Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Does Your Brand Attract Brand Ambassadors?

Since a part of life is an overflowing email inbox, what can brands do to stand out so that their emails are opened?

I've shared a myriad of memorable email marketing campaigns here on my blog with subject lines ranging from "A Special Thank You Gift" to "We love your social profile!" to "Life is short. Buy the artwork" from an artist, to "Thank you for attending our musical, we want your feedback" sent within an hour of a show's ending from a theater, to a message from a wildlife conservation nonprofit "written by" William Shatner.

These emails stood out due to their subject lines, and as a result, I quickly opened them! However, for the hundreds, if not thousands, of other emails that find their way into my inbox, they are routinely ignored and/or deleted - except one.

Recently, I received an email from the kitchen accessories and cooking store brand Sur la table. Here was the subject line: "Be a Brand Ambassador. Cook. Share. Get Rewarded."

And here was the email's message:

"Calling all cooks and creators. Love creating food content? Apply to our brand ambassador program and earn up to 12 percent commission, gift cards, and exclusive opportunities with Sur la table.
Who You Are: You could spend an entire Saturday at Sur la table and not even notice; you love creating content almost as much as you love eating what you make; you have 500+ followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube; and you're over 18 years old and based in the United States.
How It Works: Fill out your profile, tell us about your cooking style, the content you create, and the platforms you're active on. Post what you're making, share kitchen moments, review products, and take on weekly challenges. Every action you take earns points toward your next reward. Unlock rewards at every tier. Every milestone pays out: gift cards, a growing commission rate up to 12 percent, and new levels of access."

In addition, Sur la table will provide brand ambassadors with content ideas, brand guidelines, approved hashtags, sample posts, and best practices for posting.

According to Envision Creative Art based in Maryland, "The best brands don't sell — they make you want to join the club. They don't chase customers. They build a vibe so clear, a message so magnetic, that people want in. It's not about pushing a product. It's about creating a world people want to be part of. If your brand feels like a community, not a transaction — you're doing it right."

What a wonderful way to attract fans who love to cook and also "live" on their social platforms - and it all started from an email.

What lessons can your brand learn from this unique brand ambassador program?

Friday, September 11, 2026

NEVER FORGOTTEN: 25 Years After September 11th

To honor the lives lost on September 11th, I'd like to share Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation:

"WHEREAS, 25 years ago today, our nation watched in horror as four commercial airliners were hijacked and directed toward major American institutions, including the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; and,

WHEREAS, as a result, nearly 3,000 men, women, and children lost their lives that day, and countless other families and loved ones felt — and continue to feel — the lasting impact of this tragedy; and,

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of one of the worst terrorist attacks in our history, we proved that love is stronger than hate, as our military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and other emergency personnel showed true heroism and selfless courage for the safety of others; and,

WHEREAS, this tragedy will always serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and compassion we possess in the face of devastating loss; and,

WHEREAS, on this day, we should honor those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others, including the men and women who showed bravery in responding to the attacks and aiding the victims; and,

WHEREAS, we should pay tribute to their lives with service and charity toward others and ensure that our state and nation are just and inclusive places for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as Patriot Day in Michigan and urge all citizens to take a moment to commemorate the lives we lost and do our part to continue to carry forward the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice."

Each year, American flags are flown at half-staff on all federal buildings; Americans are asked to observe moments of silence at the exact times that the planes struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania; and Americans are encouraged to participate in volunteer work and charitable acts to honor the victims and first responders.

Yahoo!News reported, "On September 6th, the Atlanta Braves hosted the annual Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Truist Park, honoring first responders and lives lost on September 11th, 2001. The event, organized by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, and the Georgia Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, saw over 530 participants, including first responders, community members, and supporters — including fire fighters from the United Kingdom. Participants climbed over 2,000 steps at Truist Park, symbolizing the 110 flights of stairs that FDNY firefighters ascended during rescue efforts on 9/11. Each climber wore a lanyard with a photo and name of a 9/11 victim in remembrance. And a piece of Trade Center steel was displayed onsite. Proceeds from the event benefit The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, supporting first responders and their families across the state."

And at Pepperdine University's Alumni Park in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the annual "Waves of Flags" appears each September for two weeks around September 11th. Nearly 3,000 flags are placed in remembrance of the lives lost: 2,977 flags in total, including one national flag representing each foreign country that lost citizens on that day. The flag display became an annual tradition in 2008 when university students were inspired by a similar 9/11 tribute elsewhere.

Lastly, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City asks the public to take a photo of the sky this morning — regardless of the weather. Include a caption and post it early in the day to Instagram or any social media platform. Use hashtags #NeverForget911 and #RememberTheSky. The social media campaign is "inspired by the clear blue sky that was present in New York City and across the country on 9/11."

What will you do today to honor the memory of the lives lost 25 years ago on September 11th?

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Recent Marketing News: Butterfly Sticker, Ice Cream, Maps, and More

During the last few weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand naming, brand storytelling, brand strategy, customer experience marketing, employee experiences, logo design, personal branding, product marketing, product naming, special event marketing, word choice, and more.

DEATH OF GLORIA STEINEM

American writer, lecturer, political activist, and feminist organizer who made "HERSTORY" died on September 2nd at the age of 92. According to the AP, she "became the most visible symbol of the U.S. women's movement and remained a fierce and eloquent advocate for equality for six decades." In 1971, Steinem founded the National Women's Political Caucus with Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, and Bella Abzug. In 1972, Steinem co-founded Ms. Magazine and remained as an advisor until it was purchased in 2001 by the Feminist Majority Foundation. Though many saw her as a singular figure in history, she often liked to say that if she hadn't come along, someone else would have accomplished the same things."

California women's rights attorney Gloria Allred said upon hearing the news, "Gloria Steinem was an inspirational role model, a pioneer, and a person who made herstory. Not history, but herstory. I had to stop for a moment when I learned that she passed, but I knew that she would not want me to pause one more moment and to continue the fight, which I intend to do. We're not going back; we're only going forward. She has passed, but the torch is being passed...she would want us to continue."

According to Letty Cottin Pogrebin, who with Steinem and other women founded Ms. magazine, "She felt that battles were unfinished. But she focused me and everybody else on the future. She really didn't want to give the tradwives and the manosphere the credit for being long-lasting."

