Accessible Insights Blog

Ingenious solutions for barrier-free fashion on the Today Show

Published May 8, 2019 by L. Legendary

Unless you are one of my regular readers, you’ve probably never heard of an online store called Patti + Ricky. I’m guessing, though, that you’ve probably heard of a national morning TV program called the Today Show. If you tune in to your local NBC affiliate on Thursday, May 9th, you will have an opportunity to watch the founder of www.pattiandricky.com make her Today Show national television debut.

While most Americans watching the Today Show are doing so while getting dressed to go to work, a task performed more or less mindlessly day after day, it is a task that may be insurmountable for some people with disabilities. Further, when it’s time to engage with the world beyond our doorstep, finding mainstream, fashionable clothing that is inclusive of everyone can be a challenge. Sweats are fine for knocking around the house, but sometimes the world expects a little more. What if an important client meeting meant dressing to impress on a day when chronic pain made fastening the buttons on your work shirt impossible? Wouldn’t it be empowering to know you could opt for a dress shirt with magnetic closures? What if you wanted to go swimming on a resort vacation, but in a typical bathing suit, using the bathroom is an ordeal? Wouldn’t it be great if there existed a swimsuit that enabled you to use the bathroom unassisted? A suit that didn’t require a complete undress, which may not be feasible for someone with a mobility disability? What if you are receiving medical treatment for an illness that requires intravenous medication via a PICC line, and would like to wear something to cover the port that’s more attractive than a plastic hospital sleeve? What if using an ostomy bag decorated with a pretty pattern or funny saying could lift your spirits, just a little? Or, what if you wanted to give a jewelry gift to a loved one with vision loss that was embossed with a sentimental message he or she could actually read?

Alexandra Connell is the founder of an online department store that offers a wide variety of gifts, clothing, and accessories for men, women, and children with and without disabilities. She will appear on the Today Show to talk about Patti, her mom, and Ricky, her cousin, who are the inspirations behind the amazing pattiandricky.com web site, which offers ingenious solutions for barrier-free fashion.

You may recall that I’ve written about this online destination previously, and I have also interviewed Alexandra on The Fashionability Channel podcast. Now, you’ll have a chance to see her share some of her products with a national audience.

One reason I think you might be interested in watching the program is because pattiandricky.com is one of the distributors of my Elegant Insights Braille Creations. Alex wore some of my jewelry on the set, and brought a couple of pieces to share during the “walk and talk” she did with the show host. Whether or not any of my products made the cut, and didn’t end up on the editing room floor, as it were, remains to be seen. However, if they take a medium shot of Alex, you’ll see one of my necklaces around her neck, and one of my cuff bracelets on her wrist. Needless to say, I’m very excited about this.

Any of you who have been following me for awhile know that I have been in business since 2011, and that I sometimes exhibit my products at ACB or NFB national conventions, state conferences, art shows, and expos. I hope you share my excitement as my braille jewelry gets national exposure. Some of the items Alex has available are exclusive to pattiandricky.com, so I’ll have a link back to her web site, with photos on the Elegant Insights home page, with a caption that reads: “As seen on the Today Show,” of course!

Whether or not my products actually see the light of day is only one aspect of the importance of the segment. People with disabilities are badly underrepresented in the fashion industry, and are all but invisible in print and digital media. This Today Show appearance is a victory for all of us, because Alex is bringing inclusive fashion to a mainstream audience. I call that must-see TV!

Don’t forget – The Today Show on NBC Thursday, May 9th. The segment will probably air the 3rd hour of the show, barring breaking news, a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or someone in our government doing something scandalous or saying something stupid. Oh – I’m sorry…was that last one superfluous?

Please share on social media and tag your friends!

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Zappos Adaptive and Runway of Dreams present a livestream inclusive fashion show

Published March 26, 2019 by L. Legendary

Every season, the fashion industry rolls out what is hoped to be the next big wave of style trends, whether in apparel, accessories, hair or makeup looks. While prestige brands seek an upscale clientele, most fashion innovations are reinterpreted for the mainstream. Unfortunately, what constitutes “the mainstream” in fashion typically leaves out people with disabilities. Finally, the fashion tide is turning in our direction.

