Leap into action and "pop the question" today

Today I wish I were celebrating Leap Year! ; )

As you know, we get an extra day today in February this year because it's Leap Year. Leap years are those with 366 days, instead of 365. The 365 days of the annual calendar are intended to match with the solar year, the time it takes Earth to complete its orbit around the sun. However, the actual time taken by Earth is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds. So, the calendar and solar years don't completely match. An extra is added to the calendar on February 29 (known as Leap Day) during Leap Years, which occur every 4 years (except some century years). Leap years are evenly divisible by 4. Some say that the Egyptians were the first to come up with the idea of adding a leap day once every 4 years to keep the solar year and calendar year in sync. However, the Romans mostly get the credit by adopting this solution for its calendar and were the first to designate February 29 as the extra day. Leap year originated around 45 BC with Julius Caesar, but was refined in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII.

Here's an interesting video that provides a great description of Leap Year and why it is needed:
What is a Leap Year exactly?


As posted on YouTube by WatchMoJo

For many women, today is a special day, an opportunity to leap into action and propose to a man. It's believed that the Leap Year tradition started in the 5th centuray Ireland when St Bridget complained to St Patrick about women having to wait so long for men to propose. According to the legend, St Patrick designated this one day in February during Leap Year as the day when females could propose. USA Weekend Magazine reported in 2004that 70% of Americans responding to a survey conducted by Korbel Champagne agreed that it's socially acceptable for women to propose to men, almost 50% of all women would propose to their significant other, and 80% of men would accept a proposal from their significant other. Wow, it seems that there's a shift in societal roles. You may recall the Friends episode where Monica proposes to Chandler. You may also recall the Halle Berry also proposed to her now-former husband.

Here's a cute little music video to Maria Taylor's song "Leap Year"


As posted on YouTube by sd2h

If you're planning to pop the question to your beau tonight, here are some links that may help:
The Perfect Proposal by Andre Across at AskMen.com
How to Propose Marriage by Fred Cuellar from HOWTODOTHINGS.com
eHow's How to Propose Marriage to a Man

I'm not intending to bring up anything negative about your plans, but Lyn Newton's blog entry Should a Woman Propose? mentions some issues that might arise:
He may not be ready.
You may be beating him to the punch line.
He may be offended.

Interesting facts....
The chances of being born on leap day: about 1 in 1500.
Number of people born on leap day: 187,000 in the US and 4 million in the world

Famous people born on Leap Day:
Gioacchino Rossini, the Italian composer
Herman Hollerith
Jimmy Dorsey
Dinah Shore
Dennis Farina
Anthony Robbins
Antonio Sabato, Jr.

I've often wondered when they celebrate their birthdays on non-Leap Year years?
Here's a fun little video describing Leap Year and birthdays by the HBO Children's Television Workshop


As posted on YouTube by sterrry1

Good luck to all the ladies who are celebrating Leap Year by proposing!

Image credit: BBC News/Scotland

A blueprint for your life

Today I'm celebrating how lives are changed due to the discovery of DNA

On this date in 1953 the chemical nature of DNA was discovered. Wikipedia notes that DNA contains the genetic information that allows all modern living things to function, grow and reproduce. There are numerous uses of DNA in technology, including genetic engineering (for medical research and agriculture), forensics, bioinformatics, and DNA nanotechnology.

Perhaps you've heard of The Genographic Project , which was launched in April 2005 by the National Geographic Society, IBM, geneticist Spencer Wells, and the Waitt Family Foundation. It is a five-year research study which uses sophisticated computer analysis of DNA voluntarily contributed by hundreds of thousands of people to reveal the migratory history of mankind and to better understand the connections and differences making up mankind. The DNA samples are collected and analyzed for specific markers of descent to probe questions about deep ancestry and historical human migration. Post a comment if you have donated your DNA as a part of this historic project.

No doubt you've heard how DNA profiling is used in forensics to identify a perpetrator by identifying DNA in blood, semen, skin, saliva or hair. It's often called genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling. You likely can recall vivid testimony in several high profile legal cases where DNA evidence was discussed exhaustively. However, DNA testing has also been used to exonerate individuals previously found guilty and imprisoned. In Dallas county alone, the fifteenth inmate since 2001 was recently freed due to DNA testing. The latest, Charles Chatman, was recently exonerated and walked free after nearly 27 years in prison for a rape that he did not commit. How amazing!

For more information about DNA:
nature.com's double helix: 50 years of DNA site
DNA Structure video on YouTube
DNA Fingerprinting video on YouTube

As you've likely noticed on this blog, if I can find a related music video about the topic of the day, you'll likely be able to view it or link to it. I actually found an intriguing lecture by Professor David Deamer involving DNA music, musical composition with DNA codes. However, I've added the DNA music video by Peter Weatherall here for your enjoyment.

