Happy 245th Independence Day America! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, still on but mostly likely fewer in-person crowds than normal. Enjoy it digitally or on TV. How Will You Be Celebrating?

This blog has been updated from previous July 4th articles on AllThingsDigitalMarketing blog. Thank you for visiting, and please share with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

Happy 245th Independence Day America! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, still on but most likely fewer in-person crowds than normal. Progress since last year, when no in-person crowds were allowed due to COVID19.  Enjoy it in NYC in person, digitally or on TV.  

How do you plan on Celebrating? 

Happy 245th Independence Day America! The 81st Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the nation’s largest Independence Day display, on the East River still on but no in-person crowds in New York City will begin at 8 p.m. and broadcast on NBC, Sunday, July 4th.  The actual fireworks will begin after 9 p.m. over the East River in Midtown Manhattan.  

How Will You Be Celebrating?  This is the 2nd July 4th during COVID19.

Where to watch this years Macys Fireworks show. Some areas in NYC to watch include East 23rd, East 34th and East 42nd streets. Click here for more locations and answers to frequently asked questions. 

Here's the 202 Google July 4th Doodle - it's an animated Bald Eagle Parade - America's national symbol of freedom and sovereignty. The bald eagle was selected on June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the USA because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks - also at that time, it was thought to be only present in the United States.  More information at baldeagleinfo.com. 

I just love the 2020 Google July 4th Doodle it's an adorable interactive celebration (this link takes you to information and history behind the Google July 4th doodles. For the actual doodle on the google search engine, see below video on YouTube  and enjoy!

Last year, Google's doodle had an interactive July 4th interactive  baseball doodle! 

Here's Google's 2019 Fourth of July doodle - enjoy this interactive doodle which lets you play baseball game.


And here's one of my favorite quotes about America's Happy Independence Day, July 4th!

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. 

You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” ~ Erma Bombeck, American humorist, reknown suburban home life newapaper columnist chronicling ordinary life of a midwestern suburban housewife (mid-1960s - late 1990s); Publisher of 15 books, most bestsellers; On patriotism & Independence Day.

Video from lmy 7/4th 2018 fireworks show at Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers, NY 

Visit this link for more information about
Macy’s  Fireworks - Macy's lit light up the Brooklyn Bridge with fireworks and will also light Smartphones for 1st time ever (2017)! Will you be syncing your smartphone this July 4th?
Visit this link  Celebrate 4th of July with Macys!  according t0 NYCGO.com 


Visit this link Best Places to Watch Fireworks in NYC 

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the nation’s largest Independence Day display, returned to the East River a few years back and it's still here :)   

How Will You Be Celebrating??
For things to do in NYC on July 4th visit the following posts: 
Δ Where to Watch Macys July Fourth Fireworks as listed on www.macys.com/social/fireworks/
ΔFifth Annual Freedom Fest, July 4, 2019  (here's link from July 4, 2018)
Δ Fourth of July in New York City post by NYC TOURIST.
Δ Fourth of July at SkyRoom, Hells Kitchen, NYC
Δ Where to Eat and Drink on July Fourth in NYC

No plans yet? You can always play baseball with Google's 2019 4th interactive doodle!

Here's Google's 2019 Fourth of July doodle - enjoy this interactive doodle which lets you play baseball game.

Here's Google's wonderful doodle from 2018 Fourth of July! 

Happy Independence Day America! Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and safe one.

However you spend it and whatever you do, please remember to not text while driving or while playing with fireworks. Hard to believe, I swear you can't make this up: On a July 4, 2015 morning on my way home from the Jersey Shore, a lady driver was in her car plucking hairs from her chin on Hope Road before the right turn onto the Garden State Parkway not only during the red light but continuing tweezing even when the light turned green. She must have a hell of a lot of hair on her chin.


Although President Adams's Independence Day prediction was July 2, the actual date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress, from the getgo, Americans celebrated independence on July 4th, which is the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This year marks the 242nd Anniversary!

Remarkable coincidence is that both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.

Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third president in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

If you happen to be in New York City on July 4th, don't miss Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display on the East River which begins at 9:00pm. This year marks Macy's 41st year celebrating July 4th with fireworks in NYC. More information visit this link at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks!  from FoxNews.  

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org unless otherwise indicated.
This blog has been updated from a previous article. Thank you for visiting, and please share with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

Happy 154th Memorial Day America, Monday, May 31, 2021

 Happy 154th  Memorial Day America, Monday, May 31, 2021

Wishing everyone a very healthy, happy, safe, and COVID19-free weekend.  More important information from MedicineNet's article Safe Memorial Day Planning during COVID-19 Pandemic - enjoy!  Or you You can copy/paste the following link in your browser: https://www.medicinenet.com/safe_memorial_day_planning_during_covid-19-news.htm

This blog is an update from previous Memorial Day blog postings with minor edits. Enjoy!

I call this photo "BIG RED FLOWER."  I took this photo at the Bronx River, 4/29/2014, originally thought it was a tulip.  But realize it's a beautiful, large POPPY symbolic of so many things, during Memorial Day, symbolizing our fallen heroes. 

Let this BIG RED FLOWER be whatever you want it to be, let it mean whatever you want it to mean. Whatever, I hope looking at it brings you some joy and smiles.


Happy Memorial Day Weekend America! We need to keep on remembering and praying for all of our U.S. veterans who have sacrificed their lives fighting for our great country, the U.S.A.

“We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."  ~~ Moina Michael (aka Poppy Lady)
U.S. professor and humanitarian who vowed to always wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem, We Shall Keep the Faith, November 1918

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae 
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields. 

We all seem to forget that we celebrate Memorial Day for the many service members who have lost their lives serving our country. Memorial Day is one of the special times of the year to honor loved ones who have passed and "In Flanders Fields" reminds us of those who have died protecting our country and freedom.

FASHION TRENDS ON MEMORIAL DAY 
 Memorial Day marks the first day of the year for white-wear. The traditional fashion trend, “no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day” gained popularity as the wealthy began wearing white in the summer. 

Light clothing was the symbol of leisure and black and navy were always the norms for the working class. This fad continued until years later as many began replacing white pants with the likes of bold solids and floral prints, pastel jungle prints, red jumpsuits, neon pink, and cobalt sundresses. 

I was fortunate to receive this 
article from one of my very 
dearest cousins about our late 
fathers and their 2 brothers 
(total 7 brothers, 1 sister).

All 4 brothers served during WWII. We were blessed as all 4 survived; However, we always remember those soldiers who sacrificed their lives. 


FASHION FOR MEN TOO THIS MEMORIAL DAY 
 For all you men out there, check out GQ for ways to wear white on Memorial Day, Three Ways to Wear White on Memorial Day http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2015/05/memorial-day-three-ways-to-wear-white.html 

What to do in NYC on Memorial Day weekend 
► Memorial Day weekend events in NYC, TimeOut http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/memorial-day-weekend-events-in-nyc?package_page=36341
►Best beaches near NYC http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/best-beaches?package_page=36341
► The best NYC parks, TimeOut http://www.timeout.com/newyork/parks?package_page=36341
► Memorial Day Parade, NYCCO.com
► New York Memorial Day Weekend Events https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--new-york/memorial-day-weekend/
► Best Things to do in NYC, NYCtrip.com
► How to Observe Memorial Day , http://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm 

HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY 
 The first Memorial Day celebration traces back to May 30, 1868. Memorial Day honors men and women who fought for our country so that we can all be free. 

Originally coined "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day is less about barbecues and more about celebrating our nation’s veterans. Don't forget -- raise your flag half-staff -- honor more than one million Americans who gave their lives in service of this country for our freedom. 

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.

