Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience

Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 

296326 signatures in support

...and growing!
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Brickle Thumb Design Works

design@bricklethumb.com

www.bricklethumb.com

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PROTEGE IMAGES FLOURISHES CORPORATE WIDE!

Lynsey Weatherspoon is a native of Birmingham AL. Making her debut as a an entrepreneur in the photography industry she entrusted the creation of her Brand to Brickle Thumb LLC. With Lynsey's mother, Rhonda Weatherspoon, being her first photography teacher, she decided to name her company Protégé Images Photography. It was in dedication to the encouragement that her mom gave throughout the process of making a dream become reality. Brickle Thumb proudly created the Logo for Protege Images, that is now a recognized brand in the wedding industry.

Throughout the past two years Lynsey has managed to learn the basic and advanced techniques of 35mm, medium format, and digital photography. Lynsey's work has been featured in the Birmingham Weekly, The Birmingham Times, and other local venues. Her success has encouraged her again to redevelop her company image and expand from the wedding market to the corporate world. Focusing on photojournalism throughout the United States, she has a passion to relate to each story that she photographs and tell a story for all to see.

She has returned again to Brickle Thumb LLC. to entrust the creation of "Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography." The focus will apply more to the corporate industry as this is where the growth in photography has taken her. Lynsey will continue to take on wedding projects, however, she will be focusing more on applying her talents to larger corporate projects.

Brickle Thumb Design Works
design@bricklethumb.com
www.bricklethumb.com

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BRICKLE THUMB REDESIGNING SITE FOR MNP

Brickle Thumb is excited to be working with Michigan Neighborhood Partnership (MNP) to redesign the layout of their website. MNP has leveraged over eighty million dollars for Detroit neighborhoods through programs and services in collaboration with faith and neighborhood-based partners, consistently demonstrating that true collaboration multiplies the impact of scarce resources and enhances the wealth of services in the community.

MNP's current website will remain active until Brickle Thumb launches the final redesign in February 2010. Stay tuned to see creativity in action!

Brickle Thumb Design Works
design@bricklethumb.com
www.bricklethumb.com

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PieLab is transitioning from pop-up experimental pie shop to permanent downtown eatery in Greensboro, AL.

PieLab, an initiative of Project M, is focused on community development and engagement in Hale County, AL.

PieLab is a welcoming community space on Greensboro’s Main Street that provides delicious pie and coffee, as well as retail and hospitality job training for local youth through the YouthBuild Program. More than simply a pie shop, PieLab operates as a community design center focusing on community development projects and small business incubation in Greensboro and the surrounding five counties.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 Grand Opening Celebration!

Brickle Thumb Design Works

design@bricklethumb.com

www.bricklethumb.com

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Larry Langford Birmingham Mayor is Convicted Felon

http://www.huliq.com/8059/88194/larry-langford-birmingham-mayor-convicted-felon

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was found guilty and convicted of multiple counts of bribery in a federal corruption trial in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday. Now a convicted felon, Langford immediately ceases to be mayor due to Alabama law.

Larry Langford, 61, now the former mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, was investigated by the SEC on corruption charges in 2007. In 2008 a lawsuit was filed against Langford for illegally accepting $156,000 in cash and benefits.

On December 1, 2008, Larry Langford was arrested by the FBI on a 101-count indictment alleging conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns in connection with a long-running bribery scheme.

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French court convicts Scientology

http://digg.com/world_news/Scientology_Trial_Could_Ban_the_Church_in_France

A French court has convicted the Church of Scientology of fraud, but stopped short of banning the group from operating in France.

Two branches of the group's operations and several of its leaders in France have been fined.

The case came after complaints from two women, one of whom said she was manipulated into paying more than 20,000 euros (£18,100) in the 1990s.

Unlike the US, France has always refused to recognise Scientology as a religion, arguing that it is a purely commercial operation designed to make as much money as it can at the expense of often vulnerable victims, the BBC's Emma Jane Kirby reports from Paris.

