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 holiday marketing. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Personal Branding Tips and Trumpet Music

Are you familiar with the song "Narco," an instrumental tune featuring a lively trumpet? Today is a good day to learn about this memorable piece of music because it's National Trumpet Day.

According to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com. "During the 9th century, trumpets made of metal emerged in Europe. These early trumpets were straight and lacked valves or keys, making them limited in terms of the range of notes they could produce, but their bright and penetrating sound made them ideal for military signaling and fanfare. By the 14th century, musicians began experimenting with different ways to change the pitch of the trumpet. This led to the development of slide trumpets, also known as sackbuts. Slide trumpets featured a movable slide that allowed players to alter the length of the instrument, thus changing the pitch. This innovation expanded the range of notes that could be played, making the trumpet a more versatile instrument. The 19th century marked a major breakthrough in trumpet design with the invention of valves. In the early 1800s, valve mechanisms were first added to the trumpet, enabling players to easily change the pitch with the press of a finger. Valved trumpets quickly gained popularity in orchestras and brass bands. During the 20th century, the trumpet found its way into various genres of popular music, particularly jazz. Renowned jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis played a pivotal role in popularizing the trumpet as a lead instrument capable of expressive solo performances."

And now, some background about "Narco" from Wikipedia: "Narco is a song by Dutch DJ/production duo Blasterjaxx and Australian DJ/producer Timmy Trumpet, that was released as a single in 2017. The song has become widely popular for being the walk-out song for Edwin Díaz, a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Díaz first used "Narco" as his walk-out song during 2018, when he played for the Seattle Mariners. After he was traded to the New York Mets, he briefly changed his walkout song to "No Hay Limite" by Miky Woodz, though "Narco" retook its position as Díaz's walkout song in 2020...Matt Monagan, writing for Major League Baseball, said that the use of "Narco" as Díaz's entrance song is one of "the best all time" among baseball entrance music...As of August 16, 2022, the song was Number 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart...When Díaz joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, his Dodger debut would see local trumpeter Tatiana Tate welcoming him with a live performance of the song on March 27, 2026."

Here are three personal branding tips from Edwin Díaz and his walk-out music:

RECOGNITION

Each time that Díaz enters a game, his walk-out song is used as a way to announce him. The song is associated with him, so it's his calling card. How do you announce to your co-workers and/or teammates that you're available to provide feedback, attend meetings, etc.?

ENTHUSIASM

The choice of a personal walk-out song creates enthusiasm for the baseball fans in the stadium as well as the entire Dodgers team, coaches, and staff. Do you have a song, a brainstorming team activity, or another way to create enthusiasm or positive energy among your co-workers or team?

MOTIVATION

According to Díaz, the tune motivates him before pitching. He explained back in 2022, "The trumpets were unique. Something different from what everybody uses. That's why I picked it." Do you walk around the block or sing to yourself before an important presentation? How do you motivate yourself and your co-workers and teammates?

Sadly, Diaz was on the injured list for most of the 2026 season, but Dodgers fans hope he will be healthy during the 2027 season and that his trumpet song will be heard often.

What else can we learn from music and apply to the workplace and personal branding? Chime in and share.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Let's Celebrate Emily Warren Roebling on World Architecture Day!

Have you ever heard the name Emily Warren Roebling? If not, you definitely know the bridge that she's associated with - whether by walking across it in person or by seeing it in movies or Law & Order television shows. After her husband was incapacitated in an accident, Emily Warren Roebling took over supervising the construction of the bridge over New York's East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan that became known as the Brooklyn Bridge. So today, on World Architecture Day, let's celebrate this often overlooked member of the architecture history books.

According to History.com, "The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began with a freak accident. In late June 1869, John Augustus Roebling, the designer and builder of wire rope suspension bridges, was surveying his new project site in Lower Manhattan when an approaching ferry crushed his foot against some wooden pilings. Roebling died of tetanus three weeks later, and the job of chief engineer went to his eldest son, Washington Roebling, who had been his father's right-hand man for construction of the great bridge spanning the Ohio River in Cincinnati, as well as on the design of the new bridge.

Three years later, with construction well underway on what would be the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and the first to use steel wires, Washington himself was incapacitated by "caisson disease" (now known as decompression sickness or "the bends"). With the chief engineer confined to his bed in his Brooklyn Heights home, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, stepped up and steered the completion of one of the 19th century's most impressive architectural achievements."

According to Sacyr.com, "With her husband unable to work, Emily Warren Roebling assumed a crucial role: she managed her husband's communications, studied his plans, copied his specifications, and relayed instructions to assistant engineers. Washington described her as his "wisest counsellor" and "a woman of infinite tact." She visited the construction site daily, attended board meetings, and oversaw the project, all the while carefully concealing the extent of her involvement in order to protect her husband's reputation. Along the way, she learned about material strength, stress analysis, cable construction, and the mathematics of the catenary curve."

