{"id":1113,"date":"2026-03-16T19:03:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/index.php\/home\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T17:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T17:52:16","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1113\" class=\"elementor elementor-1113\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f64593 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2f64593\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b83d319 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b83d319\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26e87b6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"26e87b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0d906f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e0d906f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b0ecab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b0ecab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Transforming Education Through Leadership &amp; Innovation\n<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bad961 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2bad961\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes\n<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c6f6db e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2c6f6db\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d3649c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4d3649c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a76443 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a76443\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">01<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f11ac3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2f11ac3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Areas of Focus<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5114b20 e-con-full card e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5114b20\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_affectedRange&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:{&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;end&quot;:50}},&quot;motion_fx_translateX_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:4,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ef0760 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7ef0760\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Books &amp; Publications<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea00c38 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea00c38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When your company needs to lorem.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3bc12c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"f3bc12c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8124b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8124b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Minim ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad mlorem nim.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3bcbd2c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3bcbd2c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_affectedRange&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:{&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;end&quot;:50}},&quot;motion_fx_translateX_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:4,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84db8a2 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84db8a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Speaking Engagements<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e869b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3e869b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When your company needs dolor.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c12da4 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"9c12da4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42e789c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42e789c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b513be e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2b513be\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_effect&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_translateX_affectedRange&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:{&quot;start&quot;:0,&quot;end&quot;:50}},&quot;motion_fx_translateX_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:4,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ab8c1e elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9ab8c1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consulting \/ Coaching<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2dffcd3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2dffcd3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When your company needs to tempor.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ea55b9 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"7ea55b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c439f12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c439f12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18af7c6 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"18af7c6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c22e64f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c22e64f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c334d03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c334d03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">02<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-714abce elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"714abce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">About<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-308af30 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"308af30\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e848fd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e848fd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">About\nDr. Michael J. Barnes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7ff2a7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e7ff2a7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-349b1c7 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"349b1c7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb8e30e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bb8e30e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-252dc95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"252dc95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Cormorant+Garamond:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,600;0,700;1,300;1,400&family=Outfit:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n\r\n  :root {\r\n    --gold:       #B8960C;\r\n    --gold-light: #D4AF37;\r\n    --gold-glow:  #e8c84a33;\r\n    --cream:      #F5EFE0;\r\n    --ink:        #0D0D0D;\r\n    --ink-mid:    #1a1a1a;\r\n    --ink-soft:   #2e2e2e;\r\n    --text-muted: #8a8070;\r\n    --white:      #ffffff;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 NOISE OVERLAY \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  body::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: fixed; inset: 0;\r\n    background-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg viewBox='0 0 200 200' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cfilter id='n'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.75' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='100%25' height='100%25' filter='url(%23n)' opacity='0.04'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n    pointer-events: none; z-index: 999;\r\n    opacity: .5;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     HERO AUTHOR CARD\r\n  \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n  .author-section {\r\n    max-width: 1200px;\r\n    margin: 0 auto;\r\n    padding: 0px 40px 120px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 eyebrow label \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .eyebrow {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 10px;\r\n    font-family: 'Outfit', sans-serif;\r\n    font-size: 11px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    letter-spacing: .25em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: var(--gold-light);\r\n    margin-bottom: 48px;\r\n  }\r\n  .eyebrow::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 32px; height: 1px;\r\n    background: var(--gold-light);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 HERO GRID \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .hero-grid {\r\n    display: grid;\r\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n    gap: 0;\r\n    align-items: stretch;\r\n    border: 1px solid #2a2618;\r\n    background: var(--ink-mid);\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .hero-grid::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: 0;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 60% at 30% 50%, #b8960c0d 0%, transparent 70%);\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Author text pane \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .author-info {\r\n    padding: 64px 56px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    justify-content: center;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-role {\r\n    font-size: 11px;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n    letter-spacing: .2em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: var(--gold);\r\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-name {\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: clamp(36px, 4vw, 56px);\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    line-height: 1.1;\r\n    color: var(--cream);\r\n    margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-name span {\r\n    color: var(--gold-light);\r\n    font-style: italic;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-bio {\r\n    font-size: 17px;\r\n    font-weight: 300;\r\n    line-height: 1.8;\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    margin-bottom: 40px;\r\n    max-width: 440px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .stat-row {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    gap: 40px;\r\n    padding-top: 32px;\r\n    border-top: 1px solid #2a2618;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .stat { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; }\r\n  .stat-num {\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: 36px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    color: var(--gold-light);\r\n    line-height: 1;\r\n  }\r\n  .stat-label {\r\n    font-size: 11px;\r\n    letter-spacing: .12em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Photo pane \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .author-photo-wrap {\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    min-height: 500px;\r\n    background: #0f0e0a;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-photo-wrap::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: 0;\r\n    background:\r\n      linear-gradient(to right,  var(--ink-mid) 0%, transparent 30%),\r\n      linear-gradient(to top,    var(--ink-mid) 0%, transparent 30%);\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    z-index: 2;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* Big decorative initial *\/\r\n  .deco-letter {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    bottom: -20px; right: -10px;\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: 260px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    color: rgba(184,150,12,0.06);\r\n    line-height: 1;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    user-select: none;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .author-photo {\r\n    width: 100%; height: 100%;\r\n    object-fit: cover;\r\n    object-position: center top;\r\n    display: block;\r\n    filter: grayscale(20%) contrast(1.05);\r\n    transition: transform 8s ease;\r\n  }\r\n  .author-photo-wrap:hover .author-photo {\r\n    transform: scale(1.04);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     BOOKS HEADING  (unchanged)\r\n  \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n  .books-heading {\r\n    margin-top: 100px;\r\n    margin-bottom: 56px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: flex-end;\r\n    justify-content: space-between;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .books-heading h2 {\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: clamp(32px, 4vw, 52px);\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    line-height: 1.1;\r\n    color: var(--cream);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .books-heading h2 em {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    font-style: italic;\r\n    color: var(--gold-light);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .divider-line {\r\n    flex: 1;\r\n    height: 1px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(to right, #2a2618, transparent);\r\n    margin: 0 40px 8px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     BOOKS SLIDER WRAPPER  (new)\r\n  \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n  .books-slider-wrap {\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    background: #111009;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* progress bar *\/\r\n  .books-progress {\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    height: 1px;\r\n    background: #2a2618;\r\n    margin-bottom: 0;\r\n  }\r\n  .books-progress-fill {\r\n    height: 100%;\r\n    background: var(--gold-light);\r\n    width: 0%;\r\n    transition: width .08s linear;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* slider track *\/\r\n  .books-track {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    transition: transform .75s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n    will-change: transform;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Book cards  (all original styles preserved) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .book-card {\r\n    \/* takes exactly half the slider width = shows 2 at a time *\/\r\n    flex: 0 0 50%;\r\n    background: var(--ink-mid);\r\n    padding: 56px 52px;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    gap: 48px;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    transition: background .4s;\r\n    cursor: default;\r\n    box-sizing: border-box;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-card::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: 0;\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 60% at var(--mx,50%) var(--my,50%), #b8960c0e, transparent 70%);\r\n    transition: opacity .4s;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n\r\n  .book-card::after {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;\r\n    height: 2px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-light), transparent);\r\n    transform: scaleX(0);\r\n    transition: transform .5s ease;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-card:hover::after { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Book cover with bg glow \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .book-cover-wrap {\r\n    flex-shrink: 0;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    width: 200px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-cover-wrap::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: -20px -10px;\r\n    border-radius: 4px;\r\n    background: radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 80% at 50% 50%, #b8960c1a, transparent 70%);\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transition: opacity .5s;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-card:hover .book-cover-wrap::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n\r\n  .book-img {\r\n    width: 580px;\r\n    height: 480px;\r\n    border-radius: 2px;\r\n    box-shadow:\r\n      -6px 6px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.7),\r\n      0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.4);\r\n    transition: transform .5s cubic-bezier(.25,.46,.45,.94), box-shadow .5s;\r\n    transform-origin: left center;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-card:hover .book-img {\r\n    transform: rotate(-3deg) translateY(-6px) scale(1.04);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-cover-wrap .page-hint {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: 6px; right: -16px;\r\n    width: 18px; height: 178px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(to right, #d4af3722, #d4af3744);\r\n    border-radius: 0 2px 2px 0;\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transform: rotateY(-30deg);\r\n    transform-origin: left;\r\n    transition: opacity .4s, transform .5s;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Book text \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .book-text { flex: 1; position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n\r\n  .book-tag {\r\n    display: inline-block;\r\n    font-size: 10px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    letter-spacing: .2em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: var(--gold);\r\n    margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-title {\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: 26px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    line-height: 1.2;\r\n    color: var(--cream);\r\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-desc {\r\n    font-size: 14px;\r\n    font-weight: 300;\r\n    line-height: 1.75;\r\n    color: #fff;\r\n    margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .book-cta {\r\n    display: inline-flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 8px;\r\n    font-size: 12px;\r\n    font-weight: 600;\r\n    letter-spacing: .12em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: var(--gold-light);\r\n    text-decoration: none;\r\n    transition: gap .3s;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-cta::after {\r\n    content: '\u2192';\r\n    transition: transform .3s;\r\n  }\r\n  .book-card:hover .book-cta { gap: 14px; }\r\n  .book-card:hover .book-cta::after { transform: translateX(4px); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 slider nav row  (new) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  .books-nav {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    justify-content: space-between;\r\n    padding: 20px 0 0;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* dots *\/\r\n  .books-dots {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n    gap: 10px;\r\n  }\r\n  .b-dot {\r\n    height: 3px;\r\n    border-radius: 2px;\r\n    background: #2a2618;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    transition: background .4s, width .35s;\r\n    width: 20px;\r\n  }\r\n  .b-dot.active {\r\n    background: var(--gold-light);\r\n    width: 40px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* arrow buttons *\/\r\n  .books-arrows {\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    gap: 8px;\r\n  }\r\n  .b-arr {\r\n    width: 48px; height: 48px;\r\n    border: 1px solid #D4AF37;\r\n    background: transparent;\r\n    display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\r\n    cursor: pointer;\r\n    transition: background .4s, border-color .4s;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n  }\r\n  .b-arr:hover { background: #D4AF37; border-color: #D4AF37; }\r\n\r\n  \/* CSS chevron via pseudo-element *\/\r\n  .b-arr::before {\r\n    content: '';\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 11px;\r\n    height: 11px;\r\n    border-top: 2.5px solid #D4AF37;\r\n    border-right: 2.5px solid #D4AF37;\r\n    transition: border-color .4s;\r\n    flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  }\r\n  .b-arr:hover::before { border-color: #0D0D0D; }\r\n\r\n  #bprev::before { transform: rotate(-135deg) translateX(3px); }\r\n  #bnext::before { transform: rotate(45deg)   translateX(-3px); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     QUOTE STRIPE\r\n  \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n  .quote-stripe {\r\n    margin: 100px 0 0;\r\n    padding: 64px 56px;\r\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a1810 0%, #0d0d0d 100%);\r\n    border: 1px solid #2a2618;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .quote-stripe::before {\r\n    content: '\"';\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    top: -60px; left: 30px;\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: 320px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    color: rgba(184,150,12,.06);\r\n    line-height: 1;\r\n    pointer-events: none;\r\n    user-select: none;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .quote-text {\r\n    font-family: 'Cormorant Garamond', serif;\r\n    font-size: clamp(22px, 3vw, 34px);\r\n    font-weight: 400;\r\n    font-style: italic;\r\n    line-height: 1.5;\r\n    color: var(--cream);\r\n    max-width: 760px;\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n    margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .quote-attr {\r\n    font-size: 13px;\r\n    font-weight: 500;\r\n    letter-spacing: .1em;\r\n    text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    color: var(--gold);\r\n    position: relative;\r\n    z-index: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     ANIMATIONS\r\n  \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n  @keyframes fadeUp {\r\n    from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(30px); }\r\n    to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .hero-grid          { animation: fadeUp .9s ease both; }\r\n  .books-heading      { animation: fadeUp .9s .15s ease both; }\r\n  .books-slider-wrap  { animation: fadeUp .9s .25s ease both; }\r\n  .quote-stripe       { animation: fadeUp .9s .35s ease both; }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Responsive \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  @media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n    .book-img { width: 280px; height: 280px; }\r\n    .book-card { padding: 40px 36px; gap: 32px; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 900px) {\r\n    .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n    .author-photo-wrap { min-height: 360px; order: -1; }\r\n    .author-photo-wrap::after {\r\n      background:\r\n        linear-gradient(to top, var(--ink-mid) 0%, transparent 40%),\r\n        linear-gradient(to bottom, var(--ink-mid) 0%, transparent 20%);\r\n    }\r\n    .author-info { padding: 48px 32px; }\r\n    .stat-row { gap: 24px; flex-wrap: wrap; }\r\n    \/* each card full width on tablet *\/\r\n    .book-card { flex: 0 0 100%; padding: 40px 32px; gap: 32px; }\r\n    .book-img { width: 220px; height: 220px; }\r\n    .books-heading { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 16px; margin-top: 64px; margin-bottom: 36px; }\r\n    .divider-line { display: none; }\r\n    .author-section { padding: 48px 7px 80px; }\r\n    .quote-stripe { padding: 48px 32px; margin-top: 64px; }\r\n    .quote-stripe::before { font-size: 200px; top: -30px; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 640px) {\r\n    .author-photo-wrap { min-height: 280px; }\r\n    .book-card { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; padding: 32px 24px; gap: 24px; }\r\n    .book-cover-wrap { width: 100%; display: flex; justify-content: center; }\r\n    .book-img { width: 200px; height: 200px; }\r\n    .book-title { font-size: 22px; }\r\n    .stat-row { gap: 20px; }\r\n    .author-info { padding: 36px 24px; }\r\n    .quote-stripe { padding: 40px 24px; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @media (max-width: 400px) {\r\n    .author-section { padding: 32px 7px 60px; }\r\n    .stat-row { flex-direction: column; gap: 16px; }\r\n    .book-img { width: 160px; height: 160px; }\r\n    .author-name { font-size: 32px; }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"author-section\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 HERO CARD \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n  <div class=\"hero-grid\">\r\n    <div class=\"author-info\">\r\n      <div class=\"author-role\">Educator \u00b7 Superintendent \u00b7 Author<\/div>\r\n      <h1 class=\"author-name\">\r\n        Dr. Michael J.<br><span>Barnes<\/span>\r\n      <\/h1>\r\n      <p class=\"author-bio\">\r\n        An experienced educator, superintendent, and thought leader dedicated to transforming education through instructional leadership and innovation. With over three decades in education, he has led strategic initiatives that enhance student learning, foster community partnerships, and advance school leadership.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"stat-row\">\r\n        <div class=\"stat\">\r\n          <span class=\"stat-num\">30+<\/span>\r\n          <span class=\"stat-label\">Years in Education<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"stat\">\r\n          <span class=\"stat-num\">2<\/span>\r\n          <span class=\"stat-label\">Published Books<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"stat\">\r\n          <span class=\"stat-num\">\u221e<\/span>\r\n          <span class=\"stat-label\">Leaders Inspired<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"author-photo-wrap\">\r\n      <div class=\"deco-letter\">B<\/div>\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\"\r\n        class=\"author-photo\"\r\n        src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Dr.MichaelJBarnes-scaled.jpg\"\r\n        alt=\"Dr. Michael J. Barnes\"\r\n      >\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/hero-grid -->\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 BOOKS SLIDER \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n  <div class=\"books-slider-wrap\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"books-progress\">\r\n      <div class=\"books-progress-fill\" id=\"bprog\"><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"books-track\" id=\"btrack\">\r\n        \r\n        \r\n        \r\n         <div class=\"book-card\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseBooks()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeBooks()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',((event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)\/this.offsetWidth*100)+'%');this.style.setProperty('--my',((event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)\/this.offsetHeight*100)+'%')\">\r\n        <div class=\"book-cover-wrap\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"book-img\"\r\n               src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BOOK-1-scaled.png\"\r\n               alt=\"The Modern Superintendent Book Cover\">\r\n          <div class=\"page-hint\"><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"book-text\">\r\n          <span class=\"book-tag\">Strategy \u00b7 Education<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"book-title\">The Modern Superintendent: A Guide to Instructional Leadership<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"book-desc\">\r\n            A definitive roadmap for today's school district leaders blending research driven strategy with practical tools that transform culture and accelerate student achievement.\r\n          <\/p>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"book-cta\">Explore the Book<\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- Book 1 -->\r\n      <div class=\"book-card\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseBooks()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeBooks()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',((event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)\/this.offsetWidth*100)+'%');this.style.setProperty('--my',((event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)\/this.offsetHeight*100)+'%')\">\r\n        <div class=\"book-cover-wrap\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"book-img\"\r\n               src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BOOK-2-scaled.png\"\r\n               alt=\"Winning Book Cover\">\r\n          <div class=\"page-hint\"><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"book-text\">\r\n          <span class=\"book-tag\">Life \u00b7 Leadership<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"book-title\">Winning: Lessons on Life, Learning and Leadership<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"book-desc\">\r\n            A powerful collection of lessons drawn from decades of experience in education, sport, and service designed to equip emerging leaders with the mindset to excel.\r\n          <\/p>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"book-cta\">Explore the Book<\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n      <!-- Book 3 -->\r\n      <div class=\"book-card\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseBooks()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeBooks()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',((event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)\/this.offsetWidth*100)+'%');this.style.setProperty('--my',((event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)\/this.offsetHeight*100)+'%')\">\r\n        <div class=\"book-cover-wrap\">\r\n          <!-- Replace src with actual 3rd book cover -->\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"book-img\"\r\n               src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/V5-4-3-26-Updated__1___1_-removebg-preview.png\"\r\n               alt=\"Third Book Cover\">\r\n          <div class=\"page-hint\"><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"book-text\">\r\n          <span class=\"book-tag\">Vision \u00b7 Impact<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"book-title\">Building Litracy Together<\/h3>\r\n          <p class=\"book-desc\">\r\n           This book is a call to reimagine literacy not simply as a set of academic skills, but as the foundation of identity, agency, and participation in a democratic society. Opening with the story of Frederick Douglass and the blue-backed spelling book.\r\n          <\/p>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"book-cta\">Explore the Book<\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <\/div><!-- \/books-track -->\r\n\r\n    <!-- nav -->\r\n    <div class=\"books-nav\">\r\n      <div class=\"books-dots\" id=\"bdots\"><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"books-arrows\">\r\n        <button class=\"b-arr\" id=\"bprev\" aria-label=\"Previous\"><\/button>\r\n        <button class=\"b-arr\" id=\"bnext\" aria-label=\"Next\"><\/button>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/books-slider-wrap -->\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n  var track   = document.getElementById('btrack');\r\n  var prog    = document.getElementById('bprog');\r\n  var dotsEl  = document.getElementById('bdots');\r\n  var cards   = track.querySelectorAll('.book-card');\r\n  var total   = cards.length;\r\n  var cur     = 0;\r\n  var paused  = false;\r\n  var autoT   = null;\r\n  var progT   = null;\r\n  var progVal = 0;\r\n  var INTERVAL = 4000;\r\n  var STEP     = 100 \/ (INTERVAL \/ 80);\r\n\r\n  function visCount() {\r\n    return window.innerWidth <= 900 ? 1 : 2;\r\n  }\r\n  function maxIdx() { return total - visCount(); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 card width \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function cardW() { return cards[0].offsetWidth; }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 go to slide \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function goTo(idx) {\r\n    cur = Math.max(0, Math.min(idx, maxIdx()));\r\n    track.style.transform = 'translateX(-' + (cur * cardW()) + 'px)';\r\n    syncDots();\r\n    resetProg();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function nextSlide() { goTo(cur >= maxIdx() ? 0 : cur + 1); }\r\n  function prevSlide() { goTo(cur <= 0 ? maxIdx() : cur - 1); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 dots \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function buildDots() {\r\n    dotsEl.innerHTML = '';\r\n    for (var i = 0; i <= maxIdx(); i++) {\r\n      (function(i) {\r\n        var d = document.createElement('div');\r\n        d.className = 'b-dot' + (i === cur ? ' active' : '');\r\n        d.onclick = function() { goTo(i); };\r\n        dotsEl.appendChild(d);\r\n      })(i);\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n  function syncDots() {\r\n    var ds = dotsEl.querySelectorAll('.b-dot');\r\n    ds.forEach(function(d, i) { d.classList.toggle('active', i === cur); });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 auto play \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function startAuto() {\r\n    clearInterval(autoT);\r\n    autoT = setInterval(function() { if (!paused) nextSlide(); }, INTERVAL);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 progress \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function resetProg() {\r\n    clearInterval(progT);\r\n    progVal = 0;\r\n    prog.style.transition = 'none';\r\n    prog.style.width = '0%';\r\n    if (!paused) startProg();\r\n  }\r\n  function startProg() {\r\n    clearInterval(progT);\r\n    progT = setInterval(function() {\r\n      if (paused) return;\r\n      progVal += STEP;\r\n      prog.style.transition = 'width .08s linear';\r\n      prog.style.width = Math.min(progVal, 100) + '%';\r\n    }, 80);\r\n  }\r\n  function pauseBooks()  { paused = true; }\r\n  function resumeBooks() { paused = false; startProg(); }\r\n\r\n  \/* arrow click handlers *\/\r\n\r\n  document.getElementById('bprev').addEventListener('click', prevSlide);\r\n  document.getElementById('bnext').addEventListener('click', nextSlide);\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 touch\/drag \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  var dragX = null;\r\n  track.addEventListener('mousedown',  function(e) { dragX = e.clientX; });\r\n  track.addEventListener('mouseup',    function(e) { if (dragX !== null) { e.clientX - dragX < -50 ? nextSlide() : e.clientX - dragX > 50 ? prevSlide() : null; dragX = null; } });\r\n  track.addEventListener('touchstart', function(e) { dragX = e.touches[0].clientX; }, { passive: true });\r\n  track.addEventListener('touchend',   function(e) { var dx = e.changedTouches[0].clientX - dragX; dx < -50 ? nextSlide() : dx > 50 ? prevSlide() : null; dragX = null; });\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 resize \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  window.addEventListener('resize', function() {\r\n    buildDots();\r\n    goTo(Math.min(cur, maxIdx()));\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 init \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  buildDots();\r\n  startAuto();\r\n  startProg();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81d49c4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"81d49c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d89c376 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d89c376\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd9fdf0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dd9fdf0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">03<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a4c02b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5a4c02b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Testimonials<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eeb1fcd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"eeb1fcd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3439db0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3439db0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What The Audiences Say\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2414ad e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b2414ad\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23b1c25 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"23b1c25\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f3d9a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"6f3d9a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,500;1,600&family=Crimson+Pro:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,500;1,300;1,400&family=Jost:wght@200;300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\r\n\r\n:root {\r\n  --gold:         #C9A84C;\r\n  --gold-dim:     #9B7D32;\r\n  --gold-bright:  #E2C46A;\r\n  --gold-foil:    #F0D080;\r\n  --ink:          #080706;\r\n  --ink-1:        #0E0D0A;\r\n  --ink-2:        #141210;\r\n  --ink-3:        #1C1A14;\r\n  --parchment:    #EDE5D0;\r\n  --parchment-dim:#B8AE98;\r\n  --stone:        #6A6254;\r\n  --border-gold:  rgba(201,168,76,0.18);\r\n  --border-soft:  rgba(201,168,76,0.08);\r\n}\r\n\r\nhtml { scroll-behavior: smooth; }\r\n\r\nb\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Grain texture \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\nbody::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: