Friday, April 26, 2024

Arizona Asian Festival 2008!


=========================
From April 19, 2008
=========================

Arizona Asian Festival 2008! - April 19, 2008

The 2008 Asian Festival in Arizona took place on April 18th and 19th. We attended the event on the 19th.

This is a photo collage of the photos taken during our visit. You'll see that per the banner they have it as Asian Festival 2008. I remember it being Arizona Asian American Festival as per when I had originally blogged  about it. 

Arizona Asian American Festival 2008


An online search for their current site, https://azacf.com/ , shows them as AZ Asian Cultural Festival. Regardless of the evolution of their name, this festival celebrates Asian culture and heritage.  

Per the "about me" section on their site: "The AZ Asian Cultural Festival celebrates the diversity of the Asian American community. The event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to share their cultures and experiences. The festival is a celebration of unity and collaboration. It showcases the strength of the Asian American community when we come together. Our cultures are rich and varied, and the festival provides a platform for us to share them."


Audio: "Imperial Forces" by Aaron Kenny and "A Sitar Story" by Hanu Dixit, both from the YouTube audio library. I did some slight edits of their speed and some cuts for this video collage.

My favorite panadería in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México makes these hu...


=========================
From April 26, 2024
=========================
My favorite panadería in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México makes these huge conchas!


Audio: "Panaderia Bakery Cafe" by Cafe bgm

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

JDRF at the Phoenix Zoo! - April 13, 2008


=========================
From April 13, 2008
=========================

JDRF at the Phoenix Zoo! - April 13, 2008

On April 13th of 2008,  I helped/volunteered at the JDRF at the Phoenix Zoo. The Juvenile Diabetic Research Foundation was presenting a research and update meeting to parents. During this time I was assigned 3 kids, Kassie, Cutter, and Cory, that I took all over the Phoenix Zoo. I got a walkie that I used to check in every 30 minutes. It was really fun. 

No photos of or with the kids for safety, and so here you get to enjoy photos of some of the animals from our time at the Phoenix Zoo!

Originally briefly recap blogged about this and a few of the other volunteer events during April 2008. Fun in the sun... 

Audio: "Across the Savannah" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library. 

Friday, April 19, 2024

Phoenix Pride Parade & Festival 2008!


=========================
From April 12, 2008
=========================

Phoenix Pride Parade & Festival 2008!

The 2008 Phoenix Pride Parade took place on the 12th of April, 2008. The 2008 Phoenix Pride Festival took place on the 12th and 13th of April 2008. 

You may have seen the previous videos of having volunteered along with #TargetVolunteers with some of the festival setup as wel las with some of the touches of the Phoenix Pride Float. I'd also previously uploaded the one  video of the parade on its own.

Target Volunteers at Phoenix Pride 2008! - https://youtu.be/XaEL7U87YvI?si=SQ0rzxtiSnudUZRK 

Redux: Relive the Target Volunteers at Phoenix Pride 2008! - https://youtu.be/cTp5RV4P3Jc?si=NwCjplL27pL8XBAS

2008 Phoenix Pride Parade! - https://youtu.be/5hN2MY-sNoA?si=AkCkZfunu1HDHNkJ

This is a collage of all the photos and the video that I took. Didn't take any photos/videos that included me in them.

Audio: "Rev" by Eveningland from the YouTube audio library. On the live video portion it is "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Redux: Relive the Target Volunteers at Phoenix Pride 2008!


=========================
From April 11, 2008
=========================

Redux: Relive the Target Volunteers at Phoenix Pride 2008!

This is an updated variation of the Target Volunteers at 2008 Phoenix Pride! https://youtu.be/XaEL7U87YvI?si=e6vyO3_3IQnLqCQH video that was the collage of the handful of photos that I took during the time that then named Target Financial Services Tempe (TFST), also known as the Target Tempe HQ, volunteered to help with the 2008 Phoenix Pride festival setup as well as prepping the float for the Parade!

Volunteering and D&I are some of the interests I've had for as long as I can remember. It brings me joy to help others. By now you've likely also seen that there are many volunteer and/or D&I events that include Target and that is because during the time that I worked for Target at the Tempe HQ in Tempe, Arizona, I was part of their Volunteer Council as well as their D&I Council for a number of years. 

From Apr 2006 - Mar 2020 I was part of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council. As a member of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council I provided support in the implementation, creation, communication, leading and co-leading of Diversity & Inclusion events for the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site.

From Aug 2010 - Apr 2014 Target Tempe Volunteer Council. As a member of the Target Tempe Volunteer Council, I helped create, communicate, lead and co-lead monthly both on-site and off-site volunteer opportunities in which the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site employees could participate in. 

During my time in these councils, I also managed the internal social media platform used for employee engagement.

For this updated version I've included some of the informationals from Phoenix Pride that we used to gather information as well as some of the images of the festival taken by a co-worker that came from the main HQ in Minneapolis to determine what future volunteering and participation could look like. This is why I decided to make an updated version of this. 

