local education policy—a responsibility he takes seriously despite his nontraditional campaign. “Local politics matters,” he says. “You don’t have to be a conventional candidate. Think outside the box.”

The best thing about wearing a skirt?  “I wish it was more acceptable for men, it’s the most comfortable thing ever.”

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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Friday, July 31, 2009, 0 comments
Andrew Bell takes it play by play

 

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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 1 comments
John Zahl mixes it up.

The Reverend John Zahl is a disco disciple. On Sunday mornings, the Oxford-educated minister may be preaching at the Church of the Holy Cross, but at night, he's spreading the good news and groovy vibes of obscure, esoteric European disco records. That's right, records. Vinyl. Vintage stuff he digs up at the Ladson Flea Market or in record stores in Pittsburgh, then edits down to create original eclectic mixes. He digs the 1977-to-1984 era, when classic rock, disco funk and early electronica were all overlapping. "I like the place where different things come together," says John, a.k.a. DJ JAZ, who spins turntables at Fish every Friday night, and deejays gigs ranging from Roller Disco at Hot Wheels to Pecha Kucha. "I've always loved music; it fires all my synapses," he says. "Christianity is all about love, too. About helping people connect to that source. I believe wherever a person's heart is, God is close by."

His favorite thing about wearing a skirt? "I feel much smarter and more emotionally mature."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!? "It does a great job at contributing a fresh voice and highlighting new things going on in Charleston."

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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
John Zinsser | Uber Ombudsman

"I’m a feminist because…
 
When we compare what the U.S. spends on breast enhancements and erectile dysfunction pills versus our education outlays (especially comprehensive sex education and parenting classes), the need to change our priorities is clear. Success at this requires a feminist perspective. Count me in.”

 
As co-founder and principal of Pacifica Human Communications, LLC, John helps corporations and international organizations turn conflict into benefit. Healthy, effective communication is his forte, both professionally, as a board member of Planned Parenthood Health Systems, and a citizen. He loves complex challenges, especially when racing sailboats.
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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
Joshuah Hounshell | Manly Manicurist

I’m a feminist because…

“I've been surrounded by and infatuated with the strongest, courageous, most intelligent and beautiful women one could imagine. I have an intrinsic respect for the women I’m enamored with, women who have shaped my life—poets, artists, musicians and geniuses. Real men listen to Ani DiFranco.”

 
When Josh’s girlfriend Andi decided to open Lavish, a nail salon, he melded their careers by signing up for cosmetology school and now causes client double takes. When not helping Andi run the posh spot, the recent Californian transplants are exploring the Southeast.
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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
Matthew Carrington | Teacher-To-Be

"I'm a feminist because...

When I was growing up, Dad taught me to cook and Mum would bleed the radiators. From my grandmother, who taught sex ed in schools when it was unheard of, to my sister who has held her own against three older brothers, I have learned that feminism is something to be celebrated."                                                                      

Matthew cooks a mean pot roast, scores on the soccer field, plays trumpet and charms the Mitchell Elementary School kids he tutors with his adorable British accent. Hailing from the Cotswolds, Matthew begins graduate school this fall in Elementary Education.
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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
Tim Lidster | Safe Haven

I’m a feminist because…

 “I believe no woman should fear that a stranger will violently change their life forever or that someone they love will subject them to physical or mental abuse. I simply believe no woman should have to live in fear.

Seeing his wife come to terms with sexual violence personally and professionally (as a women’s services nurse), Tim has long been appalled by men who equate physical strength with superiority. The former Air Force service member now saves e-lives at L2, an Apple retailer and repair shop.
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He`s So Original
By leanderson, Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 0 comments
Tom O’Rourke | Maggie’s Dad

I’m a feminist because…

I have a daughter; a strong, capable, beautiful, over-achieving, 25-year-old woman and I helped her understand that there was nothing she couldn’t do. I instilled the realization that a woman can be strong, athletic, in-charge, pushy and feminine—and that is the right thing to do.”

 
Throughout his life, Tom’s strong-willed mother, four sisters, wife and coworkers have proved to him that women could do anything. As Executive Director of the Charleston County Parks and Rec Department, he is always looking for more to do for his fellow citizens.
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He`s So Original
By margaret, Sunday, May 31, 2009, 0 comments
Bob Fleming gets down to the studs.