History.com further explained, "The day before its grand opening on May 24, 1883, Emily Warren Roebling earned the honor of driving the first carriage across the completed Brooklyn Bridge carrying a rooster as a symbol of victory. And her unconventional achievements were not limited to her role in the Brooklyn Bridge's construction. In 1899, at the age of 55, she graduated with high honors from the Woman's Law Class of New York University, making her among the first female lawyers in New York state, and wrote a prize-winning article in the Albany Law Journal arguing for greater equality for women in marriage."

In addition, according to Sacyr.com, "After the bridge's completion, she travelled alone to Europe, where she met Queen Victoria in London and attended the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II in Moscow. Upon her return, she gave lectures about her experiences in Russia for the Federation of Women's Clubs, becoming increasingly active in the fight for gender equality. She toured the country, speaking in defense of women's suffrage and social services for the poor, and urged women to study law."

From a personal branding perspective, despite advice in her early years that women needed no higher education, Emily Warren Roebling studied mathematics and science. Above all, she placed the importance of the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge plus her husband's personal brand above hers - truly admirable.

According to Natiba Guy-Clement, director of special collections at the Brooklyn Public Library's Center for Brooklyn History, "Being one of 12 kids, being the daughter of a politician, I think that she just had to have that level of empowerment within herself."

And CBS News reported, "Underneath the Brooklyn tower of the bridge is Emily Warren Roebling Plaza. Unveiled in 2021, the public green space is now used to see the engineering marvel up close."

Lastly, to quote the United Nations, “Women of the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes, and violence, a future that’s sustainable, peaceful, with equal rights, and opportunities for all. To get there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made.”

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.

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

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/

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

How will you celebrate World Letter Writing Day?

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? When was the last time you wrote a handwritten letter? According to NationalDayCalendar, "In this digital age of text and email, it's almost unheard of to sit down and compose a letter." Since today is World Letter Writing Day, perhaps, it's a good day to write a handwritten letter to someone?

Richard Simpkin, an Australian author, artist, and photographer created "World Letter Writing Day" in 2014. In the late 1990s, he wrote letters to people he considered to be Australian legends and was excited when he received letters in return. In 2005, Simpkin released his book "100 Australian Legends: The People Who Shaped a Nation." His excitement over the letters that made the project possible resulted in the creation of a day dedicated to letter writing.

According to Awareness Days, "World Letter Writing Day is an annual celebration of the handwritten letter and the personal connection it creates. It invites everyone, regardless of age or writing ability, to compose a letter to family, friends, teachers, mentors, or anyone they value. The day is deliberately low-pressure: a letter does not need to be long or eloquent, it simply needs to be genuine."

Recently, letter writing has been newsworthy due to the success of a contemporary work of fiction, "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans, that won the 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction. The book is composed of letters to friends, family, and real-life authors — and the book's story is told entirely through these letters.

According to Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, "A remarkable novel with an exemplary combination of originality, excellence, and accessibility. It is no mean feat to write a life in letters, but Evans makes this feel effortless, asking the reader to consider the choices we make, whilst elevating an ordinary life in the most heartfelt of ways. The sheer skill required to render an emotionally resonant and engaging work in this format is spectacular."

There's a term for this type of fiction and it's relevant today. According to Wikipedia, "An epistolary novel is a novel written as a series of letters between the fictional characters of a narrative. The term is often extended to cover novels that intersperse other kinds of fictional document with the letters, most commonly diary entries and newspaper clippings, and sometimes considered to include novels composed of documents even if they do not include letters at all. More recently, epistolaries may include electronic documents such as recordings and radio, blog posts, and emails. The word epistolary is derived from Latin from the Greek word epistole meaning a letter. This type of fiction is known as epistolary fiction."

So, after reading and enjoying "The Correspondent," I ventured further into the world of epistolary fiction and read and also enjoyed the following:

(1) The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg: An address book serves as the focus of the novel.

(2) Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg: A ninety-two-year-old writes a letter to the woman who grew up next door, describing the items she is leaving her in her will.

(3) 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff: In a series of letters between a freelance writer in New York City and a used-book dealer in London at 84, Charing Cross Road, they have a charming friendship across the miles (but not in person) based on their shared love of books.

(4) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: According to Amazon, "As London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb. As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends — and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society — born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island — boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all."

(5) Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: When Bee's mother, Bernadette, disappears, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, and secret correspondence to find her mother.

Here are some ways to celebrate today:

(1) Write a letter to a loved one — they'll be happily surprised to receive it.

(2) Teach a child how to write a thank-you note — it's a lost art.

