FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Debbie Szumylo

It's that time of year again - to fall back to reading, so I've launched a repeat of my first series with that title and invited a dozen thought leaders to answer six questions about reading, books, and marketing. Join me today and continuing every Monday during November and December - ending on December 15th and with a series recap on December 21st.

A repeat guest on my blog, today's featured series participant is Debbie Szumylo based in Minnesota. Debbie is a Senior Manager of Customer and Employee Experience at Elite, leveraging 20 years of expertise in the industry. With nearly a decade at Elite, she enhances customer and employee satisfaction through a customer-facing online community, surveys, and journey mapping. Her key achievements include boosting client retention, launching an internal recognition program, and managing online communities. Additionally, Debbie plays a pivotal role in developing internal training programs, shaping the employee experience, and leading the development of Elite's Values.

QUESTION: Why did you choose the last book you read?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: The book I'm currently reading, which I chose for our book club, is The Island of Sea Women written by Lisa See. I tend to select books that explore times, circumstances, and events that I have little information about. 

I read to: 

* Expand my knowledge base: I actively seek out new historical periods, cultural contexts, or significant events that I might not have encountered otherwise.

* Continue developing empathy and understanding: Stepping into the shoes of characters living through unfamiliar situations helps me foster a deeper appreciation for diverse human experiences.

* Spark engaging discussions: When everyone in the book club is learning something new together, it often leads to more vibrant and insightful conversations.

* Challenge my own preconceptions: Encountering narratives from unfamiliar backgrounds encourages me to question my own assumptions and biases.

In essence, my book choices reflect a curiosity-driven approach to reading, where my primary goal isn't just entertainment - but also intellectual growth and a richer understanding of the world.

SHARE THIS: My book choices reflect a curiosity-driven approach to reading, where my primary goal isn't just entertainment - but also intellectual growth and a richer understanding of the world. ~Debbie Szumylo #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because you were drawn to the cover design? If yes, what was the book, and what attracted you to the cover?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: I used to, but I've learned my lesson. I've realized the tale inside the book is rarely ever truly indicative of what's on the cover. Now, I always flip open the book, read the dust jacket, and often do further research to determine whether it's a book I truly want to read. It's a much more reliable way to find a gem than just judging a book by its cover. I've found this approach helps me discover stories that genuinely resonate with my interests rather than just catching my eye for a moment.

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because of its title? If yes, what was the book, and what drew you to the title?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: Honestly, it's rare for me to choose a book solely because of its title anymore. While a good title might catch my eye for a split second, my decision almost always comes down to the synopsis on the dust jacket. I need to know if the themes align with what I'm really looking for. That title? It's just the briefest of hello waves, and by itself, it's not enough to convince me to commit. My significant 'To Be Read' (TBR) list is my true North Star, a carefully curated collection of books I've already vetted. So, I'm rarely ever scrambling for something unknown, unless I've devoured the book or two I usually travel with faster than anticipated.

SHARE THIS: A book's title is just the briefest of hello waves, and by itself, it's not enough to convince me to commit. ~Debbie Szumylo #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Have you ever finished reading a book, been disappointed by the ending, and thought you could have written a better ending? If yes, what was the book, and how would you have ended it?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: I loved The Lincoln Highway, it started out as a captivating journey, full of vivid characters and the promise of new beginnings. But honestly, the ending just fell flat – it was a huge letdown after 500+ pages of my investment.

My main issue? The story felt like it took a sharp, unbelievable turn. Characters I'd grown to know and understand suddenly acted in ways that made no sense. Emmett, who seemed like such a good guy, basically leaving Duchess to drown in that leaky boat? It felt less like a desperate accident and more like a cruel, calculated move. And Duchess himself – a messed-up kid with a rough past – deserved a shot at redemption, not such a bleak end. It felt like the author just wanted to tie up loose ends quickly, even if it meant sacrificing character consistency.

The whole climax felt way more violent than it needed to be, and it didn't fit the rest of the book's tone at all. It was jarring. Plus, some of the character choices just defied logic. Why would Emmett take the money and disappear, making himself look even guiltier, after going back for Duchess? And Billy, the stickler for rules, suddenly being okay with all that chaos? It just didn't add up. Ultimately, what started as a hopeful, reflective tale about finding your way felt like it was abruptly cut short, robbing us of the satisfying resolutions I'd been hoping for. 

