wowOwow ...WWW is 031 Today ... March 12, 2020

This is a reporting of earlier ones with minor edits. Enjoy!

wowOwow ... WWW is 031 Today ... March 12, 2020



Happy 31st World Wide Web !

"Let the web serve humanity"

~ Tim Berners-Lee, SirTimothy John Berners-Lee (born 8 June 1955), also known as TimBL, is an English engineer and computer scientist, best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. He is currently a professor of computer science at the University of Oxford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  @timberners_lee    https://twitter.com/timberners_lee


WWW Inventor, Tim Berners-Lee celebrates on Twitter

Hard to believe WWW is 31 years, it's done so much and transformed itself so many times one would think it's at least 100.


Oh boy, do I wish it did really serve humanity well. Unfortunately, there's just too much propaganda, bias, control, and greed at the expense of  human rights and democracy. When will this end?


Perhaps it's good intentioned inventor, Tim Berners-Lee can invent an antidote application to counteract this horriffic poison to humanity. If anyone can, I know he can and not just by speaking and advocating but by building something better intended for humanity.

In any event, WWW probably the greatest disruption of the 19th century.

Resources:

• Latest from Tim Berners-Lee on WWW's 30th: https://webfoundation.org/2019/03/web-birthday-30/
• https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/the-world-wide-web-turns-30-web-inventor-sir-tim-berners-lee-on-the-fight-for-a-better-web-5621800/
• Sir Tim Berners-Lee on why tech companies cannot forgo human rights for profits,The Indian EXPRESS:  https://webfoundation.org/2019/03/web-birthday-30/
• The Man Who Invented the WWW Has Mixed Feelings About What The Internet Has Become, Time, http://time.com/5549551/tim-berners-lee-inventor-internet/
• World Wide Web Consortium, W3C, http://www.w3.org/ - Info on Tim Berners-Lee https://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/#Press
• Google celebrates with all tech doodle video show

Happy 111th International Women's Day World! This year the theme ~ "An equal world is an enabled world " Tweet #EachforEqual; #IWD2020 throughout your social media. What's your action for equality? Here's mine.

This blog posting is an updated/revised version of articles posted in prior years. Every year I include my action for the current IWD theme.  Have you done this yet? You should.  Enjoy!

The earliest Women's Day observance, called "National Woman's Day,"^[8] was held on February 28, 1909, in New York City.

“An equal world is an enabled world"

This year, the IWD2020 theme hashtag is #EachforEqual 

What are your plans for celebrating women?  Mine is celebrating womens' achievements, gender equality, leadership especially continuing to set examples of advocating awareness against bias, bullying and taking action for equality.  

Besides incorporating my social media with hashtags, #EachforEqual; #IWD2020  my action for #IWD2020  #EachforEqual is celebrating womens' achievements, gender equality, and especially leadership in everything I do, setting example, always being kind and respectful, advocating awareness against bias, bullying and ultimately taking action for equality. ~Gloria Buono-Daly  #ThoughtOfTheDay #QuoteOfTheDay 

I think of so many things everyone can do such as showing respect, kindness - be it with family, workplace, etc. Promoting integrity and leadership - by being honest, standing up for what is right, reporting harassment and abuse especially in the workplace, etc.

I also share my thoughts Twitter; This helps me put things into perspective, sort of journal my thoughts but in a different way than journaling. How do you take action for #EachforEqual  #IWD2020?

Below are excerpts from prior annual #IWD blog postings.

International Women's Day has been a focal point for global womens' rights since 1909.

Last year the theme was #BalanceForBetter #IWD2019 and prior to that #PressForProgress #IWD2018.  

We are about 190 years away from gender parity. The past several years have been a whirlwind of advocacy and progress for women advocating for reporting sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, regardless of how famous or powerful the attacker is.

Misconduct and harassment are serious issues that come in many different sizes and shapes. It's not just just about sexual harassment by men but by women as well.  

#IWD continues their global message with annual commemorations.  (photo right, lists commemorations of the past decade, 2010-2020)  

I find #IWDthemes inspiring and consistently evolve/expand on from prior years.  

The year 2017 marked awareness, advocacy for movements, momentum, progress.

#IWD2018  theme of the year is for all to #PressForProgress, #IWD2019 theme #BalanceforBetter. 

