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.

Showing posts with label brand messaging. Show all posts

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Let's Celebrate National Fire Pup Day!

If you're a fan of dogs, 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 know today's significance.

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."

Today, fire pups also work as arson detection dogs, search-and-rescue (SAR) canines, and therapy or crisis response dogs. And, not all Dalmatians are deaf, however, the breed is prone to deafness in either one or both ears.

According to Camping Simuni, "The black-on-white spots are unlike any other dog fur pattern in the world, so naturally, you might wonder where they come from — and if they are in any way connected to the well-known Croatian region of Dalmatia. Some say that the Dalmatian's homeland is actually Egypt, because of rock carvings in pharaoh tombs depicting hunting dogs with spots, and some place its origins in India. But it is most widely believed that Dalmatian dogs originated from Dalmatia, a region located in modern-day Croatia and Montenegro, on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea."

Here are some fun facts about Dalmatians:

(1) Dalmatian puppies are born with white coats and begin to spot in 3 to 4 weeks.

(2) A Dalmatian's spots are usually black or brown, but can rarely be blue, brindle, mosaic, tricolore, orange, or lemon.

(3) A Dalmatian's eyes are blue, brown, or amber.

(4) The litter size can be large — but not 101.

(5) Similar to fingerprints of a human (or stripes of a zebra), a Dalmatian's spots are a unique trait, as there are no two identical patterns in the world.

(6) The popularity of the 1961 animated movie "101 Dalmatians" led to a growing demand for the breed, becoming known as "The Dalmatian Syndrome" — when an animal breed becomes popular overnight due to their appearance in popular culture.

(7) The 1996 live-action movie didn't have "101 Dalmatians" — it had more! The filming process required 230 Dalmatian puppies and 20 adult Dalmatians on set.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Let's Celebrate BATMAN Today!

Have you ever wanted to be a superhero? Superman can fly through the sky and has X-ray vision. Wonder Woman is known for her strength and also has indestructible "Bracelets of Submission," the "Lasso of Truth" (which forces anyone bound by it to tell the truth), and her projectile tiara. Spider-Man can stick to walls while swinging or crawling.

But what about Batman? In 1939, writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane created Batman to capitalize on the popularity of Superman. They drew inspiration from fictional characters Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers and, instead, relies on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth.

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/

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Let's Celebrate The Wizard of Oz Day!

On today's date in 1939, the movie classic THE WIZARD OF OZ had its world premiere. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, and at the 1940 award ceremony, it won Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Over the Rainbow"), and Academy Juvenile Award (Judy Garland).

In a 2009 article, San Francisco Chronicle film critic and author Mick LaSalle wrote, "The entire Munchkinland sequence, from Dorothy's arrival in Oz to her departure on the yellow brick road, has to be one of the greatest in cinema history — a masterpiece of set design, costuming, choreography, music, lyrics, storytelling, and sheer imagination."

In 2019, researchers at the University of Turin analyzed a database of 47,000 films to determine the most influential movies in cinema history, and they named MGM's The Wizard of Oz (1939) as the most influential film of all time. The University of Turin (UniTo) has been a launching pad for contemporary filmmakers, and university researchers are associated with cinematic research, having devised a mathematical algorithm to objectively measure cinematic influence. In addition, the city of Turin (Torino) serves as a major filming hub and hosts the prominent Torino Film Festival.

How will YOU celebrate today? Of course, you could watch the original movie again and dress up like your favorite character. Or you could find a showing of WICKED THE MUSICAL and attend the show. Or you could watch the two WICKED movies directed by John M. Chu (WICKED - 2024 and WICKED: FOR GOOD - 2025). Or you could visit the Smithsonian's American History Museum in Washington, D.C., to see the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland as "Dorothy." Or you can "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to the Judy Garland Museum - her restored 1920's birthplace home - in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

According to Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, "A second pair of ruby slippers is on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the official showcase for the organization behind the Oscars. The ruby slippers in question are said to be the shoes that received the coveted close ups in the film — including the now famous heel clicks that send Dorothy back to Kansas — thus making them the holy grail of all Hollywood memorabilia, and most valuable of the four pairs that were worn by Garland, according to film historians. Upping their value is that they're nicknamed the "Witch's Shoes," since they were the pair taken from the feet of the Wicked Witch of the East in the film. Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, and former Disney chairman Bob Iger helped the Academy acquire the slippers in 2012 in an auction after they had been stored in MGM's costume vault, and then owned by private collectors." According to Iger, "The ruby slippers occupy an extraordinary place in the hearts of movie audiences the world over."

Or, you can read two works of fiction with interesting spins on the well-known story:

BEFORE DOROTHY by Hazel Gaynor (c. 2025)

Here's a brief synopsis from Amazon, "Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, yearn to leave the bustle of Chicago for the promise of their own American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city means leaving Emily's beloved sister, Annie, who was once closer to her than anyone in the world. Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep. The wide-eyed child isn't the only thing to disrupt Emily's world. Drought and devastating dust storms threaten to destroy everything, and her much-loved home becomes a place of uncertainty and danger. When the past catches up with the present and old secrets are exposed, Emily fears she will lose the most cherished thing of all: Dorothy. Bursting with courage and heart, Before Dorothy tells the story of the woman who raised a beloved heroine, and ponders the question: what is the true meaning of home?"