fixed; inset: 0;\r\n  background-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='g'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix type='saturate' values='0'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23g)' opacity='0.045'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n  pointer-events: none; z-index: 9999;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   OUTER WRAPPER\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.ts {\r\n  max-width: 1280px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto;\r\n  padding: 110px 0px 130px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   MASTHEAD\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.masthead {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto;\r\n  align-items: end;\r\n  margin-bottom: 80px;\r\n  padding-bottom: 40px;\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .05s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.mast-left {}\r\n\r\n.overline {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 14px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n.overline-rule {\r\n  width: 36px; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--gold), transparent);\r\n}\r\n.overline-text {\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  letter-spacing: .35em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.masthead h2 {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: clamp(42px, 5.5vw, 72px);\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  line-height: 1;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  letter-spacing: -.01em;\r\n}\r\n.masthead h2 em {\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n  color: var(--gold-bright);\r\n  font-weight: 400;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.mast-right {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  align-items: flex-end;\r\n  gap: 16px;\r\n  padding-bottom: 4px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.mast-count {\r\n  text-align: right;\r\n}\r\n.mast-count-num {\r\n  display: block;\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 40px;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n  line-height: 1;\r\n}\r\n.mast-count-label {\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 400;\r\n  letter-spacing: .2em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--stone);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.btn-all {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 12px;\r\n  padding: 12px 28px;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  background: transparent;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration: none;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  transition: color .45s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-all::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: var(--gold);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transform-origin: left;\r\n  transition: transform .45s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.btn-all:hover { color: var(--ink); }\r\n.btn-all:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n.btn-all span, .btn-all svg { position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   HERO TESTIMONIAL\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.hero-t {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 5fr 4fr;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  margin-bottom: 3px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .18s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Subtle gold ambient *\/\r\n.hero-t::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; left: 0; width: 60%; height: 100%;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 30% 40%, rgba(201,168,76,.055), transparent 65%);\r\n  pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-text {\r\n  padding: 72px 68px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  z-index: 1;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Giant ornamental quote mark *\/\r\n.orn-q {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 200px;\r\n  line-height: .75;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n  color: #F4B429;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  margin-bottom: -24px;\r\n  margin-left: -8px;\r\n  user-select: none;\r\n  pointer-events: none;\r\n  letter-spacing: -.05em;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-label {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 10px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n}\r\n.hero-t-label .pulse {\r\n  width: 7px; height: 7px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  background: var(--gold);\r\n  position: relative;\r\n}\r\n.hero-t-label .pulse::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  inset: -4px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--gold);\r\n  animation: ripple 2.4s ease-in-out infinite;\r\n}\r\n@keyframes ripple {\r\n  0%   { transform: scale(1); opacity: .6; }\r\n  100% { transform: scale(2.2); opacity: 0; }\r\n}\r\n.hero-t-label span {\r\n  font-size: 17px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  letter-spacing: .28em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-title {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 30px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n  line-height: 1.25;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-body {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 18.5px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  line-height: 1.85;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  margin-bottom: 44px;\r\n  max-width: 560px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-body strong {\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.hero-t-byline {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 20px;\r\n  padding-top: 32px;\r\n  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.byline-avatar {\r\n  width: 52px; height: 52px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  background: var(--ink-3);\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 20px;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.byline-name {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 16px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  margin-bottom: 4px;\r\n}\r\n.byline-role {\r\n  font-size: 11.5px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  letter-spacing: .03em;\r\n  line-height: 1.5;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Hero image pane *\/\r\n.hero-t-img {\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  background: var(--ink-2);\r\n  min-height: 500px;\r\n}\r\n.hero-t-img img {\r\n  width: 100%; height: 100%;\r\n  object-fit: cover;\r\n  object-position: center top;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  filter: sepia(15%) contrast(1.05) brightness(.95);\r\n  transition: transform 8s ease;\r\n}\r\n.hero-t:hover .hero-t-img img { transform: scale(1.05); }\r\n\r\n\/* Photo fades into card on left *\/\r\n.hero-t-img::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background:\r\n    linear-gradient(to left, transparent 40%, var(--ink-1) 100%),\r\n    linear-gradient(to top,  var(--ink-1) 0%, transparent 20%);\r\n  z-index: 1; pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Gold foil stripe on right edge *\/\r\n.hero-t-img::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;\r\n  width: 3px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent, var(--gold-dim), transparent);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   THREE COLUMN CARDS\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.trio {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\r\n  gap: 3px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 3px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .3s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.q-card {\r\n  background: var(--ink);\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  padding: 44px 40px;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  cursor: default;\r\n  transition: border-color .5s, background .5s;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Mouse-follow glow *\/\r\n.q-card::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(\r\n    circle 260px at var(--mx,50%) var(--my,50%),\r\n    rgba(201,168,76,.06), transparent 65%\r\n  );\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  transition: opacity .5s;\r\n  pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n.q-card:hover {\r\n  border-color: var(--border-gold);\r\n  background: var(--ink-2);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Top gold sweep *\/\r\n.q-card::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold), transparent);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transition: transform .7s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover::after { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n.q-num {\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  letter-spacing: .2em;\r\n  color: var(--gold-dim);\r\n  margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-num { color: var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n.q-open-mark {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 56px;\r\n  line-height: .8;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n  color: rgba(201,168,76,.1);\r\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-open-mark { color: rgba(201,168,76,.22); }\r\n\r\n.q-text {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 18px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n  line-height: 1.75;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  margin-bottom: 32px;\r\n  transition: color .5s;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-text { color: var(--parchment-dim); }\r\n\r\n.q-sep {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 12px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n.q-sep-line {\r\n  flex: 1; height: 1px;\r\n  background: var(--border-soft);\r\n  transition: background .4s;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-sep-line { background: var(--border-gold); }\r\n.q-sep-diamond {\r\n  width: 5px; height: 5px;\r\n  background: var(--gold-dim);\r\n  transform: rotate(45deg);\r\n  transition: background .4s;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-sep-diamond { background: var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n.q-name {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 14.5px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  margin-bottom: 5px;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.q-role {\r\n  font-size: 11px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  letter-spacing: .04em;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  line-height: 1.5;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.q-card:hover .q-role { color: #8a7e6a; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   TWO WIDE CARDS\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.duo {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 3px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 3px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .42s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.w-card {\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  padding: 52px 56px;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  cursor: default;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  gap: 0;\r\n  transition: border-color .5s, background .5s;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.w-card::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(\r\n    ellipse 55% 55% at var(--mx,50%) var(--my,40%),\r\n    rgba(201,168,76,.055), transparent 65%\r\n  );\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  transition: opacity .5s;\r\n  pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n.w-card:hover {\r\n  border-color: var(--border-gold);\r\n  background: var(--ink-2);\r\n}\r\n.w-card::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold-bright), transparent);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transition: transform .7s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover::after { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n.w-tag {\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  letter-spacing: .24em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold-dim);\r\n  margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover .w-tag { color: var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n.w-quote {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 21px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n  line-height: 1.75;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  flex: 1;\r\n  margin-bottom: 36px;\r\n  transition: color .5s;\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover .w-quote { color: var(--parchment-dim); }\r\n\r\n.w-footer {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 18px;\r\n  padding-top: 28px;\r\n  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  transition: border-color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover .w-footer { border-color: var(--border-gold); }\r\n\r\n.w-mono {\r\n  width: 46px; height: 46px;\r\n  border-radius: 50%;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 18px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  background: var(--ink-3);\r\n  transition: background .4s, border-color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.w-card:hover .w-mono {\r\n  background: rgba(201,168,76,.1);\r\n  border-color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n.w-person-name {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 14px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  margin-bottom: 4px;\r\n}\r\n.w-person-role {\r\n  font-size: 11px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  line-height: 1.5;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   BOTTOM MARQUEE STRIP\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.marquee-wrap {\r\n  margin-top: 80px;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  padding: 20px 0;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .55s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* fades on edges *\/\r\n.marquee-wrap::before,\r\n.marquee-wrap::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 120px;\r\n  z-index: 2; pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n.marquee-wrap::before { left: 0;  background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--ink), transparent); }\r\n.marquee-wrap::after  { right: 0; background: linear-gradient(to left,  var(--ink), transparent); }\r\n\r\n.marquee-track {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  width: max-content;\r\n  animation: marquee 28s linear infinite;\r\n}\r\n.marquee-track:hover { animation-play-state: paused; }\r\n\r\n@keyframes marquee {\r\n  from { transform: translateX(0); }\r\n  to   { transform: translateX(-50%); }\r\n}\r\n\r\n.marquee-item {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 18px;\r\n  padding: 0 48px;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.marquee-diamond {\r\n  width: 14px; height: 14px;\r\n  background: var(--gold-dim);\r\n  transform: rotate(45deg);\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.marquee-text {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 25px;\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  white-space: nowrap;\r\n  transition: color .3s;\r\n  margin-bottom: 0px !important;\r\n}\r\n.marquee-item:hover .marquee-text { color: var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   STATS ROW\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.stats-row {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);\r\n  margin-top: 3px;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-gold);\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: revealUp .9s .65s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.stat-item {\r\n  padding: 44px 40px;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  transition: background .4s;\r\n}\r\n.stat-item:not(:last-child)::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 25%; right: 0; bottom: 25%;\r\n  width: 1px;\r\n  background: var(--border-gold);\r\n}\r\n.stat-item:hover { background: var(--ink-2); }\r\n\r\n.stat-n {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 48px;\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n  line-height: 1;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  margin-bottom: 8px;\r\n  letter-spacing: -.02em;\r\n}\r\n.stat-l {\r\n  font-size: 10px;\r\n  font-weight: 400;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--stone);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   KEYFRAMES\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n@keyframes revealUp {\r\n  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(32px); }\r\n  to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Responsive \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n  .hero-t { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n  .hero-t-img { min-height: 340px; order: -1; }\r\n  .hero-t-img::before {\r\n    background: linear-gradient(to top, var(--ink-1) 0%, transparent 35%);\r\n  }\r\n  .hero-t-text { padding: 48px 40px; }\r\n  .trio { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n  .duo  { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n  .stats-row { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); }\r\n  .stat-item:nth-child(2)::after,\r\n  .stat-item:nth-child(4)::after { display: none; }\r\n  .ts { padding: 64px 8px 90px; }\r\n  .masthead { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 28px; }\r\n  .masthead { display: flex; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\r\n  .stats-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"ts\">\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 MASTHEAD \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n \r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 HERO TESTIMONIAL \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n  <div class=\"hero-t\">\r\n    <div class=\"hero-t-text\">\r\n      <span class=\"orn-q\">\"<\/span>\r\n      <div class=\"hero-t-label\">\r\n        <div class=\"pulse\"><\/div>\r\n        <span>Featured Testimonial<\/span>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <h3 class=\"hero-t-title\">The Ultimate Leader<\/h3>\r\n      <p class=\"hero-t-body\">\r\n        Dr. Michael J. Barnes exemplifies visionary educational leadership, consistently harnessing innovative strategies to elevate student achievement across the Mayfield City School District. Under his stewardship, measurable gains in academic performance and holistic student well-being have become the norm rather than the aspiration.