For earlier historical perspective on their commemorations, including UN commemorations from 1996 to present, visit International Women's Day on Wikipedia.or

Finally progress is momentous and significant. Women are becoming stronger all thanks to embracing and supporting each other. Sisterhood, brotherhood, are alive and well. 

Gone are the days of women being punished for reporting bad behavior, subterfuge, misconduct or harassment. However we still need to press for  progress more and continue moving forward.  

#MeToo and #TimesUp  movements came about after various harassment and misconduct accusations by the top entertainment and media icons including Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, Kevin Spacey, Russell Simmons, Dustin Hoffman, James Toback, Tavis Smiley, as well as liberal Democrat politician Al Franken ...  The list of attackers of men by women, men by men and also women by women, appears to never end. -  #HarveyWeinstein, #KevinSpacey, #RussellSimons, #DustinHoffman, #JamesToback, #MattLauer, #TavisSmiley, #AlFranken ... Many victims, thus far over 200 from Harvey Weinstein alone and how can we forget about disgraced Bill Cosby - many women came forward yet many more remained silent. ? 

But what about the female or male co-worker at an organization who has been working hard, complying with the company standards of behavior and code of conduct only to be constantly bullied, abused and harassed by a female/male co-worker who feels threatened by his/her business ethics and/orskill set?  

What's your #PressForProgress? My action  is to continually speak up when something is wrong,  and be supportive to other women who are being harmed and/or harassed. I want to keep on "pressing" to be the best I can be in everything I do, to exercise leadership actions in my life (i.e., personal, at work, communications including my blog posts, etc.) and to always respect and celebrate differences for the good of all people and of course for our goal of increasing Gender Parity even though we are 200 years away. Also press progress by encouraging others to #PRESSFORPROGRESS. 

Equally important is for women at work. If a new employee at an organization however small or however large, is being harassed by another women who believes she is above the company policy and standards of behavior/code of conduct because of her 30 or so years of tenure, and constantly harms/harasses, belittles, you or others, etc.,  report it! Regardless of the consequences. Victims have rights and must be protected from employees who behave like goons and street gangsters inside the profit or non-profit organization.

WHAT'S YOUR ACTION FOR IWD2018?  #WhatsYourAction    Please share your #PRESSFORPROGRESS at this link   #IWD2018 

One of my favorite quotes by women:  

“If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to forment a rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.”    ~~ Abigail Adams,  U.S. First Lady, 1776 (née Smith; November 22 [O.S. November 11] 1744 – October 28, 1818) was the wife of John Adams, the first Vice President, and second President, of the United States, and the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President.

Did you know that March 8, 2018 marks the 107th anniversary of International Women's Day?  Well now you do!  :) 

As soon as Google doodle is posted, if it's IWD2018 related, I will update here.

Google's #IWD2017 doodle to commemorate International Women's Day 2017 conveys the many bold actions by our leading women of the world. 

With  the #IWD2018 theme, PressForProgress #PressForProgress, Google's doodle for this year is charming and filled with various themes and #HerStory about various professional women all over the world! 

This post will be a good bookmark as it will add all doodle images dedicated to International Women's Day event, March 8th. We have them listed as far back as 2011 which marked IWDs 100th anniversary (scroll below if interested in viewing commemorative 100th IWD doodle).

Below please find the doodle from #IWD2017. The theme was "Be Bold For Action." The doodle depicted a collage of various women all over the world who soared leaps and bounds in medicine, sports, academia, aviation, and sciences to adventure, arts, entertainment, activism, and technology. 

A collage of 8 photos in the #IWD2017 Google Doodle below commemorate #IWD2017:

Opening image of Google's doodle for #IWD2017 which celebrated 13 inspirational women

Google has celebrated 2016 International Women's Day IWD2016 with a lovely "gender-parity" global themed doodle #OneDayIWill.

The video shows women all around the world sharing their goals and aspirations with words in their native language beginning with "One Day I Will ..."

From becoming scientists to speaking to Pope Francis, their actions and words are inspirational.

In 2015, Google celebrated with the inspiring and engaging doodle below for IWD2015:

Google posted a very charming doodle to celebrate IWD's 103rd  IWD2014 ).

IWD2013's 102nd doogle

IWD2012's 101st doogle

IWD2011s 100th IWD anniversary marked the very first IWD Google doodle celebration!

Below are sections taken from the 2017 IWD2017 blog post.