FINDING DOROTHY by Elizabeth Letts (c. 2019)

Here's a brief synopsis from Amazon, "Hollywood, 1938: As soon as she learns that MGM is adapting her late husband's masterpiece for the screen, 77-year-old Maud Gage Baum sets about trying to finagle her way onto the set. Nineteen years after Frank's passing, Maud is the only person who can help the producers stay true to the spirit of the book — because she's the only one left who knows its secrets. But the moment she hears Judy Garland rehearsing the first notes of "Over the Rainbow," Maud recognizes the yearning that defined her own life story, from her youth as a suffragette's daughter to her coming of age as one of the first women in the Ivy League, from her blossoming romance with Frank to the hardscrabble prairie years that inspired The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Judy reminds Maud of a young girl she cared for and tried to help in South Dakota, a dreamer who never got her happy ending. Now, with the young actress under pressure from the studio as well as her ambitious stage mother, Maud resolves to protect her — the way she tried so hard to protect the real Dorothy."

And here's a fun story, according to Yahoo, "In London in 2009, Harrods department store replicated a scene from "The Wizard of Oz," where Dorothy's house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East. Colossal 14-foot-tall ruby slippers were produced for the installation, which was showcased that year throughout December from the retailer's streetside windows."

So, no matter how you choose to celebrate, have fun and follow the yellow brick road!

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Welcome back, Ted Lasso!

Were you a fan of the Apple+ television series TED LASSO that ran from 2020 to 2023? If yes, then you’ve anxiously been waiting for the show's return! Well, your wait is over because the series arrives today on Apple Television - and I'm also excited to be re-introduced to the series' memorable characters and Ted's inspiring leadership lessons.

According to Foster School Business Professor Bruce Avolio, "Leaders like Indra Nooyl (former CEO of Pepsi), Eleanor Roosevelt, and Nelson Mandela, similar to Ted Lasso, seek to instill a belief that everyone matters." What a wonderful leadership lesson and take-away from the series for all leaders.

In anticipation of season four of TED LASSO, I've chosen snippets referencing the series from five marketing and leadership experts who've appeared on my Blog since the series launched in 2020. Enjoy!

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS: "There's something so refreshing about Ted Lasso's leadership style — he's humble, vulnerable, self-aware, and, above all, joyful. Early in the series, when Ted, a former American football coach, takes over as the head coach of an English Premier League soccer club, he isn't afraid to be vulnerable and admit that, despite being one of the organization's higher-ups, he's a soccer newbie. Instead of being embarrassed by his lack of soccer knowledge, Ted accepts suggestions from others in the organization to help make the team better. A specific example is when he seeks input on game strategy from AFC Richmond's kit manager, Nathan Shelly. As kit managers don't usually contribute to a team's strategy, this stood out as a moment of transformational leadership. This is also a good reminder to all current and aspiring leaders that great ideas can come from anywhere and at any level of an organization.“

ZEN YINGER: "Ted Lasso's approach to leadership is a refreshing departure from conventional portrayals. In a world often fixated on success at any cost, Ted stands out by emphasizing the human side of leadership, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for viewers.”

JOSEPH MICHELLI: "Ted was a resoundingly optimistic, ethical leader, who cared about developing the people around him. He overcame a lack of experience coaching soccer through folksy wisdom, a clear vision for the future, genuine compassion, and kindness. I believe we need more examples of leaders like Ted Lasso – those that are authentically caring, unpretentious, and other focused.”

GREGG VANOUREK: “The Ted Lasso series is brilliant on many fronts, including the way it showed the human aspects of leadership and the complex dynamics of being part of a team and community. For leaders (and others), it has powerful lessons about heart, humanity, dignity, love, hope, belief in people, and the transformation of pain and hardship. Ted connected with others - and inspired them - while proving the naysayers and cynics wrong. He reminded us that love and humanity are at the heart of great leadership. Even though Ted admitted, "You could fill two Internets with what I don't know about football," his keen sense of observation and unique approach brought so much to the team."

ERIC STONE: "Ted Lasso really stands out for me with his leadership style. Have you ever watched someone handle a challenging situation so well that it inspires you to be better? Whether it's navigating a tough conversation with an employee or teammate, or presenting to senior leadership, you walk away thinking, I wish I could communicate like that. That's the kind of leader Ted Lasso embodies; someone who connects with both the head and the heart. While he's a bit quirky at times, he proves that you can lead with high character without sacrificing high standards. He balances optimism with accountability, making people feel valued while pushing them to be their best. His ability to build trust, transform team culture, and inspire loyalty is something every leader can learn from. Just like some companies rally around slogans like Just Do It or Play Like a Champion, Ted's guiding principle is simple but powerful: Believe."

What new leadership lessons will we learn from Ted during season four? We'll have to tune in to see. In the meantime, my gratitude to Amanda, Zen, Joseph, Gregg, and Eric for sharing their thoughts about Ted Lasso the character and series.

And lastly, I highly recommend the book "Lead It Like Lasso" by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, because, as the authors explained, it’s "a leadership book for life, your life."

Saturday, July 4, 2026

How will your brand celebrate Independence Day?

Since today's date is July 4th, today is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. For those of us in the marketing arena, we're tuned into brands based on how they celebrate.

Do the following brands stand out today simply because they feature the word "American" in their names?

*American Airlines

*American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

*American Express

*American Greetings Corporation

*Bank of America

Or, do these brands stand out today because they align their logo, brand messaging, social media posts, and advertising with the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag?

One of my long-time favorite brands is Sherwin-Williams, because it used one of its color swatches to match one of the colors on the American flag in a social media post years ago.