How would I write the ending differently? For me, a truly satisfying ending to The Lincoln Highway would have given Duchess a shot at redemption instead of that bleak, ambiguous death. I wanted to see him face the music or even have a moment of genuine atonement, not just be discarded like he was.

I also would have kept Emmett and Billy true to their characters. Emmett's actions with that boat just felt cold and totally out of sync with the good guy I thought he was. And Billy, the one who stuck so rigidly to the rules, suddenly going along with chaotic plans simply didn't make sense. Their choices at the end should have reflected the people I knew them to be throughout the rest of the book.

Finally, the climax needed to fit the rest of the story's tone. The sudden, excessive violence felt jarring and honestly, unearned. A better ending would have built tension through emotional stakes, offering resolutions that felt like a natural, logical culmination of the characters' journeys, and hopefully, preserved the sense of hope the story began with.

QUESTION: Is there a social media account, a national book publisher, or book club you follow for reading recommendations?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: You bet! I've got my system down. My trusty Goodreads account is the command center for my reading life. Back in the good old days, I set myself the epic task of devouring every single book from Oprah's legendary book club – a mission I proudly undertook! I also keep an eye on Reese Witherspoon's picks because she often hits the mark. But honestly, nothing beats the insight from my go-to friends who are also voracious readers; their recommendations are usually spot on. And I'm totally guilty of diving headfirst into any 'top ten' list I spot on social media. Plus, I lurk (in the best way possible!) in some fantastic Facebook Groups focusing on great fiction, particularly historical fiction, where the wisdom is fantastic.

QUESTION: What book should everyone read, and why?

DEBBIE SZUMYLO: That's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. I can't pick just one.

In our current environment, I believe everyone should seek out and read books currently facing bans. Many of these, like To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, The Color Purple, and The Catcher in the Rye, were staples of my own high school literature class, and I've revisited them since.

Reading these challenged titles is crucial because they offer:

* Diverse perspectives: They provide access to viewpoints and experiences often suppressed elsewhere.

* Understanding of social and political issues: They delve into complex topics such as race, sexuality, religion, and censorship, giving us insights into societal dynamics.

* Encouragement of critical thinking: Engaging with controversial material pushes us to form our own opinions and analyze critically.

* Promotion of intellectual freedom: By reading these books, we actively support the right to read freely and stand against censorship.

SHARE THIS: By reading books that are currently facing bans, we actively support the right to read freely and stand against censorship. ~Debbie Szumylo #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

My gratitude to Debbie for sharing her insights and for being a part of my fall back to reading series. Until next week, happy reading!

Image Credit: Cambridge Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring.

Read Debbie's previous appearance here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Debbie Szumylo (May 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/05/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_084191886.html

Connect with Debbie at this link:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dszumylo

Feedback Tips from Moulin Rouge! the Musical

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to watch a performance of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. 

As a fan of musical theater, this was great fun. The show featured singing, dancing, music, lighting, amazing choreography, colorful costumes, convincing scenery, and talented performers!

Imagine my surprise when a few hours after the show ended and I returned home, I received an email from the Pantages Theater that read, "Thank you for joining us for MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us, especially now. Every response is read and considered. Please take a few moments to offer your thoughts, so that we may understand and improve. Click to complete the survey. Thank you."

I have attended dozens of musicals and dramatic theatrical productions in my lifetime and never once received an email like this. I was incredibly impressed because of the content of the email and the timing, so close to the end of the show.

My theater and parking experience had been excellent so I was able to share that information while completing the survey. Since I have tickets for upcoming shows, I'm sure that the Pantages is happy that I'm a happy repeat customer/fan.

Here's a highlight from the show's review in The San Diego Union-Tribune by Pam Kragen, "Besides the eye candy that "Moulin Rouge" provides, the most entertaining and funny part of the show is the clever storytelling its Tony Award-winning orchestrators have created by weaving together and overlapping snippets of songs by more than 160 pop/rock composers, including Lady Gaga, Adele, Elton John, Katy Perry, The Police, the Rolling Stones, and more." There was also music from Tina Turner and "The Sound of Music."

