The Players of They Call Me Magic "They Call Me Magic" is a sports documentary film that tells the story of the 1988-89 men's basketball team of Flint Southwestern Academy in Flint, Michigan. The film focuses on the players of this team who faced numerous challenges both on and off the court. The main idea behind "They Call Me Magic" is to showcase the resilience, determination, and teamwork of these young athletes. Despite growing up in a city plagued by poverty and violence, these players found solace and purpose in basketball. The film highlights the hardships that the players faced in their everyday lives, from struggling families to the pressure of living up to high expectations. Many of them used basketball as an escape, a way to channel their energy and emotions into something positive.

Ennyman's Territory

I can't remember when I first met Wendy Ruhnke, other than it was through one of the events associated with Dylan Fest a few years back. The first time we talked at length was at one of the annual Winter Dance Party events in support of the Duluth Armory. It was probably then that I learned about her business, selling SolTec™ Lounge systems.

When she described it to me I could only envision a vibrating chair with music. I felt unable to write a blog post unless I actually had a chance to get in the chair. The experience itself was nothing like what I imagined at all. Comparing it to a vibrating chair would be like comparing a 2 x 2 inch Polaroid photo of the Grand Canyon that's been through the wash to the Grand Canyon itself.

Seven years ago Wendy was asked by Dr. Dan Cohen to try his latest invention, the SolTec™ Lounge. Using cutting edge technology it was designed to produce a profound state of relaxation/stress reduction and induce a meditative state.

All I can tell you is that it was quite effective at transporting me places and putting me in the zone.

At SoundVibration, Wendy facilitates sessions with the SolTec™ Lounge and also sells them for personal use in your home. She also assists others in becoming distributor partners or practitioners.

I pulled this portion of Wendy's testimony off her website.

Having used the SolTec™ Lounge now for over six years, I often get asked the question, “What changes have you noticed in yourself?” So I thought I would answer with this post. The first change I noticed was that I was happier. I nicknamed the chair the happy chair. That feeling has grown tremendously. I am contented, growing spiritually, and just more fun to be with in general. I smile most of the time and laugh a lot.

I didn't know Wendy till the last few years, so I can't say whether her happiness level was elevated by the chairs, but I can certainly tell you she's an exceedingly upbeat woman and I don't doubt her story. I would love to have one of these chairs in my home.

She has four chairs in hers. They're located in a near octagon-shaped room that reminds me of a home I painted in Minneapolis years ago. It's actually a wonderful house with a rich history, hardwood floors, built in 1891. But you don't have to have a historic home to own a chair though.

The chair's S-shaped design is not unlike my own easy chair at home when in recliner mode. Before lying down she pulled back the four-inch cushion to show me the speakers and magnetic resonance system so that I might understand the technical aspects of this SolTec Lounge

As I situated myself in the Lounge she said, "The more you surrender, the better it will be. Be with the music, don't listen to it"

I couldn't help listen, of course, because I'd been planning to write this description of my experience. Even so, I couldn't help but think of John Lennon singing Tomorrow Never Knows.

Turn off your mind relax and float down stream
It is not dying, it is not dying

Wendy herself slid into the comfort of another chair, instructing me to take three deep breaths and shift my awareness to my body. What follows is my weak attempt to describe my experience.

The sound track was more like several layers of translucence, with different things happening on each layer, but that which was beneath would slowly rise as other layers receded. The sounds were multi-cultural. I recognized one layer at the beginning as something akin to atonal African music. Some of the music was New Age-like but infused with colors--mauve and polyphonous patterns of sound. Then there were thunderclaps at times, with that fractal type of sound, a-rhythmic rather than a regular beat, accompanied by a-rhythmic pulses from the chair. The variety and intensity was quite striking.

I was instructed not to listen to the music but to be carried away by it all. In doing so I had all kinds of images and memories float through my mind. I thought of relationships I'd ruined, and peaceful places I'd been. At one point I had the strange sensation that my socks had wriggled off, which wasn't the case at all.

During the entire experience it seemed as if the sounds were interlaced with colors and vibes, and frequently I had thoughts that I wished to write down but chose to let go of.

At the very end, as everything else receded, there was a plinking piano melody--if I remember correctly--that reminded me of Randy Newman, who has done soundtracks for ever so many Hollywood films including Toy Story. And I felt myself luxuriously at rest in a waking dream.

Start Doing More Things You Love
Wendy noted that many of the people who come in to use the beds do it as a group. She has a few local bands that come in together and drift into their individual spaces communally. Some come in once a week Some have liked it so much they bought their own chairs. One couple that did this is part of our Duluth Dylan Fest circle.

The price is $40 for a session, though you get a discount the first time. You also get a discount each time you bring someone new. Whether as an aid for meditation or a tool for. finding a much needed "state of rest" in the midst of a hectic, busy life, this may be just what you are looking for.

Related Links

Wendy's Website
www.ToolsToAwakenDuluth.com
Schedule an appointment.
Wendy Ruhnke, SoundVibration, LLC

This was not a vibrating chair, it was something far more complex and actually quite effective. This blog post has been my weak attempt to describe the experience.

Magic Carpet Sky Suite | Celebrity Ascent

The perfectly designed Sky Suite offers a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-sized bed from our signature Cashmere Mattress and a spacious, private veranda. The split bathroom features a large spa tub with shower.