SHARE THIS: Feminism has never been about getting a job for one woman. It's about making life more fair for women everywhere. ~Gloria Steinem #PersonalBranding #EqualityForWomen #EqualPayForEqualWork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: I'm keeping my torch. And I'm using it to light other people's torches. ~Gloria Steinem #PersonalBranding #EqualityForWomen #EqualPayForEqualWork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

DEATH OF ROBIN MORGAN

Poet, editor, feminist - and friend of Gloria Steinem - Robin Morgan died on September 5th at the age of 85. According to NBC Los Angeles, "During the 1960s and 1970s, Morgan embodied and inspired historic changes in how women lived and thought. As she was happy to point out, she was a rule breaker and justice seeker with a notable list of achievements, along with a prison record and an FBI file. Morgan was at the center of some of the defining moments of what came to be called second-wave feminism, expanding upon the achievements of the suffragists a half-century earlier. In 1968, she was among the organizers of the first protest against the Miss America pageant, joining fellow activists in tossing their bras (soon mythologized as burning) into a "Freedom Trash Can." The 1970 essay anthology she edited, "Sisterhood is Powerful," is considered one of the essential texts of the modern women's movement. Gloria Steinem would call her an ideal "utility player," gifted in almost every way a protest movement might require. In 1984, she was a founder of an early feminist think tank, the Sisterhood Is Global Institute. And in 2005, she, Steinem and Jane Fonda launched the Women's Media Center, which has a mission to support the visibility, viability and decision-making power of women and girls in media."

Morgan is widely credited with coining the term "HERSTORY," the feminist reworking of "history," and popularizing the clenched fist/female symbol icon of the liberation movement.

TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON

The Guardian reported, "The Tennessee Volunteers, a college football team, will be honoring Dolly Parton with a helmet sticker this season. The singer died on August 25th at the age of 80. She grew up in Sevierville, roughly 30 miles east of Knoxville, where the University of Tennessee is located. The sticker, in the Volunteers' signature orange, features a butterfly similar to the one in the logo of Dollywood, Parton's theme park. The logo also has "Dolly" written at its center."

WATER IS REASON FOR EVOLVING ROLE OF WOMEN IN VENICE, ITALY

The Guardian reported in early September, "Beyond the dominant narratives of overtourism and climate breakdown, another, quieter transformation is taking place. Venice lies on contradictions – appearance and structure, illusion and rootedness. One of these tensions emerges in the role of women in shaping the city's identity. While many Venetian traditions are historically grounded in women's labour, from lace-making to textile work and other forms of craftsmanship, women have long been excluded from what in Venice constitutes public space: water.

In Venice, water functions as the street. The city is crossed by about 150 navigable canals, which remain its main routes for movement, work and social exchange. For centuries, these waterways have been spaces governed by explicit rules and implicit codes that largely excluded women. As in many other cities where women have historically been marginalised from the street, in Venice they have been marginalised from the water. From navigating boats, from professions such as gondoliera and sandolista, from boatbuilding and competitive rowing. Today, these boundaries are beginning to shift.

Women are reclaiming space through tradition, carrying forward skills and professions that have long defined Venetian identity while simultaneously reshaping them. In 2010, Giorgia Boscolo became the first woman to obtain a gondolier licence, breaking a centuries-old barrier and opening the way for others. Today, women practising the profession are still few. According to fellow gondoliers, those actively working can be counted on the fingers of two hands, although more women have passed the qualification exam in recent years. There are about 440 licensed gondoliers in Venice, alongside approximately 200 substitutes – qualified gondoliers who have passed the exam but do not yet hold their own licence.

A similar profession is that of the sandolista, who rows a sandolo, a traditional flat-bottomed Venetian boat once widely used for everyday transport across the lagoon. Today, there are only about 20 sandolisti left, and just one of them is a woman: Chiara Curto. In the city’s remaining squeri – the traditional boatyards where wooden boats are built and repaired – Silvia Scaramuzza is the only female maestra d’ascia, or master boatbuilder. Other women are creating new paths into these spaces. In 2020, Marta Canino founded "Fie a Manetta," a name that roughly translates as "Girls at Full Speed," while also evoking the image of women taking the helm. It is the first, and still the only, motorboat navigation school in Venice run by women and open to everyone. The idea grew from the awareness that navigation remains a predominantly male environment."

TESLA'S ROBOTAXIS

CNN reported, "Nothing is more important to Tesla than its ambitious plan for self-driving "robotaxis." But it still has a long way to catch up to the competition in an industry where few have made any money...The public first got a look at the Cybercab at a glitzy Hollywood event two years ago, and prototypes have been seen in cities across America since then...If Tesla wants to be successful, it also has a long way to go to get past a key rival: Waymo, the self-driving car service from Google parent Alphabet. Waymo said in March that it was up to 500,000 paid rides in its driverless cars a week, and that number had doubled in the previous year. The company rolled out its service in three more cities – Denver, San Diego and Tampa – bringing it to 14 cities in which it provides driverless rides. And it said that through March, it had provided 220 million miles of driverless rides to customers since it began in 2018. Tesla, on the other hand, said in July it had provided 380,000 cumulative miles of unsupervised rides in its robotaxis, less than 0.2 percent of Waymo's total."

MAPQUEST KEEPS "LAKE ONTARIO"

The Guardian reported, "MapQuest, which was openly dismissive of Trump's August 27th executive order directing federal agencies to refer to the smallest of the Great Lakes as "Lake America" amid a trade spat with Canada, leapfrogged rivals Google Maps and Apple Maps to top the most-downloaded list, as first reported by TechCrunch. The app held the Number 1 spot on Apple's App Store as of Tuesday morning, September 1st...MapQuest, a 30-year-old company that bills itself as "the OG" (original) of the internet mapping era, appears to have been rewarded for standing firm...MapQuest's general manager, Doug Berger, said in a statement that usage of its app was running at about 50 times its usual rate. As a bit of fun, he said, the company was also offering subscribers the chance to generate their own name for the lake."

Reuters reported, "Apple changed the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on the web version of its Apple Maps following U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order renaming the lake. The move by Apple on September 1st followed a decision by Alphabet late on August 29th to change the name of the lake on its Google Maps for U.S. users. Apple confirmed that U.S. users will see "Lake America" following a change to the body of water's name in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System. Users in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," and users in the rest of the world will see both names, following the same approach Apple used after Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America."

According to Google, "The U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) has formally changed the name for "Lake Ontario" to "Lake America" in the United States. Since we update Google Maps to reflect name changes in official government sources, which is GNIS for the U.S., people using Maps in the U.S. will see "Lake America," those in Canada will continue to see "Lake Ontario," and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names. These updates follow our long-standing policy for bodies of water with names that vary from country to country, and are starting to roll out now."