You probably already know of the online retail fashion destination, Zappos.com, but you may not be aware that the company also has a team devoted to making apparel and accessories inclusive of everyone. Zappos Adaptive features products that make a critical part of everyday life easier – getting dressed. Throw away the old ideas about adaptive clothing, though. No longer are people with disabilities forced to settle for garments that are as fashion-forward as sweats or hospital scrubs. Now, you can find stylish clothing by brands you know. To prove it, Zappos Adaptive and Runway of Dreams have collaborated on a ground-breaking fashion show just for people with disabilities, and you’re invited.

Be part of the growing movement that brings together fashion leaders, innovators and the disability community to experience the evolution of adaptive apparel and inclusive design with Zappos Adaptive and Runway of Dreams Foundation! Together, they will host the first, live-streamed fashion show in Las Vegas featuring 30 models and influencers with disabilities to showcase sporty, casual and evening wear looks that are functional, fashionable, and make getting dressed easier. It’s a celebration! Cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres will be served.

Donations and proceeds from the event will benefit the Runway of Dreams College Club Program, which is bringing positive visibility to disability by showcasing students with disabilities modeling Zappos Adaptive products and advancing the inclusive fashion movement on campuses across the country.

The event will be hosted by actor and model RJ Mitte, best known for his role on “Breaking Bad.”

WHERE: Symphony Park at the Smith Center Las Vegas
361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106

WHEN: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 | 5:00PM – 7:30PM
Doors Open | 5:00PM
Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres| 5:00PM
Program & Runway Show | 6:00PM

HOW: Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
· General Admission ($100) includes reserved seating, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.
· VIP Tickets ($250) include VIP seating, a private bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a swag bag.

About Runway of Dreams Foundation:
Runway of Dreams™ Foundation works toward a future of inclusion, acceptance and opportunity in the fashion industry for people with disabilities. We live our mission by developing, delivering and supporting charitable programs that break down stereotypes and empower people of all abilities with confidence, independence and style through a movement of inclusion in the fashion industry.

About Zappos Adaptive:
The Zappos Adaptive mission is to provide functional and fashionable products to make life easier. We are an online shopping experience offering clothing and shoes from innovative brands with unique features that address a variety of needs.

Here’s the link to the event livestream.

I’ll be covering the event for The Fashionability Channel, so be sure to watch for pre and post event coverage.

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New book club for blind women entrepreneurs…yeah, both of you

Published January 19, 2019 by L. Legendary

Sorry…Couldn’t help myself with the title of the post. I’m not sure how many blind women entrepreneurs there are out there, but for a few of you I’m thinking of, this book club might be for you.

After tweeting out a link to a list of business books that discuss contemporary business thought and strategies, I was contacted by Erin Edgar (@erinedgar), who suggested we start a book club. Erin thought it would be fun to invite other women who are blind, and who are either entrepreneurs or who are interested in launching a start-up. This seemed like a great idea to me, since all six of the books in the list I tweeted out went right onto my wish list queue. How fun to have others with whom to share ideas and entrepreneurship trials and tribulations.

If this sounds fun to you, please join us! In addition to the list I shared, I have read a ton of business books over the years, and it would be interesting to compare notes as to what others have read as well. I mean, if you haven’t read “Purple Cow,” or “Who Moved My Cheese,” then you just don’t know how to party. If you are interested in joining us, please contact me @Accessible_Info or Erin @erinedgar on Twitter.

Laura – LL

PS: Please share this!

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Press release: The Blinded Veterans Association Convention in Reno, NV begins August 13, 2018

Published August 11, 2018 by L. Legendary

It is my honor and privilege to have been invited to exhibit my braille jewelry at the upcoming BVA convention in Reno, Nevada, next week. I’m really excited to meet these esteemed attendees, and to share my products with them. It is a new audience for me, so I’m a little nervous, but I’m looking forward to an interesting trip. I’ll even be making a short presentation at one of the sessions, just to introduce myself and to raise awareness about my products, as well as the podcast I co-founded with Emily Davison, the Fashionability Channel.