Happy 106th Anniversary to 

International Women's Day!   #IWD2017  Also, did you know that March is Women's History Month?

International Women's Day (IWD), originally coined International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8th every year.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2016 is "Pledge for Parity." #PledgeforParity.

Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement.

The theme in 2016 was
118 Years to Gender Parity?    In 2014, The World Economic Forum predicted it would take until 2095 to achieve global gender parity. Unfortunately, one year later, 2015, they estimated an even slower progress and the gender gap wouldn't close entirely until nearly 4 decades later, 2133.

Be it helping women and girls achieve ambitions, advocating for gender-balanced leadership, respecting differences, or rooting for workplace bias, International Women's Day wants everyone - men and women -to take concrete steps to help achieve gender parity more quickly. Women's equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal.

International Women's Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action."

In many countries, International Women's Day is an occasion to honor and praise women for their accomplishments.

Join International Women’s Day on Facebook at facebook/internationalwomensday and for breaking news follow #womensday.

International Women's Day is an annual day observed in many nations around the world on March 8 each year. (Jumping Woman photo above by kongsky / freedigitalphotos.net)

President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be "Women's History Month", calling Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on "the extraordinary accomplishments of women" in shaping the country's history.


Also, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the "100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges", on the eve of IWD.

Photo above left taken by U.S.Army Photographer: Spc Tobey White, is of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Pam Moody, 319th ADT, and resident of Indianapolis, Ind. Here she hands out pencils to Afghan women at the International Women's Day gathering held in Khowst City, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, March 8, 2011.

Every year events take place on March 8th to commemorate the anniversary of International Women's Day. In 2011, IWD's 100th anniversary, 100 countries participated in events.

Kudos to all women for all we do!

EXPLORE and submit your IWD event or web posting at the International Women's Day activity page. And enjoy learning about what others are doing to celebrate IWD 2017.

Visit INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2017 NEWS for more information.

Do you have a theme of your own to celebrate International Women's Day? IF so, share it on the International Women's Day website.

Resources for Women’s History Month: 
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2015/03/08/international-womens-day-inequality-in-charts
Make your #PledgeForParity sponsor
http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php
 http://www.nwhp.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women's_History_Month
http://www.infoplease.com/womens-history-month/
http://www.history.com/topics/womens-history-month
 http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/whm/

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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To See or Not to See ... Punxsutawney Phil makes his 134th prediction on February 2, 2020 and we can all look forward to an early spring

This is a repost of earlier annual Groundhod Day posts.

To See or Not to See ... Punxsutawney Phil makes his 134th prediction on February 2, 2020 and we can all look forward to an early spring.  Staten Island Chuck G. Hogg also didn't see his shadow. In the meantime, check out this #Jeep ad with Bill Murray on SUPERBOWL LIV which falls right on Groundhog day 2020.

Happy Groundhog Day America!
"This is pitiful. A thousand people, freezing their butts off, waiting to worship a rat! What a hype. Well they used to mean something in this town, they used to pull the hog out and they used to eat it. You're hypocrites! All of ya! You got a problem with what I'm saying, Larry? Untie your tongue and you come out here and talk, huh? Am I upsetting you, Princess? You know you want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a prediction. It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be gray, and it's gonna last you the rest of your life." ~~ Bill Murray , American actor and comedian, as quoted in the 1993 critically acclaimed film "Groundhog Day"

At 7:20 am today at Gobbler's Knob, Punxsutawney Phil is made his 134th prediction.  This year, he doesn't he see his shadow?  We also have New York City's, Staten Island's Chuck who will also make his prediction.

Punxsy Phil will predict what the next 6 weeks of weather will be on February 2nd. Celebrations begin on February 1st through the 3rd. 

Amazingly, for over two centuries, (1886 or earlier) crowds as large as 40,000 have gathered at Gobbler's Knob hill at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to celebrate. Other celebrations taking place in Pennsylvania include Quarryville in Lancaster County, the Anthracite Region of Schuylkill County, and Bucks County.

The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day received more mass attention after the release of the 1993 comedy film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray who plays Phil Connors, an egotistical Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during a hated assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, dreams living February 2nd over and over while repeatedly indulging in hedonism and numerous suicide attempts.

Finally he wakes up and realizes his life matters and prioritizes and makes drastic changes and improvements. In 2006, the film was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."


