Comments on: I’m at Blogher07 in Chicago

By: Claire Walter

Claire Walter — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:25:30 +0000

The owner is a “he”?!?! Another surprise. When I read your reply, I Googled “Curves, owner, pro-life” and then his name, “Gary Heavin.” He is described in such terms as a “conservative Republican businessman from Waco, Texas” who views it as his “mission” to singlehandedly “save” American women from obesity. I suppose some people would find this all heart-warming. I find it chilling.

This is thread drift from BlogHer, but it does demonstrate how new media help us all communicate, which is what BlogHer appears to be about.

By: Claire Walter

Claire Walter — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:16:26 +0000

I didn’t know the Curves owner’s political suasion — and w/ the success of her chain, she probably has plenty of $$$ to donate to her “radical anti-choice” causes. If I were ever tempted to join, this info leads me from temptation.

By: Lady Rose

Lady Rose — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 06:58:50 +0000

I had no idea about Curves — I had thought of signing up with one near me eventually – but now NO way!

Wish I could be at the conference!!!! next year for sure

By: Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:47:39 +0000

I don’t think most people know about the Curve’s owner being so radically anti-choice. To give the BlogHer people the benefit of the doubt, maybe they didn’t know that about Curves. Or maybe General Mills didn’t tell them they were giving us Curves products.

I just want people to be aware so they can give feedback to BlogHer and let them know it wasn’t cool, either in an email, or their blog, or post-conference feedback survey BlogHer will be doing.

The food blogger dinner was wonderful. Thanks so much for inviting me!

By: Kalyn

Kalyn — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:40:12 +0000

Anne Marie, I also wondered if the Blogher people knew about Curves. I was sorry to see their stuff being promoted.

It was fun getting to know you a little more at the dinner.

By: Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:10:39 +0000

We actually discussed that in the food blogging session, since two of the panelists are vegetarians (one of them a vegan). Everyone on the panel was asked if they minded talking at a session that Butterball sponsored. They all felt that having a sponsorship would help make the conference more accessible (cheaper) to everyone. Plus no one was going to go out and eat turkey all of a sudden.

If there is a food blogging session next year, I hope they’ll choose a company (or rather, be approached by one) that specializes in organic and free trade food items, especially since the BlogHer Act’s focus is on global health.

What really pissed me off was the Curves cereal and snack bars from General Mills in our goodie bags and as sponsors. Nothing against General Mills (and the bars were awful tasting) but I don’t like Curves. The owner of Curves gives a lot of money to radical anti-abortion groups. The feminist community knows that, but I don’t think the BlogHer people did.

I’m still processing the conference, so I’m not sure if and when I’ll post. I’m swamped with writing obligations and there’s no food in the house. My family ate all the salad, spinach, eggs and brown rice while I was gone. (Why they couldn’t have finished the bacon and cheese is beyond me.) Luckily, the raspberry bushes are producing well, so I have fruit. But even the kids are out of juice. Thank goodness for Longmont Dairy – at least we’ll have milk and OJ in the house tomorrow.

As always, thanks for stopping by Claire.

By: Claire Walter

Claire Walter — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:39:29 +0000

I’m looking forward to your report, tho’ I must say, I smiled at the notion that Butterball actually sponsored a session on food blogging. I couldn’t resist noting it in my blog posting (http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com/2007/07/food-blogs-showcased-at-conference.html).