Below is an edited version of the official press release, with some additional info at the bottom.

For Immediate Release

BVA’s Annual Convention Set For Reno/Sparks August 13-17

(Alexandria, Va.) – The Blinded Veteran’s Association’s 73rd Annual Convention will be hosted at the Nugget Casino Resort August 13-17, 2018 in Reno/Sparks, Nevada. The annual event is BVA’s premier event geared toward the education and development of its members. The gathering brings together the top leadership of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) along with academics, industry leaders and government officials to discuss issues and challenges facing the disabled and the medical community today and in the future.

There will also be an exposition of assistive products and services open Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14-15. Laura Legendary of Las Vegas, Nevada, owner of Elegant Insights Braille Creations, will exhibit her handcrafted collection of jewelry embossed in braille. Legendary,, who is blind, is a long-time advocate for people with disabilities. “Jewelry is generally thought of as strictly visual. I wanted to combine visual and tactile elements to create beautiful jewelry that is inclusive of everyone.” Legendary says. “As a consumer who is blind, I find very few gifts suitable for a friend or loved one with vision loss that isn’t a tech gadget or daily living aid. I wanted to bring to market jewelry and accessories that are stylish and fun as well as meaningful.”

Please visit the event website for more information about the convention and exposition. Visit Elegant Insights Braille Creations at elegantinsightsjewelry.com/shop/ or call 702-605-1265.

The Blinded Veterans Association is the only official voice for America’s veterans who are blind or visually impaired, The organization has successfully advocated for their needs since WWII. For more information about BVA and its services, call toll-free 800-669-7079 or visit bva.org.

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Additional info:
(1) On-site coverage of the convention is encouraged.
(2) Below is a more detailed convention agenda.

A training session on the ABC’s of Regional Group planning will be held on Monday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m.– 10:15. For technology sessions, there will be skills training on the Victor Reader and Home Automation on Monday. At 10:30 a.m., life member Howard Myers will deliver a presentation about his book, “Blind Vision.”
Also on Monday, BVA members who wish to become a Volunteer Service Officer can obtain training by instructor Wade Davis. Part 1 will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Part 2 will be Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 9 a,m,to11:45 a.m.

On Tuesday, Aug. 14, the Blindfold Games will hold an information session where members will be able to obtain a free game.

For female veterans, an exclusive pampering session will be facilitated by a lifestyle coach for the blind. Attendees can enjoy beauty tips and freshen up before the Tuesday evening reception and dinner.

I’ll be in booth number 404 with Elegant Insights Braille Creations on the Nugget Casino second floor exhibit hall. See you there!

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Don’t mind me, I’m just failing…I mean, learning

Published July 26, 2018 by L. Legendary

Hello, readers!

At the moment, I have a lot of balls in the air. I need to migrate from one shopping cart to another, change my FB page to a shopping page, integrate Instagram, create a shop on another platform,and undergo a major web site remodel. I’m using my blog site as the testing ground. That means that what you see at the moment may not last long, at least with respect to the blog look and feel.

Can, open. Worms, everywhere…

Even though it appears as though there is some sort of shop installed, I’m not selling anything. Not here, anyway. Just fooling around with plug-ins and themes and all manner of customizations. Pay me no mind. There’s nothing to see here, move along, move along.

I will continue to post blog content, but each time you come back, at least for a while, the place may look a bit different than it did the last time you stopped by. Thank you for your patience while I make a mess. Everybody learns differently, and I learn by experience, so I need to fail fast to learn fast, and the best way for me to do that is to quit researching and start doing.

More soon!