<br><br>\r\n        His collaborative approach, marked by transparent communication with staff, families, and community partners, cultivates a culture of trust and shared responsibility.<br><br>\r\n        <strong>I personally regard Dr. Barnes' work as a benchmark for excellence and a model worthy of emulation throughout Ohio.<\/strong>\r\n      <\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"hero-t-byline\">\r\n        <div class=\"byline-avatar\">R<\/div>\r\n        <div>\r\n          <div class=\"byline-name\">Robert F. Hill, Ed.D.<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"byline-role\">Chief Executive Officer & Superintendent<br>Springfield City School District<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hero-t-img\">\r\n      <!-- Replace with actual photo -->\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9718-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Michael J. Barnes\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 THREE CARDS \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n  <div class=\"trio\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"q-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <span class=\"q-num\">01<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"q-open-mark\">\"<\/span>\r\n      <p class=\"q-text\">Dr. Barnes doesn't just lead with vision \u2014 he leads with purpose, principle, and the relentless belief that every decision must serve students first.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"q-sep\"><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-diamond\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-name\">T. Burton<\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-role\">Community Partner<\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"q-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <span class=\"q-num\">02<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"q-open-mark\">\"<\/span>\r\n      <p class=\"q-text\">What sets Dr. Barnes apart is his rare ability to translate high-level strategy into classroom-level change. He makes every educator feel seen and supported.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"q-sep\"><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-diamond\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-name\">Dr. Sandra Williams<\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-role\">Principal, Cleveland Metro Schools<\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"q-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <span class=\"q-num\">03<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"q-open-mark\">\"<\/span>\r\n      <p class=\"q-text\">His keynote didn't just inspire \u2014 it transformed how our entire leadership team thinks about instructional accountability and community trust.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"q-sep\"><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-diamond\"><\/div><div class=\"q-sep-line\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-name\">Marcus T. Coleman<\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"q-role\">Director of Curriculum, Columbus USD<\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 TWO WIDE CARDS \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n  <div class=\"duo\">\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"w-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <div class=\"w-tag\">Superintendent \u00b7 Ohio<\/div>\r\n      <p class=\"w-quote\">\"In my 25 years in public education, I have rarely encountered a leader who so effortlessly bridges the gap between data-driven decisions and genuine human connection. Dr. Barnes is a category of one.\"<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"w-footer\">\r\n        <div class=\"w-mono\">J<\/div>\r\n        <div>\r\n          <div class=\"w-person-name\">Dr. James A. Patterson<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"w-person-role\">Superintendent, Akron City Schools<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"w-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <div class=\"w-tag\">Board Member \u00b7 Education<\/div>\r\n      <p class=\"w-quote\">\"Dr. Barnes has the extraordinary gift of walking into a room of skeptics and leaving with a room of believers. His work in instructional leadership is nothing short of transformational.\"<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"w-footer\">\r\n        <div class=\"w-mono\">L<\/div>\r\n        <div>\r\n          <div class=\"w-person-name\">Linda D. Reeves<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"w-person-role\">Board Chair, Ohio School Boards Association<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 MARQUEE \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n  <div class=\"marquee-wrap\">\r\n    <div class=\"marquee-track\">\r\n      <!-- Repeated twice for seamless loop -->\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Visionary Educational Leadership<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Transformational Superintendent<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Benchmark for Excellence<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Instructional Leadership<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">30+ Years of Service<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Community & Trust<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">A Category of One<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Inspiring Leaders Worldwide<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <!-- duplicate -->\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Visionary Educational Leadership<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Transformational Superintendent<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Benchmark for Excellence<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Instructional Leadership<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">30+ Years of Service<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Community & Trust<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">A Category of One<\/p><\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"marquee-item\"><div class=\"marquee-diamond\"><\/div><p class=\"marquee-text\">Inspiring Leaders Worldwide<\/p><\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2550\u2550 STATS \u2550\u2550 -->\r\n  <!--<div class=\"stats-row\">-->\r\n  <!--  <div class=\"stat-item\">-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-n\">200+<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-l\">Testimonials<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--  <\/div>-->\r\n  <!--  <div class=\"stat-item\">-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-n\">50+<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-l\">School Districts<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--  <\/div>-->\r\n  <!--  <div class=\"stat-item\">-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-n\">30+<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-l\">Years of Leadership<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--  <\/div>-->\r\n  <!--  <div class=\"stat-item\">-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-n\">\u221e<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--    <span class=\"stat-l\">Lives Impacted<\/span>-->\r\n  <!--  <\/div>-->\r\n  <!--<\/div>-->\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c3a7ceb e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c3a7ceb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5dfd12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"e5dfd12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;1,400&family=Jost:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { margin:0; padding:0; box-sizing:border-box; }\r\n\r\n:root {\r\n  --gold:       #C9A84C;\r\n  --gold-bright:#E2C46A;\r\n  --ink:        #080706;\r\n  --ink-1:      #0E0D0A;\r\n  --parchment:  #EDE5D0;\r\n  --stone:      #6A6254;\r\n  --border:     rgba(201,168,76,.18);\r\n}\r\n\r\nbody { background: #080706; }\r\n\r\nbody::after {\r\n  content:''; position:fixed; inset:0; pointer-events:none; z-index:9999;\r\n  background-image:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='g'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix type='saturate' values='0'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23g)' opacity='0.04'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n}\r\n\r\n.gallery-sec {\r\n  max-width: 100%;\r\n  margin: 0 auto;\r\n  padding: 90px 0px 40px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 PROGRESS \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.g-progress {\r\n  width:100%; height:1px; background:rgba(201,168,76,.08);\r\n  margin-bottom:0; position:relative; overflow:hidden;\r\n}\r\n.g-progress-fill {\r\n  height:100%; background:#C9A84C; width:0%;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 SLIDER VIEWPORT \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.g-viewport {\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.g-track {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  \/* NO transition here \u2014 set by JS after first paint *\/\r\n  will-change: transform;\r\n  cursor: grab;\r\n}\r\n.g-track.animate {\r\n  transition: transform .75s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.g-track:active { cursor: grabbing; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 SLIDES \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.g-slide {\r\n  \/* width set by JS *\/\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  height: 420px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.g-slide img {\r\n  width:100%; height:100%;\r\n  object-fit: cover;\r\n  object-position: center top;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  filter: sepia(10%) contrast(1.05) brightness(.88);\r\n  transition: transform 7s ease, filter .55s;\r\n  pointer-events: none;\r\n  user-select: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.g-slide::before {\r\n  content:'';\r\n  position:absolute; inset:0; z-index:1;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(8,7,6,.55) 0%, rgba(8,7,6,.1) 50%, transparent 100%);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.g-slide::after {\r\n  content:'';\r\n  position:absolute; inset:0; z-index:2;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 70% at 50% 60%, rgba(201,168,76,.12), transparent 70%);\r\n  opacity:0;\r\n  transition:opacity .5s;\r\n}\r\n.g-slide:hover::after { opacity:1; }\r\n\r\n.g-slide .sweep {\r\n  position:absolute; top:0; left:0; right:0; height:2px; z-index:3;\r\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #C9A84C, transparent);\r\n  transform:scaleX(0);\r\n  transition:transform .65s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.g-slide:hover .sweep { transform:scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n.g-slide:hover img {\r\n  transform: scale(1.09);\r\n  filter: sepia(3%) contrast(1.08) brightness(.96);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.g-slide + .g-slide {\r\n  border-left: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.12);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 BOTTOM NAV \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.g-bottom {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  gap: 24px;\r\n  margin-top: 28px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* dots *\/\r\n.g-dots { display:flex; align-items:center; gap:10px; }\r\n.dot {\r\n  height:4px; border-radius:2px;\r\n  background:rgba(201,168,76,.2); cursor:pointer;\r\n  transition:background .4s, width .35s;\r\n  width:20px;\r\n}\r\n.dot.active { background:#C9A84C; width:40px; }\r\n\r\n\/* arrow buttons \u2014 pure CSS chevrons, no SVG *\/\r\n.nav-btn {\r\n  width:48px; height:48px;\r\n  border:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.4);\r\n  background:transparent;\r\n  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;\r\n  cursor:pointer;\r\n  transition:background .4s, border-color .4s;\r\n  position:relative;\r\n  flex-shrink:0;\r\n}\r\n.nav-btn:hover { background:#C9A84C; border-color:#C9A84C; }\r\n.nav-btn::before {\r\n  content:'';\r\n  width:10px; height:10px;\r\n  border-top: 2px solid #C9A84C;\r\n  border-right: 2px solid #C9A84C;\r\n  display:block;\r\n  flex-shrink:0;\r\n  transition:border-color .4s;\r\n  position:absolute;\r\n  top:50%; left:50%;\r\n}\r\n.nav-btn:hover::before { border-color:#080706; }\r\n#btn-prev::before { transform:translate(-30%, -50%) rotate(-135deg); }\r\n#btn-next::before { transform:translate(-70%, -50%) rotate(45deg); }\r\n\r\n@keyframes up { from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(26px);} to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0);} }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Tablet landscape (1024px) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width:1024px) {\r\n  .g-slide { height:360px; }\r\n  .gallery-sec { padding:70px 0 36px; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Tablet portrait (900px) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width:900px) {\r\n  .g-slide { height:300px; }\r\n  .gallery-sec { padding:60px 0 32px; }\r\n  .g-bottom { gap:18px; margin-top:24px; }\r\n  .nav-btn { width:42px; height:42px; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Large mobile (640px) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width:640px) {\r\n  .g-slide { height:260px; }\r\n  .gallery-sec { padding:48px 0 40px; }\r\n  .g-bottom { gap:14px; margin-top:20px; }\r\n  .nav-btn { width:25px; height:25px; }\r\n  .dot { width:16px; }\r\n  .dot.active { width:30px; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Small mobile (480px) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width:480px) {\r\n  .g-slide { height:220px; }\r\n  .gallery-sec { padding:40px 0 40px; }\r\n  .g-bottom { gap:2px; margin-top:18px;}\r\n  .nav-btn { width:25px; height:25px; }\r\n  .nav-btn::before { width:8px; height:8px; }\r\n  .dot { width:12px; }\r\n  .dot.active { width:24px; }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Very small mobile (360px) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width:360px) {\r\n  .g-slide { height:190px; }\r\n  .gallery-sec { padding:32px 0 20px; }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"gallery-sec\">\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"g-progress\"><div class=\"g-progress-fill\" id=\"prog\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"g-viewport\" id=\"viewport\">\r\n    <div class=\"g-track\" id=\"track\">\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9718-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes high-five with students\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Dr-Michael-J-Barnes-and-Vickie-Loncar_converted-1.png\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes and Vickie Loncar\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Open-Book-Dialogues.png\" alt=\"Open Book Dialogues\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meeting-Dr.-Barnes-1.png\" alt=\"Meeting Dr. Barnes\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Michael-J-Barnes-speaking-at-WRIE-600x337-1.png\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes speaking at WRIE\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Michael-J-Barnes-talking-with-community-members-3-600x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes talking with community members\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Michael-J-Barnes-talking-with-community-members-2-600x400-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes with community members\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"g-slide\" onmouseenter=\"pause()\" onmouseleave=\"resume()\">\r\n        <div class=\"sweep\"><\/div>\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Michael-Barnes-Speaking-at-Excel-Tecc-e1754826887525-600x340-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Barnes speaking at Excel Tecc\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"g-bottom\">\r\n    <button class=\"nav-btn\" id=\"btn-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\" onclick=\"prev()\"><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"g-dots\"     id=\"dots\"><\/div>\r\n    <button class=\"nav-btn\" id=\"btn-next\" aria-label=\"Next\"     onclick=\"next()\"><\/button>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function() {\r\n  var viewport  = document.getElementById('viewport');\r\n  var track     = document.getElementById('track');\r\n  var dotsWrap  = document.getElementById('dots');\r\n  var prog      = document.getElementById('prog');\r\n  var slides    = Array.from(track.querySelectorAll('.g-slide'));\r\n  var total     = slides.length;\r\n  var cur       = 0;\r\n  var paused    = false;\r\n  var autoTimer = null;\r\n  var progTimer = null;\r\n  var progVal   = 0;\r\n  var INTERVAL  = 3500;\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 how many slides visible \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function visCount() {\r\n    var w = window.innerWidth;\r\n    if (w <= 580) return 1;\r\n    if (w <= 900) return 2;\r\n    return 3;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 set slide widths from viewport \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function setSizes() {\r\n    var vw = viewport.offsetWidth;\r\n    var sw = vw \/ visCount();\r\n    slides.forEach(function(s) {\r\n      s.style.width = sw + 'px';\r\n    });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function maxIdx() { return total - visCount(); }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 move to index \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function goTo(idx) {\r\n    cur = Math.max(0, Math.min(idx, maxIdx()));\r\n    var sw = slides[0].offsetWidth;\r\n    track.classList.add('animate');\r\n    track.style.transform = 'translateX(-' + (cur * sw) + 'px)';\r\n    syncDots();\r\n    resetProg();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function next() { goTo(cur >= maxIdx() ? 