LAKE ONTARIO TREATY

Kimberly Wehle, law professor at the University of Baltimore, wrote in The Hill, "The leader of the Seneca Nation has argued that Trump's action is barred by the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, which the U.S. entered into with a group of six tribal nations."

According to the AP, "The leader of the Seneca Nation in upstate New York criticized President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America," saying it violates a more than 225-year-old treaty and shows a "blatant disrespect" for the Indigenous people who gave it its name in the first place. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called for Trump's order to be rescinded and for the Lake Ontario name to remain as a reflection of the Indigenous people in the U.S. and Canada who lived in territory around and along the lake long before the creation of either nation. Seneca said the renaming violated the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, which was signed by President George Washington and the Haudenosaunee confederacy promising perpetual peace and friendship. The Seneca are one of the six nations of the confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The name Lake Ontario comes from the Huron Indigenous people's word meaning "lake of shining waters." The Canadian province of Ontario, founded in 1867, took its name from the lake."

MAP OF AFRICA

NPR reported on September 4th, "The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a resolution aimed at changing the way Africa and other regions are represented on world maps. The "Correct the Map" resolution, introduced by the West African country of Togo on behalf of the African Group (the 54 African member states at the U.N.) and supported by the African Union, was adopted on by a vote of 164 to one, with six countries abstaining. The United States was the only country to vote against it (Mike Waltz, US Ambassador to the UN). Before the vote, Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said maps are far more than simple representations of geography. The resolution is not legally binding and does not require countries or institutions to abandon the centuries-old Mercator projection, one of the world's most widely used maps. Instead, it encourages wider use of equal-area projections such as Equal Earth, which more accurately show the true relative size of countries and continents, particularly Africa, although their shapes are somewhat distorted. Members of the Correct the Map campaign are encouraging governments, international organizations, and educational institutions to adopt the Equal Earth projection. Developed in 2018 by cartographers Tom Patterson, Bernhard Jenny, and Bojan Šavrič, the map was designed to provide a more proportionally accurate picture of the world's land masses."

WHAT'S AN EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT?

Have you heard this title? Does your organization have an "experience architect?" According to Wikipedia, "An experience architect (also known as an XA) is responsible for authoring, planning, and designing the experience architecture deliverables...This person is responsible for ensuring that the customer experience meets or exceeds needs and objectives of the intended or wide users."

According to Salesforce, here's what an Experience Architect does:

(1) Creates the "invisible scaffolding" and frameworks that guide user journeys across multiple touchpoints.

(2) Plans information flow rather than just individual interface screens.

(3) Connects human emotions and behavior patterns with business goals, ensuring system provide clear and coherent feedback.

(4) Collaborates with product managers, software engineers, data analysts, and content designers to align the experience layer with technical constraints and business rules.

MILEY CYRUS BECOMES JUST "MILEY"

According to Variety, "Miley Cyrus dropped her last name in the lead up to her tenth studio album, "Bass Persuades," prompting her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, to speak out on X in defense of the decision. Miley's announcement fueled the rumor mill about alleged ongoing tensions between the pop star and her father, but according to Billy Ray, Miley notified him about the name change in advance and he had nothing but support for his Grammy-winning daughter."

Billy Ray Cyrus said, "I told Miley I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more...Elvis...Prince...and so on. It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues! Looking forward to the new album."

NORAH O'DONNELL RETURNS TO MORNING TV

CBS announced that Emmy-award winning journalist Norah O'Donnell will be returning to morning news: to "CBS Mornings" as co-host alongside Gayle King and Nate Burleson, starting September 8th. "O'Donnell co-hosted the show with King for seven years before moving on in 2019 to anchor the "CBS Evening News." She was recently named a "60 Minutes" correspondent and also hosts "Healthful," a weekly women's health podcast. O'Donnell has earned nearly every major recognition in journalism for her work covering some of the biggest stories in the world and conducting impactful, news-making interviews. She has covered eight presidential elections and has interviewed every living president of the United States, as well as the late former President Jimmy Carter. In 2024, O'Donnell spoke exclusively with Pope Francis in Rome for a historic and first-of-its-kind papal interview for an American journalist. Prior to her roles as an anchor, O'Donnell served as CBS News' chief White House correspondent during the Obama administration. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "We the Women: Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America," a book launched as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence."

END OF AN ERA AT APPLE: GOODBYE TIM COOK

August 31st, 2026 was an important date in Apple history. Inc. reported, "Yesterday was the end of what is arguably the most successful tenure of a modern CEO. Tim Cook, who served as CEO at Apple for 15 years, stepped down from his role on Monday, August 31st, passing the baton to John Ternus, a 25-year veteran who most recently served as SVP of hardware engineering. Cook will stay on as executive chairman, and he has said he's eager to help in any way he can, but the most highly anticipated tech company CEO succession is finally here. The company looks a lot different than it did when Cook took over. It grew more than 1,100 percent during his tenure, becoming the most profitable—and for much of that time the most valuable—company on earth. That's largely due to the success of the iPhone, as well as the services business that Cook nurtured into what would—by itself—be a Fortune 100 company.

Cook shared an email to employees on his final day, "There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary."

SHARE THIS: This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. ~Tim Cook #Apple #PersonalBranding #Leadership #CorporateCulture #EmployerBranding #DebbieLaskeysBlog

BEG‌INNING OF NEW ERA AT APPLE: HELLO JOHN TERNUS

John Ternus made his debut as Apple's new chief executive during the company's most important event of the year, its annual iPhone event on September 9th. According to CNN, Ternus faces the following challenges as he steps into the CEO shoes: "Criticism over AI, pressure to deliver hit products, memory shortage, and European regulation."

According to Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan, "Apple is already so large, profitable, and deeply embedded in its customers' lives that incremental excellence may no longer be enough to redefine the company. Ternus's challenge will be to preserve the profitable machine Cook built while restoring a stronger sense of technological surprise."

TACO BELL ADDS "ICE CREAM TACO" TO MENU

USAToday reported, "The menu at Taco Bell just got a lot cooler because the ice cream taco is back, but only for a limited time. Ice cream tacos have been a hit for the Mexican-inspired fast-food chain and Portland, Oregon-founded ice cream company Salt & Straw. Last year, they teamed up on the Tacolate, a waffle cone taco shell filled with cinnamon ancho chili ice cream, dipped in chocolate and topped with toasted brown rice. But the treat was only available at Salt & Straw stores. This year's treat, the Salt & Straw Churro Ice Cream Taco ($3.99), is available at Taco Bell locations nationwide for a limited time...Salt & Straw created a new Churro Ice Cream to fill the ice cream taco's crispy waffle cone shell, which is finished with puffed rice and a dark chocolate-flavored coating."