However, remember, the buzz of the moment should NEVER overshadow a brand's core brand promise, brand story, and mission.

So, which brand do you think will be the winner as this year's stand-out brand on the 250th anniversary of America's Independence Day? Chime in and share.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Let's Celebrate Social Media Day 2026!

Do you remember the date you joined the social media world? What did you say for your first Tweet on Twitter (now known as "X")? What was your first post and image on Instagram? How detailed was your professional background on LinkedIn? And what was the topic of your first blog post?

For me, I joined Twitter/X in September 2009 and probably said "hello;" I shared a funny image of three famous yello guys with the caption "Keep Calm and Love Minions" on Instagram; my LinkedIn profile is very detailed; and my first blog post's title was, "Before you jump into social media, ask who speaks for you."

Since today is Social Media Day, let's celebrate what is often referred to as "the online water cooler."

According to NationalDayCalendar, "Founded by Mashable in 2010, Social Media Day is observed annually on June 30. In its short life, social media has redefined how people interact, communicate, and share with family, friends, and the world. With the launch of Friendster in 2002 and MySpace in 2003, social media became mainstream. 2004 brought the founding of the king of social media, Facebook. Twitter (now X) encouraged us to be succinct by posting our thoughts with fewer than 140 characters. When we express ourselves better through imagery, Instagram and Flickr offer all the sharing we can handle. And speaking of video, TikTok and YouTube are the social place for everything from how-to videos to pop culture to what not to do with your fireworks on the 4th of July...Social media makes it possible to stay connected and informed about important people in our lives. Reconnecting with classmates, past work associates, and more is a valuable part of social media. It has also made it possible to connect with ancestors and find relatives you never even knew existed."

Back in 2014, Damian Corbet, a copywriter based in England, shared several reasons why the C-suite needed to use social media. In his post on LinkedIn, he wrote, "You either keep up or become irrelevant. It's that simple." The following three reasons are just as true today as they were nearly 12 years ago:

(1) Social media is now the #1 thing people do online - more than using search engines.

(2) Social media is the most powerful networking tool available. It's an incredibly powerful way to make personal connections and expand business networks.

(3) Social media is an amazing way to listen, gain market insights, assess risks, and scan the horizon. Think of any industry trend and it's already being discussed on social media.

An interesting email recently arrived in my inbox and stood out as memorable due to its timely subject line and message:

Subject line: WE LOVE YOUR SOCIAL PROFILE!

Message: Hi, I'm one of the founders of Sashka Co. and wanted to personally reach out to you. We really love your social profile and would be honored to have you share our bracelets. We would like to give you one free bracelet at check-out! Add any item to your cart to unlock it!
Best, Anna ~ Sashka Co. Founder

What an effective form of marketing, especially for Social Media Day. This brand sells bracelets made in Nepal to raise money for women's independence in that country. Each bracelet is a work of art - and the brand sells many bracelets due to its colorful and engaging posts on Instagram. In fact, that's how I discovered the brand. So, the request for a social shout-out in exchange for a free bracelet is a great idea. Much applause!

Check out some facts about Social Media Day from Awareness Days:

(1) According to DataReportal, approximately 5.3 billion people worldwide used social media in 2024.

(2) The average global social media user has accounts on six platforms.

(3) YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok are consistently among the most-used platforms by global monthly active users.

(4) According to Reuters Institute Digital News Reports, social media has become the leading channel for news and current affairs for people under age 35.

(5) Recent observances of Social Media Day have promoted discussions on misinformation, online abuse, mental health pressures, and the future of social media platforms on life, business, and culture.

So, which social platform is your fave, and which will you be celebrating today? Chime in and share.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

How to Help on World Blood Donor Day!

Today is World Blood Donor Day. In 2004, the commemorative day was organized by four core international organizations: the World Health Organization; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations; and the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

The specific date was chosen because Karl Landsteiner was born in Austria on June 14th, 1868. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1930, due to his discovery in 1901 of, and outstanding work on, the blood groups. In 1909, he classified the blood types of human beings into the now well-known A, B, AB, and O groups. Before his discovery, blood transfusions happened without knowing the different blood groups.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Let's Celebrate Some Famous Cats on "Hug Your Cat Day"

If you're an ailurophile (like me), or in other words, a cat fan, then today is a purrfect day because it's HUG YOUR CAT DAY. However, since cat guardians don't need a special day to hug their cats, let's celebrate some famous cats today who excel at personal branding.

THE CAT IN THE HAT

According to Wikipedia, "The Cat in the Hat is a 1957 children's book written and illustrated by American author Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel. The story centers on a tall anthropomorphic cat who wears a red and white-striped top hat and a red bow tie. The Cat shows up at the house of Sally and her brother one rainy day when their mother is away. Three years after its debut, the book had sold over a million copies. In 2001, Publishers Weekly listed the book at number nine on its list of best-selling children's books of all time; and in 2020, The Cat in the Hat placed second on the New York Public Library's list of "Top 10 Checkouts of All Time." The Cat himself became one of the mascots for Dr. Seuss Enterprises."