(3) Teach a child the value of having a pen pal. Read the book, "Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale" by Josh Funk with illustrations by Rodolfo Montalvo. According to the book's description, "George and Blaise are pen pals, and they write letters to each other about everything: their pets, birthdays, favorite sports, and science fair projects. There's just one thing that the two friends don't know: George is a human, while Blaise is a dragon!"

(4) Support local stationery stores by purchasing engraved stationery, fountain pens, or other writing supplies.

(5) Write a letter to a member of the military. Nonprofits such as Project Heart, Operation Gratitude, Soldiers' Angels, and A Million Thanks/America 250 offer letter-writing campaigns.

(6) Join a global pen pal or postcard project like Postcrossing, which has 805,890 members in 207 countries.

And here are some related holidays:

(1) National Ballpoint Pen Day (June 10): Honoring the everyday tool that makes writing easy.

(2) National Writing Day (June 24): Encouraging people to write for fun and self-expression.

(3) Everyone Writes Day (October 21): An annual event dedicated to the joy of writing.

So, are you going to write a letter today?

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Let's Celebrate International Dog Day!

Are you a cynophile, or translated from Greek, a dog lover? If you are (and who isn't?), then today is special because it's International Dog Day. While the day was initially created as National Dog Day in 2004, it's now celebrated around the world to promote dog adoption and honor working and service dogs everywhere.

While there are many famous dogs in books, television, and movies, let's celebrate my five favorites who excel at personal branding.

SNOOPY (comic book character)

According to Wikipedia, "Snoopy is one of the central characters in the comic strip Peanuts by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. He also appears in all of the Peanuts films and television specials. Debuting in the strip on October 4th, 1950, the original drawings of Snoopy were inspired by Spike, one of Schulz's childhood dogs. A largely anthropomorphic beagle, Snoopy is nearly the polar opposite of his owner, Charlie Brown: he is capable in multiple areas, quick-witted, imaginative, and independent. Snoopy usually spends his days sleeping flat on top of his doghouse or engaging in flights of fancy). Snoopy is also known for his longstanding best-friendship with the yellow bird Woodstock...Snoopy first appeared as a character balloon in New York City's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1968. The beagle has been in almost every parade ever since in different costumes, as an ice skater, a jester, with Woodstock riding on his head, and an astronaut."

TOTO (from "The Wizard of Oz" - 1900 book; 1939 movie; and Wicked movies 2025 and 2026))

According to Wikipedia, "In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz the book, author L. Frank Baum did not specifically state Toto's breed, but wrote "he was a little black dog with long silky hair and small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny, wee nose." However, from the illustrations in the first book many have concluded that he is a Cairn Terrier. Toto plays a central role in several critical points of the story: he runs away at the beginning and end of the book and Dorothy changes plans to catch him; he pulls away the curtain to reveal the Wizard is a fake."

EDDIE (from "Frasier" on TV)

If you ever watched the TV sitcom "Frasier," then you know that one of the stars had four legs. The character of "Eddie" was a wire-hair Jack Russell Terrier, and was "performed" by a dog named Moose for nine of the show's 11 seasons. According to Wikipedia, "Moose won the role on Frasier after only six months of training. Moose had the ability to fix star Kelsey Grammer with a long hard stare; this became a running gag on the show. When Moose had to lick his co-stars, however, sardine oil was applied upon the actors' faces."

LADY (from "Lady and the Tramp" - 1955 movie)

According to Wikipedia, "Lady and the Tramp is a 1955 American animated musical romantic comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by Buena Vista Film Distribution. The film follows Lady, the pampered cocker spaniel, as she grows from puppy to adult, deals with changes in her family, and meets and falls in love with the homeless mutt Tramp. The inspiration originated in 1925 when Walt Disney presented his wife Lillian with a chow puppy in a hatbox. Throughout the 1940s, the project underwent numerous story revisions, but it was shelved due to Disney's production of several package films. In 1952, Disney placed the project back into active development - and was released in theaters on June 22, 1955. While it initially received mixed reviews from critics, it is now regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time. In 2023, Lady and the Tramp was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

"101 DALMATIANS" (1956 book; 1961 movie; 1996 remake movie)

According to Wikipedia, "The Hundred and One Dalmatians is a 1956 children's novel by Dodie Smith about the kidnapping of a family of Dalmatian puppies. It was originally serialised in Woman's Day as The Great Dog Robbery, and details the adventures of two dalmatians named Pongo and Missis as they rescue their puppies from a fur farm. Walt Disney adapted the novel into an animated film, released to cinemas on January 25th, 1961 as One Hundred and One Dalmatians. It became the tenth highest-grossing film of 1961, and one of the studio's most popular films of the decade...Then, it was remade into a live action adventure-comedy film in 1996."