Audio: "Shake It" by Aakash Gandhi from the YouTube audio library.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Volunteering, Diversity, and Inclusion!

 Volunteering, Diversity, and Inclusion!


The majority of the blog posts here are the cross-posting of the YouTube via the No Tan Diario Chronicles Channel https://www.youtube.com/@NoTanDiarioChronicles that is in essence the video version of this blog, except only includes times when there is an associated image, photo, and/or video of various events. 

On the description of the videos there will often times be more information about the particular event as most of them don't include narration. Putting together a video will most often commence from just gathering the associated images, photos, and/or videos then adjusting for time, add titles, and lastly some sort of audio. Once complete then I work on what description will be added to it. That description, as previously mentioned, will be description of the video that sometimes includes a bit more story.

There are occasions where I decide to first write what I'd like to include in the description of the event. As I was working on creating a second/updated/redux version of the Target Volunteers at 2008 Phoenix Pride! because I found some additional images, I thought it would be great to decide what to include on the description, specially because that original had mostly just the info of the event. 

As I was writing that description, it became clear that it would be good to include a bit of info/background to volunteering, diversity, and inclusion during the time I worked at the Target Financial Services Tempe office. That portion of the description felt like it could also be its own post, therefore, in addition to it being included in that video, I would also blog post it.

Here it is:

Volunteering and D&I are some of the interests I've had for as long as I can remember. It brings me joy to help others. By now you've likely also seen that there are many volunteer and/or D&I events that include Target and that is because during the time that I worked for Target at the Tempe HQ in Tempe, Arizona, I was part of their Volunteer Council as well as their D&I Council for a number of years. 

From Apr 2006 - Mar 2020 I was part of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council. As a member of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council I provided support in the implementation, creation, communication, leading and co-leading of Diversity & Inclusion events for the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site.

From Aug 2010 - Apr 2014 Target Tempe Volunteer Council. As a member of the Target Tempe Volunteer Council, I helped create, communicate, lead and co-lead monthly both on-site and off-site volunteer opportunities in which the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site employees could participate in. 

During my time in these councils, I also managed the internal social media platform used for employee engagement.










Thursday, April 11, 2024

TFST Annual Meeting! ~ April 2008


=========================
From April 09, 2008
=========================

TFST Annual Meeting! ~ April 2008

These are some of the photos taken during the Annual Meeting for Target Financial Services Tempe (TFST) that took place on the 9th of April of 2008 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.

For many years there was an "abridged version" of the Annual Meeting geared specifically for the Tempe location of Target Financial Services. These were some of my favorite times when while working out of the Tempe location of TFS.

The first photo is of the team I was part of for a couple of years, called JET, which was the Job Enrichment Team. A special pilot type team that began about half a year before I joined and then lasted maybe another year or so after I had moved on to a different area. 

On the next three photos you see me and some of my co-workers who took photos with Terry Scully, who was President, Financial and Retail Services from 2003 until he retired in March of 2014.

The final three photos are of our Team Leader who was recognized as a TFS Brand Champion. 


EX-99.B 3 a13-7235_1ex99db.htm EX-99.B
Exhibit (99)B

TARGET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

Susan Kahn, Target Communications, (612) 761-6735
Target Media Hotline, (612) 696-3400
John Hulbert, Investor Relations, (612) 761-6627

Target Financial And Retail Services President Terry Scully to Retire Scott Kennedy Named as Successor

MINNEAPOLIS (March 13, 2013) — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) announced today that Terry Scully, 60, President, Financial and Retail Services, plans to retire in March 2014. Effective April 1, 2013, Mr. Scully will move into a strategic advisory role, ensuring a smooth transition for our financial services operations following the sale of our portfolio to TD Bank Group.

“For nearly 35 years, Terry has been a valuable member of this Target team,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO. “And, for the past decade, Terry’s leadership and his vision have led to the creation of an exceptional suite of financial products and services, which were critical in strengthening guest loyalty and delivering substantial profitable growth. I appreciate his many contributions and am grateful that Target will continue to benefit from Terry’s expertise during this transitional period.”

Since joining the company in 1979, Mr. Scully has held a variety of financial and credit card roles. In 1998, he became Vice President of Finance for Target Financial Services, and he was promoted to his current role in 2003.Target also announced today that Scott Kennedy, 44, Vice President, Pay and Benefits, is being promoted to succeed Mr. Scully as President of Target Financial and Retail Services. Mr. Kennedy joined Target in 2005 as Vice President, Assurance. During his tenure with Target, he has also held positions as Vice President, Controller and Vice President of Finance for Target Financial Services. He was named to his current role in 2010.

“Scott brings strong leadership, strategic perspective and broad financial experience to his new role,” said John Mulligan, EVP and CFO. “I am confident that Target Financial and Retail Services will continue to thrive under his direction.”

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,787 stores – 1,784 in the United States and three in Canada -- and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.

Audio: "Target Practice" by Riot from the YouTube audio library.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Relay For Life 2008!


=========================
From April 05, 2008
=========================

Relay For Life 2008! 