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The Left Wing vs Right Wing World (INFOGRAPHIC)

http://digg.com/political_opinion/The_Left_Wing_vs_Right_Wing_World_INFOGRAPHIC

Of course, the political spectrum is not quite so polarised. Actually, it’s more of a diamond shape, apparently. But this is how it’s mostly presented via the media – left wing vs. right wing, liberal vs. conservative, Labour vs Tory. And perhaps in our minds too…

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Apple's Magic Mouse: one button, multitouch gestures, Bluetooth, four-month battery life

http://digg.com/apple/Apple_s_Magic_Mouse_yes_it_still_has_one_button

The Magic Mouse has arrived. Hate buttons or moving parts? So does Apple, and nothing exemplifies the company's march towards a buttonless future more than this "two button" laser mouse, which has one button and no scroll wheel -- just a multitouch surface (a hard acrylic) across the top. With the Magic Mouse you're able to do familiar gestures from the Mac trackpad playbook such as two-finger swipes, but you can also do single-finger horizontal and vertical scrolling. The wireless device boasts a four-month battery life, and will be available today for $69.

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Verizon's anti-iPhone gets its first commercial: Droid Does

http://digg.com/tech_news/Verizon_s_anti_iPhone_gets_its_first_commercial_Droid_Does

We knew Verizon Wireless would soon be throwing caution to the wind in an effort to sway uncommitted smartphone buyers towards Big Red, and it looks like the November-bound Motorola Droid will be VZW's anti-iPhone. It reels off a number of things that the iPhone can't do, and then abruptly goes into full-on tease mode by flashing glimpses of a robot-controlled future and a tagline that simply states: "Droid Does." We're told that the phone will boast Android 2.0 and a 5 megapixel camera. At this point, we'd say the gloves are definitely off -- AT&T, have anything to say for yourself, or is the iPhone doing just fine on its own? 

Brickle Thumb Design Works

design@bricklethumb.com

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DROID DOES LA BRICKLE THUMB

http://digg.com/tech_news/Verizon_s_anti_iPhone_gets_its_first_commercial_Droid_Does

We knew Verizon Wireless would soon be throwing caution to the wind in an effort to sway uncommitted smartphone buyers towards Big Red, and it looks like the November-bound Motorola Droid will be VZW's anti-iPhone. It reels off a number of things that the iPhone can't do, and then abruptly goes into full-on tease mode by flashing glimpses of a robot-controlled future and a tagline that simply states: "Droid Does." We're told that the phone will boast Android 2.0 and a 5 megapixel camera. At this point, we'd say the gloves are definitely off -- AT&T, have anything to say for yourself, or is the iPhone doing just fine on its own? 

Brickle Thumb Design Works

design@bricklethumb.com

www.bricklethumb.com

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BT Launches "Kiss The Bride" Magazine Design

Brickle Thumb is proud to announce the new Fall Edition of "Kiss The Bride" magazine. Kiss The Bride (also known as KTB) has been created for the upcoming Brides and Grooms of the Birmingham, Alabama area. KTB is celebrating their 5th year anniversary and kicking off the new issue with Style. KTB teamed up with Brickle Thumb LLC. for a new design strategy that would encompass a modern feel without losing its classical approach. Brickle Thumb has put its mark on the issue, enhancing the Graphic Design work and laying out the magazine with a new marketing strategy. The new edition features articles such as "The Secret to Hotel Wedding Blocks," "Bridesmaid Dresses-Will I Ever Wear This Again," as well as local Birmingham venues showcasing their creations. The upcoming fall edition is free and will be hitting the racks on October 16, 2009.

Rock Fresh

Rock Fresh is directed by Danny Lee it is a documentary on California graffiti artists. This film tracks the lives of five graffiti artists, and measures their success from the streets of Cali to international prowess. Its a journey through the buzzing underground art world. Check it out!

New Kid is ready to Box!

Brickle Thumb LLC is a new business, a new design firm, a new brand, a new social network, a new group of artists, and a new leader in the small business industry. We specialize in the positive productivity of brand strategy by means of researching, designing, and marketing.
We work directly with our clients via telephone, email, or video conference, and our favorite face to face! Our approach is unique and effective. We design, condition, steer and help our clients shepherd their brands.