As posted on YouTube by peterweatherall


Image credit: An overview of the structure of DNA. Created by Michael Ströck (mstroeck) on February 8, 2006. Released under the GFDL and acquired from Wikimedia Commons

And the Oscar goes to ... YouTube

Yes, tonight is the annual Academy Awards show. Outstanding film achievements of 2007 will be presented tonight at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and televised in more than 200 countries worldwide. Many watch prior to the ceremony to see both the good and bad styles on the red carpet. Others watch to hear the wit of the host. Many also watch to see the presenters, which include Jessica Alba, Cate Blanchett, Josh Brolin, Steve Carell, George Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Miley Cyrus, McSteamy (I mean Patrick Dempsey), Colin Farrell, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Garner, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Queen Latifah, Hilary Swank, John Travolta, Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker, and Renee Zellweger, just to name a few.

What's new with the Oscars this year? Although there are lots of videos on YouTube about the Oscar nominations and predictions, I hear that an Oscar channel is being launched on YouTube for the event this year. From there, we are supposed to be able to view show highlights and exclusive video interviews. I haven't seen it yet though, but YouTube was a bit buggy earlier today. Check later tonight or tomorrow to see what they will post.

This year there is also an opportunity to play "Predict the winners"
online and be eligible to win a stunning diamond prize package. However, I'm not sure if this contest is new this year or not.

I go to the movies very often, but it's always frustrating when I realize how few movies on the awards list that I have seen. This is not the first year that has occurred either. Looking at the entire list of films nominated, I've only seen seven of them. Ok, parts of seven of them. At least two of the films were seen after incredibly long weeks of work and I must admit that I missed a couple of
parts as I sat down in the cozy, dark theater. I guess that's why I pay for the premium channels -- I'll eventually get to see the entire movie.

Well, if you are pumped for the show tonight, you might want to check out the following sites:
The official site for tonight's show
For a listing of the nominees
The official database site for past Academy Award winners and nominees
The Ultimate Oscar Quiz on moviefone
Oscar Nominees before they were stars on moviefone


Tonight, I'm not sure that I'll be watching the Oscars this year. I have not yet accepted the invitation to the Oscar party hosted by my friend. I may just spend some time happily working on one of my wikis while watching the program. Since I mostly enjoy learning who wins the Oscar for best original song, I think you may enjoy seeing video clips of the nominated songs. Mathematically, something from Enchanted is most likely to be a winner, but you never know, especially since the winners are selected through opinions of the voters.

Happy Working Song from Enchanted, posted by drasaildig


The scene where you hear So Close from Enchanted, posted by PlayingforOnlyTwo


That's How You Know from Enchanted, as posted by Tennor1


Raise it Up from August Rush, as posted by NathanH83


Falling Slowly from Once, as posted by FoxSearchlight


Image credit: I got it from the Gazette Film Blog through Google Images, but I doubt that it originated from them

The Amazing Grace touched lives through technology

No, I did not forget, I really did celebrate Engineers Week last week. I can't let this event go by without a few special words. If you work in a scientific, technical, or engineering field, you likely know that we celebrated Engineers Week last week. There may have been visits at your work location by students for your company to introduce engineering, science and technology to young women. Or, engineers, scientists, and technologists could have spent time in the schools last week, leading discussions, demonstrations, or experiments with students.

For the last five years, I have participated in the e-mentoring program with MentorNet with my company. MentorNet is an award-winning nonprofit e-mentoring network to positively impact the retention and success of those in engineering, science, and mathematics, particularly but not exclusively women and others underrepresented in these fields. It pairs community college, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and untenured faculty with experienced professionals in their fields for email-based mentoring relationships. During my five years participating in the MentorNet program, I have had the opportunity to meet great students pursuing education for careers in scientific fields, including:

• Lisa, while in her second semester in Hawaii as a full-time nontraditional student (also a full-time mom returning to school to complete her degree)
• Will, while in his third semester at Honolulu Community College and working part-time as a computer technician (Yes, guys can participate too)
• Krithika, while a PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon University and working on an internship
• Rawan, while a sophomore at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, and
• Rosa, while a PhD candidate at the University of Central Florida, who has also been instrumental in creating a mentoring program for women in science and engineering at her university

If you're pursuing a degree in a scientific field and would like to participate in an e-mentoring program, visit the MentorNet site. If you're a professional in a scientific or technical field and would like to volunteer some time to work with great college students in an e-mentoring program, go to the MentorNet site and sign up as a mentor! Engineers Week is now over, but you can help make a positive difference EVERY WEEK!

