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Nov. 12-25,2011. Vol 26, No 14. FREE.
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Gift giving
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Gift Guide 2011
H o ho ho. Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanzaa. Jubilant Hanukkah celebrations,
to you. Yes, it's that time of year when all the world's focus turns to the
merry winter holiday season.
gnofes has teamed up with White Rabbit to provide you with an assortment of af
fordable and unique gift giving ideas from their Charlotte store (920 Central Ave.) and
from around the web. The gift list ideas range from the geeky to the cool and rom the kid to
the grown and sexy man.
But, don't take our suggestions as the end-all, be-all. Use them as inspiration to get your
holiday gift list ideas flowing!
For kids and teens:: You might not have kids of your own, but most of us inevitably find
ourselves shopping for children at some point in the holidays. Whether it's a niece, nephew or
cousin, you can find just the right gift for that little someone. Does the tike still love their fluffy
buddies? How about a teddy bear in their favorite color (WR: $4.99 each)? Can't pick just one
color? Get them a rainbow beanie teddy (WR: $6.99 each).
Does your little one like music? Maybe they like frogs? A two-in-one: Get them this colorful
musical frog! Let them ribbit and croak all day long (WR: $10 and up).
You remember those slap bracelets from back in the day, right? Lots of schools banned them,
but they are back with a twist One of the most popular gifts this year has been the SlapWatch.
The teen on your gift list will love one of these trendy, colorful accessories (WR: ^1.99 and up).
Power up:: One of the side effects of accumulating different types of electronic devices is end
ing up with separate chargers for each device. Keeping track of all these chargers can be difficult both
at home and on the road. A helpful gift for any gadget lover is a mobile power pack that's compatible
with many different types of devices. For example, the Rayovac rechargeable power pack has micro USB,
mini USB and Apple device plug-ins that cover most recharging needs (Prices vary store-to-store, available
at Walmart and other retail outlets). Or if you know the recipient has a bunch of battery-operated devices, consider
see Gift on 12
IMortK Carolina can malce history, says
new Equality NC director
Stuart Campbell chats about his advocacy past opportunities and challenges he sees in forthcoming anti-amendment campaign roll out
by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Stuart Campbell was chosen
the new Equality North Carolina
executive director on Oct. 12.
RALEIGH — The name Ian Palmquist was nearly syn
onymous with North Carolina's movement for LGBT equality
in the decade he worked for the statewide LGBT advocacy
and education group Equality North Carolina. His departure
in July came right as a Republican-controlled legislature
was poised to consider an anti-LGBT constitutional amend
ment banning recognition of marriage, civil unions and
domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples.
Now, after three months of steady and careful steward
ship under Interim Executive Director Alex Miller, Equality
North Carolina has new, permanent leadership in place. On
Oct. 12, the group announced that it had chosen Texas anti
poverty advocate Stuart Campbell as its new chief officer.
Campbell officially started work on Oct. 24, a month after the
North Carolina General Assembly approved the amendment's
placement on the May 2012 primary ballot.
Campbell spoke with qnotesthree days after his first day
in the office — his first interview with North Carolina press.
Fresh on the job and living in an apartment in Raleigh until he
can fully move his partner and belongings from Austin, Texas,
Campbell said he'd received a warm and embracing welcome.
"The staff here is terrific and the board of directors has been very welcoming," Campbell said.
"People really couldn't have been nicer and more welcoming. It's great to meet so many volunteers
coming through the office."
Life shaped by justice, politics
Born in Fairfax, Va., Campbell's early life was shaped by his father's career. He lived in four dif
ferent countries as a child, following his father in his career with the U.S. Foreign Service.
"I had an opportunity be exposed to a lot of difference cultures," Campbell said. "It really
shaped my outlook on life."
When his father retired, the family settled down in California.
There, Campbell volunteered for local political campaigns. He con
tinued stoking his interest for public affairs while attending George
Washington University.
"It's quite an interesting school," Campbell said. "Being in
the heart of D.C. it's a very politicized university. Very big on
politics — even the elections for student body president and
vice president. It almost seemed like a lot of people were doing
see Director on 9
anniversary
1986-2011