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Surpassing One Million Users: Mount Pleasant, SC Based Tallo Surges to Become Leading Student-Career Connection Platform

July 13, 2020 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tallo, a digital platform, and app that connects talent with opportunities, has reached a new milestone, now providing one million users with a place to start learning about and preparing for their future career.

“We are ecstatic knowing that our platform now stands to help more than one million talented individuals earn scholarships, find the right post-secondary program, and launch successful careers,” said Casey Welch, Tallo CEO, and Co-founder. “We created Tallo as a small startup in South Carolina eight years ago, and we’re just as determined now as we were then to ensure that our community of future leaders finds success.”

Tallo helps foster meaningful dialogue between high school students, college students, jobseekers, corporate partners, post-secondary institutions, and organizations by serving as a networking platform that uniquely caters to the skills and expertise that talent (age 13+) have to showcase. Users build online portfolios and profiles to showcase their test scores, classes, certificates, experience and extracurriculars, and their future career and education interests.

Tallo users can communicate with recruiters at companies and colleges to learn more about their programs, mission, available positions, and the kind of training they require. Similarly, companies and colleges can reach out to talent users who look like a good fit for their organization, offering relevant advice in the hopes of building a future talent pipeline.

“Part of the reason why we created Tallo was because before it, student-athletes were the only high school students who had highlight reels,” explained Welch. “Everyone deserves to have a place to display and leverage their strengths to pursue their dreams.”

In 2012, the Tallo platform was introduced to two South Carolina high schools, Goose Creek High School and Summerville High School. Since then, Tallo has gained users in all 50 states, representing over 27,000 high schools and 4,000 colleges, and has made over 180,000 connections for their talent users. Tallo partners with colleges, companies, and organizations with a strong presence throughout the state of South Carolina and across the country, like Boeing, Walmart, Spinx, Clemson University, The Citadel, and Charleston Southern University.

“We’re looking for the next generation of leaders to propel Boeing into the future,” said Lindsay Leonard, Senior Director of Government Operations at Boeing. “South Carolina is full of bright students from every county and the Tallo platform helps us discover them.”

Thanks in large part to South Carolina Future Makers, an initiative between Tallo, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Technical College System, and several other key players in workforce development, there are more than 100,000 Tallo users in South Carolina.

“In order to continue the growth and progress of education and career preparation throughout South Carolina, resources like Tallo are critical,” said Molly Spearman, South Carolina Superintendent of Education. “Our state has no shortage of wonderful talent in our K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, and industries, and the Tallo platform is the online ecosystem that brings it all together.”

“In South Carolina, we recognize our people are the Palmetto State’s greatest asset,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Tallo’s ability to connect our workforce and students with educational institutions and companies will further advance SC’s talent pool and set the table for future economic growth and prosperity. Congratulations to Tallo for reaching this exciting milestone!”

“When the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance chose to partner with Tallo in 2016 through the SC Future Makers initiative, we recognized that reaching the next generation of talent required an innovative and creative approach. The platform has allowed thousands of South Carolinians to connect to meaningful opportunities in a way that’s never been done before in workforce development. This milestone is a testament for how technology can empower individuals to realize their dreams and position themselves for future careers,” said Sara Hazzard, President, and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance.

Over the past year, Tallo has been cited by a report commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Business Insider, and the Office of the White House as a pioneer in the career navigation process, unlocking real career avenues for determined students ready to enter the workforce.

“Tallo has made a huge difference in my life,” said Irvin Espinosa, a rising sophomore at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “Through it, I participated in South Carolina’s 2019 STEM Signing Day, received a scholarship from Boeing to attend Embry-Riddle, and am now so proud to say I’m a first-generation college student.”

About Tallo

Tallo is the first online app that assists students in designing a career pathway, educators in recruiting top talent to their schools, and employers in developing a stable, continuous talent pipeline. Through a mobile digital portfolio, students (age 13+) and professionals showcase their skills and abilities, receive personalized career guidance, match with over $20 billion in scholarships, and get directly connected with post-secondary institutions and companies looking for the next generation of talent. For more information, visit www.tallo.com

Lowcountry

The Fraggle Paradox: Is Fraggle Rock the perfect world? – Here are 7 Reasons We Believe So

July 13, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Much has been said about the muppet ecosystem. From strong family values to drug-induced silliness wrapped up in song and dance. No matter how we view and interpret this sub-culture, it has remained a part of our lives for over 50 years. From 1983 to 1987, Jim Henson Productions in conjunction with HBO gave children and adults 30 minutes of colorful entertainment every Monday with strong socio-economic undertones that we didn’t even see hit us.