FELIX THE CAT

According to Felixthecat.fandom.com, "A kind and wonderful cat that first appears in Feline Follies. While Felix's personality varies, he is generally portrayed as mischievous, good-hearted, and willing to help others in need." According to Wikipedia, "Felix's expressive tail, which could be a shovel one moment, an exclamation mark or pencil the next, serves to emphasize that anything can happen in his world. Given the character's unprecedented popularity and the fact that his name was partially derived from the Latin word for "happy," some notable individuals and organizations adopted Felix as a mascot. The first of these was a Los Angeles Chevrolet dealer named Winslow B. Felix, who first opened his showroom in 1921. The three-sided neon sign of Felix Chevrolet, with its giant, smiling images of the character, is today one of LA's better-known landmarks, standing watch over both Figueroa Street and the Harbor Freeway. Others who adopted Felix included the 1922 New York Yankees and pilot and actress Ruth Elder, who took a Felix doll with her in an attempt to become the first woman to duplicate Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic crossing to Paris...For Felix the Cat's 100th anniversary in 2019, Universal Pictures dubbed November 9th as "Felix the Cat Day" and released new merchandise, including Skechers brand shoes, a PEZ dispenser, shirts, and more."

CHESHIRE CAT

According to Wikipedia, "The Cheshire Cat is a fictional cat popularized by Lewis Carroll in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and known for its distinctive mischievous grin. While now most often used in Alice-related contexts, the association of a "Cheshire cat" with grinning predates the 1865 book. It has transcended the context of literature and become enmeshed in popular culture, appearing in various forms of media, from political cartoons to television, as well as in cross-disciplinary studies, from business to science. Often, it is shown in the context of a person or idea that is purposefully confusing or enigmatic. One distinguishing feature of the Alice-style Cheshire Cat is the periodic gradual disappearance of its body, leaving only one last visible trace: its iconic grin."

GARFIELD

According to Wikipedia, "Garfield is a fictional American cat and the protagonist of the comic strip of the same name, created by Jim Davis. He was born on June 19th, 1978 (the day the first Garfield strip was published), in the kitchen of Mamma Leoni's Italian Restaurant. Garfield is portrayed as a lazy, fat, cynical, and self-absorbed orange tabby Persian cat. He is noted for his love of lasagna, pizza, coffee, and sleeping, and his hatred of Mondays. As a kitten, Garfield developed a taste for lasagna, describing it as "Nature's most perfect food." Because of his large appetite, the owner of Mamma Leoni's had to choose between giving away Garfield or closing down his restaurant; so Garfield was sold to a pet shop. On August 19, 1978, Garfield was adopted from the store by Jon Arbuckle, a cartoonist by trade, who was frequently yet unknowingly mocked by Garfield."

HELLO KITTY

According to Wikipedia, "Hello Kitty, also known by her real name Kitty White, is a fictional character created by Yuko Shimizu, designed by Yuko Yamaguchi, and owned by the Japanese company Sanrio. According to her backstory, she lives in a London suburb with her family, and is close to her twin sister Mimmy, who is depicted with a yellow bow. Hello Kitty is a British anthropomorphic white cat with a red bow and no visible mouth. Sanrio decided to make Hello Kitty British because foreign countries, in particular Britain, were trendy in Japan at the time of Hello Kitty's creation. Sanrio already had several characters set in the US, and it wanted Hello Kitty to be different. UNICEF named Hello Kitty as children's ambassador to the United States in 1983, children's ambassador to Japan in 1994, and gave her the title of UNICEF Special Friend of Children in 2004, a title unique to her. By 2010, the character was worth $5 billion a year, and The New York Times called her a global marketing phenomenon."

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

How will YOU celebrate MARKETING on May 27th?

Do you know today's significance? If you're a professional marketer, you probably know that, on this date in Chicago in 1931, Philip Kotler, the person referred to as the "Father of Modern Marketing" was born. Kotler has written more than 80 books and made an incredible impact on the development of marketing worldwide — and I was introduced to the study of marketing by his "Marketing Management" textbook during the first semester of graduate school.

The European Marketing Federation chose May 27th as the day to celebrate the field of marketing worldwide. In addition, the day was established to recognize the value of marketing and educate all employees and departments within organizations about the role and purpose of marketing.

According to Ralf Strauss, Chairman of the Board of the European Marketing Federation, "The evolution of marketing around the world has been an impressive journey with many changes. Marketers have helped new organizations to emerge and enabled change in old companies with centuries of history. They have changed societal attitudes and helped people to communicate. Today, in the context of digital transformation, we can explore our environment more than ever, analyze consumer and customer needs in real-time, and build relationships. The importance of marketing people is paramount. Let's recognize and appreciate this as we celebrate marketing on 27th May."

According to DaysoftheYear.com, "With the purpose of building bridges between businesses and their consumers, World Marketing Day celebrates the essential role that marketing plays in the world. From driving innovation to fostering understanding and shaping patterns of consumers, this is a time to show appreciation for the strategy, dedication, and creativity that marketing professionals put into their work."

To celebrate World Marketing Day here on my Blog, I've invited a fellow marketer to return for a Q&A due to her international expertise. Based in Western Canada, Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia's premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media. With over 20 years of experience, she helps businesses to establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity. Her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the marketing industry.

QUESTION: Management and personal branding expert Tom Peters wrote in 1997, "To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called YOU. Start by identifying the qualities or characteristics that make you distinctive from your competitors — or your colleagues. When you’re promoting brand YOU, everything you do — and everything you choose not to do — communicates the value and character of the brand. If you want people to see you as a powerful brand, act like a credible leader. As long as you're learning, growing, building relationships, and delivering great results, it's good for you and it's great for the company." Therefore, what three things do you think everyone should do to create a memorable personal brand?