On the 5th of April of 2008, I volunteered at a Relay for Life that took  place at a Tempe, Arizona school. It may have been at the Marcos de Niza High School, however can't remember and could not find a flyer from back  then. During this event I helped with set up of a booth and was there for several  hours.

"More than just a walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer."


Audio: "Fruits of Life" by Jimena Contreras from the YouTube audio library. 

Tuesday, April 09, 2024

Native Trails at Scottsdale Civic Center 2008!


=========================
From March 27, 2008
=========================

Native Trails at Scottsdale Civic Center 2008! 

These are the photos taken at the the Native Trails 2008 event that took place at the Scottsdale Civic Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

During this time, It happened to be Spring break for Texas and so my mother was visiting for the week. Apparently I didn't take many photos during that visit, but here you see when she joined the dancing circle. 

The ones she herself took during the visit and of this event are towards the end of the Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Springtime https://youtu.be/O8IN5eZYUZ8?si=ZO9yHOMAc0AZfR1v  

Native Trails is/was an event put together by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and am not sure if they still do this event, but here is some info from their site: https://scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/native-trails/ 

Native Trails takes audiences on a cultural journey to the First Nations of Arizona and North America through Native music, dance, and art. These performances highlight traditional instruments, colorful dances, and customary attire to share the stories of Southwestern tribes, including the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Hualapai, and San Carlos Apache.

Audio: "Nature Nurture" by Quincas Moreira from the YouTube audio library. 

Monday, April 08, 2024

Cousin Jerry's Birthday 2008!


=========================
From March 27, 2008
=========================

Cousin Jerry's Birthday 2008! 

A short photo video collage from 2008 for cousin Jerry's Birthday. Photos taken on the 27th of March that year, however his actual birthday is a few days later. Went back to look at the calendar an my best guess is that either we were probably going to be working on not able to celebrate on his actual day.

My mother visited that year during Spring break and so you can see the photos from her perspective of this towards the end of the Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2008 ~ Springtime https://youtu.be/O8IN5eZYUZ8?si=ZO9yHOMAc0AZfR1v  

Now that I think of it, we may have celebrated early because that may have been one of the times that he an  my mother drove back to Texas together.

Any who, here you see the Double Pineapple Upside Down Cake that Armandzraven made for him and a couple where he is making a wish and blowing the candle.

Audio: "Happy Birthday Bossanova" by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube audio library. 

Solar Eclipse 2024! ~ Univision Graphic


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From April 08, 2024
=========================

Solar Eclipse 2024! ~ 8th of April, 2024

The 2024 Solar Eclipse takes/took place on Tuesday, April 8th. Univision had an interactive graphic where you could enter your zip code to display what it would look like in your area. 

My current area is Eagle Pass, Texas, so entered that, and this is the animation of what the Solar Eclipse, including the times, would look like. 

In case you miss/missed it, didn't get glasses, or perhaps it is cloudy in your area I decided to capture it and of course add my typical photo/video/image type edits that you've likely seen on various of my videos and included audio from my creative channel, Amalgam Creative Arts. https://www.youtube.com/amalgamcreativearts

Audio: "Fantasy Zone Argument Explodes" by Amaglam Creative Arts. 

Sunday, April 07, 2024

Easter 2008!


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From March 21, 2008
=========================

Easter 2008! ~ March 21, 2008

Easter 2008 was on Sunday, March 23rd and we spent it with family in Ajo, Arizona. 

It appears that I didn't take any photos on that day. However, a few days before on March 21st, I created these simple Straw Hat Easter Baskets that Armandzraven helped me put them together. 

Here you now have a collage of all four photos taken of this. Two of them previously uploaded with the info on how to make them.

Straw Hat Easter Baskets! ~ March 21, 2008 https://youtu.be/eNHAQI40iAM?si=ryUnjKSZcuU_6IHo

Audio: "Spring Migration" by The Great North Sound Society from the YouTube audio library. 

Friday, April 05, 2024

Straw Hat Easter Baskets! ~ March 21, 2008


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From March 21, 2008
=========================

Straw Hat Easter Baskets! ~ March 21, 2008

Easter 2008 was on Sunday, March 23rd and on March 21st I created these simple Straw Hat Easter Baskets that we took over to share with family where we were celebrating that year.

If you've seen any of the previous videos of crafts that I've made, you'll know that my preference are unique and simple DIY type crafts. 

This craft was made with two store bought straw hats that were shaped in a way that the brim allowed it to be filled. So I filled them with shredded tissue paper and then added candy filled plastic eggs and some egg shaper playing cards. You could certainly fill it up with confetti if you prefer and whatever candy or toys you prefer. 

Audio: "Spring Migration" by The Great North Sound Society from the YouTube audio library. 

Thursday, April 04, 2024

Birthday Celebration! ~ 2008


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From March 19, 2008
=========================

Birthday Celebration! ~ 2008

In addition to having had my work desk decorated by co-workers, the ones closest to me invited me for dinner. One off them sent me an email with the animated gif you see here and another took a photo during the outing. 