The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee. 
Memorial Day Fashion Trends 
► Enjoy the Long Weekend with Memorial Day Fashion Finds on Glamour.com http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2015/05/memorial-day-fashion-sales-2015
► What To Wear For Every Kind Of Memorial Day Weekend http://www.luckyshops.com/article/memorial-day-outfits
► Do You Have to Wait Until After Memorial Day to Wear White? | http://ksoo.com/do-you-have-to-wait-until-after-memorial-day-to-wear-white/?trackback=tsmclip
► Moina Bell Michael: the Idea for the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy 
Other Resources 
►USmemorialday.org
►Memorial Day Calendar 
►Memorial Day History 
► How to Observe Memorial Day
► Buddy Poppy
► The Story Behind the Poppy
► InflandersFields-YouTube
► InflandersFields-YouTube 

Please share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks for visiting.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

All photos courtesy of Wikimedia unless otherwise indicated.

Happy 70th BDay Peanuts: Did you know that Americas most beloved, pop culture comic strip reaches the big 070 today? - October 2, 1950

This is a repost of previous Charlie Brown celebratory blog posts.  Please visit this blog frequently and share this with your social media and professional network. Thanks.

“My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?” ~~   Charles M. Schulz,   “Sparky, most influential “American cartoonist, “Peanuts” creator, Charlie Brown protagonist, based on his life as a child, 10/2/1950.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

Seventy years ago today, "Peanuts," known by many as the most influential popular culture comic strip, premiered on October 2, 1950 in nine newspapers: 

The Washington Post,
The Chicago Tribune,
The Minneapolis Tribune,
The Allentown Call-Chronicle,
The Bethlehem Globe-Times,
The Denver Post,
The Seattle Times,
The New York World-Telegram & Sun,
and The Boston Globe.

Trials, tribulations and life lessons of 8-year-old Charlie Brown with subtle racial and gender equality issues, and dashes of politics were celebrated throughout this cherished, American comic series which appeared in print for over five decades, and quickly finding the way to TV, Theater, Film and later on, Digital.

Originally a daily comic strip -- the first strip was only four panels long.

Charlie Brown is shown walking by two other friends, Shermy and Patty. Shermy greets Charlie Brown as he walks by, but then tells Patty how he “hates him.”
Photo of first comic strip above, courtesy of Wikimedia.org

This marked the ultimate precedent -- the first time ever (1950s) where comic strips depicted a child expressing hatred for others.

Another early famous character in the strip, Snoopy, Charlie Brown's pet dog with uncanny mind abilities, first appeared in the third strip, which ran on October 4.

The first Peanut Sunday strip appeared January 6, 1952, in the half-page format.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org

The final daily original Peanuts comic strip was published on January 3, 2000.


The last Peanuts strip to run in papers was on February 13, 2000, the day following Schulz's passing.

The strip began with Charlie Brown answering the phone with someone on the end presumably asking for Snoopy.

Charlie Brown was the only character to appear in both the first strip in 1950 and the last in 2000.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was produced and directed by former Warner Bros. and UPA animator Bill Melendez, who also supplied the voice for the character of Snoopy.

Initially sponsored by Coca-Cola, the special debuted on CBS in 1965, and has been aired in the USA during the Christmas season every year since -- on CBS through 2000, and on ABC since 2001.

The story touches on the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas, and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas (the birth of Jesus Christ).

Today the animated Christmas special is shown at least twice during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The special has been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody Award. 
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org 
RESOURCES 
▲   Peanuts Official Web Site http://www.peanuts.com/
▲   Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz Museum, History of Peanuts, http://www.peanuts.com/museum/
▲   Charlie Brown on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown 


This is an updated repost of previous Charlie Brown celebratory posts. Please visit this blog frequently and share this with your social media and professional network. Thanks.

Happy 138th Labor Day America (or 126th when it became an official holiday); With Covid19 and the "Black Swan Effect" are we ignoring the Labor Day fashion trends?

 This is a re-posting of previous annual Labor Day blog posts by AllThingsDigitalMarketing.  (Although this post has been minimally edited with relevant #COVID19 information, some static information remains from earlier posts) 

Happy 138th Labor Day America (or 126th when it became an official holiday)!  