SNOOP DOGG'S NEW JOB

According to Global News, "Snoop Dogg is searching for someone to put their taste buds to work for his Dr. Bombay ice cream brand for $10,000 a month. The three-month gig is open to applicants around the world, with the successful candidate earning a total of $30,000. The taster will travel in search of frozen desserts, discover new and emerging food trends, and report their findings to the Dr. Bombay team. They'll also help develop new flavors and ideas for the brand and create content along the way. Dr. Bombay is encouraging creators, foodies, marketers, students, entrepreneurs, journalists, chefs, and people from unconventional professional backgrounds to apply. Applicants must speak English, have a valid passport, and be available for the full three-month contract.

Snoop launched Dr. Bombay Ice Cream in 2023, with his son Cordell Broadus playing a key role in developing the brand. Dr. Bombay is now looking beyond the U.S. for flavour inspiration as it expands. The company says the ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of food and flavor trends and an ability to spot what's coming before it goes mainstream. Snoop's team will be involved in reviewing the shortlisted candidates, with Snoop himself expected to call the lucky applicant who lands the job."

Since I'm curious what the job application looked like, here were three interesting questions:

(1) Enter your social profile with the biggest reach! The following platforms are acceptable: Instagram, Tiktok, X, and LinkedIn.

(2) How much ice cream do you eat per week? How many pints, cones, bowls, etc.

(3) Select the flavors you have experience with: baked blueberry muffin, peanut butter jelly time, strawberry cream dream, tropical sherbert swizzle, iced out orange cream, sticky caramel apple pie, long beach fruit cart, mango sticky rice ice cream, and cookies & cream.

NON-TRADITIONAL GROWTH VENUES FOR LITTLE CAESARS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Little Caesars has committed to four new locations across U.S. Navy installations, building on its first military base opening at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, last year. These locations are part of the chain's broader focus on non-traditional growth. In addition to military bases, the chain is also targeting universities and sports venues."

COCA-COLA'S GLOBAL REDESIGN

According to Brand Innovators, "The Coca-Cola Company has launched a new global visual identity system to support a new era of brand consistency across more than 200 global markets including: Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The new design, which builds on the brand's iconic red and white assets, includes three new visual cues – larger "Zero Sugar" text, a prominent black Dynamic Ribbon on cans, as well as a black bottle cap on PET packaging. It will be more featured across packaging, retail environments, equipment, and digital experiences."

According to Rapha Abreu, global vice president of design at The Coca‑Cola Company, "The strategy is really about making Coca-Cola more Coca-Cola. Rather than reinventing one of the world's most iconic brands, we're doubling down on the distinctive assets people already know by heart: our red and white, the Spencerian Script, the Dynamic Ribbon and the Arden Square, and creating a stronger, more consistent Coca-Cola experience across every touchpoint and more than 200 markets. The inspiration came directly from almost 140 years of Coca-Cola design history. We went back to the archives and found that Coca-Cola was at its best when it was simple, confident, and expressive, so we amplified the assets that have always made the brand unmistakable, while creating a system that feels both timeless and timely. This is much more than a packaging refresh; we created a complete design system that works across packaging, retail, digital, equipment, experiences, and communications. For a brand operating in more than 200 markets and across thousands of touchpoints, consistency and distinctiveness are enormous opportunities. The new system gives us a simple, flexible foundation that can scale globally while helping ensure that wherever someone encounters Coca-Cola, they get the same uncompromised Coca-Cola brand experience."

MIFFY MADNESS

Modern Retail reported, "Move over, Hello Kitty and Labubu. Retail's latest "IT" girl is a 70-year-old cartoon bunny from the Netherlands. Her name is Miffy, and she has white ears, colorful outfits and an "X" for a mouth. The brainchild of Dutch artist and author Dick Bruna, Miffy made her debut as a children's book character in 1955. She went on to appear in TV shows and movies for decades — but she's also become a merchandiser's dream. Over the last five years, Miffy has collaborated with dozens of properties, including LeSportsac, Calpak, the Museum of Modern Art, Baggu, and Starbucks.

This Miffy mania is proving big business for brands. Starbucks' 2026 collection with Miffy — which included cups, a plushie and a tote bag — launched in May in the U.S. and Canada and sold out within 24 hours at many store locations. In 2025, MoMA debuted a "Starry Night" Miffy doll, figuring it had enough inventory on hand for six months. The product sold out in less than one month, and it continues to be a top seller at MoMA's Design Store. Today, the term "kidulting" (a cultural trend where adults actively enjoy toys, games, and activities traditionally meant for children to reduce stress and find joy) has entered the mainstream. For now, customers continue to clamor for all things Miffy. In other words, the Miffy phenomenon is not a case of "hare today, gone tomorrow," and brands aren't hopping off the bandwagon any time soon."

DYSON LAUNCHES FLOSSING PRODUCT

The company known for expensive vacuums has launched a new product to address flossing. The device called the Dyson CameraJet, scans your mouth 28 times per second and fires tiny bursts of liquid into tight spaces where plaque can settle. The process is so subtle that it feels like regular brushing. However, will you pay $499 for the flossing product?

TEDDY BEAR TREND

KTAL reported, "Teddy bears are having a moment — and not just with kids. This year, cozy nostalgia is driving some of the biggest holiday trends: Starbucks kicked off a social frenzy with its sold-out Bearista merch, Ralph Lauren's iconic Polo Bear is trending everywhere, and nostalgic childhood comfort items are having a resurgence. Thanks to the revival of cozy-core aesthetics and a collective craving for soft, familiar joy, the bear trend has jumped across categories from apparel to home decor to giftables."

KING CHARLES SEES BAYEAUX TAPESTRY

As I shared in my "Recent Marketing News" post on August 31st, Forbes reported, "The Bayeux Tapestry is normally housed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum (Centre Guillaume le Conquérant) located in the town of Bayeux in Normandy, France. However, this masterpiece of art is temporarily residing in The British Museum in London, England, on a historic once-in-a-generation agreement from France while its permanent home undergoes major museum renovations. It is on display at the British Museum from September 2026 through July 2027, marking its first return to England in nearly 1,000 years."