Over the years, this show has spun a frenzy of extended narrative and merchandising including an animated version, dolls, books, games, and now a new reboot on Apple. Did Jim Henson and his team see something almost 40 years ago that may have summed up the perfect world and lessons we can relate to today?

Looking at certain components of the story, characters and home of this subterranean civilization may open our eyes to what we have been blinded to for so long.

7 Reasons Fraggle Rock is the Perfect World

  1. Fraggle Rock did not have or need law enforcement. They were a self-governing society that chose song and dance numbers over crime and violence. As we look at the value of law enforcement today and their abusive liberties, is there a lesson we can learn about harmonious living from the Fraggles and the other dwellers of Fraggle Rock?
  2. Fraggle Rock was a community that lived in complete isolation. They were their own underground island self contained with all the natural resources needed to survive. Not a bad layout in the event of a global pandemic.
  3. All Lives Matter – Fraggles and Doozers never judged one another based on their color, creed, believes, or sexual preferences. They were yellow, red, blue, and green. All the colors of the rainbow and all equally important to the safe haven of existence.
  4. Healthy Living – The most important and valued food item was the radish. They loved eating food raised in the ground. Also, healthy soups were a part of their diet and were featured in all their celebrations.
  5. Economic Growth and Job Security – Doozers loved to build. All-day, every day their built bridges and roads and the Fraggles would eat them as snacks. There was no animosity or anger. It was a reason for living focused on the co-existence of hard-working doozers and an edible infrastructure so loved by the Fraggles.
  6. Always singing and dancing – Fraggle Rock was not known for depression (Maybe Goober), hate, criminal behavior, bullying, or wrongdoing. They just sang and danced. Every episode, including the iconic opening theme, was filled with music, laughter, and dancing. Now that is a society I can get on board with.
  7. Tradition and Celebration – Fraggles never lost sight of their roots and heritage. They are a proud group that flourished in celebrations and festivals. Celebrations and remembrance of their past are such a critical part of their lives. Remembering their past to ensure a bright future is a creed in Fraggle Rock.

There are seven reasons, Fraggle Rock was trying to teach us that a good idealistic world filled with love, laughter, dance, and harmony can exist.

What can we all learn?

Lowcountry

Charleston Women in Tech Launches new website

July 11, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Congratulations to Charleston Women In Tech on launching its new website! Are you a woman working in the tech sector? Check out this great new resource for connecting with other women in tech.

Click Here for Official Website

About Charleston Women in Tech

Founded in September 2014 as a small Meetup group of Charleston women working in technology, our membership has grown to over 2,800 leaders, educators, students and tech professionals who seek to achieve greater diversity across all STEM fields in our region by increasing opportunity, participation, and achievement by women and minorities in the tech community. Our mission is to Connect, Support & Prepare Women of all ages for Careers in Technology.

Lowcountry

Grand Opening: Eleven81 in Mount Pleasant (July 8, 2020)

July 10, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Their Story:

A gathering place with great food + neighborly hospitality.

The concept for Eleven81 began long before we opened our doors in 2020.

For over 25 years, we’ve operated and served up genuine hospitality in restaurants across the Southeast together, but this one is different.

Mount Pleasant is where we live and work, the home we always came back to after days on the road. It’s where we now raise our kids and coach their sports teams. This community is our home.

Eleven81 is a gathering place created for you, our neighbors.

We serve a menu of American food with a modern twist, fresh cocktails, wine, and entertainment, at approachable prices, in an elevated atmosphere that feels familiar and welcoming.

Come with a group or come alone and leave with new friends. Catch the game on our TVs or catch up with your girlfriends. Do both at the same time. Whether you’re here to celebrate your kids’ birthdays and sports team wins, to reconnect with old friends, or to sneak away for a date at a place that’s not too far from home, this place is for us… our families, our friends, and for you.