“Labor day is a great American holiday that people celebrate by going out and buying products made in China.” American television host and comedian; Host of CBS Late Show with David Letterman, recently surpassing Johnny Carson for having the longest late-night hosting career in the USA, on the irony of Labor Day

Letterman photo above courtesy of Wikimedia.org

 I won't be keeping Letterman's famous Labor Day quote (see above) up for next year.  Unless our world rebounds pre-COVID19; however China tariff exclusions extended through the end of 2020.  I do believe in miracles. Do you?

Do you still wear white after Labor Day? Apparently, the answer is a big no for many.

With COVID19 all around the world, I don't think people will be buying much fashion this year. Even Pantone's in on color trending with COVID19 in mind with Classic Blue 19-4052 as their Color of the Year. 

 With #COVID19 there is a global "Black Swan Effect" and worldwide fashion will most likely have very serious consequences perhaps fashionists as we know them will be no longer en vogue'. 

According to The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, "The devastating impact of the virus has decimated the industry, leaving fashion businesses exposed or rudderless across the board..."  More information at "The State of Fashion 2020" report.  (black swan photo to right courtesy Wikipedia.org)

Today is Labor Day. Happy 138th Labor Day America! Let’s admit it, this holiday has been amazingly ironic over the past decade and a half - COVID19 will never be the same.

Imagine American’s celebrating workers, particularly in light of our country’s high unemployment rates which are a lot higher than our government reports. And now with this pandemic there is so much more uncertainty.  

Also, this otherwise beautiful Labor Day and Fall season will go down in history as the most violent disrupting 2020 presidential election year and with major economic and consumer consequences.

Stats and economy aside, all across America, this holiday which was once symbolic for back to school, the end of the summer and the archaic fashion trend – where wearing white after Labor Day is a fashion faux pas – have all been passé for years. Fashion trends rarely pay attention to this rule.

Also back to school shopping is now done during the end of July and month of August.

Labor Day photo left courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos

According to Pantone Color Institute® "Fall 2018: the theme for fall is "Autumnal hues that evoke the feeling of leaves on the forest floor, rich plumage and twilight reveal a modern fall pallette of deep and rich tones and rich tones with outbursts of colorful surprise!"  

(To go directly to Pantone's color spectrum image above, follow the Link above or copy/paste https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/pantone-ranks-leading-10-fall-colors-for-a-pre-fashion-week-forecast-11140358/) 

Nail Art Inspiration for Pantone 2018 Fall Colors in NYC 



Purple is taking the world by storm for 2018 

"As designers and consumers alike continue to transition away from cyclical trends, and instead focus on self-expressive colors that evade antiquated seasonal structure, we are seeing very notable non-traditional choices."   ~~ Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®

Will you be incorporating the Pantone 2018 Color of the Year in work and wardrobe? We'd love to know. Please share your answer in the comments section below.

Labor Day also marks the beginning of bargain shopping and also when sports excitement begins as the NFL and college football seasons begin. 


NFL photo left courtesy of Wikimedia.org


For the many attentive parents and their children, it's the end of summer reading programs and making sure all of their children's book reports and other assignments are in order!

In a world of digital, it is also a great idea to use the internet for exciting news and interesting ideas. SchoolsNYC.org, SummerReading.org, and Scholastic.com are very helpful sites.

So much happens over the summer and discussing a few books (or just 1)that your child has read, (a simple question will do) is a great refresher and memory exercise. This also best prepares your child for the first day of school.

What about vacation? Talk about a great memory or event during summer family visits and travels.
Back to School photo above courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.


HISTORY (sources: Wikipedia.org and HISTORY Channel)

One hundred and thirty three years ago (1882), Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York. Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882, after witnessing the annuallabour festival held in Toronto, Canada. Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.

In the United States, Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

In many countries, the working classes sought to make May Day an official holiday, and their efforts largely succeeded. In the United States and Canada, however, the official holiday for workers is Labor Day in September. This day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City.

After the Haymarket Massacre, US President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.

Labor Day weekend: what to do. 
(or copy/paste https://www.timeout.com/newyork/labor-day)

Please share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks! 

Do celebrate Labor Day? What are your plans?