 He was the kid who liked jigsaw puzzles—insisting on doing four or five at a time. He was the high school shop nerd, and the college student with the incredible tan from working construction all summer. And he's your man if you ever dreamed of a renovation that didn’t become a nightmare. "I've always loved working with my hands," says Bob, owner of Classic Remodeling, a design/build firm specializing in renovation. "I love the puzzle of how to take a building apart, then transform it into what the client has in mind." A consummate learner, he's a longtime supporter of the American College of Building Arts and a member of an international roundtable to keep current with industry trends, especially those related to sustainable building. When not overhauling Charleston homes, Bob's a "triple threat—Bob the Builder, Bob the Boater, Bob the Bartender" and he loves traveling, especially to Europe, where he marvels at structures that have survived hundreds and even thousands of years.

 

Bob's favorite thing about wearing a skirt? "I can really appreciate the coolness and comfort."

 

His favorite thing about reading skirt!? "It helps me understand women, and I can share it with my wife."
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He`s So Original
By Angelia, Thursday, April 30, 2009, 0 comments
Charles Wadsworth Can Pull Some Strings

It takes gravitas to hold your own on stage with Beverly Sills or Yo-Yo Ma, but Charles Wadsworth does it with supersized charm. The much-loved maestro of Spoleto’s Chamber Music Series is retiring after this year’s festival, his 31st as artistic director, but the music will go on. In fact, chamber music at Spoleto, at New York’s Lincoln Center and in music halls across the world is going on stronger than ever thanks to Charles’s chummy genius in making it more accessible and more fun. With his small-town Georgia knack for storytelling and his Juilliard-trained ear, this famed pianist stages programs with enough sizzle and sex appeal that you might think they’re for the other chamber. He’s broadened the repertoire for strings, trios and quartets by commissioning contemporary pieces and enlivened works by dead white composers by finding exciting young artists. skirt! says Happy 80th and a big “Bravo!” to our Oh-So-Original birthday boy.

His favorite thing about wearing a skirt?
“I’m fascinated by women, and have always really liked skirts. I like the feeling of exhibitionism.”

His favorite thing about reading skirt!? “It’s so thoughtful about so many different issues, with a lot of intelligence behind the writing.”

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He`s So Original
By caro.c, Monday, March 30, 2009, 1 comments
Walt Thorn

Walt Thorn will take you for a ride.

If you're headed toward the altar (or the reception hall), Walt's got your wedding wheels. As the owner/operator of Absolutely Charleston, Walt has created a destination management company that specializes in matrimony mobility, i.e. transporting brides/grooms and wedding parties wherever they need to go, whether it's Hibernian Hall or off into the sunset. With a fleet of old trolleys he restored himself and a replica of a 1923 Charleston City Bus, he keeps things rolling in what is now the country's third top destination wedding location. "I love the freedom to make my own decisions for my company," says this former Atlanta businessman and self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur." One recent decision is to go as green as possible, with a goal of converting his fleet to hydrogen fuel cell power. "South Carolina is actually a leader in hydrogen fuel cell development," he says. "We just need a fueling station."

His favorite thing about wearing a skirt: "It makes me feel frisky."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!? "Women control 95% of the money and 100% of what men are interested in. skirt! lets me know what's on their minds."

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He`s So Original
By caro.c, Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 0 comments
He's So Original with Tony Berenyi

Tony Berenyi loves structure.

He gets it-the vision thing, the master plan, the big picture and the tiny details. As a structural engineer and president of Berenyi Incorporated, a multi-service design and engineering firm, Tony can take a dream and turn it into a building. For clients like Nucor Steel, he figures out how to improve industrial efficiency while enhancing product quality. And for 250 soldiers during Desert Storm, his job was planning and implementing dangerous maneuvers while keeping his men safe. Big picture, small details. Those eight months commanding a transportation unit have stuck with the retired Army Reserve soldier. "When you see people dying around you, you learn to live for the moment," he says. Coveted moments these days include spending family time on their Awendaw farm, boating and fishing, and travel to Africa. "I love just being out in the bush," says Tony, who's currently planning a pro-bono engineering project in Zambia.