We hope you’ll join us soon,

David, Andy + Joe.

Lowcountry

Study shows the use of North Charleston-based Ingevity’s Nuchar activated carbon in automotive applications and canisters offset greenhouse gases generated in their manufacture by 10 times

July 10, 2020 by 0 Comments
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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT) today announced that a study conducted by consulting firm ERM, London, U.K., has determined that the use of Ingevity’s Nuchar® activated carbon to reduce or eliminate gasoline vapor emissions offsets the volume of greenhouse gases (GHG) generated in its manufacture, as well as the manufacture of the canister that contains the carbon, by a factor of 10. ERM is a leading global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, social consulting services, and sustainability-related services, and relied on an approach consistent with ISO 14040 principles to conduct this GHG life cycle assessment.

Ingevity is the world technology leader in the manufacture of activated carbon technology for gasoline vapor emissions control. The company’s Nuchar products are highly porous activated carbons with an optimal pore size for capturing and releasing gasoline molecules. With more than 40 years of experience in this application, Ingevity’s reputation among regulatory bodies around the world looking to improve air quality through more stringent regulations is unparalleled.

“We’ve known for a long time that broad use of our activated carbon products provides a significant environmental benefit. Our activated carbon products capture gasoline vapors before they can emit as pollution and enable them to be directed into the engine instead. So, our products not only provide emissions control, but they also provide energy recovery,” said Ed Woodcock, executive vice president and president, Performance Materials for Ingevity. “This work by ERM helps us more precisely quantify the greenhouse gas reduction benefit our technology brings to purifying the air we all breathe,” Woodcock added that globally its activated carbon products help to return the equivalent of 8 million gallons of gasoline each day to power vehicles.

According to the results of the ERM study, the GHG impacts associated with the Nuchar activated carbon products manufactured in 2019 totaled 468,813 metric tons of CO2-equivalent. The full total was offset by 5,090,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent in avoided gasoline production over the life of the vehicles evaluated in this study because the captured gasoline vapors are fed back into the engine. The total Scope 1 and 2 (as defined by the World Resources Institute’s GHG Protocol Corporate Standard) GHG impact from the energy consumed in manufacturing the activated carbon products was 197,754 metric tons of CO2-equivalent, as calculated by Ingevity. ERM used life cycle modeling methods to quantify the Scope 3 GHG impact, accounting for 271,059 metric tons of CO2-equivalent, which included the transportation and manufacturing of raw materials, fuel and electricity sourcing, and transportation of finished goods. The study also included the manufacturing and transportation related to the canisters which hold Ingevity’s carbon inside a vehicle, representing 184,356 metric tons of CO2-equivalent out of the calculated Scope 3 impact.

Woodcock pointed out that the study only pertains to greenhouse gases. The company also estimates that the use of its Nuchar activated carbon products in automotive applications collectively prevents more than 20,000 metrics tons of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions each day from being emitted into the environment via gasoline vapors.

For more information on the ERM / Ingevity net product benefit study related to Nuchar activated carbon, please visit https://www.ingevity.com/sustainability/product-benefits/.

Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Enhance

Ingevity provides specialty chemicals, high-performance carbon materials and engineered polymers that purify, protect, and enhance the world around us. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures, and brings to market products and processes that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, publication inks, coatings, elastomers, bioplastics and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,850 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information visit www.ingevity.com.

Lowcountry

Charleston, SC Based Blackbaud Appoints New Leadership Within Vertical Markets

July 9, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Page Bullington expands role to include leadership of Blackbaud Foundation Solutions™, and Chris Krackeler promoted to president and general manager for Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions™

Charleston, S.C. (July 9, 2020) — Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, is pleased to announce that Page Bullington will take the helm of Blackbaud Foundation Solutions as president and general manager in addition to her role leading Blackbaud Healthcare Solutions™, and Chris Krackeler has been promoted to president and general manager for Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions. 

“Foundations and higher education continue to be areas of growth for Blackbaud, and we couldn’t be more pleased to appoint two proven leaders from within our organization to lead these important vertical markets,” said Kevin Gregoire, executive vice president and president of Enterprise Markets Group, Blackbaud. “Both Page and Chris have proven track records within the social good space and have had considerable success within Blackbaud to date. I’m confident Page and Chris will provide the strong leadership, ingenuity, and guidance needed to take these areas of our business to the next level.”