Let's applaud some nonprofits that support the amazing work that dogs do:

* CANINE COMPANIONS

* GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND

* GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

* GOLDEN

* PAWS OF WAR

* PAWS OF HONOR

* WARRIOR DOG FOUNDATION

* VESTED INTEREST IN K9S (protective vests)

* BRADY'S K9 FUND (protective vests)

* GOLDEN RETRIEVER GETAWAY

And let's also applaud some nonprofits that improve the lives of pets, especially dogs:

* PETCO LOVE

* BEST FRIENDS

* BOW WOW BUDDIES

* RETRIEVERS AND FRIENDS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Which other dogs have become famous either from comic books, films, or TV? Chime in and share. Woof!

Image Credit: The Walt Disney Company.

Watch the iconic spaghetti scene from LADY AND THE TRAMP:

https://youtu.be/ilWLsJd_6IU?si=s0KbAo1wFo719Xx6

Read why the spaghetti scene was almost cut from the movie:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/lady-and-the-tramp-spaghetti-scene-121119404577.html

The year is full of dog-related holidays - check out these two calendars:

https://4knines.com/blogs/news/complete-2026-dog-holidays-guide-national-dog-days-calendar-by-month

and

https://www.petsit.com/2026-pet-holidays

Check out my post, " Woof...It's National Beagle Day!" (April 22, 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/04/woofits-national-beagle-day.html

If you're also a fan of cats, read my post from "Hug Your Cat Day" (June 4, 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/06/lets-celebrate-some-famous-cats-on-hug.html

"40 Famous Dogs From Movies and TV Shows Who Stole Our Hearts"

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/pets/g20687419/famous-dogs-from-movies/

Thursday, August 20, 2026

National Lemonade Day, Young Entrepreneurs, and Leadership Inspiration

Are you thirsty for lemonade today? If yes, there's a good reason, because it's National Lemonade Day.

According to ThereIsADayForThat.com, "Lemonade is a refreshing drink that has been around for centuries. It is thought to have originated in Persia and then made its way to Europe. Lemonade became popular in the United States in the early 1900s. In the summertime, people would enjoy cold lemonade while sitting on their porches. Today, lemonade is still a popular drink and can be found at restaurants and convenience stores. There are many different recipes for lemonade, but most include lemons, sugar, water, and ice."

National Lemonade Day is also a day to provide young people with a special opportunity. Thanks to LemonadeDay.org, millions of young people learn what it takes to run a business. "The days leading up to National Lemonade Day are full of preparation by budding entrepreneurs. They attend workshops, check their stock, and scout out locations. On National Lemonade Day, they're ready to set up shop and sell the freshest, coolest lemonade in their chosen location."

Since 2007, 1.5 million kids have taken advantage of the opportunities presented by LemonadeDay.org and improved their problem-solving and communications skills; raised their self-esteem; learned how to set financial goals; learned about philanthropy; and learned about the correlation between math and the real world.

Now, let's pivot to leadership and reading - two of my favorite topics here on my blog.

Years ago, I shared a review of the book "Lemonade, The Leader's Guide to Resilience at Work" written by Alan Graham, Kevin Cuthbert, and Karlin Sloan. The authors referred to workplace challenges as "lemons," for example, low morale, lack of resources, downsizing, and competition. They also explained that it's easy to make lemonade (improved conditions) from lemons. How does a leader accomplish this? The answer is: Leaders don't react to situations (lemons), they make their own solutions (lemonade).

Monday, August 17, 2026

Let's Celebrate Black Cats!

Today's a special day for black cat lovers because it's Black Cat Appreciation Day.

According to NationalDayCalendar.com, "Black Cat Appreciation Day aims to dispel all myths surrounding black cats. Superstitions aside, cats are simply adorable, even black ones. Black cats are not taboo. Sure, these feline creatures in their sleek, black coats may carry an air of mystery, but most cats do. Like all cats, black cats have the ability to find mischief. Just like tabbys, cinnamons, gingers, calicos, whites, and grays, the black cat is cuddly, fun, and sweet. However, one black cat fact that holds true is they are less likely to be adopted. Despite this, black cats still respond to love and attention no differently than other felines. So, let a black cat cross your path. More than likely, adopting a black cat will help keep the mouse population down around the place, and expect the number of cuddles in your life to increase, too!"

According to Catster, black cats are considered GOOD LUCK in many parts of the world:

(1) ENGLAND: If you give a bride a black cat on her wedding day, she will have good luck and a long marriage.

(2) SCOTLAND: If a black cat shows up at your doorstep, they will bring prosperity and success with them.

(3) FRANCE: The French believe that feeding a black cat or treating them with respect and kindness will guarantee good luck.

(4) ITALY: A sneezing black cat will bring good luck.