SUSAN FRIESEN: From my perspective, a lot of people overcomplicate personal branding. They think it’s colours, styles, or coming across as being perfect, but that's not the case. A personal brand is all about how clearly and consistently you show people who you are, what you stand for, and why they should trust you. There are three things I believe matter most:

(1) Get honest about who you are. Before you think about marketing visibility and content, it's important to understand: What you stand for; How you naturally communicate; and What makes you different in how you think, not just what you do. If you're naturally witty, thoughtful, direct, or deeply empathetic, those are strong indicators of your personal brand and should be brought into everything you do in order to be recognized for those traits.

(2) Make a definitive decision about how you want to be known. This is where personal values combined with consistency come into play. A personal brand becomes memorable when it's consistent, which is not the same as perfect. It means being consistent with the same style, tone, and values across communications and platforms. It also means knowing when to say "no" to opportunities that are not in alignment with how you want to be known. If your voice, message, and overall presence shift too often, trust will start to erode and weaken your positioning.

(3) Back it up with proof. A personal brand isn't what you say about yourself; it's formed by how you show up and what you deliver consistently. It's built on what others experience and perceive about you. Which includes things such as: the quality of your work; the way you communicate; the results you help people achieve; and the consistency of your presence over time. In today's environment, especially with AI-generated content everywhere, trust has become the deciding factor. People are getting more cautious and are determining credibility more quickly than ever.

Your personal brand becomes memorable when people can connect what you say with what you actually. This is where authority is created. So if I were to simplify it: (1) Know who you are; (2) Decide how you want to be known; and (3) Prove it consistently. That's what turns a personal brand from something forgettable into something people recognize, trust, and choose.

QUESTION: Today, for World Marketing Day, let's discuss Jeff Bezos' empty chair policy. At every Amazon meeting, there's an empty chair to represent the customer. What does this story mean to you?

SUSAN FRIESEN: It's interesting, but long before I heard the Jeff Bezos empty chair story, I was already running my business with that mindset. For me, the empty chair represents something very simple: your client is part of every decision, whether you consciously include them or not. The difference is whether you're intentional about it.

What I mean by that is that you're not building a brand based on what YOU think would work. You're building it based on how your ideal client/customer thinks, feels, and makes decisions. And to do that, you need a deep understanding and empathy for them. What are they frustrated with right now? What are they worried about getting wrong? What would make them feel confident enough to say yes? The answers to questions like these will directly affect your offers as well as your marketing and communication messaging. Ultimately, this in-depth dive into the ideal client persona is what will ultimately build trust, because people know when they're not truly being considered.

To me, the empty chair is really about respect. It's choosing to listen before speaking. It's making decisions with your client/customer in mind, not just your own preferences. It's recognizing that trust is earned when people feel understood. And in today's environment, where so many businesses are starting to sound the same, it's that level of understanding that makes a brand stand out and genuinely connect.

SHARE THIS: You're not building a brand based on what YOU think would work. You're building it based on how your ideal client/customer thinks, feels, and makes decisions. ~Susan Friesen #WorldMarketingDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: One of my favorite quotes is from American businessman Jack Welch: "Marketing is not anyone's job. It's everyone's job." What are your thoughts?

SUSAN FRIESEN: When Jack Welch said "Marketing is everyone's job," what he was really pointing to is every interaction that a person has with your business shapes their perception of your brand. It's not just one ad campaign or your website in isolation. It's all-encompassing such as: (1) How you respond to an email or social media post; (2) How your team communicates with clients/customers; (3) How consistent your messaging is across every touchpoint; and (4) How well you deliver on what you promised. All of that is marketing, and for it to actually work, there has to be a strong foundation first. Only then can your team consistently reflect that in how they show up. To me, the real takeaway is that marketing isn't a department, it's a reflection of how your business operates as a whole. If every person in your business understands the role they play, then you build trust that will facilitate long-term relationships.

SHARE THIS: To me...marketing isn't a department, it's a reflection of how your business operates as a whole. ~~Susan Friesen #WorldMarketingDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which three marketing or branding books should everyone read, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: There are a lot of marketing books out there, but I find most of them focus on tactics. For me, the ones that truly help are the ones that change how you think. These three have had a lasting impact on how I approach brand positioning, messaging, and trust.

(1) THIS IS MARKETING by Seth Godin.

This book strips marketing down to what it should have been all along. It's about understanding who you're trying to serve and creating something that actually matters to them. What stands out for me is the focus on empathy and relevance. If your marketing isn't grounded in a foundational understanding of your audience, it's not going to have an impact, no matter how "perfect" it looks.

(2) BUILDING A STORYBRAND by Donald Miller.

This is one I recommend often because it solves a very common problem of the business owner making themselves the hero of the story when it needs to be their clients instead. This book gives a simple framework for clarifying your message so that your audience can quickly understand who you help, what problem you solve, and why they should trust you. When that's clear, everything from your website to your content becomes more effective.

(3) THE BRAND GAP by Marty Neumeier.

This book explains the gap between strategy and execution, which is something I see all the time when the foundational brand analysis work hasn't been done. Businesses invest in a logo or a website, but there's no deeper thinking behind it. It's just a pretty template that the owner loves but lacks an emotional connection with the people they want to serve. This book reinforces that a brand is not what you say it is, it's what people experience and remember.