What can your brand learn from this efficient request for feedback?

Image Credit: Pantages Theater's email communication.

Enter the spectacular world of the Moulin Rouge! The Musical:

https://youtu.be/fQucEg85p50?si=VJb-dqSwYvGTEHgY

Read about the history of the Moulin Rouge in Paris:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_Rouge

Read secrets about Paris' Moulin Rouge:

https://frenchmoments.eu/moulin-rouge-paris/

Check out Moulin Rouge art by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec:

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/333990

and

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/61128/at-the-moulin-rouge

and

https://www.nga.gov/artworks/46696-quadrille-moulin-rouge

Read the entire story of the Moulin Rouge! The Musical:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_Rouge!_(musical)

A Salute to Veterans

We salute the men and women who've served in the military to protect our country, but how can we show our gratitude?

You can visit a military cemetery or a war memorial, you can visit a military hospital, or you can volunteer for a nonprofit that sends cards or other items to current military personnel.

However, there is something else you can do. You can read about veterans, either nonfiction accounts or fictional stories to better understand the military experience.

I highly recommend THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah. Published in February 2024 (but I read it earlier this year), this historical work of fiction tells the story of a young woman from San Diego who served as a nurse in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Her brother did not survive the war, but she did. Her father had been so embarrassed about her going to war that he lied and told people she went to Florence, Italy instead. When she came home from the war, she suffered from PTSD, and no one at the Veterans Administration believed that she had suffered - and continued to suffer from her trauma - and yet she experienced as much trauma as the men who saw battle. 

The book was incredibly well written, the story was so well researched, and upon finishing it, the characters remained with me for a long time. And after finishing the book, I conducted my own research about the impact of American women who served in Vietnam and learned that there is a Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"The Vietnam Women's Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall just yards from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Wall, on November 11, 1993, in Washington, D.C. One may think that the approval, placement, and financing of a statue for such a just cause would be a relatively simple process – after all, this was the first memorial on the Mall of our nation's Capital to honor the military service of women. To the contrary, the process was long and arduous and included two separate pieces of Congressional legislation and approval of three federal commissions. The dedication of the Vietnam Women's Memorial (VWM) represented the culmination of a 10-year struggle by thousands of volunteers who overcame controversy, rejection, and challenge by those who thought that a women's memorial was not needed."

The website explanation continued, "Vietnam Veterans were not welcomed home as the country desperately tried to put the war behind it. Before founding of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, little was known of the heroism of American women. Yet over 265,000 military and civilian women served beside their brother soldiers. Approximately 10,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam during the war. Ninety percent were nurses. Others served as physicians, physical therapists, and personnel in the medical field, air traffic control, military intelligence, administration, and in many other capacities. Civilian women also served in Vietnam as news correspondents and workers for the Red Cross, the USO, Special Services, the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Relief Services, and other humanitarian organizations.

Many of these women were wounded or killed in the crossfire. The Vietnam Women's Memorial Project gave these women veterans a voice by highlighting their stories and educating the public. It has helped to tell their story through the mass print and electronic media as well as in schoolrooms and universities, and at conferences, seminars and conventions. As more and more Vietnam women read and heard of their sisters' service, they came forward with their own experiences. Many of these women had never before shared their personal experiences with others – the pain was too deep. Now, through their poems, songs, and stories, the healing of women veterans has begun. Silent no more, women veterans have a special role in discussions surrounding a call to arms, the role of women in the military, and veterans benefits. Their insights into war make their contributions in peacetime as invaluable as their heroism in Vietnam."

Glenna Goodacre, the sculptor of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, explained, "My desire to create a lasting tribute to the American women serving in Vietnam is founded upon my deep respect for each of them, and my heartfelt payer for their healing and hope. I have been humbled by the enormity of such a task yet incredibly honored by the overwhelming gratitude of the veterans. The emphasis of this tribute is centered on their emotions: their compassion, their anxiety, their fatigue, and above all, their dedication. 