RESOURCES 
▐■  TimeOut Labor Day Weekend -https://www.timeout.com/newyork/labor-day▐■  In Praise of the American Worker, Life Magazine http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/48141/in-praise-of-the-american-worker
▐■  The History of Labor Day, United States Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm

▐■  History of Labor Day, Knights of Labor, http://web.archive.org/web/20070930082656/http://progressivehistorians.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2041

▐■  Labor Day, Wikimedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

▐■  Wear White Immediately -- We'll Show You How (PHOTOS), Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/wear-winter-white-photos_n_2789912.html

▐■  You Can’t Wear White After Labor Day? These 7 Fashion-Tech Founders Say Otherwise, Fueled.com http://fueled.com/blog/you-cant-wear-white-after-labor-day-these-7-fashion-tech-founders-say-otherwise/


This is a re-posting of prevous annual Labor Day blog posts by AllThingsDigitalMarketing. Please visit this blog frequently and share this with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

Happy 244th Independence Day America! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, still on but no in-person crowds. Enjoy it digitally or TV. How Will You Be Celebrating?

This blog has been updated from previous July 4th articles on AllThingsDigitalMarketing blog. Thank you for visiting, and please share with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.



Happy 244th Independence Day America! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the nation’s largest Independence Day display, on the East River still on but no in-person crowds.  How Will You Be Celebrating?  

I just love the 2020 Google July 4th Doodle  it's an adorable interactive celebration (this link takes you to information and history behind the Google July 4th doodles. For the actual doodle on the google search engine, see below video on YouTube  and enjoy!

Last year, Google's doodle had an interactive July 4th interactive  baseball doodle! 

Here's Google's 2019 Fourth of July doodle - enjoy this interactive doodle which lets you play baseball game.


And here's one of my favorite quotes about America's Happy Independence Day, July 4th!

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. 

You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” ~ Erma Bombeck, American humorist, reknown suburban home life newapaper columnist chronicling ordinary life of a midwestern suburban housewife (mid-1960s - late 1990s); Publisher of 15 books, most bestsellers; On patriotism & Independence Day.

Video from lmy 7/4th 2018 fireworks show at Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers, NY 

Visit this link for more information about
Macy’s  Fireworks - Macy's lit light up the Brooklyn Bridge with fireworks and will also light Smartphones for 1st time ever (2017)! Will you be syncing your smartphone this July 4th?
Visit this link  Celebrate 4th of July with Macys!  according t0 NYCGO.com 


Visit this link Best Places to Watch Fireworks in NYC 

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the nation’s largest Independence Day display, returned to the East River a few years back and it's still here :)   

How Will You Be Celebrating??
For things to do in NYC on July 4th visit the following posts: 
Δ Where to Watch Macys July Fourth Fireworks as listed on www.macys.com/social/fireworks/
ΔFifth Annual Freedom Fest, July 4, 2019  (here's link from July 4, 2018)
Δ Fourth of July in New York City post by NYC TOURIST.
Δ Fourth of July at SkyRoom, Hells Kitchen, NYC
Δ Where to Eat and Drink on July Fourth in NYC

No plans yet? You can always play baseball with Google's 2019 4th interactive doodle!

Here's Google's 2019 Fourth of July doodle - enjoy this interactive doodle which lets you play baseball game.

Here's Google's wonderful doodle from 2018 Fourth of July! 

Happy Independence Day America! Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and safe one.

However you spend it and whatever you do, please remember to not text while driving or while playing with fireworks. Hard to believe, I swear you can't make this up: On a July 4, 2015 morning on my way home from the Jersey Shore, a lady driver was in her car plucking hairs from her chin on Hope Road before the right turn onto the Garden State Parkway not only during the red light but continuing tweezing even when the light turned green. She must have a hell of a lot of hair on her chin.


Although President Adams's Independence Day prediction was July 2, the actual date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress, from the getgo, Americans celebrated independence on July 4th, which is the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This year marks the 242nd Anniversary!

Remarkable coincidence is that both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.

Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but another Founding Father who became a President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third president in a row who died on this memorable day. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872, and, so far, is the only President to have been born on Independence Day.

