Great Expectations
Carvers of the Great Pumpkin Forehead team seem destined to win the annual Pumpkin Project this year. With representatives from all/nearly all departments, the team will no doubt benefit from a multi-disciplined approach to crafting the winning design.
The team includes Amy, Natasha, Kristin, Nihn, Betsy and Evelyn, and boasts the highest number of department heads of any team in this year’s competition. Other factors weighing-in for the win include:
Kristin has already proven her fruit and vegetable design skills. References available from Miss Ava Cado.
Evelyn brings collegiate-level carving experience to the team.
Natasha has been on every winning team since the competition’s inception.
The team members were unavailable for comment on their design strategy, but did say they were eager to live up to their winning potential.
Happy Juneteenth! June what?
Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery as marked by the arrival of Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. He announced to the town that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation actually became official on January 1, 1863, but it took two and a half years for the news to reach Texas.
Father's Day Gifts
In search of the perfect Father’s Day gift, I’ve decided that there are really only four types of gifts:
Utility—Something he’ll actually use
Wish List—Something he really wants
Quality Time—Spending time with you
Appreciation—Showing that you care
Many gift ideas quality for more than one category; but the ever-illusive “perfect gift” would satisfy all four. This year, several major brands are doing their best to help you find that perfect gift for your dad. Here are just a few:
Sears and Docker’s want you to give the gift of Utility by offering a free $75 gas gift card with your $100 Docker’s purchase. At $4.00 a gallon, everyone could use some free gas, so Utility is in the bag. My dad’s not that fashionable (sorry dad), so new clothes are more need than a want. But with some looking, you may be able to find something on his Wish List. And, if you actually take your dad shopping and provide fashion advice, then you could knock out QT and Appreciation (IF the ordeal goes peaceably).
Best Buy and Circuit City are both cutting prices in hopes that you’ll cross something big off of Dad’s Wish List. Circuit City commissioned a study that found 52% of dads want electronics this Father's Day. A GPS system could definitely fit the Utility category by helping dad find cheaper gas stations (or save gas because we know he doesn’t like to ask for directions). Again, take dad to the store for some QT. And as you’re reclining in the home theatre section, take care of the Appreciation part with a quick “I love you dad.” Caution: You may find yourself yelling to be heard over the mega surround sound.
Nintendo wants you to spend some Quality Time with Dad for Father’s Day by participating in the Wii Father’s Day Challenge at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza. Dads and kids will test their collective smarts in a bracket-style tournament of the new Big Brain Academy game. The Wii is on a lot of Wish Lists for gamers and non-gamers alike. And the Wii Fit could be something that dad really needs to get him up off the couch and in better health. And finally, as you’re hoisting your trophy in the air, you’ll share a moment of bonding with dad for your Appreciation category.
Major League Baseball wants to be your first draft pick for showing dad some Appreciation. Players, managers, groundskeepers, umpires and pretty much everybody else will wear blue to celebrate dads. Home teams will also put special blue ribbon logos on their helmets and bases. Seeing his favorite team in action is probably on his Wish List, and going to the game together is a sure home run for Quality Time. The MLB also helps out in the Utility department by raising money for prostate cancer research. We hope dad will never need this gift, but you should let him know that you want him to stay healthy and live a long life.
What is your perfect gift for Dad this year?
Sign Language & Branding
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As I was reading (and watching) more about The Gratitude Campaign, I noticed that the sign in the video for “Thank You” was different than the American Sign Language (ASL) one I knew.
That got me curious about how the Deaf community creates new signs. New words are introduced all the time, in all languages, by new inventions, new slang, and, our favorite, new brands.
The Gratitude Campaign
A friend recently told me about The Gratitude Campaign. It encourages people to say thank you to soldiers by using sign language.
I think anything that helps us show our gratitude to the troops is a great idea, especially since this week began with Memorial Day. More than once I’ve seen a soldier in the airport, and I’ve thought about saying something, but I usually just smile and keep walking. Next time, I can give them a sign of my appreciation.