0 : cur + 1); }\r\n  function prev() { goTo(cur <= 0 ? maxIdx() : cur - 1); }\r\n\r\n  \/* expose to onclick *\/\r\n  window.next  = next;\r\n  window.prev  = prev;\r\n  window.pause  = function() { paused = true; };\r\n  window.resume = function() { paused = false; startProg(); };\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 dots \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function buildDots() {\r\n    dotsWrap.innerHTML = '';\r\n    var max = maxIdx();\r\n    for (var i = 0; i <= max; i++) {\r\n      (function(i) {\r\n        var d = document.createElement('div');\r\n        d.className = 'dot' + (i === cur ? ' active' : '');\r\n        d.onclick = function() { goTo(i); };\r\n        dotsWrap.appendChild(d);\r\n      })(i);\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function syncDots() {\r\n    var ds = dotsWrap.querySelectorAll('.dot');\r\n    ds.forEach(function(d, i) { d.classList.toggle('active', i === cur); });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 auto play \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  function startAuto() {\r\n    clearInterval(autoTimer);\r\n    autoTimer = setInterval(function() { if (!paused) next(); }, INTERVAL);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 progress bar \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  var STEP = 100 \/ (INTERVAL \/ 80);\r\n\r\n  function resetProg() {\r\n    clearInterval(progTimer);\r\n    progVal = 0;\r\n    prog.style.transition = 'none';\r\n    prog.style.width = '0%';\r\n    if (!paused) startProg();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function startProg() {\r\n    clearInterval(progTimer);\r\n    progTimer = setInterval(function() {\r\n      if (paused) return;\r\n      progVal += STEP;\r\n      prog.style.transition = 'width .08s linear';\r\n      prog.style.width = Math.min(progVal, 100) + '%';\r\n    }, 80);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 drag \/ swipe \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  var dragX = null;\r\n  track.addEventListener('mousedown',  function(e) { dragX = e.clientX; track.classList.remove('animate'); });\r\n  track.addEventListener('mouseup',    function(e) { if (dragX !== null) { e.clientX - dragX < -50 ? next() : e.clientX - dragX > 50 ? prev() : track.classList.add('animate'); dragX = null; } });\r\n  track.addEventListener('mouseleave', function()  { dragX = null; });\r\n  track.addEventListener('touchstart', function(e) { dragX = e.touches[0].clientX; }, { passive: true });\r\n  track.addEventListener('touchend',   function(e) { var dx = e.changedTouches[0].clientX - dragX; dx < -50 ? next() : dx > 50 ? prev() : null; dragX = null; });\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 resize \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  window.addEventListener('resize', function() {\r\n    setSizes();\r\n    buildDots();\r\n    goTo(Math.min(cur, maxIdx()));\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 INIT \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n  setSizes();\r\n  buildDots();\r\n  \/* small delay so transition doesn't fire on first paint *\/\r\n  setTimeout(function() {\r\n    startAuto();\r\n    startProg();\r\n  }, 100);\r\n\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02ffac9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"02ffac9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b3b03e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7b3b03e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5ae379 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b5ae379\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">04<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f68818 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0f68818\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Upcoming Events\n<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b3ed32 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2b3ed32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c60d05 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c60d05\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">MEET THE AUTHOR IN PERSON\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8c315b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f8c315b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a096e8a elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"a096e8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fb604d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5fb604d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcba79e elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"fcba79e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,500;1,600&family=Crimson+Pro:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,500;1,300;1,400&family=Jost:wght@200;300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\r\n\r\n:root {\r\n  --gold:        #C9A84C;\r\n  --gold-dim:    #9B7D32;\r\n  --gold-bright: #E2C46A;\r\n  --gold-foil:   #F0D080;\r\n  --ink:         #080706;\r\n  --ink-1:       #0E0D0A;\r\n  --ink-2:       #141210;\r\n  --ink-3:       #1C1A14;\r\n  --parchment:   #EDE5D0;\r\n  --parchment-d: #B8AE98;\r\n  --stone:       #6A6254;\r\n  --border:      rgba(201,168,76,.18);\r\n  --border-soft: rgba(201,168,76,.08);\r\n}\r\n\r\nbody {\r\n  background: var(--ink);\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  min-height: 100vh;\r\n  overflow-x: hidden;\r\n}\r\n\r\nbody::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: fixed; inset: 0; pointer-events: none; z-index: 9999;\r\n  background-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='g'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix type='saturate' values='0'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23g)' opacity='0.04'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   SECTION\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.ev {\r\n  max-width: 1280px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto;\r\n  padding: 1px 0px 130px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.ev-header {\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n  margin-bottom: 72px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .05s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.overline {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 14px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n}\r\n.overline-rule {\r\n  width: 40px; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold));\r\n}\r\n.overline-rule.flip {\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--gold), transparent);\r\n}\r\n.overline-text {\r\n  font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .32em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-title {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: clamp(44px, 5.5vw, 72px);\r\n  font-weight: 500; line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.015em;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  margin-bottom: 18px;\r\n}\r\n.ev-title em {\r\n  font-style: italic; color: var(--gold-bright); font-weight: 400;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-tagline {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 18px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.75;\r\n  color: var(--stone);\r\n  max-width: 440px; margin: 0 auto;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.ev-grid {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\r\n  gap: 3px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .2s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 BASE CARD \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.ev-card {\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n  transition: border-color .5s, background .5s;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Mouse spotlight *\/\r\n.ev-card::before {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(\r\n    circle 300px at var(--mx, 50%) var(--my, 50%),\r\n    rgba(201,168,76,.07), transparent 65%\r\n  );\r\n  opacity: 0; transition: opacity .5s; z-index: 0;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n.ev-card:hover { border-color: var(--border); background: var(--ink-2); }\r\n\r\n\/* Gold top sweep *\/\r\n.ev-card::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute;\r\n  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--gold), transparent);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transition: transform .65s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n  z-index: 3;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover::after { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 IMAGE AREA \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.ev-card-img {\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  height: 280px;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-card-img img {\r\n  width: 100%; height: 100%;\r\n  object-fit: cover;\r\n  object-position: center top;\r\n  display: block;\r\n  filter: sepia(15%) contrast(1.07) brightness(.85);\r\n  transition: transform 7s ease, filter .5s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-card-img img {\r\n  transform: scale(1.07);\r\n  filter: sepia(8%) contrast(1.1) brightness(.92);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* bottom gradient on image *\/\r\n.ev-card-img::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(to top, var(--ink-1) 0%, rgba(8,7,6,.4) 50%, transparent 100%);\r\n  z-index: 1; pointer-events: none;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Date badge \u2014 sits on image bottom-left *\/\r\n.ev-date-badge {\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  bottom: 20px; left: 24px;\r\n  z-index: 2;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: baseline;\r\n  gap: 6px;\r\n}\r\n.ev-date-badge .day {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 48px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  color: var(--parchment); line-height: 1;\r\n}\r\n.ev-date-badge .month-year {\r\n  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1px;\r\n  padding-bottom: 6px;\r\n}\r\n.ev-date-badge .month {\r\n  font-size: 9px; font-weight: 700;\r\n  letter-spacing: .26em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n.ev-date-badge .year {\r\n  font-size: 15px; font-weight: 300;\r\n  letter-spacing: .12em; color: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Category tag \u2014 top right of image *\/\r\n.ev-cat-tag {\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 20px; right: 20px; z-index: 2;\r\n  padding: 6px 14px;\r\n  background: rgba(8,7,6,.7);\r\n  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.25);\r\n  backdrop-filter: blur(8px);\r\n  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px);\r\n  font-size: 9px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 CARD BODY \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.ev-card-body {\r\n  padding: 28px 32px 32px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  flex: 1;\r\n  position: relative; z-index: 1;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-card-name {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 22px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2;\r\n  color: var(--parchment); margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-card-name { color: var(--gold-bright); }\r\n\r\n\/* Thin gold rule *\/\r\n.ev-card-rule {\r\n  width: 32px; height: 1px;\r\n  background: var(--gold-dim);\r\n  margin-bottom: 16px;\r\n  transition: width .45s, background .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-card-rule { width: 56px; background: var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n.ev-card-desc {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 1.8;\r\n  color: #fff; margin-bottom: 28px; flex: 1;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-card-desc { color: var(--parchment-d); }\r\n\r\n\/* Meta row *\/\r\n.ev-card-meta {\r\n  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 9px;\r\n  padding: 18px 0;\r\n  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n  transition: border-color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-card-meta { border-color: var(--border); }\r\n\r\n.ev-meta-row {\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px;\r\n}\r\n.ev-meta-row svg { opacity: .38; flex-shrink: 0; }\r\n.ev-meta-row span {\r\n  font-size: 12px; font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: var(--stone); transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card:hover .ev-meta-row span { color: var(--parchment-d); }\r\n\r\n\/* Footer *\/\r\n.ev-card-footer {\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-seats {\r\n  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 2px;\r\n}\r\n.ev-seats-num {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 26px; font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--gold); line-height: 1;\r\n}\r\n.ev-seats-label {\r\n  font-size: 15px; font-weight: 400;\r\n  letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-card-btn {\r\n  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 9px;\r\n  padding: 11px 22px;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\r\n  background: transparent; color: var(--gold);\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 9.5px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;\r\n  position: relative; overflow: hidden;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-card-btn::before {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: var(--gold);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: left;\r\n  transition: transform .45s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.ev-card-btn:hover { color: var(--ink); }\r\n.ev-card-btn:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n.ev-card-btn span, .ev-card-btn svg { position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   BOTTOM BAR\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.ev-bottom {\r\n  margin-top: 3px;\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .36s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ev-bot-cell {\r\n  padding: 40px 40px;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  transition: background .4s;\r\n}\r\n.ev-bot-cell:not(:last-child)::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute;\r\n  top: 22%; right: 0; bottom: 22%;\r\n  width: 1px; background: var(--border);\r\n}\r\n.ev-bot-cell:hover { background: var(--ink-2); }\r\n.ev-bot-n {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 48px; font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: var(--gold); line-height: 1;\r\n  display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; letter-spacing: -.02em;\r\n}\r\n.ev-bot-l {\r\n  font-size: 11px; font-weight: 400;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* View All CTA *\/\r\n.ev-viewall {\r\n  margin-top: 56px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  gap: 20px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .46s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n.ev-viewall-line { flex: 1; height: 1px; background: var(--border-soft); max-width: 200px; }\r\n.btn-viewall {\r\n  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px;\r\n  padding: 15px 44px;\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border);\r\n  background: transparent; color: var(--gold);\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;\r\n  position: relative; overflow: hidden;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-viewall::before {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: var(--gold);\r\n  transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: left;\r\n  transition: transform .45s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.btn-viewall:hover { color: var(--ink); }\r\n.btn-viewall:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n.btn-viewall span, .btn-viewall svg { position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   KEYFRAMES\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n@keyframes up {\r\n  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(28px); }\r\n  to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Responsive *\/\r\n@media (max-width: 960px) {\r\n  .ev-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n  .ev-bottom { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display:flex; flex-direction:column; }\r\n  .ev-bot-cell:nth-child(2)::after,\r\n  .ev-bot-cell:nth-child(4)::after { display: none; }\r\n  .ev { padding: 64px 7px 90px; }\r\n  \r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"ev\">\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"ev-grid\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- Card 1 -->\r\n    <div class=\"ev-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-img\">\r\n        <!-- Replace src with actual event image -->\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Book-Launch.png\">\r\n        <div class=\"ev-date-badge\">\r\n          <span class=\"day\">18<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"month-year\">\r\n            <span class=\"month\">Apr<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"year\">2026<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-cat-tag\">Book Launch<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-body\">\r\n        <h3 class=\"ev-card-name\">Ohio Book Launch<\/h3>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-rule\"><\/div>\r\n        <p class=\"ev-card-desc\">Pre-order Dr. Michael J. Barnes' second book, <em>Winning: Lessons on Life, Learning and Leadership<\/em>, and celebrate at this exclusive launch ceremony.<\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-footer\">\r\n          <div class=\"ev-seats\">\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-num\">42<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-label\">Seats Left<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"ev-card-btn\">\r\n            <span>Reserve<\/span>\r\n            <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.6\"><path d=\"M3 13L13 3M13 3H6M13 3v7\"\/><\/svg>\r\n          <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Card 2 -->\r\n    <div class=\"ev-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-img\">\r\n        <!-- Replace src with actual event image -->\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meeting-Dr.