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Art Beyond Sight: Official press release for the Tactile and Sensory art show

Published March 16, 2018 by L. Legendary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2018
Contact: Cheryl Gleason (916) 273-5712
cheryl@cordovacouncil.org

Art beyond sight? Exhibit offers Insights
What if you were an artist, but could not see? What if you were blind, but yearned to experience art?
Those are questions explored by “Insights: Art Beyond the Eyes,” opening at The MACC (Mills Station Arts and Culture Center) Wednesday, March 21 for a four-day exhibit, open to the public. Admission is free of charge.
Insights is being presented in cooperation with the California Council of the Blind, which is meeting in Rancho Cordova March 22-25 for its state convention.
The exhibit includes the works of nine artists who are low vision or blind, and the works of three sighted artists, created with low or no vision art lovers in mind.
Featured will be artists Alice Wingwall (photographer, sculptor, film), Angela Palmer (ceramicist, Mosaics), Noel Runyan (mixed media using computer parts and lapidary), Jennifer Justice (woodwork), Laura Legendary (braille jewelry), George Wurtzel (woodwork), Sheela Gunn-Cushman (Jewelry), Deborah Kent-Stein (sculptor) and Robin Patche (mixed media), who have excelled in art even though they do not have the advantage of excellent eyesight.
Artists Garey Porter, Michele Burr and Lyla Paakkanen will be exhibiting works created for enjoyment by the blind – tactile pieces which run contrary to the old art exhibit dictum of “Don’t Touch the Art.” In this case, it’s mandatory.
For example, Porter, a Viet Nam Vet, creates wood bas reliefs of images which impacted him while visiting churches and Abbey’s in England. Burr’s focus on the female figure using glass casting, bronze and metal is both seductive and playful. Paakkanen’s 10’x4’ panel of a dragon uses impasto acrylic paint and raised scales to make a traditionally two-dimensional work into three dimensions.
The works include carved wood pieces, jewelry, prints, paintings, sculpture and more.
An artists’ reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, and gives the public a chance to chat with the artists about their work. There is no admission charge for the reception.
The reception will be accompanied by “Beethoven and Friends Chamber Ensemble,” a chamber orchestra affiliated with the Rancho Cordova Civic Light Orchestra.
The exhibit will also be open from 3-6 p.m. Friday, March 23, and from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 24-25.

“Insights is a thought-provoking exhibit which challenges the definition of an art exhibit,” said Cheryl Gleason, MACC Coordinator and curator for the show. “Art is for everyone and should be by everyone. Insights asks us to think about art in a new way.”
This is the second exhibit this month at The MACC, which occupies the ground floor of the century-old historic Mills Station Building, located at the Mather/Mills Station Light Rail Station at 10190 Mills Station Road. For more information visit www.rcmacc.org.
Produced by the Cordova Community Council and supported by the City of Rancho Cordova Community Enhancement Fund, Insights is appropriate for art lovers of all ages. Descriptions and other information at the exhibit will be posted in both print and braille, giving all visitors an opportunity to experience art and more from a new point of view – including relying on the sense of touch rather than sight.
In addition to the Insights exhibit, those wishing to support the California Society of the Blind through a dinner experience can purchase tickets to “Dining in the Dark,” a fundraising gala featuring dinner prepared by Christine Ha, a blind chef and winner of the third season of television’s “Master Chef” competition show. The event will be held at the Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova on Thursday, March 23.
Guests will be invited to enjoy their meals wearing eye shades in low light conditions and will utilize their other senses to maximize a unique culinary experience. The event also includes an auction and dance, hosted by Dan and Michelle, from MIX 96.1 radio station. Tickets are $75 and available at cccbnet.org.

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For immediate release: California Council of the Blind state convention details

Published March 5, 2018 by L. Legendary

For Immediate Release

The California Council of the Blind will be holding its annual statewide convention at the Sacramento Marriott in Rancho Cordova located at 11211 Point East Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 from Thursday, March 22-Sunday March 25, 2018. One of the many exciting events that we are bringing to the community is the “Dining in the Dark”.