My first concern in designing this sculpture was to arrange the four figures in a composition that is interesting from all angles: a true sculpture in the round. The photos from Vietnam often included stacks of sandbags. It seemed natural for a nurse – in a moment of crisis – to be supported by sandbags as she serves as the life support for a wounded soldier lying across her lap. The standing woman looks up, in search of a med-i-vac helicopter or, perhaps, in search of help from God. The kneeling figure has been called "the heart and soul" of the piece because so many vets see themselves in her. She stares at any empty helmet, her posture reflecting her despair, frustrations, and all the horrors of war. The soldier's face is half-covered by a bandage, creating an anonymous figure with which veterans can identify. Even though he is wounded, he will live. I want this to be a monument for the living."

Let's celebrate all Veterans, men and women, with gratitude.

SHARE THIS: Kristin Hannah's THE WOMEN is a beautifully written tribute to a group of veterans who deserve more appreciation for the incredible sacrifices they made. ~Bill Gates #VeteransDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: One of the things I love about historical fiction is its ability to illuminate the modern world. Now, more than ever, we need to find a way to come together and have civil, informed conversations. ~Kristin Hannah #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: National Park Service/Vietnam Women's Memorial.

Check out this Q&A with Kristin Hannah, author of THE WOMEN:

https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-women/author-qa/

Check out the websites for the Vietnam Women's Memorial:

https://vietnamwomensmemorial.org/

and

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/vietnam-womens-memorial.htm

Read the Message from the Founder of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation:

https://vietnamwomensmemorial.org/message-from-the-founder/

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring James Strock

It's that time of year again - to fall back to reading, so I've launched a repeat of my first series with that title and invited a dozen thought leaders to answer six questions about reading, books, and marketing. Join me today and continuing every Monday during November and December - ending on December 15th and with a series recap on December 21st.

A repeat guest on my blog, today's featured series participant is James Strock, an independent writer, speaker, reformer, and entrepreneur, based in Southern California. He's the author of several books about leadership, politics, Ronald Reagan, and Theodore Roosevelt - and I've had the honor of learning from him since we first met back in 2011.

QUESTION: Why did you choose the last book you read?

JAMES STROCK: The New Leviathans: Thoughts After Liberalism, by John Gray jumped out because of the author and the topic. Gray is an erudite, wide-ranging public intellectual of a type that is nearly extinct. He's fearless and unbound by political identities, the better able to discern unexpected associations between our times and others.

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because you were drawn to the cover design? If yes, what was the book, and what attracted you to the cover?

JAMES STROCK: I don't select books based on their cover designs, but I do appreciate a compelling design. A recent example is Revolutionary Spring: Europe Aflame and the Fight for a New World, by Christopher Clark. The images on the front cover are evocative, including cities aflame, massed crowds, people overturning bondage. It helps one recognize that our moment is linked to the world-historic year 1848.

SHARE THIS: I don't select books based on their cover designs, but I do appreciate a compelling design. ~James Strock #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because of its title? If yes, what was the book, and what drew you to the title?

JAMES STROCK: I was immediately drawn to Peggy Noonan's latest book, A Certain Idea of America. The reference is to Charles de Gaulle's notion of "a certain idea of France" as the unifying motivation of his life and work. At a time when the United States is rediscovering and reconsidering our founding principles, Noonan's title is timely and apt.

QUESTION: Have you ever finished reading a book, been disappointed by the ending, and thought you could have written a better ending? If yes, what was the book, and how would you have ended it?

JAMES STROCK: I read non-fiction almost exclusively and am frequently disappointed by endings. American authors — or perhaps their publishers — are prone to append concluding chapters that seem bolted on. There seems to be a desire to have things wrapped up neatly and optimistically, even where it may not be warranted. 

QUESTION: Is there a social media account, a national book publisher, or book club you follow for reading recommendations?

JAMES STROCK: The Wall Street Journal book reviews are reliably thoughtful. Like many others, I pick up reading ideas from wide variety of podcasts and social media posts.

QUESTION: What book should everyone read, and why?

JAMES STROCK: The Conquest of Happiness, by Bertrand Russell. Russell's wide-ranging intellect comes down to earth with practical observations most anyone could benefit from applying now and again.

My gratitude to Jim for sharing his insights and for being a part of my fall back to reading series. Until next week, happy reading!

Image Credit: Amazon.