-Barnes.png\" alt=\"Meet and Greet\">\r\n        <div class=\"ev-date-badge\">\r\n          <span class=\"day\">07<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"month-year\">\r\n            <span class=\"month\">May<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"year\">2026<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-cat-tag\">Speaking<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-body\">\r\n        <h3 class=\"ev-card-name\">Meet &amp; Greet With Michael<\/h3>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-rule\"><\/div>\r\n        <p class=\"ev-card-desc\">Find out where Michael's next speaking event will be. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing in this exceptional experience.<\/p>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-footer\">\r\n          <div class=\"ev-seats\">\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-num\">18<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-label\">Seats Left<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"ev-card-btn\">\r\n            <span>Reserve<\/span>\r\n            <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.6\"><path d=\"M3 13L13 3M13 3H6M13 3v7\"\/><\/svg>\r\n          <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- Card 3 -->\r\n    <div class=\"ev-card\"\r\n         onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-img\">\r\n        <!-- Replace src with actual event image -->\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Open-Book-Dialogues.png\" alt=\"Open Book Dialogues\">\r\n        <div class=\"ev-date-badge\">\r\n          <span class=\"day\">14<\/span>\r\n          <div class=\"month-year\">\r\n            <span class=\"month\">Jun<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"year\">2026<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-cat-tag\">Dialogue<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"ev-card-body\">\r\n        <h3 class=\"ev-card-name\">Open Book: Dialogues<\/h3>\r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-rule\"><\/div>\r\n        <p class=\"ev-card-desc\">Have a candid discussion with Dr. Michael J. Barnes about his books and thoughts on education, winning in life, and transformational leadership.<\/p>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"ev-card-footer\">\r\n          <div class=\"ev-seats\">\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-num\">75<\/span>\r\n            <span class=\"ev-seats-label\">Seats Left<\/span>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <a href=\"#\" class=\"ev-card-btn\">\r\n            <span>Reserve<\/span>\r\n            <svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.6\"><path d=\"M3 13L13 3M13 3H6M13 3v7\"\/><\/svg>\r\n          <\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/ev-grid -->\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 STATS BAR \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n  <div class=\"ev-bottom\">\r\n    <div class=\"ev-bot-cell\">\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-n\">3<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-l\">Upcoming Events<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"ev-bot-cell\">\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-n\">3<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-l\">Cities Nationwide<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"ev-bot-cell\">\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-n\">135<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-l\">Total Seats Available<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"ev-bot-cell\">\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-n\">30+<\/span>\r\n      <span class=\"ev-bot-l\">Years of Leadership<\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- \u2500\u2500 VIEW ALL \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n  <div class=\"ev-viewall\">\r\n    <div class=\"ev-viewall-line\"><\/div>\r\n    <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-viewall\">\r\n      <span>View All Events<\/span>\r\n      <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><path d=\"M2 8h12M9 4l4 4-4 4\"\/><\/svg>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"ev-viewall-line\"><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5c09a8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a5c09a8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a3dd8c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0a3dd8c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e5aa04 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8e5aa04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">05<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e9baf7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3e9baf7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Articles<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7a9d4c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d7a9d4c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eefee60 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eefee60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">LATEST ENTRIES<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a8d0c4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1a8d0c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6432672 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6432672\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5875913 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5875913\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e67dc41 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"e67dc41\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,500;1,600&family=Crimson+Pro:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,500;1,300;1,400&family=Jost:wght@200;300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\r\n\r\n:root {\r\n  --gold:        #C9A84C;\r\n  --gold-dim:    #9B7D32;\r\n  --gold-bright: #E2C46A;\r\n  --gold-foil:   #F0D080;\r\n  --ink:         #080706;\r\n  --ink-1:       #0E0D0A;\r\n  --ink-2:       #141210;\r\n  --ink-3:       #1C1A14;\r\n  --parchment:   #EDE5D0;\r\n  --parchment-d: #B8AE98;\r\n  --stone:       #6A6254;\r\n  --border:      rgba(201,168,76,.18);\r\n  --border-soft: rgba(201,168,76,.07);\r\n}\r\n\r\nbody {\r\n  background: var(--ink);\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  color: var(--parchment);\r\n  min-height: 100vh;\r\n  overflow-x: hidden;\r\n}\r\nbody::after {\r\n  content:''; position:fixed; inset:0; pointer-events:none; z-index:9999;\r\n  background-image:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='g'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix type='saturate' values='0'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23g)' opacity='0.04'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   WRAPPER\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.sec { max-width: 1280px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 10px 0px 130px; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   HEADER\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.sec-head {\r\n  display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: space-between;\r\n  margin-bottom: 56px; padding-bottom: 40px;\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\r\n  opacity: 0; animation: up .9s .05s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n.head-left {}\r\n.overline { display:flex; align-items:center; gap:14px; margin-bottom:18px; }\r\n.overline-rule { width:36px; height:1px; background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--gold),transparent); }\r\n.overline-text { font-size:10px; font-weight:600; letter-spacing:.32em; text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--gold); }\r\n.sec-title {\r\n  font-family:'Playfair Display',serif;\r\n  font-size:clamp(40px,5vw,66px); font-weight:500; line-height:1; letter-spacing:-.015em; color:var(--parchment);\r\n}\r\n.sec-title em { font-style:italic; color:var(--gold-bright); font-weight:400; }\r\n\r\n\/* slider controls top-right *\/\r\n.head-right { display:flex; align-items:center; gap:16px; padding-bottom:6px; }\r\n\r\n.slider-nav {\r\n  display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px;\r\n}\r\n.nav-btn {\r\n  width:48px; height:48px; border:1px solid var(--border);\r\n  background:transparent; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;\r\n  cursor:pointer; transition:background .4s, border-color .4s;\r\n  flex-shrink:0;\r\n}\r\n.nav-btn svg {\r\n  display:block;\r\n  fill:none;\r\n  stroke:#C9A84C;\r\n  stroke-width:2;\r\n  stroke-linecap:round;\r\n  stroke-linejoin:round;\r\n  transition:stroke .4s;\r\n  pointer-events:none;\r\n}\r\n.nav-btn:hover { background:#C9A84C; border-color:#C9A84C; }\r\n.nav-btn:hover svg { stroke:#080706; }\r\n\r\n.btn-all {\r\n  display:inline-flex; align-items:center; gap:11px;\r\n  padding:13px 28px; border:1px solid var(--border);\r\n  background:transparent; color:var(--gold);\r\n  font-family:'Jost',sans-serif; font-size:10px; font-weight:600;\r\n  letter-spacing:.22em; text-transform:uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration:none; cursor:pointer;\r\n  position:relative; overflow:hidden; transition:color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-all::before { content:''; position:absolute; inset:0; background:var(--gold); transform:scaleX(0); transform-origin:left; transition:transform .45s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1); }\r\n.btn-all:hover { color:var(--ink); }\r\n.btn-all:hover::before { transform:scaleX(1); }\r\n.btn-all span, .btn-all svg { position:relative; z-index:1; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   PROGRESS BAR\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.progress-bar {\r\n  width:100%; height:1px;\r\n  background:var(--border-soft);\r\n  margin-bottom:3px; position:relative; overflow:hidden;\r\n}\r\n.progress-fill {\r\n  height:100%; background:var(--gold);\r\n  width:0%; transition:width .1s linear;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   SLIDER VIEWPORT\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.slider-outer {\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  opacity:0; animation:up .9s .2s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.slider-track {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  transition: transform .7s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n  will-change: transform;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   SLIDE \u2014 shows 3 at a time\r\n   each slide = 1\/3 of track width\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.slide {\r\n  flex: 0 0 calc(33.333% - 2px);\r\n  margin-right: 3px;\r\n  background: var(--ink-1);\r\n  border: 1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  display: flex; flex-direction: column;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  cursor: default;\r\n  transition: border-color .5s, background .5s;\r\n}\r\n.slide::before {\r\n  content:''; position:absolute; inset:0; pointer-events:none; z-index:0;\r\n  background:radial-gradient(circle 280px at var(--mx,50%) var(--my,50%), rgba(201,168,76,.07), transparent 65%);\r\n  opacity:0; transition:opacity .5s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover::before { opacity:1; }\r\n.slide:hover { border-color:var(--border); background:var(--ink-2); }\r\n\/* gold top sweep *\/\r\n.slide::after {\r\n  content:''; position:absolute; top:0; left:0; right:0; height:1px; z-index:3;\r\n  background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,var(--gold),transparent);\r\n  transform:scaleX(0); transition:transform .65s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover::after { transform:scaleX(1); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 image \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.sl-img {\r\n  height: 240px; overflow:hidden; position:relative; flex-shrink:0;\r\n}\r\n.sl-img img {\r\n  width:100%; height:100%; object-fit:cover; object-position:center top;\r\n  display:block; filter:sepia(15%) contrast(1.06) brightness(.82);\r\n  transition:transform 7s ease, filter .5s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-img img { transform:scale(1.07); filter:sepia(6%) contrast(1.09) brightness(.9); }\r\n.sl-img::after {\r\n  content:''; position:absolute; inset:0;\r\n  background:linear-gradient(to top, var(--ink-1) 0%, rgba(8,7,6,.15) 55%, transparent 100%);\r\n  z-index:1;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* category chip on image *\/\r\n.sl-chip {\r\n  position:absolute; top:18px; left:18px; z-index:2;\r\n  padding:5px 12px;\r\n  background:rgba(8,7,6,.72); border:1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.25);\r\n  backdrop-filter:blur(8px); -webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);\r\n  font-size:9px; font-weight:600; letter-spacing:.2em;\r\n  text-transform:uppercase; color:var(--gold);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* read time badge *\/\r\n.sl-time {\r\n  position:absolute; bottom:16px; right:16px; z-index:2;\r\n  padding:4px 10px; background:rgba(8,7,6,.6);\r\n  font-size:9px; font-weight:400; letter-spacing:.14em; color:var(--stone);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 body \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.sl-body {\r\n  padding:28px 32px 0;\r\n  display:flex; flex-direction:column;\r\n  position:relative; z-index:1; flex:1;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sl-issue {\r\n  font-family:'Playfair Display',serif; font-size:64px; font-weight:600;\r\n  color:rgba(201,168,76,.07); line-height:.85; margin-bottom:-8px;\r\n  margin-left:-3px; user-select:none; pointer-events:none;\r\n  transition:color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-issue { color:rgba(201,168,76,.14); }\r\n\r\n.sl-title {\r\n  font-family:'Playfair Display',serif;\r\n  font-size:19px; font-weight:500; line-height:1.25;\r\n  color:var(--parchment); margin-bottom:8px; transition:color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-title { color:var(--gold-bright); }\r\n\r\n.sl-rule { width:28px; height:1px; background:var(--gold-dim); margin-bottom:14px; transition:width .45s, background .4s; }\r\n.slide:hover .sl-rule { width:48px; background:var(--gold); }\r\n\r\n.sl-excerpt {\r\n  font-family:'Crimson Pro',serif; font-size:15.5px; font-weight:300; line-height:1.8;\r\n  color:#fff; transition:color .4s;\r\n  display:-webkit-box; -webkit-line-clamp:3; -webkit-box-orient:vertical;\r\n  overflow:hidden;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-excerpt { color:var(--parchment-d); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 expanded content \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.sl-expanded {\r\n  max-height:0; overflow:hidden; opacity:0;\r\n  transition:max-height .55s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1), opacity .35s;\r\n}\r\n.sl-expanded.open { max-height:300px; opacity:1; }\r\n.sl-expanded-inner {\r\n  font-family:'Crimson Pro',serif; font-size:15.5px; font-weight:300; line-height:1.8;\r\n  color:var(--stone); padding-top:14px; transition:color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-expanded-inner { color:var(--parchment-d); }\r\n.sl-expanded-inner p + p { margin-top:10px; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 footer \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.sl-foot {\r\n  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:space-between;\r\n  padding:20px 0 28px;\r\n  margin-top:20px;\r\n  border-top:1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  transition:border-color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.slide:hover .sl-foot { border-color:var(--border); }\r\n.sl-meta { display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:2px; }\r\n.sl-author { font-size:11.5px; font-weight:500; color:#F4B429; }\r\n.sl-date { font-size:14px; font-weight:300; color:#fff; }\r\n\r\n.sl-expand-btn {\r\n  display:inline-flex; align-items:center; gap:7px;\r\n  padding:9px 18px; border:1px solid var(--border-soft);\r\n  background:transparent; color:var(--gold);\r\n  font-family:'Jost',sans-serif; font-size:9px; font-weight:600;\r\n  letter-spacing:.16em; text-transform:uppercase; cursor:pointer;\r\n  position:relative; overflow:hidden; transition:color .4s; flex-shrink:0;\r\n}\r\n.sl-expand-btn::before { content:''; position:absolute; inset:0; background:var(--gold); transform:scaleX(0); transform-origin:left; transition:transform .45s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1); }\r\n.sl-expand-btn:hover { color:var(--ink); }\r\n.sl-expand-btn:hover::before { transform:scaleX(1); }\r\n.sl-expand-btn span, .sl-expand-btn .btn-icon { position:relative; z-index:1; }\r\n.sl-expand-btn .btn-icon { display:flex; align-items:center; transition:transform .4s; }\r\n.sl-expand-btn.open .btn-icon { transform:rotate(180deg); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   DOTS\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.slider-dots {\r\n  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;\r\n  gap:10px; margin-top:36px;\r\n  opacity:0; animation:up .9s .35s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n.dot-item {\r\n  width:6px; height:6px; border-radius:50%;\r\n  background:var(--border); cursor:pointer;\r\n  transition:background .4s, transform .4s, width .35s;\r\n  border-radius:4px;\r\n}\r\n.dot-item.active {\r\n  background:var(--gold); width:24px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   KEYFRAMES\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n@keyframes up {\r\n  from { opacity:0; transform:translateY(28px); }\r\n  to   { opacity:1; transform:translateY(0); }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Responsive \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n  .slide { flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 2px); }\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 640px) {\r\n  .slide { flex: 0 0 calc(100% - 3px); }\r\n  .sec { padding: 20px 7px 90px; }\r\n  .sec-head { flex-direction:column; align-items:flex-start; gap:20px; }\r\n  .head-right { width:100%; justify-content:space-between; }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<section class=\"sec\">\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  <!