The best thing about wearing a skirt? "It helps me get in tune with my sensitive side."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!? "The ads keep me up-to-date on what's going on with businesses and new shops."

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Sunday, February 1, 2009, 0 comments
Steve Lesniak rides the wind.

An avid sailor, Steve loves high-tailing it on a brisk breeze, and as a businessman, he's equally savvy at knowing which way the wind blows. When he landed in Charleston 16 years ago, post-divorce and ready to chart a new course, the British expat and former London clothing retailer noticed a gap in the area's home décor market. "Nearly everything in Charleston furniture-wise was traditional and formal," Steve says. So he opened what's now known as celadon at home, featuring a more casual, European-influenced style. "Not too fussy," he says. A founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, Steve was "green" before green was in, favoring hand-made products and natural materials and steering away from particle board. "It's part of the European thing," notes Steve, a fan of simplicity.

The best thing about wearing a skirt: "Actually, I don't really like wearing one. I feel vulnerable."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!: "I love skirt! because the content is smart, provocative and entertaining. Women are the driving force of my business, therefore I will always be a reader."

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Friday, December 19, 2008, 0 comments
Marcelo Hochman changes lives.

As a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, Marcelo dedicates a large percentage of his time and expertise to giving kids a new life. We dare you to look at the before-and-after pictures of kids born with disfiguring vascular birthmarks (hemangiomas) and hold back the tears (hemangiomatreatment.org). "Even I have to excuse myself sometimes when the family is in the recovery room, seeing their child's face for the first time," says Hochman. And that's after having done 1,000 of these dramatic procedures. Through his nonprofit, Hemangioma Treatment Foundation, Hochman operates pro-bono on kids from around the world. A Venezuelan who was recruited to MUSC in 1990, Hochman is now in private practice, doing a full range of elective cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

His favorite thing about wearing a skirt: "It shows off my cowboy boots."

The best thing about reading skirt!:"It puts me back in touch with my feminine side."

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 0 comments
John Caspian preaches the creativity gospel.

When education budgets get slashed, John gets busy. As founder, director and chief dreamer of SideWalk Chalk, a non-profit organization that supplements arts education in Charleston public schools, John sees potential instead of deficit. He began SideWalk Chalk by offering a creative writing workshop for fourth graders at Sanders Clyde Elementary School last March, and publishing a book of the kids' work. Soon other schools were inquiring, and now John brings professional artists of all stripes—dancers, photographers, painters and writers—into all Title 1 downtown elementary schools to implement programs that follow state education standards. A former pastor, his unbridled energy and enthusiasm can sway even nonbelievers—the folks who see art education as "extra"-curricular, not fundamental. "Writing and self-expression has been a savior for me," says John. "Art inspires life in so many ways. But even more, it's about showing these kids that life can be whatever they want it to be."

The best thing about wearing a skirt? "In a skirt and my boots, my legs look fabulous."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!?"I read it for the articles."

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Friday, October 31, 2008, 0 comments
Alonzo Wilson is the clothes commander

Alonzo wears a white tee and jeans every day without fail (except, of course, when he’s wearing a skirt). But don’t be fooled: he’s got enough clothes to outfit an army. As costume designer for Army Wives, he does just that. With closet space to die for—rooms full of dress greens, trailers packed full of coordinated outfits, racks for each character—he knows exactly who wore what when, down to the bra and earrings, for each episode. A 25-year veteran in film and television costume design (including The Wire and Dawson’s Creek), Alonzo has a natural talent for reading scripts, visualizing characters, and then having them dress the part. “You get a feel for what colors and patterns mean, and coordinating how different characters’ clothes work together visually in a scene,” says this motorcycle-riding animal lover who owns an animal hospital in his hometown of Wilmington, NC. “I try to make it look real. This isn’t Sex and the City.”


Best thing about wearing a skirt? “It puts me in the right frame of mind to dress Army Wives.”


Favorite thing about reading skirt!? “It’s my inspiration for what’s happening in the clothing world for women.”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 0 comments
Joe Giant has the keys.