Page Bullington to Lead Blackbaud Foundation Solutions

As a trusted leader having led Blackbaud’s Healthcare Solutions as president and GM since 2018, Bullington will now also lead Blackbaud Foundation Solutions. In her new role, Bullington will lead the business and sales strategy for Blackbaud Foundation Solutions. 

Since joining Blackbaud nearly 13 years ago, Bullington has served in leadership roles throughout the organization, most recently managing Blackbaud’s healthcare business. Under her leadership, Blackbaud Healthcare Solutions is now the technology partner to 30 of the top 32 health systems in the U.S. Bullington was instrumental in developing Blackbaud’s Grateful Patient offering and in the cultivation of Blackbaud’s Target Analytics business. Bullington will continue leading Blackbaud’s healthcare business in addition to her new responsibilities as president and GM of Blackbaud Foundation Solutions. 

Blackbaud customers raise, grant, and invest over $100 billion in their programming each year. Serving the unique needs of both community foundations and independent and family foundations, Blackbaud provides comprehensive cloud solutions designed for high performance, security, and ease of use. Through its solutions, Blackbaud connects a thriving community of funders and nonprofits to ignite impact. 

“Healthcare organizations and foundations are vital to the populations and communities they serve,” said Bullington. “Now more than ever, these organizations are relying on cloud technology to strengthen their critical missions, which profoundly impact the health and well-being of so many. I am humbled and excited to lead these two groups while continuing to elevate Blackbaud as a strategic partner and leader for the social good community.”

Bullington is active in mentoring programs at Blackbaud and the senior women’s executive council. Bullington earned her bachelor’s degree from the Honors Program at Winthrop University, where she graduated cum laude and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Charleston, where she graduated summa cum laude. She lives in Charleston and currently serves as president for HALOS of Charleston, a social good organization serving the kinship care community.

Chris Krackeler Appointed President and GM, Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions

As president and general manager of Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions, Krackeler will lead Blackbaud’s higher education business, succeeding Tim Hill, who is now a strategic advisor for Blackbaud Higher Education Solutions. 

Krackeler is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience leading high-performing sales and business development organizations at the intersection of technology and social good. He has been with Blackbaud since 2012, most recently serving as vice president of sales and market development for higher education. Prior to that, Krackeler was vice president of Blackbaud’s Enterprise Markets Group nonprofit sales. He came to Blackbaud as vice president of enterprise sales at Convio, where he helped double revenue over a four-year period leading up to its successful IPO in 2010. Prior to Convio, Krackeler led startup GetActive Software, where he established and rapidly grew the company’s presence in the digital engagement market. 

Blackbaud powers 24 of the top 25 private U.S. colleges as ranked by Forbes with its Cloud Solution for Higher Education and has been the trusted technology partner for higher education institutions for decades. Blackbaud continues to drive efficiency and deepen engagement for colleges and universities through its comprehensive solution to manage the complete student lifecycle. 

“It’s been a privilege to be part of the customer and outcome-focused higher education team, and I am very honored to have the opportunity to build on the momentum Tim Hill and the entire team have created,” said Krackeler. “Higher education is a key part of the social good industry, with so much already accomplished and exciting opportunities ahead. I look forward to ushering our higher education business into its next phase of growth and impact.”

Krackeler currently serves as executive sponsor of Blackbaud’s Women in Sales (WIS) mentorship program. He also previously served on the board of directors for the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest. Krackeler holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, where he graduated cum laude. 

For more information on Blackbaud’s solutions, visit Blackbaud.com. 

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, higher education institutions, K–12 schools, healthcare organizations, faith communities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, companies, and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise, and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing, and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit  www.blackbaud.com, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Lowcountry

How Can You Help Your Children Avoid Common Injuries this Summer?

July 8, 2020 by 3 Comments
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Most families look forward to the summer. It brings family time, outdoor activities, and even fun vacations. However, most parents don’t realize that childhood injuries also tend to spike during the summer months. This is due to many factors, such as team sports, more frequent road trips, and hot temperatures. 

Here are a few common risks to watch out for this summer in order to keep your little ones as safe as possible. 