We had dinner at Old El Paso BBQ which was located on Ray Road & 48th Street in Ahwatukee, Arizona. The restaurant no longer exists. 

The JETs decorated my desk - March 2008
https://youtu.be/H_i3_wlW-OA?si=40tfwZhf9G0Ip_q2

Confetti & Keyboards: Celebrating at My Desk!
https://youtu.be/rEq7paGL9yM?si=7obK52hZ1-WU2MdW

Audio: "Dancing Fever" from an album titled Gay Power. Not sure who it was. Slowed it down a bit. 

Wednesday, April 03, 2024

Coffee, Tea, Latte, Keto Cheesecake!



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From April 03, 2024
=========================

Coffee, Tea, Latte, Keto Cheesecake!

#cafe
#coffee
#SweetTweets
#SweetTweetsEP
#EPEats
#EaglePassEats
#ShopLocal
#ShopLocalEP
#ShopLocalEaglePass 
#LocalFirstEP
#LocalFirstEaglePass
#EaglePass
#EaglePassTX
#EaglePassTexas
#VisitEaglePass
#BestOfEaglePass

Audio: "French Café Kisses" by Global Genius

Confetti & Keyboards: Celebrating at My Desk!



=========================
From March 2008
=========================

Confetti & Keyboards: Celebrating at My Desk!

The 2008 the work team decorated my desk. This is the complete set of photos and also the video taken.

Previously had uploaded just the video on its own. The JETs decorated my desk - March 2008: https://youtu.be/H_i3_wlW-OA?si=qmLX6-O_OeqJBy2Y

Audio: "Happy Birthday Bossanova" by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube audio library.

Tuesday, April 02, 2024

Arizona Aloha Festival 2008 ~ Flowers of the Islands



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From March 15 & 16, 2008
=========================

Arizona Aloha Festival 2008 ~ Flowers of the Islands

The 2008 Arizona Aloha Festival had a them  of Flowers of the Islands and took place at the Heritage & Science Park on March 15th and 16th. 

Though I thought that I'd taken photos, when looking at the folder for this event, only the image they used on their website and the flyer is what I had. I did also have their volunteer form as my original intent for this event was to volunteer, however they never got back to me after sending info and so just went to the event briefly. 

The festival was packed. There were so many people that you could barely walk. The food smelled yummy, but I wasn't about to wait in line for over an hour for "festival priced food". There were many booths of crafts and what not. Some really neat looking stuff


Audio: "Sleepless Aloha" by Reed Mathis from the YouTube audio library.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Matsuri: A Festival of Japan! ~ February 2008


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From February 23-24, 2008
=========================

Matsuri: A Festival of Japan! ~ February 2008

On the 23rd and 24th of February of 2008, Matsuri, the 24th Anniversary Celebration of Japan in Phoenix, Arizona took place. It is a two day festival that that celebrates and features the culture of Japan.  In 2008, the event was at the Heritage and Science Park. It was held at this location for several years. The festival appears to have grown since then, as it is now at Steele Indian School Park. For more info, go to https://azmatsuri.org/

If memory serves me right, this was the first time that I attended this festival. Because I forgot my camera, I only have the images of the flyer with info for the event and also had a PDF of the program. The first image is the same as the first image of the program.  


Audio: "Imperial Forces" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Brunch at home today!


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From March 24, 2024
=========================

Brunch at home today!

Smoked Salmon, tomato 🍅, capers, cream cheese, dill, but instead of on a bagel on Low Carb 🍞

Audio: "Brunch Cafe" by Record Market.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

4th Annual HRC Arizona Dinner Gala! ~ February 09, 2008


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From February 09, 2008
=========================

4th Annual HRC Arizona Dinner Gala! ~ February 09, 2008

This is a collection of photos and images from the 4th Annual HRC Arizona Dinner Gala that took place on the 9th of February of the year 2008 at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

For this event we volunteered with setup, directing guests to the proper area (greeters), and the silent auction. It was a great evening that I still remember fondly. 

You can read more about our participation from when I originally wrote about it on the blog: https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2008/02/4th-annual-hrc-arizona-dinner-gala.html

Audio: "Target Fuse" by French Fuse from the YouTube audio library.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Aurora Wish Bottle & Crystal Sun Catcher


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From March 21, 2024
=========================

Aurora Wish Bottle & Crystal Sun Catcher

This Aurora Wish Bottle with a Resin Cabochon Pendant and Sun Catcher with Emeralds, Jade, Tiger's Eye, Czech Bicones, & Swarovski Crystals, are the most fabulous presents I've received for my birthday.
They were handcrafted by the talented artisan #Armandzraven

Audio: "Ostara (spring Equinox)" by Sebastian Sanchez-Botta.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Ostara Blessings!


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From March 21, 2024
=========================

Ostara Blessings!

May your Spring Equinox have been a good one. 

#Ostara
#SpringEquinox

#AIArt
#AIArtGenerator

Audio: "Spring is Coming" by Han Seung Wook.