It's the same old story—"my mom made me take piano lessons in third grade, and wouldn't let me quit. I hated it," says Joe Giant ("really my real name"). Then in high school, something shifted. Piano was okay, in fact, "I really started liking it," he says. He continued playing as a music major at Ohio's Miami University and now morphs his classical training into rousing acoustic rock with the band, Crowfield. Hot off the release of their debut album, Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long Midwestern, Crowfield is touring the Southeast, and Joe couldn't be happier. "I could perform every night, that'd be the best ever." When not on stage, Joe teaches piano students aged 7 to 94. "I remember how much I hated it, so I make it fun," says the Vespa-driving musician. "I find tunes they'll enjoy playing. If I act like it’s a really cool song, they're cool with it."

His favorite thing about reading skirt!: "It's really, really colorful, and so literary, so beautifully written. There are lots of good SAT words in there."

The best thing about wearing a skirt? "I feel sexier when I wear a skirt than when I wear a dress."

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Friday, August 29, 2008, 0 comments
Travis Jervey makes the play

The former Citadel football star turned speedy NFL running back is back in the Lowcountry, turning up the heat at Pitt Street Fitness in Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village. Known for his muscle-cut physique during nine seasons in the Pros (four with the Green Bay Packers, two with the San Francisco 49ers and three with the Atlanta Falcons), Jervey believes in mixing it up to stay in shape. A longtime surfer, he’s a new fan of paddle boarding, which he uses while training clients, along with kickboxing and yoga, for fl exibility. “I’m not lifting (weights) as much as I used to.

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He`s So Original
By rachelr, Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 0 comments
Vince Graham is so old-school, he's medieval.

In fact, it's his medieval way of thinking, about urban design and the primacy of the public sphere, that make Vince one of the most progressive civic visionaries around. Best known as the developer of Newpoint in Beaufort, SC, and the I'On neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, Vince has rekindled the tried and true, borrowing from characteristics that make medieval Rome, and less ancient cities like old Charleston, such attractive, walkable, livable environments. "What could be more sustainable than 2,000-year-old cities that people still live in?" he asks.

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, June 30, 2008, 0 comments
Bob Siegel | CEO

“I’m a feminist because women are smarter, funnier, more compassionate and more creative than men. If her heart is in it, a woman can accomplish anything, no matter what obstacles stand in her way. Although I am an Obama '08 man, I believe that in 2016 our President should and will be a woman. I'm nominating my wife.”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, June 30, 2008, 0 comments
Bruce Murdy | Company President

“I’m a feminist because Vicky Walberg always beat me in spelling bees. Mom took over when Dad got Parkinson’s. Amanda Torhan taught me my best business lessons. My daughter taught me to use the VCR at age two. My work team’s full of smart, funny, intuitive, tough, compassionate women. Why wouldn’t I be a feminist?”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, June 30, 2008, 0 comments
Dave Albenberg | Physician

 

“I’m a feminist because it’s hard to find any worthwhile men’s causes. Think about it—Men Making a Difference (MMAD), Cowboys with Checks, Men at Work, Registered Association for Male Business Owners (RAMBO), or National Association for Male Executives (NAME)—who would join these groups?”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, June 30, 2008, 0 comments
Colin Kerr | Minister

 

“I’m a feminist because the Scriptures declare we are all equal in Christ. So when culture, evolutionary inclinations, or even patriarchal religiosity attempt to excuse sexism, I am challenged by my God to live up to and honor women with a higher standard.”

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He`s So Original
By margaret, Monday, June 30, 2008, 0 comments
Joe Bagnulo | Surfing Supervisor

“I’m a feminist because of the women in my lifetime: Helen (Bagnulo), Golda, Indira, Jackie O, Gracie Allen, Sophia, Norma Jean, Billie Jean, Lucy, Margaret, Consuela, Janis, Audrey, Olga, Shirley (Chisholm), Jane (Goodall), Gilda, Gloria, Martina, Dian (Fossey), Coretta, Bette M., Sally (Ride), Ma Teresa, Venus, Hillary, Lloyd, Nancy (Bagnulo)…how could I not be?”

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Featured Artist Pep Montserrat