On September 2nd, the BBC reported, "King Charles hailed the unprecedented loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum, calling it the "best possible symbol" of the closeness between the UK and France. After viewing the medieval tapestry in London a week before it goes on public display, he spoke in French and English to guests including President Emmanuel Macron of France and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The King said he was the direct descendant of one of the key figures in the tapestry, William, Duke of Normandy, whose army invaded and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Describing the tapestry as a "masterpiece," French President Macron said a loan had first been proposed in the 1930s, but he was delighted that the idea had come to fruition. The tapestry, believed to have been embroidered by English women for the new Norman rulers in the 1070s, includes 58 separate scenes, with 627 human figures, 737 animals, 37 ships, 23 trees, and a Latin narration accompanying the images. There was strong demand for tickets to see the tapestry, with the exhibition already sold out until the end of 2026. The next tickets, covering visits between January and March 2027, will be available from the British Museum from 21 October."

WASHINGTON, D.C. ARCH

According to The New York Times, "President Trump is breaking ground on his 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery even before a federal review panel has approved the project. The National Park Service published a report acknowledging that the arch would disrupt views and symbolism of dozens of other historically significant sites around the capital. And a group of Vietnam War veterans has sued to stop construction arguing that the arch would obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery."

THE "ILLITERATE BOYFRIEND" TEST

According to The Guardian in early September, "People online are distressed at men butchering words such as 'hyperbole' and 'hors d’oeuvres' – highlighting a gender reversal in 'intelligence gaps.' There are common non-negotiables we look for in a prospective partner. They should be kind, caring and thoughtful. Having a shared interest helps. So does remembering important dates and anniversaries. But how much does it matter if they know how to pronounce the word 'gnocchi?'

Turns out that's a potential dealbreaker, at least according to a (rather judgy) cohort on TikTok. See: the "Illiterate Boyfriend" trend, which is testing some couples on the app. Users have compiled a list of what are essentially SAT words for women to ask their male partners to read. Many of these men – this is an overwhelmingly heterosexual activity – fail to finish the list unscathed. They trip over entries such as hyperbole, cynicism, diaphragmatic, and the oft-butchered French term, hors d’oeuvres.

According to a 2024 Pew Research report, in 1995, young men and women were equally likely to hold a bachelor's degree. Now, 47 percent of women ages 25 to 34 have one, compared with 37 percent of their male counterparts. One thing people do want is an equal. According to Robin Hamilton, a couples therapist, "It's not necessarily that someone needs a specific degree or to know every word in the dictionary. It's more: are you able to communicate with me, are you able to meet me halfway with the subjects that I'm talking about?"

One of those subjects might be reading, an indicator of vocabulary range. Men's rates of book reading have slipped over the past decade; nearly half of all women read just one novel or short story in 2022, but only one in four men did. According to data from Tinder, mentions of books in bios on the dating app jumped 40 percent this year among women, but only 23 percent among men."

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Let's Celebrate Friendship on National Teddy Bear Day!

Today is a day that represents friendship, smiles, and fun. This is because it's National Teddy Bear Day. Did you have a favorite teddy bear as a child? Do you think teddy bears help sell products? Which famous teddy bears can you name?

Teddy bears were first manufactured in Europe and America in the early 1900s. American toy bears were named Teddy, in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who, as the story goes, refused to shoot a small captured bear on a hunting trip in 1902. Morris Michtom, a New York toy shop owner, heard the story and gave stuffed toy bear toys the name "Teddy" in honor of Roosevelt, and the name stuck. Simultaneously in 1902, Richard Steiff of German toymaker Steiff designed the first jointed teddy bear, and in 1903, he introduced a mohair bear that was shown at the Leipzig Toy Fair, which helped launch the teddy bear as an international toy phenomenon. In the early 1900s, businesses used the teddy bear's popularity in ads for soap and food, boosting sales by associating with the toy's charm. And in 1997, Maxine Clark opened the first Build-A-Bear Workshop in Missouri in the St. Louis Galleria by pioneering a retail experience where guests design and build personalized teddy bears.

Many teddy bears have become famous over the years, including Paddington Bear, Fozzie Bear from the Muppets, and Winnie-the-Pooh. On September 9th, we pay tribute to this amazing childhood toy, which has stood the test of time.

According to Kim Utlaut, Chief Brand Officer of Build-A-Bear, "The love for a teddy bear is truly universal. Across generations and life experiences, childhood furry friends continue to hold deep meaning well into adulthood. National Teddy Bear Day is the perfect moment to celebrate the feeling that only a furry friend can provide."

In 2025, Build-A-Bear conducted a survey of over 3,500 participants on its Instagram channel, "Despite today's increasingly tech-focused world, teddy bears remain a source of comfort, connection, and lasting memories even as we grow older. Nearly 100 percent of respondents believe teddy bears are for all ages, not just kids, and an overwhelming 92 percent still own their favorite childhood stuffed animal."

SHARE THIS: In a world where everyone seems to be larger and louder, it's very comforting to have a small, quiet companion. ~Peter Gray #NationalTeddyBearDay #Friendship #DebbieLaskeysBlog

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some other famous teddy bear brands:

VERMONT TEDDY BEAR COMPANY

Many companies design and sell teddy bears, but how many also provide a lifetime guarantee? Well, Vermont Teddy Bear Company not only provides a lifetime guarantee but also staffs a teddy bear hospital for repairs, also referred to as "health check-ups." According to the brand's website, "Our story started in 1981 when our founder opened a cart on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont, and began selling Teddy Bears that he made in his garage. Over 40 years later, our Bears continue to be best friends, a part of the family and beloved heirlooms. Each one of our meticulously-designed, artisan, handcrafted Bears is guaranteed for a lifetime. Vermont Teddy Bears make the perfect gifts for men, women, and children for any occasion. From our highly-skilled Stichers to our Bear Ambassadors in the Bear shop to our Marketing team — everyone here knows that a Bear is so much more than a Bear, it's a way to say 'I Love You.'"

PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL

The Guardian reported, "Marmalade bagels at the ready: London's Paddington Bear musical is to open on Broadway next spring. The phenomenally successful show, which won seven prizes at the Olivier awards, will begin performances on 30 March (2027) at the Al Hirschfeld theatre in New York, currently home to Moulin Rouge! The Musical. It's a long way from 32 Windsor Gardens, where the clumsy but lovable bear from Peru is taken in by the Brown family and (eventually) wins over the whole neighbourhood. The show, based on Michael Bond's 1958 book "A Bear Called Paddington" and the 2014 film adaptation, opened in London at the end of last year to many five-star reviews."