Ice on Car ! ~ February 05, 2008


=========================
From February 05, 2008
=========================

Ice on Car ! ~ February 05, 2008

It was  a very cold early morning on the 5th of February of 2008! So cold that there was ice on the vehicle that I had at the time. Here's the couple snaps and very dark mini vid (tried to brighten with no great result).

The mini vid also previously shared: https://youtu.be/OMnIFCJTjMA?si=535h_FUByPXZsz0w

Audio: "Almost A Year Ago" by John Deley and the 41 Players from the YouTube audio library.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Had a lovely birthday 🎂🎈


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From March 20, 2024
=========================

Had a lovely birthday 🎂🎈

PS: Need to be better at taking photos with people and not just the stuff and food 😀

Audio: "Smooth Jazz Guitar" by Geno.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Dream In Color ~ Celebrate African American Heritage


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From February 2008
=========================

Dream In Color ~ Celebrate African American Heritage

In 2008, for African American History Month, we took inspiration from the Dream In Color theme that Target had and created this informational about African American Heritage.

Audio: "Images of Tomorrow" by Unicorn Heads from the YouTube audio library.





Sunday, March 17, 2024

Early birthdays celebration with Prima Alondra!


=========================
From March 17, 2024
=========================

Early birthdays celebration with Prima Alondra!


Audio: "Little Happiness" by Oneul.



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Target Volunteers at Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon!


=========================
From January 13, 2008
=========================

Target Volunteers at Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon

In 2008, I was one of the Target Volunteers for the Target sponsored water station at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon. That year the event itself was sponsored by P.F. Chang's and so the full name was P.F. Chang's Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. 

The Target volunteers included Target Team Members from the Target Stores, Distribution Center, and Target Tempe HQ site. The Target Temp HQ site is where I worked at the time. In addition to passing out water during the marathon at the water station, I also got to be the one who inflated the balloons. Back when Target still used latex balloons. 


Some of my favorite memories during the time lived in the Phoenix-metro area and working at the Target Tempe HQ site in Tempe, Arizona, were the various volunteer events that I was able to attend and/or participate in. 

#Target
#Arizona
#TargetVolunteers
#RockNRollArizona

Audio: "Target Fuse" by French Fuse from the YouTube audio library.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Japanese New Year Activity ~ January 2008




=========================
From January 11, 2008
=========================

Japanese New Year Activity ~ January 2008 

When working at the Target Tempe location of Target Financial & Retail Services, (Target Financial Services Tempe - TFST at the time of this activity), which I believe goes by a different name now, I was part of the Diversity Council from April 2006 - March of 2020. It too went through various name changes with Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council being the name it had when I was last part of it. 

As a member of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council I provided support in the implementation, creation, communication, leading and co-leading of Diversity & Inclusion events for the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site. I also managed the internal social media platform used for employee engagement.

So you'll see many D&I type of activities and events from those particular years. 

This specific activity was for the 2008 Japanese New Year. An informational with a word search puzzle. 

#JapaneseNewYear
#TargetTempe
#Inclusion 
#Diversity

Audio: "Imperial Forces" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.







Saturday, March 09, 2024

Navajo Blues Pie from Sacred Hogan in Arizona ~ July 2012



=========================
Taken July 17, 2012
=========================

Navajo Blues Pie from Sacred Hogan in Arizona ~ July 2012 

On the 17th of July of 2012, we went to eat at Sacred Hogan and for dessert ordered a slice of the Navajo Blues Pie. It's made with blue corn, blueberries, and then dressed up a bit. 


It appears that, as of 2015, their physical location is no longer as per their Facebook, however does appear that they participate occasionally at events.

#Navajo
#NavajoEats
#Arizona
#SacredHogan
#BlueCorn

Audio: "Natural Light" by Chris Haugen from the YouTube audio library.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Kitty Cat Sammy as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!


=========================
Taken December 29, 2007
=========================

Kitty Cat Sammy as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

This is Samos, or Sammy as we called him most often, wearing a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer outfit. Would this be considered Kitty Cat Cosplay?! Ha Ha!

This set of photos was already included on the Holidays 2007 photo collage video, which included all the photos from the holidays, however decided that Sammy should have a separate one with a more upbeat song. 


Audio: "Role Player" by Au.Ra from the YouTube audio library.

Holidays 2007!



=========================
Taken December 20-29, 2007
=========================

Holidays 2007!

This is a photo collage of the photos taken during the Holiday season of the year 2007. They range from around the Xmas Holiday and just before the new year. It appears that I didn't take any on New Year's Eve nor Day. 

The first half are in Eagle Pass, Texas, USA and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. The last half are back in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

December 2007 was when my maternal Grandmother passed away. Although my cousin Jerry and I traveled from Phoenix, Arizona, USA to Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, border town to Eagle Pass, Texas, USA, we didn't make it to the funeral. However, we did get to spend a few days with family which was nice, specially because it had been several years without visiting during the holidays. In fact, we still didn't visit often during the holidays. Even now in 2024 when this video collage is being made and we both live closer to family, my cousin in San Antonio, Texas, USA and I in Eagle Pass, Texas, USA, we still don't get to spend much time with blood-relative family during the holidays. The reasons now not so much due to distance, but because everyone has grown up and have their own families. Perhaps one day we may have a holiday season where we can somewhat relive, if only a bit, how it was when my grandmother still lived.