Dining in the Dark will bring together community leaders, industry professionals and caring citizens for an evening of fine dining to raise awareness and resources for the California Council of the Blind. Guests will be invited to enjoy their meals wearing eye shades in low light conditions and utilize their other senses to maximize this unique culinary experience. The event will feature Christine Ha, Blind Chef, and winner of Master Chef season 3. There will also be an exclusive auction provided by Pacific Auction Company, local celebrity emcees Dan and Michelle from KYMX-FM Mix 96.1, and dance music provided by blind DJ’s from J & J FM.
For your convenience, tickets ($75 each) can be purchased directly through our website at www.ccbnet.org. There is limited seating available and there will not be any tickets at the door. Please buy tickets today before they sell out!
Christine Ha’s Master Chef Montage – www.dropbox.com/sh/m713dhcpa037623/AAB0OLjbysOygkbyMp2eqvl0a?dl=0

Where: Sacramento Marriott in Rancho Cordova located at 11211 Point East Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 from
When: Thursday, March 22, 2018 5:45-10PM
Who: CA Council of the Blind featuring Christine Ha, Blind Chef and winner of MasterChef Season 3
Tickets: $75 per person. www.ccbnet.org
Inquiries: Paul Shane, CEO 916-441-2100 or by cell at 916-710-6308
Sponsors: City of Rancho Cordova; SMUD; Mints Euro-Asian Cuisine; KP International Market & American Array Solar

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As a reminder, I will be in attendance, both at the Dinner in the Dark event as well as in the exhibit hall, to showcase my Elegant Insights Braille Creations (@ElegantInsights) jewelry and accessories. See you there!

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Eyes-free art: Your ticket to the Tactile and Sensory Art Exhibit

Published March 1, 2018 by L. Legendary

March is a busy month for many of us in the accessibility and assistive tech community. Two of the largest and most relevant international conferences and exhibitions take place this month, the CSUN Conference on Disability and the South By Southwest event. there are other, smaller conventions this month as well, one to which I’d like to draw your attention now.

The California Council of the Blind is hosting their annual state convention in Sacramento, California, with events from March 22nd to the 25th, 2018. It will be held at the Marriott Rancho Cordova. As mentioned in the previous post, which you can read here, the California Council (CCB) is hosting a Dining in the Dark event, along with the regular convention activities. However, there is another event happening concurrently that will deliver a fascinating new world into the hands of people who are blind, as well as to those in the art community.

It’s called the Tactile and Sensory Art Show, Art beyond the eyes: An exhibit of works for and by blind and low vision artists, in conjunction with the California Council of the Blind Cordova Community Council.

Artist reception:

5-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 Featuring music by Beethoven and Friends Chamber Ensemble.

the exhibit:

3-6 p.m. Friday, March 23.
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25.

Where:

MACC mills station arts & culture center
10191 Mills Station Road Inside the Historic Mills Station Building.

Admission:

Free.

The MACC is supported by the Rancho Cordova Community Enhancement Fund a fresh take rcmacc.org.

The art show is an excellent opportunity for anyone to examine art works created by people with disabilities. I have been invited to exhibit my own Elegant Insights Braille Creations at the show, so spread the word and bring your family and friends. The Tactile and Sensory Art Show is not limited to members of CCB or the blind community, it’s open to everyone. Please stop by and say hello!

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Not heading South for the CSUN conference? Head north instead.

Published February 12, 2018 by L. Legendary

Wait…what? There’s another event happening in March besides the CSUN Conference on Disability? Well, yes, and I’m not just referring to my birthday. Which,, by the way, is on the 22nd, so you had better get started on those gifts. Ahem.

there are actually a few events upcoming that might interest you, and all of them are happening in California. The California Council of the Blind is holding their state convention in Sacramento this year, and there are a couple of must-attend events associated with the conference you’ll want to know about. I’ll post more info over the next few weeks, but here are the details about one of them:

When: Thursday, March 22nd, 2018
Event: Dining in the Dark will bring together community leaders, industry professionals and caring citizens for an evening of fine dining to raise awareness and resources for the California Council of the Blind. Guests will be invited to enjoy their meals wearing eye shades in low light conditions and utilize their other senses to maximize this unique culinary experience. The event will feature Christine Ha, Blind Chef, and winner of Master Chef season three. There will also be an exclusive auction, local Celebrity Emcees, and dance music provided by blind DJ’s from J & J FM.

Tickets are available for $75 each and will sell out fast! Please go to www.ccbnet.org or call 916-441-2100 to purchase your tickets today.