(5) EGYPT: Ancient Egyptians held all cats in high esteem, but black cats were often held in the highest esteem because of their similar appearance to the black cat-headed goddess, Bastet.

(6) SCANDINAVIA: Ancient Norse people believed that two black cats pulled the chariot of the goddess, Freya, who was the goddess of love.

(7) JAPAN: Black cats are viewed as an excellent sign of good luck.

(8) CHINA: In Feng Shui, black cats are considered to be a force for good, bringing luck and happiness to the people around them.

And, who could forget one of the most famous black cats in theater history? According to Wikpedia, "Mr. Mistoffelees is a character in T. S. Eliot's 1939 poetry book Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and its 1981 musical adaptation, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "CATS." Mistoffelees is a young black-and-white tuxedo cat with magical powers that he cannot yet fully control. Mistoffelees' name derives from the demon Mephistopheles. However, the character is not sinister as the name implies, and instead is described by Eliot as being "the original conjuring cat," who is "always deceiving you into believing that he's only hunting for mice" – a mysterious, quiet and small black feline capable of performing feats of magic and sleight of hand. These traits are portrayed as amusing, not fearsome or particularly deadly."

And have you heard about the new movie starring a black cat that will arrive in theaters on March 5th, 2027? According to Pixar, "Gatto is set in a small Italian town and will be centered on a mischievous black cat. The film marks Pixar's return to hand-painted animation, blending classic artistry with atmospheric Italian streets, warm sunset palettes, and character-driven storytelling."

HOW CAN YOU CELEBRATE BLACK CATS AND MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT TODAY?

(1) Adopt and/or foster a black cat or kitten.

(2) Spread awareness about the benefits of black cat adoption and dispel myths about them.

(3) Donate supplies to a local animal shelter or rescue group.

(4) Share stories and photos of your black cat with the hashtags #BlackCatAppreciationDay, #AdoptABlackCat, and #BlackCatLove on social media to inspire others to adopt black cats.

(5) Become an advocate for responsible ownership by encouraging spaying/neutering and regular veterinary care for black cats.

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!

Monday, August 10, 2026

Happy World Lion Day!

Celebrated annually on August 10th, World Lion Day was founded in 2013 by the Big Cat Initiative and National Geographic. The day's purpose is to raise awareness and support for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

Here are some interesting facts about lions:

(1) A lion's roar can be heard from 5 miles away.

(2) Lions can reach speeds of 50 miles per hour.

(3) Lions can leap as far as 36 feet.

(4) Lions are social animals and empathise with other members of their pride. For example, they experience contagious yawning just like humans.

(5) Lions live between 12 and 16 years in the wild.

(6) White lions are a rare genetic variant of African lions, not a separate species. There are very few white lions left in the wild.

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out six brands featuring lions in their logos and brand storytelling.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

According to Wikipedia, "Founded in 1895, the New York Public Library (NYPL) is a chartered public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second-largest public library in the United States behind the Library of Congress. The two iconic marble lions guarding the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library are named Patience and Fortitude. Their famous names were officially given to them in the 1930s by New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. He believed these were the exact virtues New Yorkers needed to survive the Great Depression."

According to the NYPL's website, "NYPL's neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie's visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are centers of educational innovation and service, vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials. Our local libraries play a key role in closing the digital divide, especially for the millions of New Yorkers who don't have internet access at home. New York City public school students rely on their local branches for homework help. The city's immigrant communities count on NYPL's English language and literacy classes. Job seekers depend on our comprehensive job search resources. Altogether, the Library offers tens of thousands of free programs annually, serving everyone from toddlers to teens to seniors."

MONTEREY ZOO

According to the zoo's website, "In 1994, Charlie Sammut purchased the beautiful 51 acre Vision Quest Ranch located in the sun belt between Monterey and Salinas, California. The Monterey Zoo, formally Wild Things Animal Rentals, Inc. is now home to 100+ exotic animals ranging from spiders to African elephants. The zoo continues to run full-time educational programs that touch thousands of children and adults annually. The Vision Quest Ranch B&B helps support the animals by offering exciting alternative means of overnighting in Monterey County while providing a unique adventure for animal enthusiasts. The Monterey Zoo is home to five majestic African Lions. And due to the founding director's special relationship with an African lion named "Josef," the silhouetted lion in Monterey Zoo's logo and seen throughout the zoo, is in honor of Josef."