The second half of the photos are back in Phoenix, Arizona, USA and it appears that I only took photos of when Sammy, who passed away in 2023, was trying out his Holiday attire. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and of the holiday decorations and cards from that year. 


Today we said farewell to the physical form of sweet Samson... Sammy as we most often called him.

Rest easy Sammy! 


Audio: "Lost at Seal" by Track Tribe from the YouTube audio library.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Brand Day with Bullseye!


=========================
Taken December 13, 2007
=========================

Brand Day with Bullseye!

This is a photo collage of the Brand Day with Bullseye from the 13th of December of the year 2007. 

Audio: "There Are Chirping Birdies In My Soul" by Reed Mathis from the YouTube audio library.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Holiday Party 2007!


=========================
Taken December 08, 2007
=========================

Holiday Party 2007!

This is a photo collage of the 2007 photos from the Holiday Party with co-workers. This particular year I helped coordinate and made the invitations. The invitations were printed onto festive paper with matching envelopes and on this video you just get to see what I had originally typed out. The celebration took place on December 8th at the Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Arizona.


Audio: "Yucatan Peninsula" by Biz Baz Studio from the YouTube audio library.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Flowers: From me to me!


=========================
Taken November 27, 2007
=========================

Flowers: From me to me!

This is a photo collage of a bouquet of carnations that I got myself back on the 27th of November of the year 2007. That's right, I've been getting myself flowers long before there were songs about getting yourself flowers. Don't wait for someone to get you flowers to get flowers! 


Audio: "Back to Portland" by Track Tribe from the YouTube audio library.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Autumn Wreath ~ November 2007


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Taken November 22, 2007
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Autumn Wreath ~ November 2007

On the 22nd of November of the year 2007, I made an Autumn wreath to place on the front door of the house we were living in at the time. 

Wreaths are one of those decoration items that in the past I'd only think of as a December type decoration for the winter holidays. I remember for a few years prior to this, I'd wanted to have one for the Autumn season also. There's certainly a huge variety of them at many price points, however could never bring myself to purchase a store made one. 

Finally, on this day, I made my own using leaves from an old Autumn garland that I already had. 

On the blog, I posted an image later in February of 2008. http://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2008/02/fall-wreath.html

At some point, a how to do it video will be created and shared via my Amalgam Creative Arts channel: https://www.youtube.com/amalgamcreativearts

Audio: "Natural Light" by Chris Haugen from the YouTube audio library.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Discover India ~ Diwali ~ November 2007


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Taken November 18, 2007
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Discover India ~ Diwali ~ November 2007

This is a photo collage of the flyer and the four photos that were taken when we went to the 6th Annual  Discover India presented by the India Association of Phoenix & its Sister Organizations that took place on Sunday, November 18, 2007. 

Can't remember why I didn't take more photos, however since only had four photos, which were a bit dark, and the flyer, I decided to edit the photos to get a better look. Then, played a bit with the zoom for a better look at the whole flyer.

It was a free event that also celebrated Diwali, The Festival of Lights. 

Audio: "A Sitar Story" by Hanu Dixit from the YouTube audio library.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Zoom Edit of JDRF ~ Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ November 2007


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Taken November 03, 2007
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Zoom Edit of JDRF ~ Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ November 2007

After having watched the original collage of the JDRF ~ Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ November 2007 https://youtu.be/Mj5D36fB2_g?si=-utJRooETVOxFU6K noticed that, because some of the photos had a large view of the sky du to photos being taken as we walked, when zoomed in they mostly ended on the sky. Therefore, decided to update to modify a bit of the zoom animation to zoom into what was intended the photo to be of. I though of deleting the original and replacing it with this new one, however ultimately decided I'd just keep both. So enjoy a second look at the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes with a bit of zoom animation edits.

From the original upload:

This is a collection of the photos taken during the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund Walk to Cure Diabetes that took place November 03, 2007. Many of the photos have interesting angles and vies of plenty of sky because most were taken as we were walking.  The walk took place in Downtown Tempe at the Tempe Beach Park. 

Audio: "Gently, Onwards" by ELPHNT from the YouTube audio library.

Monday, February 12, 2024

JDRF ~ Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ November 2007


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Taken November 03, 2007
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JDRF ~ Walk to Cure Diabetes ~ November 2007

This is a collection of the photos taken during the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund Walk to Cure Diabetes that took place November 03, 2007. Many of the photos have interesting angles and vies of plenty of sky because most were taken as we were walking.  The walk took place in Downtown Tempe at the Tempe Beach Park. 

Audio: "Gently, Onwards" by ELPHNT from the YouTube audio library.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game! - August 2005


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Taken August 2005
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Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game! - August 2005

The indivdiual videos of the Concert after the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game were previously uploaded by themselves.