CARE BEARS

According to Wikipedia, "Care Bears are a group of colorful, magical bear characters created in 1981 by Elena Kucharik for American Greetings, best known for their unique belly badges and the iconic Care Bear Stare."

A special collaboration between Care Bears and Universal Products & Experiences celebrated the movie "WICKED" with the release of a special-edition collection available for a limited time at major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The "Care Bears x Wicked 2-Pack" included "Love-a-Lot Bear" dressed as Glinda with crown and dress and "Good Luck Bear" dressed as Elphaba with hat and cape.

GUND

GUND is the oldest manufacturer of soft toys in America and one of the first companies to produce a teddy bear in the early 1900s. Here's an interesting fact about the company: In 1972, Herbert Raiffe led GUND during the 1970s by expanding product offerings to include exotic animals. His vision had GUND selling panda bears as President Richard Nixon visited China in 1972, igniting Panda-mania across the USA.

WINNIE-THE-POOH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The BBC reported, "Winnie-the-Pooh was first featured in the short story "The Wrong Sort of Bees" published in the London Evening News on December 24th, 1925. The bear soon became loved world-wide, alongside Tigger and Christopher Robin." On December 22nd, 2025, The Walt Disney Company unveiled the official Winnie the Pooh 100th Anniversary logo to kick off celebrations for 2026. This milestone marked 100 years since the character's debut on December 24th, 1925. The anniversary logo features Pooh Bear alongside an iconic red balloon with "100 Years" text. As part of the year-long celebration, Winnie-the-Pooh received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 11th, 2026.

SHARE THIS: Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon. ~Winnie-the-Pooh #NationalTeddyBearDay #WinniethePooh100Years #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

TEDDY BEAR THIEVES AT THE LOUVRE?

Following the surprising news of the Louvre break-in and robbery in October 2025, the Cafe Saint Honore (in Paris, France) shared a post on Instagram of two teddy bears wearing red French beret hats climbing on the Louvre Museum's triangle as if THEY were the thieves. Then in a second post, they shared a cover page of Le Parisien newspaper with the following story, "Breaking News: The Heist of the Century? Priceless pieces stolen from the world's most famous museum. The suspects were seen yesterday, their whereabouts are still unknown. Some people claim to have seen them drinking tea at Cafe Saint Honore and acting suspicious. We're sure the bears at Cafe Saint Honore could only steal smiles."

SHARE THIS: A person who loves or collects teddy bears is an ARCTOPHILE, which is derived from the Greek words for "arcto" (bear) and "phile" (lover). #FunFact #NationalTeddyBearDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

And did you know that there are other teddy bear holidays?

(1) July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day: This holiday is based on a song entitled, "The Teddy Bears' Picnic," that was first written in 1907 with lyrics added in 1930. Different artists have recorded the song including Henry Hall in 1932; Bing Crosby in 1950; and Anne Murray in 1977.

(2) October 14th is Bring Your Teddy Bear to School and Work Day: This holiday was designed so that children and adults have the opportunity to bring their much-loved cuddly friend to school or work with them.

(3) November 14th is National American Teddy Bear Day: This holiday was established in honor of American President Theodore Roosevelt and his impact on the toy that "bears" his name.

As these brands and holidays demonstrate, a teddy bear can definitely be a bestie. Happy National Teddy Bear Day!

Image Credits: Toy Insider (Care Bears) and Cafe Saint Honore (Paris, France).

Read Build-A-Bear's press release about its survey:

https://buildabear.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-national-teddy-bear-day-survey-finds-92-still-have-their/

Check out the histories of some teddy bear brands:

https://corporate.steiff.com/en/steiff-teddy/history/

and

https://beargarden.co.uk/pages/history-of-steiff-bears

and

https://gund.com/pages/history

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Happy 60th Anniversary to STAR TREK!

For three incredibly short years between 1966 to 1969, an unusual show appeared on American television screens. Little did viewers know at the time, but the show would create a cult following like no other. Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the show that introduced generations of viewers to science fiction, space exploration, and space travel. According to AARP, "Sixty years later, the franchise includes films, animated series, streaming shows, novels, podcasts, [hotel themed experiences], and conventions that draw fans who were [even] not alive when the USS Enterprise first appeared on television."

The opening for each episode was, "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before!"

And the opening for the sequel series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which aired from 1987 to 1994, was changed to: "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before!" The phrase "five-year mission" became an open-ended "continuing mission," and the final phrase became gender/species neutral "no one."

How many of the episodes can you vividly recall? How many discussions between Captain Kirk and Spock can you vividly recall? How about the famous kiss between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura?

The actors who portrayed the main characters became superstars despite performing their roles for only three years on television. Here are some details about the four key characters and the actors who portrayed them.

WILLIAM SHATNER is an actor, ad pitchman, author, horse lover, and philanthropist. His portrayl of Captain Kirk received modest ratings. According to New York Magazine, "Roddenberry hired a Montreal-born, Shakespearean-trained actor, to play Captain James T. Kirk, a swaggering charmer with a penchant for impassioned, staccato speeches and a weakness for space babes." However, during the 1970's, in the immediate aftermath of the cancellation of Star Trek in 1969, he had difficulty finding employment, being somewhat typecast. Years later, after many Star Trek films and numerous other TV shows, on October 13, 2021, along with Blue Origin's entrepreneur and Trekkie Jeff Bezos, Shatner took part in Blue Origin's second sub-orbital human spaceflight - and finally traveled into space.

LEONARD NIMOY was an actor, singer, author, poet, and airplane pilot. His portrayl of the half-Vulcan character Spock propelled him into TV history. According to biographer Dennis Fischer, Spock was Nimoy's "most important role. Spock became an icon and one of the most popular alien characters ever featured on television. Viewers admired his composure and intellect and his ability to take on any task successfully. As a result, Nimoy's character "took the public by storm," nearly eclipsing the star of the series, William Shatner's Captain Kirk. Nimoy was later credited for bringing dignity and intelligence to one of the most revered characters in science fiction."

According to Matt Atchity, "Nimoy's legacy as Spock is key to the enjoyment of Star Trek. The way that Spock was used as a device for the writers to examine humanity and examine what it meant to be human, that's really what Star Trek was all about. And in finding Leonard Nimoy, they found the perfect person to portray that."