Uncovered water

Drowning is one of the top causes of death and injuries in very young children. Drowning deaths spike during the summer months due to the use of pools. If you have a pool, make sure it is covered at all times when not in use. If you are using it, make sure your little ones are within your eyesight at all times. If you visit the beach, a pool or other body of water, make sure that you can see your children at every moment. It only takes a few minutes for a drowning to occur.

Car crashes

Car crashes are another leading cause of childhood death in the United States. They are also one of the top causes of childhood injuries. Almost all of us drive with our children in tow, so it is very important to focus on driving safely and avoiding the common causes of car crashes. Make sure you’re not driving distracted or driving drowsy. Don’t speed and follow the rules of the road. Make sure your car is in good condition, as mechanical issues can cause crashes or leave you stranded on the side of the road. Lastly, make sure your children are properly secured for their age/weight. Make sure each young child has the correct car seat, and make sure each child is properly secured in his/her seat. Proper car seat use can prevent many injuries in the event of an accident.

Sunburns

A bad sunburn can be painful enough to ruin a fun vacation. However, sunburns are more than just annoying. They can cause long term health issues down the road, such as skin cancer. Make sure your children are wearing at least a 35 SPF whenever you are outdoors. If you are in the water, make sure they are reapplying sunscreen every hour or so. 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke cases spike during the summer months due to the heat increases. This is especially true in the hotter southern states. It can be harder to spot heat exhaustion in children than adults, but it is important to catch the symptoms of heat exhaustion early, so it doesn’t lead to a heat stroke. Watch out for things like dizziness, irritation, and dehydration. If your children exhibit any of these symptoms, have them immediately rest in a cool spot and hydrate with plenty of liquids.

Lowcountry

Bistro A Vin Announces New Dinner Menu Available for Pick-up & Dine-In

July 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, S.C. – Charleston’s quaint and cozy Bistro A Vin has announced a new dinner menu, featuring a selection of delicious traditional French dishes available for curbside pick-up and dine in (50% capacity). Guests can begin their meal with mouthwatering appetizers like Smoked Salmon Blinis, Foie Gras, and Gazpacho. Entrée favorites include Quiche Lorraine, Boudin Noir, Deg Leg Confit, and Country Style Tartine. Diners can finish their meal with a homemade dessert like Crème Brulee, Apple Tarte Tatin, French Macarons, or a Raspberry Tart.

Bistro A Vin’s customizable Charcuterie boards are also available for curbside pick-up and dine in, with over a dozen specialty cheeses and cured meats to choose from, shipped directly from France. Dinner is available Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Also not to be missed is Bistro A Vin’s weekly Tuesday Tasting, offering three of Owner Dominique and Florence Chantepie’s favorite French wines, paired with three French kinds of cheese for only $15 per person, available from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday.

For more information on Bistro A Vin and to view their entire new dinner menu, visit www.bistroavin.com. Call 843.974.4441 to place orders for pick-up.

Photo credit: Ruta Smith

Lowcountry

“The Lot” at Uptown Social Opening Thursday, July 9, 2020

July 8, 2020 by 0 Comments
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“The Lot” at Uptown Social is opening this Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 4:00 pm!

 This new outdoor space offers an additional 92 seats for eating and drinking, dog friendly with a really cool mural that says “You Can Sit with US (Uptown Social)” It’s also a take on the Mean Girls quote!!

Uptown Social looks forward to seeing you all celebrate this new outdoor option.

Uptown Social Official Website


Lowcountry

Dare to Be Great: Quotes of Inspiration

July 7, 2020 by 0 Comments
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“Life is not about discovering our talents; it is about pushing our talents to the limit and discovering our genius.” – Robert Brault

“Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” – Ann Landers

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you can dream it,you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“Promise yourself to live your life as a revolution and not just a process of evolution.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” – Joe Cordare

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” – Woody Allen

“In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.” – Kristian Kan

“Dreams are free, so free your dreams.” – Astrid Alauda

“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” – Veronica Shoffstall

“Don’t let anyone steal your dream. It’s your dream, not theirs.” – Dan Zadra

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.” – James Dean

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso

“The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.” – Michelangelo

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.And while some see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world… are the ones who do.”

– Apple Ad Campaign