Read Jim's previous appearances here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring James Strock (May 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/05/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01667277768.html

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring James Strock (November 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/holiday-leadership-series-featuring_0843516022.html

OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring James Strock (July 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/07/olympics-leadership-series-featuring_0590013298.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring James Strock (April 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/04/spring-leadership-series-featuring_0620073012.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring James Strock (October 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_0711042239.html

What Happens When Leadership, Service and Encouragement Join Forces? (July 2020)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2020/07/what-happens-when-leadership-service.html

Sharing Timeless Leadership Lessons (November 2018)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/11/sharing-timeless-leadership-lessons.html

Leadership Is All About Serving Others (March 2014)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2014/03/leadership-is-all-about-serving-others.html

Serve to Lead - What a Visionary Concept (March 2011)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2011/03/serve-to-lead-what-visionary-concept.html

Connect with Jim at these links:

Website: https://servetolead.com

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jamesstrock

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesstrock

Leadership Quotes: https://www.azquotes.com/author/97151-James_M_Strock

Fun Marketing Stories Surrounding the 2025 World Series

While you’ve heard lots of stories about the superstars of this year’s World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, have you also heard about the fun wagers?

As a Los Angeles native, I’ve heard about them and would like to share, especially since all have a marketing impact on tourism, commerce, personal branding, brand identity, brand advocacy - or a combination of some or all.

First, here's a fun fact: 2025 was the first year in Major League Baseball history that the season started and ended outside of the United States. The Los Angeles Dodgers began the season in Tokyo, Japan with two games against the Chicago Cubs, and the Dodgers also ended the season with two games in Toronto, Canada against the Blue Jays.

And now on to some friendly wagers regarding the World Series:

MAYORS

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow wagered that the losing city's major would have to bike a distance equal to the number of winning runs in the final game while wearing the winning team's jersey. (The winning number of runs turned out to be 5.)

GOVERNORS

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Ontario Premier Doug Ford placed a friendly wager. The loser must send the winner a basket of local goods.

On a related note, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that US President Donald Trump avoided his calls ending a potential bet on the World Series.

POLICE CHIEFS

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw bet that the losing chief must post a photo wearing the opposing team's jersey.

ZOOS

The Los Angeles Zoo and the Toronto Zoo made a friendly wager on the World Series. If a Dodgers victory, the Toronto Zoo would replace its logo with a California condor for 24 hours, and if a Blue Jays victory, the LA Zoo would replace its logo with a blue jay for 24 hours.

MEDIA

Toronto's CityNews 247 and Los Angeles' KTLA5 announced a friendly wager where the losing news team would have to wear the winning team's gear on social media.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Los Angeles Public Library and the Toronto Public Library did not make a wager on the World Series outcome, but instead, shared memorable daily social media posts. I followed the posts on Twitter/X and was very impressed. Each LA Public Library post featured an LA Dodgers cap atop books that related to each game's outcome - and most included a library card.

The Toronto Public Library posted after the second game in Toronto, "Flying south for the win(ter)" and included a stack of books with these titles: My Home Team, Baseball Beyond Our Borders, Boldly Go, and Los Angeles Today.

During the epic 18-inning win by the Dodgers, the LA Public Library's chosen books included: Fight Back, Wake Up Calls, Resilience, and more. And then, at the conclusion of that game, the LA Public Library's chosen books included: A Game of Their Own, A Familiar Sight, Thrill City, and The Dodgers.

Upon returning to Toronto for Game 6, the Toronto Public Library shared a Blue Jays jersey with the books: The Best Team Money Can Buy, Bring Yourself, Any Night of the Week, and It Will End with Us. I especially liked the post's excellent hashtag #BookSpinePoetry.

After the 7th and final World Series Game, the Toronto Public Library shared a Blue Jays helmet atop the books: The Final Curtain, Victorious in Defeat, LA Story, I Curse You With Joy, and This Time Next Year, We'll Be Laughing. The LA Public Library shared a Dodgers cap atop these books: A Night to Die For, Miracle Men (Hershiser, Gibson, and the Improbable 1988 Dodgers), City of Dreams, Hope and Glory, and A Dream Season. 

As an avid reader, the creativity for these posts was inspiring - and I'm thrilled that these institutions joined the international conversation about the World Series and promoted reading! And of course, there was that excellent hashtag #BookSpinePoetry!