If you happen to be in New York City on July 4th, don't miss Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display on the East River which begins at 9:00pm. This year marks Macy's 41st year celebrating July 4th with fireworks in NYC. More information visit this link at Macy's 4th of July Fireworks!  from FoxNews.  

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org unless otherwise indicated.
This blog has been updated from a previous article. Thank you for visiting, and please share with your social media and professional networks. Thanks.

Happy 153rd Memorial Day America, Monday, May 25, 2020

This blog is an update from previous Memorial Day blog posting. Enjoy!

I call this photo "BIG RED FLOWER."  I took this photo at the Bronx River, 4/29/2014, originally thought it was a tulip.  But  but now I' believe it to be a POPPY symbolic of so many things, during Mrmorial Day, symbolizing our fallen heroes. 

Let this BIG RED FLOWER be whatever you want it to be, let it mean whatever you want it to mean. Whatever, I hope looking at it brings you some joy and smiles.


Happy 153rd  Memorial Day Weekend America! We need to keep on remembering and praying for all of our U.S. veterans who have sacrificeD their lives fighting for our great country, the U.S.A.

“We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."  ~~ Moina Michael (aka Poppy Lady)
U.S. professor and humanitarian who vowed to always wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem, We Shall Keep the Faith, November 1918

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae 
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields. 

We all seem to forget that we celebrate Memorial Day for the many service members who have lost their lives serving our country. Memorial Day is one of the special times of the year to honor loved ones who have passed and "In Flanders Fields" reminds us of those who have died protecting our country and freedom.

FASHION TRENDS ON MEMORIAL DAY 
 Memorial day marks the first day of the year for white-wear. The traditional fashion trend, “no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day” gained popularity as the wealthy began wearing white in the summer. 

Light clothing was the symbol of leisure and black and navy were always the norm for the working class. This fad continued until years later as many began replacing white pants with the likes of bold solids and floral prints, pastel jungle prints, red jumpsuits, neon pink and cobalt sun dresses. 

I was fortunate to receive this 
article from one of my very 
dearest cousins about our late 
fathers and their 2 brothers 
(total 7 brothers, 1 sister).

All 4 brothers served during WWII. We were blessed as all 4 survived; However we always remember those soldiers who sacrificed their lives. 


FASHION FOR MEN TOO THIS MEMORIAL DAY 
 For all you men out there, check out GQ for ways to wear white on Memorial Day, Three Ways to Wear White on Memorial Day http://www.gq.com/style/blogs/the-gq-eye/2015/05/memorial-day-three-ways-to-wear-white.html 

What to do in NYC on Memorial Day weekend 
► Memorial Day weekend events in NYC, TimeOut http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/memorial-day-weekend-events-in-nyc?package_page=36341
►Best beaches near NYC http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/best-beaches?package_page=36341
► The best NYC parks, TimeOut http://www.timeout.com/newyork/parks?package_page=36341
► Memorial Day Parade, NYCCO.com
► New York Memorial Day Weekend Events https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--new-york/memorial-day-weekend/
► Best Things to do in NYC, NYCtrip.com
► How to Observe Memorial Day , http://www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm 

HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY 
 The first Memorial Day celebration traces back to May 30, 1868. Memorial Day honors men and women who fought for our country so that we can all be free. 

Originally coined "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day is less about barbecues and more about celebrating our nation’s veterans. Don't forget -- raise your flag half-staff -- honor more than one million Americans who gave their lives in service of this country for our freedom. 

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.

The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee. 
Memorial Day Fashion Trends 
► Enjoy the Long Weekend with Memorial Day Fashion Finds on Glamour.com http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2015/05/memorial-day-fashion-sales-2015
► What To Wear For Every Kind Of Memorial Day Weekend http://www.luckyshops.com/article/memorial-day-outfits
► Do You Have to Wait Until After Memorial Day to Wear White? | http://ksoo.com/do-you-have-to-wait-until-after-memorial-day-to-wear-white/?trackback=tsmclip
► Moina Bell Michael: the Idea for the Flanders Fields Memorial Poppy 
Other Resources 
►USmemorialday.org
►Memorial Day Calendar 
►Memorial Day History 
► How to Observe Memorial Day
► Buddy Poppy
► The Story Behind the Poppy
► InflandersFields-YouTube
► InflandersFields-YouTube 

Please share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks for visiting.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

All photos courtesy of Wikimedia unless otherwise indicated.