NICHELLE NICHOLS was an actress, singer, dancer, and activist. Her portrayal of Communications Officer/Lieutenant Uhura (meaning "freedom" in Swahili) was groundbreaking for African American actresses on American television, and when she tired of the role and wished to pursue a career on Broadway, a chance encounter with the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. convinced her to remain in the role. In later years, she became an ambassador for NASA whose recruitment efforts resulted in more than 2,600 applications from women and minority astronaut hopefuls including Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

GEORGE TAKEI is an actor, author, activist, stage performer, and social media personality. His portrayl of Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu as helmsman of the USS Enterprise was also groundbreaking since it marked the first time that an Asian-American actor played a major non-stereotyped character on American television. According to Wikipedia, "Takei has since appeared in numerous television and film productions, reprising his role as Sulu in Star Trek: The Animated Series from 1973 to 1974, and in the first six Star Trek films, the last of which promoted his character to captain of his own starship. He also became a regular on the science fiction convention circuit throughout the world."

And during October 5-11, 2025, the American Library Association chose Takei as honorary chair of Banned Books Week. Takei said, "I remember all too well the lack of access to books and media that I needed growing up. First as a child in a barbed-wire prison camp, then as a gay young man in the closet, I felt confused and hungry for understanding about myself and the world around me. Please stand with me in opposing censorship, so that we all can find ourselves — and each other — in books."

Takei explained about his character's surname, "Roddenberry did not want to attach the character to any single Asian nationality. Every Asian surname carried a national identity. Tanaka is Japanese, Kim is Korean, Wong is Chinese. Roddenberry wanted something bigger. The answer was on his office wall. He had a map of Asia and happened to be gazing at it, looking for inspiration. And he found, off the coast of the Philippines, the Sulu Sea, and he thought the waters of a sea touch all the shores — Japan, China, Korea, Philippines — and hence, my character's name. That's how thorough Roddenberry was in trying to convey the notion of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. My character is named after an ocean that touches all the lands of Asia."

According to AARP, "Few television shows have lived as long, or traveled as far, as Star Trek. When it premiered in 1966, the bridge of the USS Enterprise showed viewers something rare: an Asian man at the helm, a Black woman as its Swahili communications officer, and a half-alien working beside them as a science officer. They were not visitors or outsiders. They belonged there. That vision helped Star Trek change television. The original series treated science fiction as a place for grownup stories about loyalty, courage, grief, and the difficult choices people make. It gave actors who had often been confined to stereotypes the chance to play skilled professionals. It built a world broad enough to keep expanding for six decades...In a description accompanying a studio model of the Enterprise, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum characterizes the crew as an on-screen image of racial and gender integration, with men and women from different backgrounds working together as equals. The show did not stop to explain why those characters belonged there. They simply did."

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT STAR TREK:

* Gene Roddenberry was determined to make the crew racially diverse, which impressed actor George Takei when he arrived for his audition.

* Gene Roddenberry corresponded with science fiction writer Isaac Asimov about how to address the issue of Spock's popularity and the possibility that his character would overshadow Captain Kirk. Asimov suggested having Kirk and Spock work together as a team.

* The final episode of "Star Trek" aired 47 days before Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

* Gene Roddenberry was the first television writer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (on September 4, 1985). Both Shatner and Nimoy also have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

* "Asteroid 4864 Nimoy "was named after Leonard Nimoy on June 2, 2015.

What are your favorite memories of Star Trek? Chime in and share.

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Let's Celebrate National Read a Book Day!

National Read a Book Day is observed annually on September 6th and serves as an incentive to grab a book (or open a book on an e-reader) and read. I often share book recommendations and reviews here on my blog, however, today is especially important for bibliophiles.

According to NationalTodayCalendar, "Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with books. Visit the library or the local bookstore. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a book to read on their own. Share the stories you're reading using #NationalReadABookDay to post on social media."

Last year on National Read a Book Day, I shared a review of "The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau" by one of my favorite authors, Kristin Harmel. Since I've read many of her books, it should not be a surprise that I recently read her newest book, MEET ME IN PARIS, so I'll share that book today.

Unlike most of Harmel's books, MEET ME IN PARIS is a contemporary novel rather than historical fiction. The story revolves around a group of Americans whose lives connect during some spring days in Paris. Music, art, health, and family are all aspects of the story (including my favorite museum, the Musée d'Orsay), however, the most important character of the story was the city of Paris!

Here were some memorable quotes from the book:

"That's the thing about chapters...they're only a part of your story."

"That's what life was, a constant opportunity for reinvention, for change, for transformation."

"When we're children, we think the moments will be endless. But in the end, they slip through our fingers before we know how much they mean."

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Let's Celebrate Skyscraper Day!

Today's the day to celebrate engineering marvels known as skyscrapers. According to Architectural Digest, "Before the concern was to build beautiful skyscrapers, there was a race to the sky; a need to build taller. Yet it's over the past century that we've seen a significant leap in the total height of our tallest skyscrapers. By definition, a skyscraper is a building that exceeds 330 feet."

Architectural critic Ada Louise Huxtable wrote in 1984,"The skyscraper and the twentieth century are synonymous; the tall building is the landmark of our age. As a structural marvel that breaks the traditional limits on mankind's persistent ambition to build to the heavens, the skyscraper is this century's most stunning architecture phenomenon."

According to Britannica, "The term skyscraper first came into use during the 1880s, shortly after the first skyscrapers were built, in the United States. The development of skyscrapers came as a result of the coincidence of several technological and social developments. The term skyscraper originally applied to buildings of 10 to 20 stories, but by the late 20th century, the term was used to describe high-rise buildings of unusual height, generally greater than 40 or 50 stories...As the population density of urban areas has increased, so has the need for buildings that rise rather than spread. The skyscraper, which was originally a form of commercial architecture, has increasingly been used for residential purposes as well."

From a marketing perspective, skyscrapers tend to become symbols of their cities. Think of the Empire State Building as a symbol of New York City especially due to movies such as "King Kong" and "When Harry Met Sally." So, to celebrate Skyscraper Day today, I'd like to share my five favorite skyscrapers.