In addition to the Dining in the Dark event, there will also be a Tactile and Sensory Art show, as well as the CCB conference sessions and exhibit hall, which you will find at the Marriott Rancho Cordova in Sacramento, California. Check back here for updates, as I’ll provide a schedule of events as well as press releases and links to more information.

You will find me at the Dinner in the Dark, as I am a table sponsor, and I’ll also be showing my Elegant Insights Braille Creations jewelry and accessories in the exhibit hall as well as in the art gallery for the art show. There’s plenty to experience in Sacramento this year, so after you’ve had your fill of the CSUN conference, just head straight North to the California Council of the Blind State convention over the weekend. See you there!

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Everything you need to know about ABLE Accounts: A must-hear show on ACB Radio

Published January 30, 2018 by L. Legendary

On Thursday, February 1st at 8 PM Eastern time, 5 PM Pacific, you’ll be able to catch the first Legendary Insights radio show of 2018. The program has been airing on ACB Radio for just short of two years, and as the show host, I work hard to post informative programs and offer relevant topics, as sometimes suggested by my listeners. For this next show, I’m launching a short series of programs on financial literacy.

Before you stop and think, “why would this interest me? I have no money to be literate about,” hang on for a minute. You’ll want to hear this show.

Like many of you, I noted with mild interest the announcement a couple of years ago about a new savings/investment vehicle for people with disabilities called an “Able Account.” I then proceeded to ignore it completely, figuring I either did not qualify, or that this info would not apply to me for whatever reason. I must also admit that the name alone made me cringe. However, ignoring the information about these Able Accounts was a mistake. You might want to take a closer look as well. Here’s why:

My guest on Legendary Insights this week is Jonathan Simeone. Jonathan graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been licensed to practice law in Massachusetts since 2005. Professionally, he has worked in politics and disability law. And he knows a great deal about Able Accounts.

After talking with Jonathan, I realized I needed to learn more about how having an Able Account can benefit people who are disabled, and I’m now convinced this program will benefit just about anyone who qualifies. To qualify, you need only to have been considered disabled prior to age 26. However, you are not required to show proof of your disability to sign up.

I encourage everyone who has a disability, or who has a child with a disability, to listen to the show. Jonathan and I chatted for so long, I wasn’t able to fit all the great content into one half-hour show, so I will post the second half the first Thursday in April. the basic info with the most relevant details are all packed into the first episode, but Jonathan and I went into greater depth in the second show, which may answer additional questions you may have about your particular circumstances. I feel so strongly about the benefits of Able Accounts after learning from Jonathan that I will make part two of the Legendary Insights Able Accounts audio available for anyone who wants more information right away. After the first episode airs, I will place the unedited, raw audio of part two in my public DropBox folder, and post the link for anyone who wants it. After all, this is really news you can use, and if you are still unsure about the program after listening to the first show, you will likely want the info presented in part two immediately. I don’t want anyone to pass up an opportunity to get all the details you need to make a decision. Since the next episode of Legendary Insights will not post until the first Thursday in April, it would be too easy to forget about it altogether. Now is the time to get your financial house in order. It’ doesn’t’ matter how much money you have, or how little, and based upon what I’ve learned, Able Accounts may be the best chance to get ahead financially for people with disabilities I’ve heard of.

Whether you are on SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSDI, or are partially or fully employed,, you need to hear these programs. Please go to ACB Radio at:

acbradio.org/mainstream/
and tune in to Legendary Insights Thursday night at 8:00 o’clock PM Eastern time. Then, let me know if you want to hear the rest of the audio in advance of the next program, and I’ll send you the link to part two. Missed the first show? Don’t worry. ACB Radio repeats the programs multiple times throughout the days following the original airing, so you will have more than one opportunity to hear the show. Additionally, the show is eventually pushed out as a podcast, which you can subscribe to on iTunes. Just do a search for Legendary Insights, and catch up on any of the shows you’ve missed.

Check back here in a week or so, and look for that DropBox link. You can also hit me up directly at either @LLOnAir or @Accessible_Info on Twitter.

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