Highlights

• Veranda with lounge seating
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors
• Exclusive eXhale® bedding
• King-sized mattress*
• Trundle bed in some suites
• Plentiful storage space
• Spacious sitting area with sofa

*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.

Exclusive services and amenities

• Daily delivery of afternoon savouries
• Afternoon tea event hosted in The Retreat Lounge
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary use of umbrella and binoculars
• Complimentary shoe shine service

All Included

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with four newly added perks*—premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, tips, and an onboard credit to spend almost any way you like.

Premium Drinks

Enjoy your favourite beverages throughout the ship. Whether in your suite, out exploring or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi

It's easy to stay connected at all times with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi. It's included as part of The Retreat experience.

Tips

If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your dedicated service team — don’t. We’ve got it covered. As a guest of The Retreat, all your gratuities are prepaid.

Onboard Credit

Enjoy an onboard credit to spend any way you like. Maybe a spa treatment? Your choice.

Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests

Intuitive Service

• Butler
• Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
• Onboard Retreat Concierge
• Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
• Reserved theatre seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

• Exclusive access to Luminae at The Retreat
• Dine in the main restaurant
• Complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Thoughtfully curated amenities

• Complimentary welcome bottle of sparkling wine
• Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees.
• Fresh fruit delivered upon request
• Celebrity’s eXhale® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customise your night’s sleep
• Premium bath amenities
• Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Magic Carpet Sky Suite

The Magic Carpet Sky Suite offers a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. Large suites feature a king-sized bed and a spacious, private veranda. The split bathroom features a large spa tub with shower. Note: Guests will have views of the Magic Carpet as it passes by the private veranda.

Guests who stay in the Magic Carpet Sky Suite enjoy access to The Retreat, featuring a private restaurant, exclusive lounge, and a private pool area complete with its own pool bar.

Suite: 319 ft 2 / 30 m 2
Veranda/Balcony: 70 ft 2 / 7 m 2

The Retreat Amenities

• Exclusive access to The Retreat Sundeck
• Exclusive access to The Retreat Lounge
• Exclusive dining in Luminae
• 24-hour in-suite dining - breakfast, lunch and dinner menus
• Welcome bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
• Afternoon tea hosted in The Retreat Lounge
• Fresh fruit delivered upon request
• Daily delivery of afternoon savories
• In-suite specialty coffees
• Exclusive eXhale bedding, Cashmere Mattress, and pillow menu
• Premium Frette terry bathrobes, slippers, towels
• Premium bath amenities
• Shoeshine service
• Use of umbrella and binoculars
• All Included - Drinks and Wi-Fi

The Retreat Services

• Personal Retreat Host
• Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge
• Onboard Retreat Concierge
• Priority check-in and departure
• Priority tender service in ports of call
• Reserved theater seating on Evening Chic nights

Celebrity's Personal Retreat Host

A Personal Retreat Host is available to all guests staying in suites at The Retreat. Your Personal Retreat Host will help you pack/unpack, make spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions and much more.

Contact

Int'l: +1 303-838-3047

Mon - Fri: 9 am - 5 pm CST

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Testimonials

The trip was absolutely wonderful. Your recommendations were perfect. We met lots of wonderful people and will have some lasting friendships. We would highly recommend you and your company to anyone.

Many of them used basketball as an escape, a way to channel their energy and emotions into something positive. One of the main characters in the documentary is Terry Furlow, a talented basketball player with a troubled past. Furlow became a symbol of hope for his teammates as he fought against the odds to pursue his dreams of playing college basketball.

Another player, Trent Tucker, had to overcome personal loss and tragedy to excel on the court. Tucker's story represents the resilience and inner strength that many of these players possessed. The documentary also highlights the role of Coach Robert "Coach J" Jackson in shaping the lives of these young athletes. Coach J is portrayed as a mentor and father figure who instilled discipline, determination, and a never-give-up attitude in his players. The main idea of the documentary is to shed light on the power of sports and its ability to transform lives. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and a strong support system in overcoming adversity. Overall, "They Call Me Magic" is a powerful and inspiring film that showcases the incredible journey of the players of the 1988-89 Flint Southwestern basketball team. It highlights their resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sports..

Reviews for "Exploring the cultural significance of "They Call Me Magic" players"

1. John Doe - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "Players of They Call Me Magic" after hearing all the hype, but I was ultimately disappointed. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with their stories. Additionally, the plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises or moments of suspense. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not worth the praise it has received.

2. Jane Smith - 3/5 - As a fan of sports-themed novels, I had high hopes for "Players of They Call Me Magic." However, I found the writing style to be lackluster and the pacing to be slow. The author seemed to focus more on describing mundane details rather than developing an engaging storyline. While some scenes were well-written and showcased the author's potential, the overall execution fell short for me. I would recommend it to hardcore sports enthusiasts, but casual readers might find it hard to stay engaged.

3. Mark Thompson - 2/5 - "Players of They Call Me Magic" left me feeling unimpressed and let down. The narrative was disjointed, jumping between different characters' perspectives without a clear direction. The lack of a coherent storyline made it difficult to follow and left me feeling disconnected from the plot. Furthermore, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the characters' motivations. Overall, I found the book to be poorly executed and not worth the praise it has received.

Unveiling the secrets behind the success of "They Call Me Magic" players