YouTube Video: Groundhog Day - Phil (Bill Murray) Steals Phil (The Groundhog)

Many wonder just how scientific is Punxsy Phil's shadow. According to groundhogday.org, the furry fortune teller is accurate 75% to 90% of the time, while a Canadian study of 13 states has the success rate at 37% and the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has the overall prediction rate at 39% accurate (since 1987).

The Stormfax Weather Almanac reports Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow 100 times (as of last year 2014) which equates to 101 times this year (2015), no shadow 16 times with no record 9 times. Groundhog day in Staten Island is sponsored by Time Warner Cable and garnered with trumpets to wake up the little Staten Island's very own woodchuck, "Chuck," as the Staten Island Zoo opens its gates at 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 2.

Also South Carolina has Sir Walter Wally who makes his prediction 12 noon.

Staten Island Chuck, or Charles G. Hogg also didn't see his shadow.

What do you think? Do you believe in the science or spirit of Groundhog Day?


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

Additional resources: 
♦http://www.justjared.com/2020/02/02/bill-murray-recreates-groundhog-day-in-jeeps-super-bowl-2020-ad-video/
♦ No shadow! https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/groundhog-day-results-2020-no-shadow-phil-predicts-early-spring-is-coming/ar-BBZznmA?OCID=ansmsnnews11
♦ National Film Registry, FilmSite.org http://www.filmsite.org/filmreg.html
♦ Why Groundhog Day Could Lift the Loonie, CNBC http://www.cnbc.com/id/100416469
♦ Groundhog Day: 10 things you should know before going, PENN LIVE, http://blog.pennlive.com/go/2013/01/groundhog_day_10_things_to_kno.html
♦ Groundhog Day 2014: Groundhog Day 2014: Staten Island Chuck ready to make prediction at Staten Island Zoo http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/01/staten_island_chuck_to_make_pr_2.html
♦ Groundhog Day http://www. groundhog.org/groundhog-day
♦ Groundhog Day: Planning your trip groundhog.org/planning-your-trip


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Happy 34th Martin Luther King Jr. Day America! (Jan 15th) ♦ ♦ ♦ What's Google's Doodle this year?

This post has been updated from previous MLK day blogs from AllThingsDigitalMarketing.com blog. Sometimes, the Google doodle will be from the previous years.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ~~ Martin Luther King, Jr. American clergyman, activist, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement


Happy MLK Jr. Day America! There are so many activities and volunteers throughout the U.S.A. are embracing the spirit by giving their time to all sorts of activities. Also, happy birthday to our former First Lady, Michelle Obama who turned 56 on Friday, January 17th.

As usual, Google is also celebrating Martin Luther King Day with a Google Doodle (photo right). 

Image below, screen capture of Google doodle to celebrate MLK Jr. Day's 30th in 2016.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience. King has become a national icon in the history of American progressivism. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of Dr. King's birthday on January 15th. It's always extra special when the actual holiday (Monday) is his birthday.

It is a federal holiday and all public schools, post offices, and government buildings will be closed.

MLK Jr. Day was first officially observed nationwide in 1986.

There are many things to do to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Below are some interesting things to read and also helpful resources to celebrate MLK day in NYC and the Tristate area:

♦ Obama marks MLK Day by honoring King for his "poetic brilliance" and "moral clarity"  The Hill    https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/479028-obama-marks-mlk-day-by-honoring-dr-king-for-his-poetic
♦ How to celebrate MLK , Family Education
♦ The Dos and Donts of Celebrating MLK Day, tolerance.org
♦ Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream" speech http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
♦ Martin Luther King Day with NYC Kids: Celebrations & Volunteer Opportunities for Families http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/things-to-do-on-martin-luther-king-jr-day-with-kids-in-new-york-city
♦ Martin Luther King Day events: How to mark MLK’s legacy - Make the most of your time off. Mark the civil-rights leader's achievements at performances, programming and Martin Luther King Day celebrations in New York. http://www.timeout.com/newyork/martin-luther-king-day
♦ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service - A Day On, Not a Day Off, NationalService.gov http://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/days-service/martin-luther-king-jr-day-service
♦ 19 Kid-Friendly Martin Luther King Day Celebrations http://www.newyorkfamily.com/nyc-mlk-day-things-to-do-kids-children-family-celebrations-activities/
♦ Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events - Here are nine ways to honor Dr. King's legacy this holiday weekend. http://nymag.com/nightlife/barbuzz/78862/
♦ Martin Luther King Day of Service, http://www.volunteer-center.org/mlk
♦ Martin Luther King, Jr. in New York , About.com http://manhattan.about.com/od/famousnewyorkers/a/mlknewyork.htm
♦ Martin Luther King Day events: How to mark MLK’s legacy Time Out New York http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/martin-luther-king-day-events-how-to-mark-mlks-legacy

Please visit this blog frequently and share this with your social media. Thanks.