FOOD NEWS

Pink's Hot Dogs: Pink's (normally featuring its classic pink banner) on Fairfax in Los Angeles updated its banner to read "PINK'S IS NOW DODGER BLUE." Pink's also featured the "Blue's Dog with bacon, chili, and cheese for $8.22 with proceeds going toward the LA Dodgers Foundation.

Colorado Dounts: This Eagle Rock location featured limited-time Dodgers doughnuts coated in bright blue glaze with "LA" in white icing. These sweet treats were available daily through the World Series.

Randy's Donuts: The legendary doughnut shop celebrated the Playoffs and World Series with Bavarian cream doughnuts topped in Dodger-blue glaze and toped with the iconic "LA" logo. The doughnuts were available at all LA-area locations.

Panda Express: A number of posts appeared on Instagram featuring mascot Pei Pei at Dodger Stadium. While Panda Express does not sell food at Dodger Stadium, it has a deal with the Dodgers that after every home game win, participating locations offer specially-priced Panda Plates.

OTHER INTERESTING WORLD SERIES NEWS:

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy passed Babe Ruth on baseball's all-time postseason home run list!

Dodgers outfielder Justin Dean used an "Autism Speaks" Wilson glove to promote autism awareness on baseball's biggest stage!

Dodgers relief pitchers wore number "51" on their caps in support of fellow team member, reliever Alex Vesia, who was not on the Dodgers 26-man roster for the World Series. The Dodgers had announced that Vesia was away from the team to attend to a "deeply personal family matter." For Games 6 and 7, the Blue Jays relief pitchers on the Blue Jays also wore the number "51" on their caps.

Dodgers infielder/outfielder Kiki Hernandez saw the gesture and said, "For those guys to do that, it's incredible. They're trying to win a World Series, but they understand that life is bigger than baseball, and baseball's just a game. For them to do that with the stakes - where we were at with the stakes, hats off to them. And I want them to know that we appreciate them."

Since the Montreal Expos left Montreal and moved south from Canada to Washington, DC to become the Washington Nationals in 2005, the Toronto Blue Jays have been the sole Major League Baseball team in the entire country of Canada. According to MLB, "Canada’s northernmost city is closer to Greenland, nearer to the North Pole, than it is to Toronto. Although the residents of Iqaluit have spotty cell service, a climate that’s more fit for polar bears and almost total darkness for much of the winter -- they do, during these late, exceedingly exciting October nights, have their pennant-winning Blue Jays. And during the team’s greatest playoff run in 32 years, they mostly gather to watch in the warmth of The Storehouse Bar and Grill - one of the few watering holes in the zero-stoplight town. In fact, more than two percent of the city’s population can be found there. For the majority of the year, Iqaluit – the capital and only city in Canada’s Nunavut Territory – is a place where indigenous communities in the north come to visit. Most signage, including city stop signs, is in English, French and the native Inuktitut. Customers take their snowmobiles and ATVs over to root on the team that's playing more than 1,400 miles away. Or they just walk - Iqaluit is just about an hour across on foot. And, don't worry, pedestrians don't have to worry too much about running into a polar bear - the apex predators usually don't wander into the city and roam a bit more up in the wilderness with the rest of the larger land mammals."

According to Valerie Hill, general manager of The Storehouse Bar and Grill, "It feels like we're on the moon. Our bar holds 215 people, and for the playoffs our crowds varied from 120-180 people for the games. It’s a huge number when you consider our community’s population is only around 8,000 people.”

Lastly, after the epic 18-inning game at Dodger Stadium, a fan-based group, Dodgers Nation, shared the following "Permission Slip" on Twitter/X.

Did you "CATCH" any other exciting news to add to this list? Chime in and share.

In the meantime, it's less than 100 days until the 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Italy (and my #WinterOlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 appears here on my Blog) - and more importantly for baseball fans, it's 141 days until Opening Day on March 25th (March 26th for the Dodgers). Until then, congratulations on back-to-back World Series Championships to the LA Dodgers!

Image Credits: Toronto Zoo and Los Angeles Dodgers - and Dodgers Nation for the Permission Slip.