THE RITZ-CARLTON

According to Wikipedia, "The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC is an American multinational company that operates the luxury hotel chain known as The Ritz-Carlton. The company has 108 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories with 29,158 rooms, in addition to 46 hotels with 8,755 rooms planned for the future. The current company was founded in 1983, when the previous owners sold the Ritz-Carlton brand name and the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Boston. The brand was subsequently expanded to other locations. The company is currently a subsidiary of Marriott International...The story of the Ritz-Carlton brand begins with Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz, who was well-known in the hotel industry as the "king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings." He redefined luxury accommodation in Europe with his management of The Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London, among others. Although Ritz died in 1918, his wife Marie continued the tradition of opening hotels in his name...The Ritz-Carlton logo combines a crown and a lion. The crown represents the British royal seal, while the lion symbolizes financial backing. Together, the design was created by pioneer hotelier Cesar Ritz in the early 20th century to signify that the brand was the king of hotels."

DENVER ZOO CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

According to Wikipedia, "The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an 80-acre nonprofit zoological garden and conservation organization located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1896, it is operated by the Denver Zoological Foundation and funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Denver Zoo was started with the donation of an orphaned American black bear. With the construction of Bear Mountain, it became the first zoo in the United States to use naturalistic zoo enclosures rather than cages with bars." According to its website, "For 130 years, the Zoo has been a place where Colorado comes a little closer to wildlife - and our story is still being written...And the African lion is featured on the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance logo because lions are one of the most popular and prominent species housed at the zoo, serving as a symbol of the organization's core mission to protect wildlife. The lion in the logo represents this ongoing dedication to both the care of big cats at the 80-acre campus and the zoo's broader global conservation efforts."

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE

According to the alliance's website, "San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. Conservation is at the heart of everything we do. And it starts with that connection we make with people and wildlife every day. Because when wildlife thrives, all life thrives...The lion in the San Diego Zoo logo (part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) honors "Rex," the iconic lion whose roar in 1915 inspired founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth to create the zoo."

According to Wikipedia, "The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. It began with a collection of animals left over from the 1915 Panama–California Exposition that were brought together by its founder, Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a safari park located in the northern part of San Diego. Opened in 1972, the safari park operates as a sister location to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. The safari park houses over 3,000 animals representing more than 400 species. It hosts a large array of wild and endangered animals from every continent except Antarctica. In 2022, the safari park attracted over 1.6 million visitors."

DETROIT LIONS

According to Wikipedia, "The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions compete in the National Football League as a member of the National Football Conference North division. The team plays their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit. The franchise was founded in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928 and joined the NFL on July 12, 1930. Amid financial struggles, the franchise was relocated to Detroit in 1934 and renamed the Lions in reference to the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, the Detroit Tigers. The Lions are the only franchise operational for the entirety of the Super Bowl era to not appear in a Super Bowl. The team's uniforms have basically remained the same since they moved to Detroit in 1934: silver helmets, silver pants, and either blue or white jerseys...The Lions officially unveiled a new logo and uniforms on April 20, 2009. The logo was given a flowing mane and fangs, while the typeface featured a modern font...On February 1, 2017, the Lions announced a new typeface, logo, and the complete removal of the color black from the team identity. While the previous logo was retained, the border was changed from black to silver...On April 12, 2023, the Lions announced they would celebrate their 90th season in franchise history during the 2023 season with a commemorative logo and jersey patch. The inspiration for the patch is an homage to their logo from 1961 to 1969, which is also honored in the WCF memorial logo and the 60th commemorative season logo...The team's mascot is Roary the Lion."

What other famous brands feature lions in their logos? Chime in and share.

The history of paperbacks dates back to the 17th century when Germany and France published stories and papers in paperback-like format. However, the concept really took off once publisher Allen Lane began commercializing the idea in the 20th century.

According to a Smithsonian Magazine article from 2010 entitled, "How the Paperback Novel Changed Popular Literature," author Anne Trubek wrote, "In 1935, Allen Lane, chairman of British publishing house Bodley Head, spent a weekend in the country with Agatha Christie. Bodley Head, like many other publishers, was faring poorly during the Depression, and Lane worried how to keep the business afloat. While he was at the Exeter station waiting for his train back to London, he browsed shops looking for something to read. He struck out. All he could find were trendy magazines. And then he had a "Eureka!" moment: What if quality books were available at places like train stations and sold for reasonable prices — the price of a pack of cigarettes, say?" Lane returned to Bodley Head and proposed a new imprint to do just that. Bodley Head did not want to finance his endeavor, so Lane used his own capital. He called his new publishing house Penguin."

According to company legend, Lane's secretary suggested "Penguin" as a "dignified, but flippant" name for the new company. Edward Young, a 21-year-old office junior, was immediately dispatched to the London Zoo to sketch the bird in every possible pose for the rest of the day. Several iterations followed over the years, and today, the black-and-white penguin on a bright orange background symbolizes intellectual freedom, accessibility, and openness to knowledge.