SHARE THIS: While not a state, Washington, D.C. has no skyscrapers due to its federal Height of Buildings Act. #FunFact #SkyscraperDay #Architecture #DebbieLaskeysBlog

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING - NEW YORK CITY

According to Wikipedia, "The Empire State Building (ESB) is a 102-story, supertall skyscraper in the Midtown South neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. The building was designed in the Art Deco style by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and constructed between 1930 and 1931. Its name is derived from "Empire State," the nickname of New York state. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall including its antenna. The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building until the North Tower of the World Trade Center was topped out in 1970; following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Empire State Building was once more New York City's tallest building until it was surpassed in 2012 by One World Trade Center. As of 2025, the building is the eighth-tallest building in New York City, the tenth-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States, and the 59th-tallest completed skyscraper in the world. The site of the Empire State Building, on the west side of Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets, was developed in 1893 as the Waldorf–Astoria Hotel. In 1929, Empire State Inc. acquired the site and devised plans for a skyscraper there. The design for the Empire State Building was changed fifteen times until it was ensured to be the world's tallest building. Construction started on March 17, 1930, and the building opened thirteen and a half months afterward on May 1, 1931. Despite favorable publicity related to the building's construction, because of the Great Depression and World War II, its owners did not make a profit until the early 1950s.

The building's Art Deco architecture, height, and observation decks have made it a popular attraction. Around four million tourists from around the world annually visit the building's 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories; an additional indoor observatory on the 80th floor opened in 2019. The Empire State Building is an international cultural icon: it has been featured in more than 250 television series and films since the film "King Kong" was released in 1933. The building's size has been used as a standard of reference to describe the height and length of other structures. A symbol of New York City, the building has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It was ranked first on the American Institute of Architects' List of America's Favorite Architecture in 2007. Additionally, the Empire State Building and its ground-floor interior were designated city landmarks by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1980, and were added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1986."

And did you know that NYC's Empire State Building is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year? In February, it offered something special. According to its website, "Experience romance at the Empire State Building during February! From artistic painting sessions and intimate movie screenings to romantic sunrise views, ESB offers unique ways to celebrate every love story. Share a kiss above the city lights, toast to your love, and create unforgettable memories." And how about this idea? "Celebrate your love in the most iconic way possible: a proposal at the World’s Most Romantic Building with the price of $1,000."

CHRYSLER BUILDING - NEW YORK CITY

According to Wikipedia, "The Chrysler Building is a 1,046-foot-tall, Art Deco skyscraper in the East Midtown neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, United States. Located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, it is the tallest steel-framed brick building in the world. It was both the world's first supertall skyscraper and the world's tallest building for 11 months after its completion in 1930. Originally a project of real estate developer and former New York State Senator William H. Reynolds, the building was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, the head of the Chrysler Corporation...When the Chrysler Building opened, there were mixed reviews of the building's design, some calling it inane and unoriginal, others hailing it as modernist and iconic. Reviewers in the late 20th and early 21st centuries regarded the building as a paragon of the Art Deco architectural style. In 2007, it was ranked ninth on the American Institute of Architects' list of America's Favorite Architecture. The facade and interior became New York City designated landmarks in 1978, and the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1976."

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER - NEW YORK CITY

According to Wikipedia, "One World Trade Center, also known as One WTC and the Freedom Tower, is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world. The supertall structure has the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The skyscraper stands on the northwest corner of the 16-acre World Trade Center site, on the site of the original 6 World Trade Center. It is bounded by West Street to the west, Vesey Street to the north, Fulton Street to the south, and Washington Street to the east. The construction of below-ground utility relocations, footings, and foundations for the new building began on April 27, 2006. One World Trade Center became the tallest structure in New York City on April 30, 2012, when it surpassed the height of the Empire State Building. The tower's steel structure was topped out on August 30, 2012. On May 10, 2013, after the final component of the skyscraper's spire was installed, it reached a height of 1,776 feet. Its height in feet references the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. The building opened on November 3, 2014; and the One World Observatory opened on May 29, 2015. On March 26, 2009, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) confirmed that the building would be officially known by its legal name of One World Trade Center, rather than its colloquial name of Freedom Tower. The building has 94 stories, with the top floor numbered 104."

U.S. BANK TOWER, AKA LIBRARY TOWER - LOS ANGELES

According to Wikipedia, "U.S. Bank Tower, known locally as the Library Tower and formerly as the First Interstate Bank World Center, is a 1,018-foot skyscraper located in the Financial District of downtown Los Angeles, California. Construction of the tower began in 1987 with completion in 1989. The building was designed by Henry N. Cobb of the architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and cost $350 million to build. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Los Angeles, and often appears in establishing shots for the city in films and television programs. The building is the third-tallest building in California, the second-tallest building in Los Angeles, the 24th-tallest in the United States.

The building was first known and is alternatively known today as the Library Tower because it was built as part of the $1 billion Los Angeles Central Library redevelopment area, following two disastrous fires at the library in 1986, and its location across the street. The City of Los Angeles sold air rights to the developers of the tower to help pay for the reconstruction of the library. The building was also known for a time as First Interstate Bank World Center but the name Library Tower was restored after First Interstate Bancorp merged with Wells Fargo Bank. In March 2003, the property was leased by U.S. Bancorp and the building was renamed the U.S. Bank Tower. The tower has a large glass crown at its top that is illuminated at night. On February 28, 2004, two 75 feet "U.S. Bank" logo signs were installed on the crown, amid controversy for their effect on the aesthetic appearance of the building, much like the previous First Interstate Bank logos were placed on the crown between 1990 and 1998."

THE SHARD - LONDON

According to Wikipedia, "The Shard, also referred to as the Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey mixed-use development supertall pyramid-shaped skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, in Southwark, London, that forms part of The Shard Quarter development. Standing 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) high, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe; and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. The Shard replaced Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office block built on the site in 1975. The Shard's construction began in March 2009; it was topped out on 30 March 2012 and inaugurated on 5 July 2012. The tower's privately operated observation deck, The View from The Shard, was opened to the public on 1 February 2013. The glass-clad pyramidal tower has 72 habitable floors, with a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor, at a height of 244 metres (801 ft)."

Lastly, did you know there's a skyscraper museum? There is. According to the museum's website, "Located in New York City, the world's first and foremost vertical metropolis, The Skyscraper Museum celebrates the City's rich architectural heritage and examines the historical forces and individuals that have shaped its successive skylines. Through exhibitions, programs, and publications, the Museum explores tall buildings as objects of design, products of technology, sites of construction, investments in real estate, and places of work and residence."

What are your favorite skyscrapers? Chime in and share.

SHARE THIS: Architecture is not just about buildings; it's about creating experiences and environments that enhance our lives. ~Anonymous #SkyscraperDay #Architecture #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: "Stellar Night" by Mark Ulriksen in The New Yorker Magazine (April 4, 2022).

Visit the Skyscraper Museum in New York City or online:

https://skyscraper.org/