QUESTION: What is your favorite Canadian brand, and why? And what is your favorite American brand, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: Here they are:

CANADIAN BRAND: Saje Natural Wellness: I love using Saje products because they have built the brand around: clean, plant-based ingredients; transparent sourcing; and a strong focus on personal well-being. But what makes the brand stand out is its consistency between its products, in-store experience, and messaging - everything reinforces the same promise, which is helping people take care of themselves in a natural, informed way. There's also a strong female leadership presence behind the brand, which is demonstrated in how they communicate. From a brand positioning standpoint, they don't try to be everything to everyone. They've chosen a lane and they stay in it. That's why they're recognizable and trusted.

AMERICAN BRAND: Dr. Mindy Pelz: What stands out to me about Dr. Mindy Pelz is how clearly she has positioned herself. She speaks directly to women, particularly around health, hormones, and fasting, in a way that feels both educational and empowering. There's a genuine commitment to helping women understand their own bodies so that they can make informed decisions, rather than chasing the latest trend or fad. She's not trying to appeal to everyone. She's very specific about who she's helping and what she stands for. She also builds trust through consistent education. You see it across her videos, books, and content. She shows up with a clear point of view and reinforces it over time. And that's what turns a personal brand into something people follow, trust, and act on.

How will YOU celebrate marketing today? I'll celebrate by applauding Susan for sharing her passion for brand marketing, customer experience marketing, and personal branding with me and my international blog community!

Image Credit: European Marketing Confederation (EMC).

Read Tom Peters' article: "The Brand Called YOU"

https://www.fastcompany.com/28905/brand-called-you

Read: "Why Every Amazon Meeting Has At Least One Empty Chair"

https://www.inc.com/john-koetsier/why-every-amazon-meeting-has-at-least-one-empty-chair.html

Read last year's post for World Marketing Day! (May 27, 2025):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/05/lets-discuss-brand-storytelling-to.html

Read Susan's most recent appearance on my Blog:

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Susan Friesen (February 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/02/winter-olympics-leadership-series-2026_01082440765.html

Meet Susan at these links:

Website: https://www.eVisionMedia.ca

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.evisionmedia/

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Happy International Tiara Day!

Did you know that today is International Tiara Day? Created by Barbara Bellisimo in 2005, this annual event takes place on Queen Victoria's birthday. The intent is for all women to embrace and celebrate their inner beauty, self-worth, and leadership strength by wearing a physical or metaphorical tiara to feel confident.

According to Checkiday.com, "A tiara is a jeweled, ornamental crown, often made of a precious metal. Tiaras are usually worn by women, often at formal occasions. Royalty, as well as some socialites commonly, wear them. Tiaras made of less precious metals or of plastic are known as costume jewelry and are worn at homecomings, proms, quinceaneras, and weddings. Winners of beauty pageants are sometimes crowned with tiaras, and young girls dressing up as Disney princesses also wear them.

"Tiara" was the name for headdresses that were worn by Persian kings. In ancient times, both men and women wore head ornaments similar to tiaras, in order to show their high status. For example, the Ancient Greeks and Romans wore wreath-shaped head ornaments. As the Roman Empire declined and Christianity spread, tiaras became less prevalent. There was a revival of tiaras in the late eighteenth century, but they were almost exclusively worn by women. Napoleon gave his wife Josephine de Beauharnais tiaras, which helped to popularize them. And Britain's Queen Elizabeth II had the largest and most valuable collection of tiaras in the world."

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some brands featuring tiaras in their logos and brand storytelling. But first, tiaras are not as prevalent as crowns, so I've also included logos with crowns also:

CHAUMET PARIS

This more than 240-year-old Parisian jewelry brand has a memorable logo: The "C" from Chaumet appears atop the brand name and has diamonds along both the left and right sides to create the impression of a tiara.

ROLEX WATCH COMPANY

According to Swiss Watch Expo, "The Rolex logo, featuring a five-pointed golden crown (coronet) above the "Rolex" brand name, was designed to symbolize prestige, victory, and excellence. Registered in 1925, the iconic crown symbol matured from early, simple script-only branding (1908) to its present form, often featuring green and gold to represent prosperity and luxury." According to Rolex, "The Crown (Coronet): Represents the brand’s, and the owner's, "mastery over time" and high achievement. The Five Points: Symbolize the five fingers of a human hand (craftsmanship). The Color Palette: Green represents prosperity and growth, while gold represents wealth and luxury. The Name Rolex: Co-founder Hans Wilsdorf sought a word that was short, easy to say in any language, and looked symmetrical on a watch dial."

BUDWEISER

Introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch in St. Louis, Missouri, Budweiser refers to itself as "The King of Beers," so the use of a crown in its logo is appropriate.

HALLMARK

According to Fabrik, "Known for its movies, television channel, and greeting cards, Hallmark has long used the image of a crown as part of its brand identity. The organization has only made a handful of tweaks to its brand mark over the years, focusing on an elegant image. Alongside an iconic five-pointed crown, the Hallmark logo also includes a script-style wordmark designed to look like traditional calligraphy. Many versions of the Hallmark logo also include purple coloring, a shade commonly associated with luxury and royalty."

PANDORA

According to Fabrik, "The modern logotype of the jewelry company, Pandora offers an insight into how subtle and simplistic a crown symbol can be. Pandora is a Danish jewelry manufacturer, first established in 1982 and is best known for its charm bracelets and designer accessories. Like many jewelry companies, Pandora has updated and refined its logo a few times over the years. Still, the image of the crown has remained relatively consistent, sitting above the "O" in the wordmark."