The article further explained, "Lane then acquired the rights to ten reprints of serious literary titles and went knocking on non-bookstore doors. When Woolworth's placed an order for 63,500 copies, Lane realized he had a viable financial model. His paperbacks were cheap. They cost two and a half pence, the same as ten cigarettes. Volume was key to profitability; Penguin had to sell 17,000 copies of each book to break even. The first ten Penguin titles, including "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" by Agatha Christie, "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway and "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" by Dorothy Sayers, were wildly successful, and after just one year in existence, Penguin had sold over three million copies."

From a marketing perspective, Penguin's graphic design played a large part in the company's success. Unlike other publishers, whose covers emphasized the title and author of a book, Penguin emphasized the brand. Book covers contained simple, clean fonts, color-coding (orange for fiction, dark blue for biography) and a cute, recognizable bird.

And in March 2026, Fast Company reported, "The brand just unveiled a delightful series of hand-drawn illustrations as a brand refresh, named the "Playful Penguins," which show the penguin jumping, strutting, dancing, and doing a whole lot of reading. The illustrations will show up everywhere across the Penguin Random House's global markets, from seasonal campaigns to social initiatives and point-of-sale displays. They're designed to bring some added joy and movement to the brand as it approaches its centennial (in 2035)."

MORE FACTS ABOUT PAPERBACKS:

(1) In 1937, Penguin expanded, adding a non-fiction imprint called Pelican.

(2) During World War II, Penguins, which were small enough to be stowed in the pocket of a uniform, were carried by soldiers.

(3) In 1940, Lane launched an imprint for youngsters, Puffin Picture Books.

(4) The United States adopted the Penguin model in 1938 with the creation of Pocket Books. The first Pocket Book was "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck and was sold in Macy's. Today, Macy's offers an extensive selection of paperback books both online and in select stores in partnership with Barnes & Noble.

(5) In 1979, the sales of paperback books outpaced hardcover books; and in 1996, sales of mass-market paperback books reached over $1 billion, but then sales began to fall.

(6) In 1966, British singing group The Beatles recorded and released a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney called "Paperback Writer." The single went to number one in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, West Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. The first lines of the song were:

"Paperback writer, paperback writer.
Dear Sir or Madam will you read my book,
It took me years to write will you take a look,
Based on a novel by a man named Lear,
And I need a job,
So I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer."

According to Mixam, "Paperbacks have flexible, soft covers made from slightly thicker paper or cardstock than the inner pages. Since paperbacks don't use the rigid boards found in hardcovers, this flexibility allows them to bend slightly without damaging the book's structure. The cover's flexibility also contributes to cost effectiveness. The paperback format suits books intended for wide distribution or casual consumption. They're a standard format for novels where portability and affordability are essential. Textbooks also benefit from this format, especially if they're updated frequently, and cost efficiency and ease of replacement are important. Paperbacks can help you reach more readers at a lower cost, making them an excellent choice for large-scale printing projects."

By contrast, according to Mixam, "Hardcover books consist of sturdier, more durable materials than paperbacks. Their defining feature is their rigid cover, typically made from cardboard or paperboard wrapped around printed paper. This rigid cover gives hardcovers their renowned longevity, allowing them to withstand the test of time and heavy use. Some hardcover books come with a dust jacket. This removable outer cover protects the book and offers additional space for design elements, author information, and promotional content. A dust jacket adds another layer of protection to the book's cover and enhances its visual appeal. Hardcovers suit books meant to last a long time or hold special significance. Similarly, books that will be cherished - such as collectable editions, art books, or gift items - are well-suited to the hardcover format. Hardcover books also appeal to limited edition runs or photography books, where the book's presentation is as important as its content."

The Smithsonian Magazine reported in mid-February 2026, "At the end of 2025, ReaderLink, one of the largest paperback distributors decided to stop supporting the format, which has been making reading accessible to the masses since the 1930s. It is the end of an era for the paperback books that reached generations of readers with their affordable prices, convenient size, and reliable ubiquity...The mass market format has been credited for helping launch the careers of Kurt Vonnegut and Stephen King...But e-books cut into the paperback books' margins, and sales declined."

According to Anne Paulson, store manager and bookseller at Cherry Street Books in Alexandra, Minnesota, said that the decline of the paperback doesn't surprise her but does make her sad, "It may take new books out of people's hands who could maybe not otherwise afford a new book. It's just one more nail in the coffin of removing reading and literacy from our radar."

Today, digital (e-book) readers and audio books have joined hardcover and paperback books as reading options. According to SFBookReviews, "The ability to purchase, download, and read a book almost instantly is a difficult one to resist. In addition, the capability to literally carry your library of 1000's of books in your hand or even pocket is quite incredible. As the distribution of the first printing presses led to a reading revolution for the masses, the distribution of the e-book has the potential to help educate those in third world countries and provide access for a huge range of literature...However, the whole tactile and sensory experience that the paper format offers is one that is with us to stay, and it's really up to us as the consumer as to just what ratio of electronic to traditional format will ultimately work."