Rick Harris is the Creative Architect who is behind the "thumb" organization. He specializes in the positive productivity of brand strategy for Brickle Thumb and their clients. His sole purpose in the Advertisement industry is to provide people with the best services available. He is a 27 year old husband and father who cherishes Jesus Christ, family, and art.

His vision for developing Brickle Thumb LLC came early in his Graphic Design career. Throughout the year that he was working with a particular firm (one we shall leave unnamed), he realized that most design firms claimed the "creative design" but lacked in delivering the "creative design." So many of the designers at the firm relied on revamping clip art or "borrowing" off of another design from a previous client. Rick didn't feel comfortable in an environment where not only the creative spirit was lacking, but the true honest relationship between client and designer was lost as well. Instead of searching for a company that embodied client designer relationships and true creative design, he decided to establish what is now known as Brickle Thumb LLC.

Although this is a new company, Rick is not new to the design industry. He brings a new style to the table and most of all a fresh new attitude to the Graphic Design Industry. His free hand talents allow him to create new brands and identities that are creative and inspiring. His persistence in always making sure his clients needs are met keep him a step up from his competitors. Rick works hard at keeping in tune with new ideas, trends, software and other elements that effect the branding industry. Ricks has instilled the concept in all of his collegues that their is more to design than "just a prety face."

So watch out! The new kid has arrived and he throws a mean right hook!

Jackson Pollock Love and Death

The acclaimed greatest American Artist of the 20th century, was an influential painter and a major force in the abstract expressionist movement. He used hardened brushes, sticks, and even basting syringes as paint applicators. Pollock's technique of pouring and dripping paint is one of the origins of the term action painting. Pollock created emotional art that helped define a new style, abstract expressionism.

About the Typeface

Helvetica was developed by Max Miedinger with Edüard Hoffmann in 1957 for the Haas Type Foundry in Münchenstein, Switzerland. In the late 1950s, the European design world saw a revival of older sans-serif typefaces such as the German face Akzidenz Grotesk. Haas' director Hoffmann commissioned Miedinger, a former employee and freelance designer, to draw an updated sans-serif typeface to add to their line. The result was called Neue Haas Grotesk, but its name was later changed to Helvetica, derived from Helvetia, the Latin name for Switzerland, when Haas' German parent companies Stempel and Linotype began marketing the font internationally in 1961.

Introduced amidst a wave of popularity of Swiss design, and fueled by advertising agencies selling this new design style to their clients, Helvetica quickly appeared in corporate logos, signage for transportation systems, fine art prints, and myriad other uses worldwide. Inclusion of the font in home computer systems such as the Apple Macintosh in 1984 only further cemented its ubiquity. text by swiss dots Ltd

Is God Great?

Is God Great? will pit these two authors and spokes-persons against each other in what is sure to be a lively debate.

Born in Ireland, Professor John Lennox is a highly praised Christian apologist and mathematician who speaks widely on the relationship between science and faith. "It is the very nature of science that leads me to belief in God," he says.

Christopher Hitchens went to school at Balliol College in Oxford, where he read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Hitchens is an atheist and antitheist, and he describes himself as a believer in the Enlightenment values of secularism, humanism, and reason.

This time round they will meet in Birmingham, Alabama at an event sponsored by the Samford University Socratic Club to debate the question “Is God Great?”.

Tickets on sale now.

More information and tickets

http://www.socraticclub.org/debate.html

Birmingham's Emulsion

Client: Protege Images
Project: Logo Design

Protege Images is a photography company located in Birmingham
Alabama. As a newcomer in the photography industry they needed
a strong and simple logo that would not only stand out above the
competition, but would be easily recognizable for potential clients.
Since they are in the business of capturing memorable moments
for their clients, we wanted to create that same memorable service.

After researching the competition we noted that most businesses
in this field rely on the image of a "camera" to get the point across
that they are a photography company. For Protege Images we
decided to play off of the word "images" in their company name
and incorporate this as the main concept in the logo. When our
client viewed their logo we knew we hit a Homerun when it was
approved in the first round!