RITZ-CARLTON

The hospitality brand was started by Caesar Ritz, known as the "King of Hoteliers, and Hotelier to Kings," and its first hotel opened in the United States in 1911 - following the Hotel Ritz in Paris. Caesar Ritz created the iconic brand's logo, which is a combination of the British royal seal (the crown) and the icon of a financial backer (the lion). First recorded in 1908, "the customer is never wrong" was the slogan of Caesar Ritz. Today, the Ritz-Carlton chain has more than a hundred luxury hotels around the world. In 1998, the business was bought by Marriott International, which operates the Ritz-Carlton hotels but does not own them. In addition to hotels, the hotel chain has exclusive residences and yachts.

What other famous brands feature tiaras or crowns in their logos? Chime in and share.

Monday, May 18, 2026

Happy International Museum Day!

Are you a fan of Impressionism, Cubism, Rococo, or another period of art? If yes, then today is a special day on your calendar because it's International Museum Day,

In 1946, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) was created in the aftermath of World War II in Paris, France, as a non-governmental organization for museum professionals, dedicated to the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage. In 1977, the ICOM created an annual celebration of museums and named it "International Museum Day."

According to the ICOM website, "Organized on May 18th each year, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend, or an entire week. In 2025, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in more than 158 countries and territories.

This year, on May 18th, 2026, museums worldwide will mark International Museum Day with the theme "Museums Uniting a Divided World." The theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, and peace within and between communities worldwide. Museums are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects, and one another. In times of social fragmentation, polarization, and unequal access to knowledge and culture, museums help rebuild connection across generations, across communities, and across borders. Museums do not erase differences but create conditions in which differences can be understood and handled with respect: by safeguarding heritage and memory, by offering learning and reflection, and by providing welcoming spaces where diverse voices can be heard."

This brings me to a successful way that museums increase brand awareness as well as attendance. Much gratitude to Museum Next and Culture Hive for sharing details about the following ten co-branding or partnership examples, or as some might call them, "ARTketing."

(1) In 2010, New York City museum Neue Galerie collaborated with make-up brand Estée Lauder to create an exclusive "Berlin Red" color lipstick and Bauhaus-style mirror compact to commemorate the museum's retrospective of German artist Otto Dix. The lipstick color was inspired by the artist's portrait of dancer Anita Berber.

(2) In 2011, Nike Skateboarding collaborated with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles to produce limited-edition sneakers made from paper artwork, as well as t-shirts.

(3) Since 2013, global apparel retailer UNIQLO has been working in partnership with New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to offer "Free Friday Nights."

(4) In 2015, the Museum of Natural History and online marketplace Etsy teamed up for an omnichannel collaboration. The product line inspired by the museum's collection included over 140 items created by 22 Etsy artists and was sold in both the museum's gift shop and online.

(5) In 2017, global apparel retailer UNIQLO collaborated with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with a series of graphic t-shirts inspired by several Katsushika Hokusai woodblock prints from the museum's collection of Japanese art.

(6) Since 2018, shoe brand Van's has collaborated with Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum to offer shoes, jackets, hats, and other fashion accessories featuring the artist's sunflowers and other iconic imagery.

(7) In 2018, the Museum of Ice Cream announced a collaboration with the international makeup brand Sephora, which attracted a large audience that posted on social media.

(8) In 2018, Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo collaborated with DryHop Brewers to release a beer to raise money for the conservation of the Puerto Rican parrot, an endangered species.

(9) In 2019, AirBnb teamed up with Musée du Louvre to provide a unique experience. This collaboration was centred around a contest that AirBnb ran to provide one lucky winner with a private night at the Louvre including a "Mona Lisa" viewing free of tourists.

(10) In 2019, watch brand Swatch collaborated with Musée du Louvre for a collection of watches inspired by several classical masterpieces including the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci, "The Abduction of Helen" by Guido Reni, "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix, and portraits of Henry the IV and his wife Marie de' Medici by Frans II Pourbus.

So, how will you celebrate today? Of course, you could visit a museum in person or check out a museum exhibit online - many museums now offer viewings of their collections in easy-to-follow formats for digital visitors. Or, you might choose to watch a museum-related movie or read a museum-themed book - see the ideas below:

MOVIES FEATURING MUSEUMS/ART:

* "Night at the Museum" (trilogy)

* "When Harry Met Sally"

* "The Thomas Crown Affair"

* "National Treasure"

* "The Da Vinci Code"

* "Julie and Julia"

* "Wonder Woman"

FICTION FEATURING MUSEUMS/ART:

* "The Magnolia Palace" by Fiona Davis

* "The Stolen Queen" by Fiona Davis

* "Meet Me at the Museum" by Anne Youngstown

* "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

* "Mona's Eyes" by Thomas Schlesser

BOOKS DESIGNED FOR KIDS BUT GREAT FOR ADULTS WHO ARE YOUNG AT HEART:

* "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg

* "Cats of the Louvre" by Taiyo Matsumoto / Translated by Michael Arias

* "The Sixty-Eight Rooms" by Marianne Malone / Illustrated by Greg Call (4-book series)

* "You Can't Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum" by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman / Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

* "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day / Illustrated by Brett Helquist

Lastly, to celebrate today's importance, I'd like to give a shout-out to my favorite museums: Musee d'Orsay (Paris), Monet House and Gardens (Giverny, France), Rodin Musem (Paris), Thorne Miniature Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago, and The Panorama of the City of New York (Queens Museum in Queens, New York).

What are your favorite museums? Chime in and share.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the United States than in Mexico? Do you know the day's history?