How do you prefer to read your books?

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Happy International Tiger Day!

Celebrated annually on July 29th, International Tiger Day, was established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia by 13 tiger range countries (defined as countries where the animals roam free). The day's purpose is to raise awareness and support for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.

Here are some interesting facts about tigers:

(1) Like human fingerprints, no two tigers have the exact same stripe pattern.

(2) A tiger's roar can be heard from nearly two miles away.

(3) A tiger's night vision is six times better than a human's.

(4) Tigers can leap up to 33 feet in a single bound.

(5) The tiger's closest relative is the lion. However, while lions are social animals who prefer to live in groups, tigers are solitary.

According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Tiger ranks third among the animals, and the next Year of the Tiger will be 2034. The Tiger is a symbol of strength and courage. Many Chinese children wear hats or shoes with a tiger image for good luck. People born in the year of the Tiger usually have a down-to-earth personality and a down-to-earth work ethic. With great confidence, they can be competent leaders. Some famous people who were born in Years of the Tiger include Queen Elizabeth (1926), Leonardo DiCaprio (1974), and Lady Gaga (1986).

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out some brands featuring tigers in their logos and brand storytelling.

DETROIT TIGERS

According to Wikipedia, "The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division. One of the AL's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit as a member of the minor league Western League in 1894 and is the only Western League team still in its original city. They are also the oldest American League team still playing in their original city under their original name. Since their establishment in 1901, the Tigers have won four World Series championships (1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984).

The team was referred to as the Wolverines and Creams in their inaugural season in 1894 before they became the Tigers. There are various legends about how they got their nickname. One involves the striped socks they wore. However, the earliest known use of it appeared in the Detroit Free Press on April 16, 1895. In the book "A Place for Summer: A Narrative History of Tiger Stadium," author Richard Bak states that the name originated from the Detroit Light Guard military unit, who were known as "The Tigers." They had played significant roles in certain Civil War battles and in the 1898 Spanish–American War. Upon entry into the majors, the ballclub sought and received formal permission from the Light Guard to use its trademark. From that day forth, the team has been known as the Tigers.

The Tigers are the only team in Major League Baseball to have a color on their road uniforms that is not on their home uniforms (orange). The Tigers first added orange to their road uniform in 1903, but it was not until 1972 that the Tigers made orange an accent color on their road uniforms full-time. The Tigers also wore the "orange D" navy caps at home during the late 1940s through the 1950s...The Tigers wear a white and navy blue home jersey with "Tigres" across the chest for their annual "¡Fiesta Tigres!" game to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino players and coaches to the game of baseball."

CINCINNATI BENGALS

According to Wikipedia, "The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division...The team's official mascot is a Bengal tiger named Who Dey, and its jersey number is 1. The team also has the Ben-Gals, the team's cheerleading squad..In 1997, the Bengals designed a logo consisting of a leaping tiger, and it was added to the uniform sleeves. Another alternate logo consisted of a Bengal's head facing to the left. However, the orange helmet with black tiger stripes continued to be the trademark. In 2004, a new tiger stripe pattern and more accents were added to the uniforms. The black jerseys now featured orange tiger-striped sleeves and white side panels, while the white jerseys began to use black tiger-striped sleeves and orange shoulders. In 2018, a new logo consisting of an orange "B" covered with black tiger stripes was introduced."

PRINCETON TIGERS

According to Wikipedia, "The Princeton Tigers are the athletic teams of Princeton University. The school sponsors 35 varsity teams in 20 sports. The name "Tigers" originated in the early 1880s when students began wearing orange and black stripes on their jerseys and caps, prompting sportswriters to give them the moniker. And an undergraduate dressed as a tiger mascot began appearing at football and basketball games starting in the 1940s."

TONY THE TIGER FROM KELLOGG'S FROSTED FLAKES CEREAL

According to Wikipedia, "Tony the Tiger is the advertising cartoon anthropomorphic tiger mascot for Frosted Flakes (also known as Frosties) breakfast cereal, appearing on its packaging and advertising. After the original Kellogg Company spun off its North American cereal business in late 2023, the mascot is owned by WK Kellogg Co. in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean markets and by Kellanova in the rest of the world. Since Tony's debut in 1952, the character has spanned several generations and has become a breakfast cereal icon." Who can forget Tony's classic line, "They're GRRRRRREAT!"

CLINIQUE MAKE-UP

Fzine shared in January 2022, "For the Year of the Tiger (2022), the packaging of Clinique's spot corrector and moisturising lotion got a vibrant and auspicious red upgrade with gold tiger caps and an all-red bottle. Spot the cheeky tiger head design on the cap of the lotion."

What other famous brands feature tigers in their logos or brand storytelling? Chime in and share.