Read "Fun Marketing Stories Surrounding the 2024 World Series" (October 2024):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/10/fun-marketing-stories-surrounding-2024.html

Read "Everything Is Marketing - Especially During the World Series!" (October 2018):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/10/everything-is-marketing-especially.html

Read a similar post, "Super Bowl LIX Is Hours Away" (February 2025) - includes friendly bets:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/02/super-bowl-lix-is-hours-away.html

Read a similar post, "A Recap of the Ads from Super Bowl 57" (February 2023) - includes friendly bets:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/02/a-recap-of-ads-from-super-bowl-57.html

Read a similar post, "Fun Stories Surrounding Super Bowl 56" (February 2022):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/02/fun-stories-surrounding-super-bowl-56.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Rebecca Rucker

It's that time of year again - to fall back to reading, so I've launched a repeat of my first series with that title and invited a dozen thought leaders to answer six questions about reading, books, and marketing. Join me today and continuing every Monday during November and December - ending on December 15th and with a series recap on December 21st.

A repeat guest on my blog, today's featured series participant is Rebecca Rucker, a psychotherapist based in Houston, Texas. We met via a virtual book club, Leaders Who Fiction led by Melanie Bell. Rebecca belongs to the Leaders Who Fiction book club because she enjoys the quality of the discussions about leadership that transpires among the book club members; and when not reading fiction, she meets with a weekly group of eclectic elders who study the works of Shakespeare.

QUESTION: Why did you choose the last book you read?

REBECCA RUCKER: This summer, I chose to read North Woods by Daniel Mason. The concept of the book intrigued me. It is a story about the many inhabitants of the same house over the course of decades. The wonderful surprise of this book was not just the unusual concept, but the incredible creativity and artistry of the book. Mason includes poetry, pictures, and a variety of writing styles that are unique and engaging. His ability to weave the threads of continuity from one of the house inhabitants to another is intriguing and demonstrates his mastery in writing. This book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, and after reading this delightful and entertaining novel, it's clear to see why.

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because you were drawn to the cover design? If yes, what was the book, and what attracted you to the cover?

REBECCA RUCKER: Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey's book, A Woman of Independent Means, was originally published in 1978. The original cover of the book was simple: a woman on a stamp with an addressed postcard which gave the title of the book and the author. I was drawn to the stamp. This was 1978, and it was the first time I recalled seeing a modern woman on a stamp - and the declaration in the title that a woman had independent means. 

Independence was a new concept for women coming out of the 60s and 70s. When the book appeared, women were not only becoming independent, but financially capable and confident, and no longer relegated to the previous traditional roles of women from prior decades. While it was the cover that caught my attention, the content opened my eyes to a brave way of living for a lifetime. This copy of the book remains on my bookshelves to this day.

SHARE THIS: While the cover of A WOMAN OF INDEPENDENT MEANS caught my attention, the content opened my eyes to a brave way of living for a lifetime. ~Rebecca Rucker #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Have you ever chosen a book because of its title? If yes, what was the book, and what drew you to the title?

REBECCA RUCKER: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a fitting title for a wonderful story of bright, complex, and unique sentient beings. The book jacket is colorful and hints at a couple of the creatures' stories explored in the book. The title drew me in because I really enjoy stories about complex and bright people and the ways in which they face challenges during times of transition and change. 

I came to appreciate that the novel used the play on words "remarkably bright creatures" to highlight the uniqueness and intelligence, often subtle, of the characters in the book. These characters are everyday people with unremarkable jobs going about their lives in ordinary ways. However, the book is full of invaluable lessons about the ways we can all demonstrate understanding and kindness among all our fellow sentient creatures.  

QUESTION: Have you ever finished reading a book, been disappointed by the ending, and thought you could have written a better ending? If yes, what was the book, and how would you have ended it?

REBECCA RUCKER: When I read the psychological thriller, The Push by Ashley Audrain, it was a hard book to put down. Audrain had captured the struggle between a mother's instinct and her own self-doubt as a mother in a heart-rending fashion. The mother doubts herself throughout most of the novel only to find that she truly knew her child the best of everyone else in the family. While the novel ends with validation that the mother truly did know best, the mother is left downtrodden and completely outside of the family she had hoped to have. I commend the author for the haunting ending but really hoped that the mother would have ended up with more self-confidence and strength to try a second time to make the family she wanted. I would have written an ending that validated the mother's struggle and the wisdom she gained through a difficult set of challenges.