According to Wikipedia, "Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "Fifth of May") is an annual celebration held on May 5th to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Zaragoza died months after the battle from an illness, however, and a larger French force ultimately defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla and then occupied Mexico City. Following the end of the American Civil War in 1865, the United States began lending money and guns to the Mexican Liberals, pushing France and Mexican Conservatives to the edge of defeat. At the opening of the French chambers in January 1866, Napoleon III announced that he would withdraw French troops from Mexico. In reply to a French request for American neutrality, the American Secretary of State William H. Seward replied that French withdrawal from Mexico should be unconditional. Celebrations began in 1862 in Columbia, California."

Cinco de Mayo gained nationwide popularity beyond those of Mexican-American heritage during the 1980s due to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila companies. Today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl.

The day grew in popularity and evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, first in areas with large Mexican-American populations, like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York - followed by Cleveland, Boston, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Dallas, San Antonio, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Denver, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Tucson, San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego.

The day's popularity has also extended around the world. Some Canadian pubs play Mexican music and serve Mexican food and drinks. In the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition; and at Montego Bay, Jamaica, there is a Cinco de Mayo celebration. There are also celebrations in Brisbane, Australia; New Zealand; Cape Town, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; Paris, France; and in the Japanese cities of Osaka and Tokyo.

So which brands do you associate with today's holiday? Here are some that come to mind:

AVOCADOS FROM MEXICO

According to the brand's website, "In 2013, thousands of Mexican avocado farmers partnered with U.S. importers to form a non-profit marketing organization — Avocados From Mexico. Since then, we've been sharing the good taste, good health, and good times that only Avocados From Mexico can provide. Avocados From Mexico has doubled U.S. imports of Mexican avocados — from 1.2B pounds in 2014 to nearly 2.5B pounds in 2023. Today, more than 80 percent of avocados in American stores and restaurants come from orchards from our orchards."

JOSE CUERVO TEQUILA

According to the brand's website, "As an 11th generation, family-owned Mexican company, Cuervo was the first to farm agave for tequila production and the first to perform intensive cultivation. Jose Antonio de Cuervo founded the family business in 1758 when he bought land around Tequila and named it Solar de las Animas. The Cuervo family was granted the first license to distill by the King of Spain in 1795. Cuervo Tequila is the oldest tequila brand and one of the oldest spirits brands in the world, with the oldest distillery in the Americas called La Rojeña. That distillery is still operating and producing tequila, in the town of Tequila, Jalisco."

SHARE THIS: Each year, the Cuervo family commissions a well-known Mexico-based artist to create a special edition design in a limited quantity. #CincoDeMayo #brandstorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

CORONA BEER

According to the brand's website, "Corona beer's international expansion began in the South and Southwestern regions of the US — with American tourists returning from Mexico bringing a taste for the beer they'd enjoyed on the sunny beaches of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta home with them. In 1979, Corona Extra was introduced in the U.S. and quickly became synonymous with the American beach and barbecue lifestyle. In the late '80s, people started asking for a more calorie-conscious beer that didn't skimp on taste — and we listened. Corona Light was introduced to U.S. customers in 1989. In 2020, we set a goal to remove 1 million pounds of plastic from our business and beaches across the country in time for our 100th birthday in 2025. In partnership with Oceanic Global, we've not only reached that goal – we've exceeded it, reaching 1.2 million pounds removed over the 5 years. (And now, celebrate America's pastime with a ceremonial first pitch and four tickets to a Major League Game.)"

TECATE BEER

According to the brand's website, "All great traditions have to start somewhere. For Cerveza Tecate, that somewhere is the town of Tecate, Baja California Mexico. Tecate signature beers have been brewed for over 60 years and continue to soar today. See how Tecate's story has unfolded in history. In 1944, Cervecería Tecate was officially born. Cervecería Tecate reached international status by beginning exporting to Asia and the US. In the US specifically, Tecate demand grew rapidly in various states including Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. In the 50's, Tecate became the second most important brand in Mexico, thanks to Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma who purchased the brewery in 1954. In 1964, Tecate launched the first ever "easy open" can in Mexico, which made a can opener unnecessary to open and enjoy a beer. This can opening design is the design still used in beer cans today. In 1994, Tecate Light became the first Mexican light beer to be made and sold in Mexico."

SHARE THIS: Tecate launched the first ever "easy open" can in Mexico, which made a can opener unnecessary to open and enjoy a beer. #CincoDeMayo #brandstorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

CINCO DE MAYO BARBIE

Mattel released a limited-edition "Cinco de Mayo" Barbie in 2006 as part of its "Festivals of the World" collection. Designed by Sharon Zuckerman, Cinco De Mayo Barbie doll wore a beautiful folkloric dress with ruffles and ribbons inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag. A traditional hairstyle with braids and festive embellishments added the final touch.

AEROMEXICO

According to the brand's website, "Beginning in 1934, Aeromexico is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance which includes partners Aerolineas Argentinas, AirEuropa, AirFrance, ITA Airways, China Eastern, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, KLM, and Korean Air."

However you celebrate today, happy Cinco de Mayo!

Image Credits: Avocados from Mexico, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Corona, and Tecate.

Here's a recipe for classic guacamole:

https://avocadosfrommexico.com/recipe/guacamole/classic-guac/

Here's a recipe for black bean and avocado tostada:

https://avocadosfrommexico.com/recipe/tacos-burritos/black-bean-avocado-tostadas/

Here's a recipe for avocado chicken Waldorf salad:

https://avocadosfrommexico.com/recipe/aha-heart-healthy/avocado-chicken-waldorf-salad/