Concert after an Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game - Video One: https://youtu.be/-R4k_NtzXbw?si=yey8VusdIqzXOPE8
Concert after an Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game - Video Two: https://youtu.be/mDgIKk6SFfw?si=A-VvXGJtNIUXX-j5

Audio: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jimmy Jams from the YouTube audio library and the music from the band from the videos. 

Friday, February 09, 2024

Dishwashing Gel Paper Cut


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Taken October 28, 2007
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Dishwashing Gel Paper Cut

This is a photo collage of the photos from when I paper cut my finger when opening a Target brand dishwashing gel. 

This is the original blog post about this: http://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2007/10/dishwashing-gel-cut.html

Audio: "Nutty Comedy" by Biz Baz Studio from the YouTube audio library.

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Luau at the Office: Island Vibes ~ Hawaiian Themed Picnic - October 2007


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Taken October 23, 2007
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Luau at the Office: Island Vibes ~ Hawaiian Themed Picnic - October 23, 2007

This is a photo collage of the photos and video taken during company picnic that had a Hawaiian Luau theme that brought the Island Vibes to work. 

This is the original video of Hawaiian Luau 2007: https://youtu.be/7jnmsmYkbfM?si=bg_-rx6x_SXpE3f6

Audio: From the video itself. 

Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Spooktacular Office Decor ~ Halloween ~ October 23, 2007


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Taken October 23, 2007
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Spooktacular Office Decor ~ Halloween ~ October 23, 2007 

This is a photo collage of some of the Halloween decorations from my place of work at the time.

One of the fun things about making photo collage videos is that, sometimes, I find additional photos that either weren't on my mind or didn't remember I'd taken. 

For example, this collage of Halloween decorations were found as I was looking for the Hawaiian Luau photos. Appears that on October 23, 2007 on the day of that Hawaiian Luau event, I took a few snaps of just some of the Spooktacular Halloween Decor that were by my area of the Target Tempe office. 

This is the original video of Hawaiian Luau 2007: https://youtu.be/7jnmsmYkbfM?si=bg_-rx6x_SXpE3f6

Intentional photos for Halloween were the Halloween at work photos of the Halloween Costume Contest 2007: https://youtu.be/LIprX55YEvk?si=c5EUQRVIfS7VAmyV

Looking back it's interesting to me that it appears that 2007 was the year that I intentionally began taking more photos of the Halloween events from work. Although in 2006 I did have photos of the Halloween Costume Contest, those were the ones that were shared from the contest, not taken by me. You can watch that here: https://youtu.be/U6GHK0bfHoo?si=RnALxWMvqY1KT5kv Perhaps at some point I may find some older photos of past events, though unlikely. 

Audio: "My First Attempt at a Fantasy Zone" by Amalgam Creative Arts. Slowed down a whole lot and it made it have a creepy type feel

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Witch Themed Cupcakes for Fundraiser ~ October 2007


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Taken October 20, 2007
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Witch Themed Cupcakes for Fundraiser ~ October 2007 

This is a photo collage of witch themed cupcakes that I helped decorate for a fundraiser in October 2007. If memory serves me right, the inspiration was from a Martha Stewart magazine.

Read more about this back when I had blogged about it. Cupcakes

Camera: Sony DSC-W100

Audio: "Past Life" by JVNA from the YouTube Audio library.

Sunday, February 04, 2024

Night Walking at Tempe Beach Park ~ June 2007


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Taken June 19, 2007
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Night Walking at Tempe Beach Park ~ June 2007 

We went for a quick walk at night at the Tempe Beach Park back in June 2007! 

Didn't take many photos. A couple of Armandzraven and the few ones taken were a bit out of focus, so played with colors to add variations to add to the collage. The last ones my favorites. 
 
Camera: Sony DSC-W100

Audio: "Almost a Year Ago" by John Deley and the 41 Players from the Youtube Audio library.

Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ Chinese Cultural Center!


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Taken June 19, 2007
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Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ Chinese Cultural Center! 

In 2007, my mother and Tia Rosa came to visit when we were living in Phoenix. South Phoenix area to be more precise. During their stay we played Wii, went out to eat, grilled, went shopping, visited cultural centers and historic areas.

The photos on this collage shows us visiting the Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center. From this set is where the background photo for the series, "Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera" came  from.


If you watch that series you'll see similar  images during this time from my mother's perspective. Additionally, the Visiting the Chinese Cultural Center https://youtu.be/wyswUbwVu1k?si=MmNanzAwbNtGeh4Q came from those.

The center was always a enjoyable the various times we visited, whether shopping at the various stores and grocery store, eating at various of the restaurants, or just strolling through the peaceful garden and koi pond.

It no longer appears to exist, however there is more info on https://www.phoenixchineseculturalcenter.com/

Just in case their site is to cease to exist at some point, here's the current info from the site: "Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center's roof was made by the "XiangShang Bang" craft masters, whom inherited the same technique and materials that were use in the Forbidden City, designed and built by their ancestors. President Trump visited China in November of 2017 and admired the Forbidden City's 600 years old roof. 668 North LLC called the 20 years old roof in Chinese Cultural Center as aging roof, and fought in the court to replace all of the roof with residential adobe tile for this commercial building. Their action shows either an ignorance or hostile attitude towards Chinese heritage and culture.