QUESTION: Is there a social media account, a national book publisher, or book club you follow for reading recommendations?

REBECCA RUCKER: Good Reads is one source I check for ratings and information on books and authors.  I often check the ratings in Good Reads for books I have read to see if the reviews line up with my own thoughts about different books. Based on those ratings, I check out reviews of new and most read books to see what I might read next. 

In my book club, Leaders Who Fiction, I find the recommendations from my fellow readers to be excellent suggestions. These readers often suggest books and genres that I do not normally read, but I find surprising and delightful. These book recommendations help me grow in my taste and appreciation of many more categories of books and authors.

QUESTION: What book should everyone read, and why?

REBECCA RUCKER: Everyone should read The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. This book is beautifully written but hard to read. Didion bares her soul while describing the complexities of loss, grief, and despair in an honest and profound manner. She expresses her vulnerability and the loss of meaning in her life that occurs with the sudden death of her husband. Rather than describing stages of grief, she brings the reader inside her world where she desperately uses magical thinking in the hope he will return. Didion struggles to regain her sanity and find new meaning to live her life. 

This book is an inside look at the universal truth we all face – we lose people we love, we lose a part of ourselves when they die, and we find the courage to move forward with our memories and our grief into a new world of our choosing the best we can.

My gratitude to Rebecca for sharing her insights and for being a part of my fall back to reading series. Until next week, happy reading!

Image Credit: Between the Covers Rare Books.

Read Rebecca's previous appearances here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Rebecca Rucker (April 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/04/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01405728452.html

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Rucker (December 2024

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/12/holiday-leadership-series-featuring_02091919601.html

Let's Celebrate World Book Day and Promote Reading! (April 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/04/lets-celebrate-world-book-day-and.html

Connect with Rebecca at these links:

Website: https://texasinstituteforconsultationandclinicalsupervision.com/about-us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-rucker-b02277/

Check out the "Leaders Who Fiction" virtual book club:

https://www.leaderswhofiction.com/upcoming-books

Best Social Media Post of the Month of October

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from October 2025 was a THROWBACK post shared on October 7th, 2017, by the toy brand Ty Inc. on Twitter/X. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, the company was founded in 1986 by Ty Warner and designs, develops, and sells products worldwide, most notably Beanie Babies.

The post featured a plush Dalmatian sitting in front of a fire station and read:

"It's a day that means a lot to Marshall! It's #FirePupDay! Dalmatians originally teamed up with horses to guide the Fireman carriages!"

If you're a fan of dogs (and always enjoy the Budweiser Clydesdale and Dalmatian ads during the Super Bowl!) and appreciate the important work that firemen do to keep our communities safe, then you also liked this post!

According to The Dog People, "The image of a polka-dotted Dalmatian riding shotgun in a fire truck is indelible in American pop culture and lore, but the story of how they got there is lesser-known. In honor of National Fire Pup Day, we’ve delved into the history, evolution, and enduring legacy of the dogs who keep firefighters company. From 17th-century carriage dogs to modern-day firehouse mascots, these brave and beautiful canines serve as symbols of the heroic work of their human crewmates, and sometimes, they even get in on the action themselves...When horse-drawn fire carriages hit the scene in the late 1700's, carriage dogs became fire pups. Dalmatians were perfectly suited for the job, not only because of their carriage-trailing abilities but their grace under fire. Dalmatians were known to have a calming effect on horses, so while firefighters battled a blaze, the fire dog could stay with the horses and ease their stress. Back at the station, the fire dog would typically bunk in the stable alongside their equine charges...In the 20th century and beyond, fire stations across England and America kept Dalmatians on-site as firehouse residents and mascots. Also, during the 20th century, Dalmatians and other fire pups made an important move into education, helping firefighters demonstrate fire safety and emergency preparedness for school and community groups."

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And Ty definitely succeeded in my book!

What brand will stand out during November, and why?

SHARE THIS: Brands that can align their products or services with an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. ~@DebbieLaskeyMBA #DebbieLaskeysBlog #SocialMediaTip

Image Credit: Ty Inc. via Twitter/X.

Read more about the history of fire dogs at:

https://www.rover.com/blog/fire-dog-history/