Every year about this time, I remember the ladies who have been pioneers in the computing industry. One of my favorites is Grace Hopper, also known as Amazing Grace for the breadth of her accomplishments in computing and the Navy. You might be interested in participating in the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing . Read the Wikipedia article about many of her accomplishments, but don't miss the story about the origination of debugging the computer. You may also recognize a couple of the quotes below, but may have not known that they are attributed to the Amazing Grace herself.

• From then on, when anything went wrong with a computer, we said it had bugs in it.
• It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
• A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea and do new things.
• You don't manage people, you manage things. You lead people.
• Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew.
• One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.
• At any given moment, there is always a line representing what your boss will believe. If you step over it, you will not get your budget. Go as close to that line as you can.

I'm very familiar with the Grace Hopper approach described in the second item listed! And, I wish more of my managers had heard the fourth item. Also, having worked in the employee opinion research field in the IT industry for many years, I definitely still support taking one accurate measurement over surveying thousands for their opinion.

Not long after her retirement from the Navy in 1986, Grace Hopper appeared on David Letterman's Late Night show. She was very entertaining. Watch the video and you can see her infamous nanosecond wires for a demonstration.

As posted on YouTube by JanPB


Image credit: Florida Atlantic University, MentorNet, and Computer History Museum

Likely one of your favorite neighbors

Today it's a beautiful day in my neighborhood!

Today is the anniversary of the first broadcast of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on the National Education Television network in 1968, where it later moved to PBS when NET ceased broadcasting. The public television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood aired from 1968 to 2000. Fred Rogers entertained and educated generations of kids with the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood program. Rogers composed over 200 songs including the classic It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The set looked like his living room. He wore sneakers and a zip-up cardigan sweater. One of Rogers' sweaters now hangs in the Smithsonian Institute. The show covered a broad range of topics, including competition, divorce, war, peaceful ways of dealing with angry feelings, and even death. Mr Rogers inspired children to love themselves and to love others. You might remember the magical trolley ride into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where his puppet creations would interact with each other and adults. There was also a broad range of special guests on the show too, ranging from the cellist Yo-Yo Ma to the bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno of The Incredible Hulk tv show. Bill Nye (the Science Guy), Captain Kangaroo, and Big Bird also appeared on the show. Rogers won four Emmy Awards, plus one for lifetime achievement. He died in 2003 at age 74 after a brief battle with stomach cancer.

Here are some memorable quotes by Fred Rogers:

• You know, you don't have to look like everybody else to be acceptable and to feel acceptable.
• I have a very modulated way of dealing with my anger. I have always tried to understand the other person and invariably I’ve discovered that somebody who rubs you the wrong way has been rubbed the wrong way many times.
• Call them rules or call them limits, good ones, I believe, have this in common: they serve reasonable purposes; they are practical and within a child's capability; they are consistent; and they are an expression of loving concern.
• What makes the difference between wishing and realizing our wishes? Lots of things, and it may take months or years for wish to come true, but it's far more likely to happen when you care so much about a wish that you'll do all you can to make it happen.
• Everybody longs to be loved. And the greatest thing we can do is let somebody know that they are loved and capable of loving.
• I have really never considered myself a TV star. I always thought I was a neighbor who just came in for a visit.

Here's a neat tribute video that you'll likely enjoy:

As posted on YouTube by HeWhoE

On a personal note, today I'm celebrating the move to a new neighborhood. The Wetpaint Crew like my Wild About Wikis site and asked me to partner with them in the development and management of the Everything Wiki site. So, we're collaborating -- in the wiki way! We have a much better URL there and will have the support of the Wetpaint Crew, along with more community members who are also interested in building THE BEST reference site on the Web about using wikis. All the great content from the Wild About Wikis site has already been moved to the new site. If you want to know more about how to use wikis to easily build content for the Web and to collaborate with others, visit us, in our new neighborhood at Everything Wiki. It's been an exciting move and we're looking forward to getting to know all our new neighbors and to make many new friends as well.

In honor of Mr Rogers today, I hope that you are loved and show someone that you love them. I hope that you realize all your wishes. Plus, I thank you for being my virtual neighbor -- thanks for dropping by and visiting my blog. Visit again and often. Join my community. Also, remember to drop by my new wiki neighborhood.

Reference: Wikipedia article on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Image credit: Richter Strategic Communications

Hail to the chief

Today I'm celebrating Presidents Day!

Today is a federal holiday for honoring the leaders of our country. In other words, today's a day when the bankers relax for the day and the US Mail is not delivered. Most of the rest of us devoted members of the US workforce reported to work as usual on this third Monday of February. Although it is a "site holiday" for the many employees in the northeastern work locations in my company, my work location did not choose to give us a long weekend. Today's also a day when many conduct sales -- mostly furniture stores and car dealerships in my area. In the US most retailers are only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, open on all other holidays.