Happy Valentines Day America! What's in your heart this Valentine's Day?

This is a repost from earlier Valentines Day posts.

“To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.” 
~~ William Shakespeare, Hamlet,
Act IV, Scene 5 Valentine's Day
as ruefully mentioned by Ophelia in Hamlet (1600–1601

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it remains a working day in most countries.

The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love was in Parliament of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Chaucer wrote: 
"For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."
 ["For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."]

This poem by Chaucer was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. A treaty providing for a marriage was signed on May 2, 1381. (When they were married eight months later, they were each only 15 years old).Have you marked your calendars for giving back this month? February is the month of love and of "giving back," be it supporting a cause or simply going the extra mile for someone. The energi PR firm in Canada is dedicating Valentine's Day to "Acts of Love & Kindness" and closing the office on Friday, February 14th to continue it's strong message of corporate social responsibility.

ACTS of LOVE & KINDNESS performed by energi PR on Friday, February 14, 2014 can be followed online on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #energiPRALK.

ALK (Acts of Love & Kindness) was conceived in 1994 by Patrice Tanaka, chief counselor and creative strategist at PadillaCRT and was later adopted by more than 50 public relations firms in the US through the Public Relations Society of America. energi PR approached Tanaka and sought her blessing to bring ALK up to Canada as part of its corporate social responsibility program.

The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius.

Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her.

Today, Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church.

The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, however on July 6th in honor of Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and July 30th, in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna.

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. The flower crowned skull.

The modern cliché Valentine's Day poem can be found in the collection of English nursery rhymes Gammer Gurton's Garland (1784):

The rose is red, the violet's blue,
The honey's sweet, and so are you.
Thou art my love and I am thine;
I drew thee to my Valentine:
The lot was cast and then I drew,
And Fortune said it shou'd be you.


According to the U.S. Greeting Card Association approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the US. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When you include the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines. Also, many send Valentines Day chocolates and other candies.

New traditions have evolved with the internet. Millions of people today use digital (e.g., eCards, eCoupons, etc.) to send Valentine's Day greeting messages. An estimated 15 million e-valentines were sent in 2010. Below are two sets of Valentines Day card collages, to view detail, zoom in 150% to 200%.

Do you plan on volunteering this month and on Valentines Day? Are you participating in any social responsibility initiatives for the month of February? Please share in the comments section and do include links to any of your Valentines Day giving back themed campaigns.

Other Resources 
♦ Closed for the day: Gone volunteering, NewsWire.ca http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1296689/closed-for-the-day-gone-volunteering
♦ 10 things for happier living: do things for others, actionforhappiness.org, http://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living/do-things-for-others?gclid=CO-V0fuup7wCFZDm7AodiXoAQQ
♦ Becoming Ginger Rogers, How Ballroom Dancing Made Me a Happier Woman, Better Partner, and Smarter CEO, Patrice Tanaka http://www.prsa.org/Conferences/HealthAcademy/Archives/2012/Sessions/2012BecomingGingerRogers#.UusLS_ldV7M
♦ Valentines Day Ecards http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/valentines-day?source=aggoogle548
♦ Greeting Card Association http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeting_Card_Association
♦ No better place to say "I Love You" than Times Square, TimesSquare.org http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/valentines-day/index.aspx
♦ Guy Kawasaki Google Plus, https://plus.google.com/+GuyKawasaki/posts/8SaRPXr8cEA#+GuyKawasaki/posts/8SaRPXr8cEA
♦ Valentines Day Recipes & Cooking, FoodNetwork http://www.foodnetwork.com/valentines-day/package/index.html


All photos courtesy of Wikimedia and screen shots taken from video and websites. All other photos will be credited as required.


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