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

Happy New Years America! Wishing everyone a Peaceful and Prosperous 2020!

Happy New Years America! Wishing everyone a Peaceful and Prosperous 2020!

This is a repost from an earlier New Years blog.

“Cheers to the New Year and to everyone making resolutions, improving on it and becoming better people!" ~ Gloria Buono-Daly, blogger, inventor, former marketing executive. 

Quote taken from C.S. Lewis (Clive Staples Lewis), (11/29/1898 - 11/22/1963) British novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, broadcaster, lecturer, and Christian apologist. He held academic positions at both Oxford University and Cambridge University. Most popular books include "Mere Christianity," "The Four Loves," "The Screwtape Letters," and "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Happy New Year 2020America!

This is a repost from previous blog Christmas posts.

Still wishing you all a very Merry Christmas America! Happy New Year too!

Wishing you a very "Charlie Brown Christmas," and The Gift of Silver Bells and Chocolate!

"...When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things -- not the great occasions -- give off the greatest glow of happiness..."
~~ Bob Hope
(May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003)English-born American comedian and actor on Broadway, in vaudeville, movies, television, and radio. 

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Sunday, December 22, 2019 and ends Monday, December 30, 2019.

Kwanza will begin on December 26 and will end on New Years Day, Monday, January 1, 2019.  

Like many households during Christmas season, in the center of our table you will find all sorts of desserts --cookies, cakes, Italian pastries, etc.

During the 12 days before Christmas and the 8 lights days of Hanukkah have fun decorating, baking and partying with family and friends.

There are so many other traditions and cultural customs during this festive season. Week-long holiday, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st and symbolizes "fruits of the harvest." 

Held in the United States since 1966, Kwanzaa honors African heritage in African American culture. Kwanza was created by Maulana Karenga in 1965 and has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). Traditions include baskets full of fruit and gift-giving.

Every once in a while during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I would bring that favorite, rich treat to my family table -- dark, decadent chocolate mousse.

Every once in a while, I would bring that favorite, rich treat -- dark, decadent chocolate mousse. 

What makes mousse so unique is the light and airy texture from air bubbles.

Depending on preparation and mix intensity mousse variations range from light and fluffy to creamy and thick and can be sweet, bitter or savory. The great thing about this dessert is the prep time is only six minutes and then all you need do is refrigerate it for an hour.

INGREDIENTS:
[Use numbers in parentheses for larger quantity servings
► 1 (4) teaspoon unflavored gelatin
► 1 (4) tablespoon cold water
► 2 (8) tablespoons boiling water
► 1/2 (4) cup sugar (can substitute with splenda, equal, etc.)
► 1/4 (1) cup cocoa (AT LEAST 60% cocoa concentration for best flavor)
► 1 (4) cup whipping cream (can substitute w yogurt but texture will change
► 1 (4) teaspoon vanilla extract
► chocolate curls

OPTIONAL:
► 2 tablespoons of instant espresso
► Be imaginative. Try something different and share it by commenting on this blog
► I've tried with the usual raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, but also tried cinnamon sticks, walnuts, cranberries, etc. 

Step 1 : Gelatin mixture (3 min) 
► In a small bowl sprinkle unflavored gelatin over the cold water; let stand 1 minute
►Add the boiling water, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved.

Step 2 : Mousse (3 min) 
► In a separate bowl combine the sugar, cocoa, whipping cream, and vanilla; stir to blend
► Beat on medium speed of electric mixer, scraping the bottom of the bowl a few times, until the mixture is stiff
► Add the gelatin mixture and beat until well blended.
Step 3 : Spoon in dish and chill (60 min) 
► Spoon the chocolate mousse into dessert dishes or glasses
► Sprinkle mousse with chocolate curls, if desired
►Chill for at least 1 hour before serving makes eight 6oz servings (parenthesis numbers make up to 32 6oz servings
Total time - 1 Hour and 6 Minutes 


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