-- PROGRESS -->\r\n  <div class=\"progress-bar\"><div class=\"progress-fill\" id=\"progress\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- SLIDER -->\r\n  <div class=\"slider-outer\" id=\"slider-outer\">\r\n    <div class=\"slider-track\" id=\"track\">\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2500\u2500 SLIDE 1 \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n      <div class=\"slide\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseSlider()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeSlider()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"sl-img\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Dr-Michael-J-Barnes-and-Vickie-Loncar_converted.png\">\r\n          <div class=\"sl-chip\">Education<\/div>\r\n          <span class=\"sl-time\">6 min read<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"sl-body\">\r\n          <span class=\"sl-issue\">01<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"sl-title\">Shaping Students Holistically Through The Wildcat Portrait<\/h3>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-rule\"><\/div>\r\n          <p class=\"sl-excerpt\">December 2024 \u2014 Dr. Michael J. Barnes and Vickie Loncar explore a transformative framework for understanding the whole student \u2014 academic, social, emotional, and beyond.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-expanded\" id=\"sl-exp-1\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-expanded-inner\">\r\n              <p>The Wildcat Portrait is more than a report card \u2014 it is a holistic lens through which educators can understand every dimension of a student's growth. By tracking character, resilience, and community engagement, Dr. Barnes presents a replicable model for district-wide transformation.<\/p>\r\n              <p>The framework draws from decades of research across Mayfield City School District, offering actionable strategies for superintendents, principals, and classroom teachers alike.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-foot\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-meta\">\r\n              <span class=\"sl-author\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"sl-date\">June 30th, 2025 \u00b7 0 Comments<\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <button class=\"sl-expand-btn\" id=\"sl-btn-1\" onclick=\"toggleSlide('sl-exp-1','sl-btn-1','sl-lbl-1')\">\r\n              <span id=\"sl-lbl-1\">Read More<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"btn-icon\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\r\n            <\/button>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2500\u2500 SLIDE 2 \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n      <div class=\"slide\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseSlider()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeSlider()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"sl-img\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BASA-Logo-400x367-1_converted.png\">\r\n          <div class=\"sl-chip\">Association<\/div>\r\n          <span class=\"sl-time\">4 min read<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"sl-body\">\r\n          <span class=\"sl-issue\">02<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"sl-title\">Farewell Message From The BASA President 2025<\/h3>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-rule\"><\/div>\r\n          <p class=\"sl-excerpt\">A heartfelt farewell from the outgoing BASA President, reflecting on a year of progress, collaboration, and commitment to Ohio's educational leadership community.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-expanded\" id=\"sl-exp-2\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-expanded-inner\">\r\n              <p>Dr. Barnes acknowledges the remarkable work of superintendents across Ohio and sets a hopeful tone for the leadership transition ahead. This message captures the spirit of service and the enduring mission of BASA \u2014 advancing excellence for every Ohio student.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-foot\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-meta\">\r\n              <span class=\"sl-author\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"sl-date\">June 30th, 2025 \u00b7 0 Comments<\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <button class=\"sl-expand-btn\" id=\"sl-btn-2\" onclick=\"toggleSlide('sl-exp-2','sl-btn-2','sl-lbl-2')\">\r\n              <span id=\"sl-lbl-2\">Read More<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"btn-icon\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\r\n            <\/button>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2500\u2500 SLIDE 3 \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n      <div class=\"slide\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseSlider()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeSlider()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"sl-img\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BASA-Logo-400x367-1_converted.png\" alt=\"BASA Letter\">\r\n          <div class=\"sl-chip\">Letter<\/div>\r\n          <span class=\"sl-time\">3 min read<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"sl-body\">\r\n          <span class=\"sl-issue\">03<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"sl-title\">BASA Letter From Dr. Barnes<\/h3>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-rule\"><\/div>\r\n          <p class=\"sl-excerpt\">An open letter to fellow superintendents across Ohio addressing the evolving landscape of public education and the imperative for bold, student-centered leadership.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-expanded\" id=\"sl-exp-3\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-expanded-inner\">\r\n              <p>Dr. Barnes urges colleagues to embrace innovation, resist complacency, and remember that their decisions ripple through generations of students and families. True leadership demands courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to student success.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-foot\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-meta\">\r\n              <span class=\"sl-author\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"sl-date\">June 30th, 2025 \u00b7 0 Comments<\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <button class=\"sl-expand-btn\" id=\"sl-btn-3\" onclick=\"toggleSlide('sl-exp-3','sl-btn-3','sl-lbl-3')\">\r\n              <span id=\"sl-lbl-3\">Read More<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"btn-icon\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\r\n            <\/button>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2500\u2500 SLIDE 4 \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n      <div class=\"slide\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseSlider()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeSlider()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"sl-img\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/500x240\/0a0906\/9b7d32?text=Visionary+Leadership\" alt=\"Leadership\">\r\n          <div class=\"sl-chip\">Opinion<\/div>\r\n          <span class=\"sl-time\">5 min read<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"sl-body\">\r\n          <span class=\"sl-issue\">04<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"sl-title\">Leading With Vision in a Fractured Educational Landscape<\/h3>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-rule\"><\/div>\r\n          <p class=\"sl-excerpt\">In an era of political division and declining trust, Dr. Barnes argues that visionary leadership is the foundational obligation of every superintendent in America today.<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-expanded\" id=\"sl-exp-4\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-expanded-inner\">\r\n              <p>Drawing on case studies from his tenure at Mayfield City School District, this piece offers a practical framework for leading with clarity, courage, and conviction even when the path forward is uncertain. Bold leadership is not a luxury \u2014 it is a necessity.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-foot\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-meta\">\r\n              <span class=\"sl-author\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"sl-date\">May 12th, 2025 \u00b7 0 Comments<\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <button class=\"sl-expand-btn\" id=\"sl-btn-4\" onclick=\"toggleSlide('sl-exp-4','sl-btn-4','sl-lbl-4')\">\r\n              <span id=\"sl-lbl-4\">Read More<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"btn-icon\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\r\n            <\/button>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <!-- \u2500\u2500 SLIDE 5 \u2500\u2500 -->\r\n      <div class=\"slide\"\r\n           onmouseenter=\"pauseSlider()\" onmouseleave=\"resumeSlider()\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"sl-img\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/500x240\/0a0906\/9b7d32?text=Urban+Schools\" alt=\"Urban Schools\">\r\n          <div class=\"sl-chip\">Innovation<\/div>\r\n          <span class=\"sl-time\">7 min read<\/span>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"sl-body\">\r\n          <span class=\"sl-issue\">05<\/span>\r\n          <h3 class=\"sl-title\">The Future of Instructional Leadership in Urban Schools<\/h3>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-rule\"><\/div>\r\n          <p class=\"sl-excerpt\">Urban districts face a convergence of challenges \u2014 resource constraints, demographic shifts, and rapid technological change. What must leadership look like in the next decade?<\/p>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-expanded\" id=\"sl-exp-5\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-expanded-inner\">\r\n              <p>Dr. Barnes calls for a new breed of superintendent \u2014 fluent in data, grounded in relationships, and relentlessly focused on what happens in every classroom, every day. The article offers a compelling vision for equitable, excellent urban education.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"sl-foot\">\r\n            <div class=\"sl-meta\">\r\n              <span class=\"sl-author\">Dr. Michael J. Barnes<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"sl-date\">March 5th, 2025 \u00b7 0 Comments<\/span>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <button class=\"sl-expand-btn\" id=\"sl-btn-5\" onclick=\"toggleSlide('sl-exp-5','sl-btn-5','sl-lbl-5')\">\r\n              <span id=\"sl-lbl-5\">Read More<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"btn-icon\"><svg width=\"11\" height=\"11\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\"><path d=\"M3 6l5 5 5-5\"\/><\/svg><\/span>\r\n            <\/button>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <\/div><!-- \/track -->\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/slider-outer -->\r\n\r\n  <!-- DOTS -->\r\n  <div class=\"slider-dots\" id=\"dots\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n  const track     = document.getElementById('track');\r\n  const dotsWrap  = document.getElementById('dots');\r\n  const progress  = document.getElementById('progress');\r\n  const outer     = document.getElementById('slider-outer');\r\n\r\n  let current   = 0;\r\n  let paused    = false;\r\n  let timer     = null;\r\n  let progTimer = null;\r\n  let progVal   = 0;\r\n\r\n  const INTERVAL = 4000; \/\/ ms between slides\r\n  const PROG_STEP = 100 \/ (INTERVAL \/ 100);\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 figure out visible slides by viewport \u2500\u2500\r\n  function visibleCount() {\r\n    if (window.innerWidth <= 640)  return 1;\r\n    if (window.innerWidth <= 1024) return 2;\r\n    return 3;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  const slides     = Array.from(track.querySelectorAll('.slide'));\r\n  const totalSlides = slides.length;\r\n\r\n  function maxIndex() { return totalSlides - visibleCount(); }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 build dots \u2500\u2500\r\n  function buildDots() {\r\n    dotsWrap.innerHTML = '';\r\n    for (let i = 0; i <= maxIndex(); i++) {\r\n      const d = document.createElement('div');\r\n      d.className = 'dot-item' + (i === current ? ' active' : '');\r\n      d.onclick = () => goTo(i);\r\n      dotsWrap.appendChild(d);\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function updateDots() {\r\n    dotsWrap.querySelectorAll('.dot-item').forEach((d, i) => {\r\n      d.classList.toggle('active', i === current);\r\n    });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 slide width calculation \u2500\u2500\r\n  function slideWidth() {\r\n    return slides[0].offsetWidth + 3; \/\/ +gap\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function goTo(idx) {\r\n    current = Math.max(0, Math.min(idx, maxIndex()));\r\n    track.style.transform = `translateX(-${current * slideWidth()}px)`;\r\n    updateDots();\r\n    resetProgress();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function nextSlide() { goTo(current >= maxIndex() ? 0 : current + 1); }\r\n  function prevSlide() { goTo(current <= 0 ? maxIndex() : current - 1); }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 auto-play \u2500\u2500\r\n  function startTimer() {\r\n    clearInterval(timer);\r\n    timer = setInterval(() => { if (!paused) nextSlide(); }, INTERVAL);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 progress bar \u2500\u2500\r\n  function resetProgress() {\r\n    clearInterval(progTimer);\r\n    progVal = 0;\r\n    progress.style.transition = 'none';\r\n    progress.style.width = '0%';\r\n    if (!paused) startProgress();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function startProgress() {\r\n    clearInterval(progTimer);\r\n    progTimer = setInterval(() => {\r\n      if (paused) return;\r\n      progVal += PROG_STEP;\r\n      progress.style.transition = 'width .1s linear';\r\n      progress.style.width = Math.min(progVal, 100) + '%';\r\n    }, 100);\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  function pauseSlider() {\r\n    paused = true;\r\n    progress.style.transition = 'width .3s ease';\r\n  }\r\n  function resumeSlider() {\r\n    paused = false;\r\n    startProgress();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 expand \/ collapse \u2500\u2500\r\n  function toggleSlide(expId, btnId, lblId) {\r\n    const exp = document.getElementById(expId);\r\n    const btn = document.getElementById(btnId);\r\n    const lbl = document.getElementById(lblId);\r\n    const isOpen = exp.classList.contains('open');\r\n    exp.classList.toggle('open');\r\n    btn.classList.toggle('open');\r\n    lbl.textContent = isOpen ? 'Read More' : 'Read Less';\r\n    \/\/ pause while reading\r\n    if (!isOpen) pauseSlider(); else resumeSlider();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 nav button hover stroke swap \u2500\u2500\r\n  document.querySelectorAll('.nav-btn').forEach(btn => {\r\n    btn.addEventListener('mouseenter', () => {\r\n      btn.querySelectorAll('polyline, path').forEach(el => el.setAttribute('stroke','#080706'));\r\n    });\r\n    btn.addEventListener('mouseleave', () => {\r\n      btn.querySelectorAll('polyline, path').forEach(el => el.setAttribute('stroke','#C9A84C'));\r\n    });\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  \/\/ \u2500\u2500 init \u2500\u2500\r\n  function init() {\r\n    buildDots();\r\n    startTimer();\r\n    startProgress();\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('resize', () => {\r\n    buildDots();\r\n    goTo(Math.min(current, maxIndex()));\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  init();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3211739 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3211739\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f9b12f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"f9b12f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:ital,wght@0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,500;1,600&family=Crimson+Pro:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,500;1,300;1,400&family=Jost:wght@200;300;400;500;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\r\n<style>\r\n*, *::before, *::after { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\r\n\r\nbody {\r\n  background: #080706;\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  color: #EDE5D0;\r\n  overflow-x: hidden;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* grain *\/\r\nbody::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: fixed; inset: 0; pointer-events: none; z-index: 9999;\r\n  background-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='300' height='300'%3E%3Cfilter id='g'%3E%3CfeTurbulence type='fractalNoise' baseFrequency='0.85' numOctaves='4' stitchTiles='stitch'\/%3E%3CfeColorMatrix type='saturate' values='0'\/%3E%3C\/filter%3E%3Crect width='300' height='300' filter='url(%23g)' opacity='0.04'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\");\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   CTA SECTION\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.cta-section {\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  background: #0E0D0A;\r\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.15);\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.15);\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 background: diagonal gold lines \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.cta-section::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background-image:\r\n    repeating-linear-gradient(\r\n      -55deg,\r\n      transparent,\r\n      transparent 60px,\r\n      rgba(201,168,76,.028) 60px,\r\n      rgba(201,168,76,.028) 61px\r\n    );\r\n  pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 large ambient glow center \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.cta-section::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  top: 50%; left: 50%;\r\n  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);\r\n  width: 900px; height: 500px;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, rgba(201,168,76,.07) 0%, transparent 65%);\r\n  pointer-events: none; z-index: 0;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 inner \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.cta-inner {\r\n  max-width: 1280px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto;\r\n  padding: 100px 60px;\r\n  position: relative; z-index: 1;\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\r\n  gap: 80px;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   LEFT \u2014 TEXT\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.cta-left {}\r\n\r\n.cta-overline {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 