About the Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center and Our Mission

The Phoenix Chinese Cultural Center, also known as the COFCO center, was built by the first owner with help from community volunteers and donations from local Chinese immigrants with support from the City of Phoenix government. Special materials and supplies were brought from China, and skilled workers from China spent years making this one of the most beautiful Chinese Cultural Centers in North America. The names of donors are engraved in the Wall of Honor, and it has become a Phoenix landmark, and part of Arizona's history.

668 North LLC, a subsidiary of Scottsdale-based True North Companies, bought 95% of the condo units in June 2017. Szechwan Palace Restaurant owns another 5% of the units since December 1998. While totally ignoring the property rights of other owner, 668 North LLC is planning to remove all features connected with Chinese culture and history from the exterior of the buildings in the common area to create standard "modern" office buildings.  While they have recognized the historical importance of the Center and has offered the garden artifacts that will be removed, we want to save the Chinese Cultural Center as a whole. It would be impossible to fully disassemble and restore the center's heritage at another location."
 
Camera: Sony DSC-W100

Audio: "Percussions Rhythm" from the Buddha Bar IV, and slowed down by almost half for the feeling I was looking for. 

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ Let's Grill!


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Taken June 2007
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Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ Let's Grill! 

In 2007, my mother and Tia Rosa came to visit when we were living in Phoenix. South Phoenix area to be more precise. During their stay we played Wii, went out to eat, grilled, went shopping, visited cultural centers and historic areas.

The photos on this collage shows us visitinf the downtown of Tempe, Arizona and then preparing and grilling for a delicious dinner.
 
Camera: Sony DSC-W100

Audio: "Wish You'd Never Left" by Track Tribe

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ ¡Bienvenidas!


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Taken June 2007
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Family, Fun, and Fiesta! ~ Ma & Tia Visit ~ ¡Bienvenidas! 

In 2007, my mother and Tia Rosa came to visit when we were living in Phoenix. South Phoenix area to be more precise. During their stay we played Wii, went out to eat, grilled, went shopping, visited cultural centers and historic areas.

During that visit we had several days where we played Wii. Added only a couple of those gaming photos on this video collage, however, if you want to watch all the photos from our gaming days/nights, you can watch those on the Wii Bowling with Family ~ June 2007: https://youtu.be/k_VEA9LMIJ8?si=Y6F0CSFGhSqV1koE
 
Camera: Sony DSC-W100

Audio: "Wish You'd Never Left" by Track Tribe

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Evening in Ajo, Arizona


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Taken January 20, 2024
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Evening in Ajo, Arizona

#Ajo
#AjoAZ
#AjoArizona
#ArizonaSky
#Saguaro
#Ocotillo

Audio: "Arizona Sky" by Melanie Vasque

Monday, January 15, 2024

Yes. It's cold. Basil didn't make it. Cilantro and jalapenos are alright.


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Taken January 15, 2024
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Yes. It's cold. Basil didn't make it. Cilantro and jalapenos are alright.

#EaglePass 
#EaglePassTX
#EaglePassTexas

Audio: "Coffee Lounge" by Bequem


Sunday, January 14, 2024

First Time in Las Vegas: A Retrospect from an Adventure in Sin City


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Taken in May 13-18, 2007
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First Time in Las Vegas: A Retrospect from an Adventure in Sin City

These are various different photos and images that I downloaded in 2007 to include when I blogged about My First Trip to Vegas.  Watch the video of the photos:

I wrote daily during the trip about the trip and when I blogged about it, I decided that I would just post just how I wrote it. I added some of the photos I'd taken along with some of these images found online. 


Here is the list of the blog posts if you want to go read them.

Off to Vegas...

My Vegas Trip... 5/14/07 - Morning

My Vegas Trip... 5/15/07 - Morning

My Vegas Trip... 5/16/07 - Morning

My Vegas Trip... 5/17/07 - Afternoon

My Vegas Trip... 5/18/07 - Waiting at the Airport

My Vegas Trip... 5/19/07 - Recap

Audio: "The Entertainer" by E's Jammy Jams from the YouTube Audio Library - Slowed it down to fit the length of the video.

Thursday, January 04, 2024

First Time in Las Vegas: Adventure in Sin City


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Taken in May 13-18, 2007
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First Time in Las Vegas: Adventure in Sin city

Collage of photos/vids from the first time I went o Las Vegas. The Sin City!

I had previously uploaded the couple short videos from this. 

Watch the two mini videos on their own:
I pushed record instead of photo in Vegas 2007: https://youtu.be/MSXbIx0bvIE?si=F76yB-KDSzPhCrPo

Audio: "Moons" by Patrick Patrikios, "It's Almost Over" by SefChol, and "Call The Shots" by Slynk and are all from YouTube Audio Library. Edited slightly and to to fit the video length.