14px;\r\n  margin-bottom: 24px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .05s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n.cta-overline-rule {\r\n  width: 36px; height: 1px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #C9A84C, transparent);\r\n}\r\n.cta-overline-text {\r\n  font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .32em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: #C9A84C;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.cta-heading {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: clamp(40px, 5vw, 64px);\r\n  font-weight: 500;\r\n  line-height: 1.05;\r\n  letter-spacing: -.015em;\r\n  color: #EDE5D0;\r\n  margin-bottom: 28px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .12s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n.cta-heading em {\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n  color: #E2C46A;\r\n  font-weight: 400;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.cta-body {\r\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif;\r\n  font-size: 19px;\r\n  font-weight: 300;\r\n  line-height: 1.85;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n  margin-bottom: 48px;\r\n  max-width: 480px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .2s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 button group \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n.cta-btns {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 20px;\r\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .28s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Primary gold button *\/\r\n.btn-primary {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 12px;\r\n  padding: 17px 44px;\r\n  background: #C9A84C;\r\n  color: #ffffff;\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10.5px;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration: none;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n  border: 1px solid #C9A84C;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  transition: color .45s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-primary::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: #E2C46A;\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transform-origin: right;\r\n  transition: transform .48s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.btn-primary:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n.btn-primary span { position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n.btn-primary .btn-arrow {\r\n  position: relative; z-index: 1;\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center;\r\n  transition: transform .35s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-primary:hover .btn-arrow { transform: translateX(5px); }\r\n\r\n\/* Ghost \/ outline button *\/\r\n.btn-ghost {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 12px;\r\n  padding: 17px 44px;\r\n  background: transparent;\r\n  color: #C9A84C;\r\n  font-family: 'Jost', sans-serif;\r\n  font-size: 10.5px;\r\n  font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  text-decoration: none;\r\n  cursor: pointer;\r\n  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.3);\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  transition: color .45s, border-color .45s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-ghost::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0;\r\n  background: #C9A84C;\r\n  transform: scaleX(0);\r\n  transform-origin: left;\r\n  transition: transform .48s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.btn-ghost:hover { color: #ffffff; border-color: #C9A84C; }\r\n.btn-ghost:hover::before { transform: scaleX(1); }\r\n.btn-ghost span { position: relative; z-index: 1; }\r\n.btn-ghost .btn-arrow {\r\n  position: relative; z-index: 1;\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center;\r\n  transition: transform .35s;\r\n}\r\n.btn-ghost:hover .btn-arrow { transform: translateX(5px); }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   RIGHT \u2014 CARDS STACK\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.cta-right {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-direction: column;\r\n  gap: 3px;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .18s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.cta-card {\r\n  background: #141210;\r\n  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.08);\r\n  padding: 28px 36px;\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  gap: 28px;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  overflow: hidden;\r\n  cursor: default;\r\n  transition: border-color .5s, background .5s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card::before {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;\r\n  background: radial-gradient(circle 220px at var(--mx,50%) var(--my,50%), rgba(201,168,76,.065), transparent 65%);\r\n  opacity: 0; transition: opacity .5s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover::before { opacity: 1; }\r\n.cta-card:hover { border-color: rgba(201,168,76,.2); background: #1a1810; }\r\n\/* left gold bar *\/\r\n.cta-card::after {\r\n  content: '';\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  left: 0; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 2px;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(180deg, transparent, #C9A84C, transparent);\r\n  transform: scaleY(0);\r\n  transition: transform .55s cubic-bezier(.77,0,.18,1);\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover::after { transform: scaleY(1); }\r\n\r\n\/* icon box *\/\r\n.card-icon {\r\n  width: 52px; height: 52px;\r\n  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.2);\r\n  background: rgba(201,168,76,.05);\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  transition: background .4s, border-color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover .card-icon {\r\n  background: rgba(201,168,76,.12);\r\n  border-color: rgba(201,168,76,.4);\r\n}\r\n.card-icon svg { transition: stroke .4s; }\r\n\r\n.card-text { flex: 1; }\r\n.card-title {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: #EDE5D0; margin-bottom: 5px;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover .card-title { color: #E2C46A; }\r\n.card-desc {\r\n  font-size: 14px; font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: #fff; line-height: 1.6;\r\n  transition: color .4s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover .card-desc { color: #9a9080; }\r\n\r\n.card-arrow {\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  width: 36px; height: 36px;\r\n  border: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.15);\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\r\n  transition: background .4s, border-color .4s, transform .4s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover .card-arrow {\r\n  background: #C9A84C;\r\n  border-color: #C9A84C;\r\n  transform: rotate(45deg);\r\n}\r\n.card-arrow polyline {\r\n  stroke: #C9A84C;\r\n  fill: none; stroke-width: 1.8;\r\n  stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round;\r\n  transition: stroke .4s;\r\n}\r\n.cta-card:hover .card-arrow polyline { stroke: #ffffff; }\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   DIVIDER STRIP\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n.cta-divider {\r\n  display: grid;\r\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);\r\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.12);\r\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(201,168,76,.12);\r\n  background: #0a0908;\r\n  opacity: 0;\r\n  animation: up .9s .36s cubic-bezier(.22,1,.36,1) forwards;\r\n  position: relative; z-index: 1;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.div-cell {\r\n  padding: 32px 40px;\r\n  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 16px;\r\n  position: relative;\r\n  transition: background .4s;\r\n}\r\n.div-cell:not(:last-child)::after {\r\n  content: ''; position: absolute;\r\n  top: 20%; right: 0; bottom: 20%;\r\n  width: 1px; background: rgba(201,168,76,.12);\r\n}\r\n.div-cell:hover { background: #0e0d0a; }\r\n\r\n.div-num {\r\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;\r\n  font-size: 40px; font-weight: 500;\r\n  color: #C9A84C; line-height: 1;\r\n  letter-spacing: -.02em; flex-shrink: 0;\r\n}\r\n.div-info {}\r\n.div-label {\r\n  font-size: 10px; font-weight: 600;\r\n  letter-spacing: .2em; text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  color: #EDE5D0; display: block; margin-bottom: 3px;\r\n}\r\n.div-sublabel {\r\n  font-size: 17px; font-weight: 300;\r\n  color: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n   KEYFRAMES\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\r\n@keyframes up {\r\n  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(28px); }\r\n  to   { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Responsive *\/\r\n@media (max-width: 960px) {\r\n  .cta-inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; }\r\n  .cta-divider { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n  .div-cell:not(:last-child)::after { display: none; }\r\n  .cta-inner { padding: 72px 32px; }\r\n}\r\n@media (max-width: 560px) {\r\n  .cta-btns { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }\r\n  .btn-primary, .btn-ghost { width: 100%; justify-content: center; }\r\n  .cta-inner { padding: 56px 24px; }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     CTA SECTION\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<section class=\"cta-section\">\r\n  <div class=\"cta-inner\">\r\n\r\n    <!-- LEFT -->\r\n    <div class=\"cta-left\">\r\n      <div class=\"cta-overline\">\r\n        <div class=\"cta-overline-rule\"><\/div>\r\n        <span class=\"cta-overline-text\">Take the Next Step<\/span>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <h2 class=\"cta-heading\">\r\n        Let's Build <em>Something<\/em><br>Extraordinary Together\r\n      <\/h2>\r\n\r\n      <p class=\"cta-body\">\r\n        Whether you're looking to book Dr. Barnes for a keynote, purchase his books, or connect with the Barnes Foundation \u2014 every conversation starts with a single step.\r\n      <\/p>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"cta-btns\">\r\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-primary\">\r\n          <span>Book Dr. Barnes<\/span>\r\n          <span class=\"btn-arrow\">\r\n            <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#ffffff\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\">\r\n              <path d=\"M3 13L13 3M13 3H6M13 3v7\"\/>\r\n            <\/svg>\r\n          <\/span>\r\n        <\/a>\r\n        <a href=\"#\" class=\"btn-ghost\">\r\n          <span>Explore Books<\/span>\r\n          <span class=\"btn-arrow\">\r\n            <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#C9A84C\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" id=\"ghost-arrow-svg\">\r\n              <path d=\"M3 13L13 3M13 3H6M13 3v7\"\/>\r\n            <\/svg>\r\n          <\/span>\r\n        <\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <!-- RIGHT \u2014 action cards -->\r\n    <div class=\"cta-right\">\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"cta-card\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"card-icon\">\r\n          <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#C9A84C\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\r\n            <path d=\"M17 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-4-4H5a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v2\"\/>\r\n            <circle cx=\"9\" cy=\"7\" r=\"4\"\/>\r\n            <path d=\"M23 21v-2a4 4 0 0 0-3-3.87\"\/>\r\n            <path d=\"M16 3.13a4 4 0 0 1 0 7.75\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-text\">\r\n          <div class=\"card-title\">Book a Speaking Engagement<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"card-desc\">Keynotes, leadership summits, district events & more<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-arrow\">\r\n          <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\r\n            <polyline points=\"4,12 12,4\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"6,4 12,4 12,10\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"cta-card\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"card-icon\">\r\n          <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#C9A84C\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\r\n            <path d=\"M2 3h6a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v14a3 3 0 0 0-3-3H2z\"\/>\r\n            <path d=\"M22 3h-6a4 4 0 0 0-4 4v14a3 3 0 0 1 3-3h7z\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-text\">\r\n          <div class=\"card-title\">Order Dr. Barnes' Books<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"card-desc\">Winning & The Modern Superintendent \u2014 available now<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-arrow\">\r\n          <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\r\n            <polyline points=\"4,12 12,4\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"6,4 12,4 12,10\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"cta-card\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"card-icon\">\r\n          <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#C9A84C\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\r\n            <path d=\"M3 9l9-7 9 7v11a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2z\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"9,22 9,12 15,12 15,22\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-text\">\r\n          <div class=\"card-title\">The Barnes Foundation<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"card-desc\">Support community & educational transformation programs<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-arrow\">\r\n          <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\r\n            <polyline points=\"4,12 12,4\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"6,4 12,4 12,10\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"cta-card\"\r\n           onmousemove=\"this.style.setProperty('--mx',(event.clientX-this.getBoundingClientRect().left)+'px');this.style.setProperty('--my',(event.clientY-this.getBoundingClientRect().top)+'px')\">\r\n        <div class=\"card-icon\">\r\n          <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#C9A84C\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\r\n            <path d=\"M4 4h16c1.1 0 2 .9 2 2v12c0 1.1-.9 2-2 2H4c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2V6c0-1.1.9-2 2-2z\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"22,6 12,13 2,6\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-text\">\r\n          <div class=\"card-title\">Get in Touch<\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"card-desc\">Media inquiries, partnerships & general contact<\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"card-arrow\">\r\n          <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\">\r\n            <polyline points=\"4,12 12,4\"\/>\r\n            <polyline points=\"6,4 12,4 12,10\"\/>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <\/div><!-- \/cta-right -->\r\n  <\/div><!-- \/cta-inner -->\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\r\n     DIVIDER STATS STRIP\r\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<!--<div class=\"cta-divider\">-->\r\n<!--  <div class=\"div-cell\">-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-num\">30+<\/div>-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-info\">-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-label\">Years Leading<\/span>-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-sublabel\">In public education<\/span>-->\r\n<!--    <\/div>-->\r\n<!--  <\/div>-->\r\n<!--  <div class=\"div-cell\">-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-num\">2<\/div>-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-info\">-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-label\">Published Books<\/span>-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-sublabel\">Available nationwide<\/span>-->\r\n<!--    <\/div>-->\r\n<!--  <\/div>-->\r\n<!--  <div class=\"div-cell\">-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-num\">200+<\/div>-->\r\n<!--    <div class=\"div-info\">-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-label\">Voices of Impact<\/span>-->\r\n<!--      <span class=\"div-sublabel\">Testimonials received<\/span>-->\r\n<!--    <\/div>-->\r\n<!--  <\/div>-->\r\n<!--<\/div>-->\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n  \/* ghost button arrow stays white on hover *\/\r\n  var ghostBtn = document.querySelector('.btn-ghost');\r\n  var ghostSvg = document.getElementById('ghost-arrow-svg');\r\n  if (ghostBtn && ghostSvg) {\r\n    ghostBtn.addEventListener('mouseenter', function() {\r\n      ghostSvg.setAttribute('stroke','#ffffff');\r\n    });\r\n    ghostBtn.addEventListener('mouseleave', function() {\r\n      ghostSvg.setAttribute('stroke','#C9A84C');\r\n    });\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* card arrow polyline stroke swap *\/\r\n  document.querySelectorAll('.cta-card').forEach(function(card) {\r\n    var arrow = card.querySelector('.card-arrow');\r\n    if (!arrow) return;\r\n    card.addEventListener('mouseenter', function() {\r\n      arrow.querySelectorAll('polyline').forEach(function(p) { p.setAttribute('stroke','#ffffff'); });\r\n    });\r\n    card.addEventListener('mouseleave', function() {\r\n      arrow.querySelectorAll('polyline').forEach(function(p) { p.setAttribute('stroke','#C9A84C'); });\r\n    });\r\n  });\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Transforming Education Through Leadership &amp; Innovation Dr. Michael J. Barnes 01 Areas of Focus Books &amp; Publications When your company needs to lorem. Minim ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad mlorem nim. Speaking Engagements When your company needs dolor. Lorem [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"disabled","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"enabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1113","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1113"}],"version-history":[{"count":237,"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1441,"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1113\/revisions\/1441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demowebdesign.live\/michael-barnes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}