Although today was designated as a federal holiday, the US does not have any national holidays or days where all employees in America are free from work and all business is halted. I believe that there are ten annual federal holidays celebrated by the United States: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday (which is now commonly known as Presidents Day), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. However, employees other than federal workers and bankers do not typically get all these federal holidays off from work.

I work with people from all around the world and am exposed to the various holidays celebrated around the world. Many European countries have laws mandating minimum paid vacations and holidays. The US does not. Most statistics show that US employees have fewer holidays and vacations than most other industrialized countries. I recall ABC News reported recently that most US employees earn 12-14 days of time off, but sadly work 3-4 of those days. In comparison, they reported that the Britains get 24 days and the French earn 39 vacation days (that's almost 8 weeks off!). I could never earn 8 weeks off for combined designated corporate holidays and earned vacation while working for my company. I've heard that some countries mandate up to 6 weeks off from work. I've noticed in many countries that there are numerous federal holidays where business is halted. My peers in those countries don't work on their federal holidays. They often have extended periods of vacation or holiday time. For example, it's often a challenge getting projects completed during the month of August because so many of the Europeans don't work. Throughout the year, I'm secretly envious to annoyed when my co-workers gleefully announce that they won't be working because of a mandated, federal holiday in their country. We typically get one holiday for the new year, but some of my Asia Pacific peers get multiple days off for the new year and celebrate a new year more than once a year!

Today in celebration of Presidents Day, I've selected the official anthem of the President of the US, Hail to the Chief. It's traditionally played by the US Marine Band to announce the ceremonial entrance of the US Commander-in-Chief, the President of the United States. You can download an audio file of the US Marine Band performing it from their site. Here's a rather unique performance of it that I found on YouTube by The Four Squeezins:


As posted on YouTube by FourSqueezins

This year we have the honor of selecting a new president. It's a rather historic year in our country. I found a rather interesting version of Hail to the Chief called Hillary Raps (Hail to the Chief) that you can see below. Huck, although I'll stay mum about my presidential candidate of choice, I can almost guarantee that the only time I'll give Hillary any time on my blog will be the amount of time that it takes for you to see the unique, timely YouTube video below. ; )



As posted on YouTube by alexdrummond

Today I hope that you squeezed in some time to celebrate Presidents Day! Don't forget to VOTE! That is, unless you're voting for the mum (as my British peers would say) this year! ; )


Image credit: ZingerBug.com

Driving in circles for 50 years, 10,000 laps and 25,000 miles

Start your engines because today I'm celebrating the 50th running of the Daytona 500!

In 1959, the Daytona International Speedway hosted the first Daytona 500. The posted awards totaled $67,760 and a field of 59 cars took the green flag for the start of the 200-lap race. A crowd of 41,000 came (and there were only 20,000 seats) to witness the beginning of the history of racing at Daytona. The three-wide photo finish was also one for the history books, with one too close to call. Johnny Beauchamp celebrated in Victory Lane to learn 61 hours later that Lee Petty was really the winner by a few feet.

Here are some Daytona 500 records that may interest you:

• most victories: 7 by Richard Petty
  
• most career starts: 33 by Dave Marcis
  
• most pole positions: 4 by both Cale Yarborough and Buddy Baker
  
• most wins from the pole positions: 2 by both Cale Yarborough and Bill Elliott
  
• longest span between the first and last victory: 17 years, by Richard Petty (1964-81)
  
• most starts before winning: 20 by Dale Earnhardt
  
• most races led: 20 by Richard Petty
  
• most times completing all 500 miles: 14, by Dale Earnhardt
  
• most miles completed: 12,150 miles and 4,860 laps by Richard Petty
  
• most laps led in career: 780 by Richard Petty
  
• most laps led in a race: 184 by Richard Petty in 1964
  
• most times led in race: 21 by Bobby Allison in 1981
  
• driver leading the fewest laps and winning: 4 by Benny Parsons in 1975 and Kevin Harvick in 2007
  
• most differest leaders in a single race: 15 in 1974, 89, and 96
  
• fewest different leaders in a single race: 3 in 1972
  
• most lead changes in a single race: 60 in 1974
  
• lowest starting position by a winner: 34th by Kevin Harvick in 2007
  
• widest winning margin: 2 lap by Richard Petty in 1973
  
• closest winning margin: 2 feet by Lee Petty in 1959
  
• fastest winning speed: 177.602 mph by Buddy Baker in 1980
  
• slowest winning speed: 124.750 mph by Junion Johnson in 1960
  
• youngest winner: Jeff Gordon at 25 years, 6 months, 12 days in 1997
  
• oldest winner: Bobbly Allison at 50 years, 2 months, 11 days in 1988

The Daytona 500 grand marshalls have included politicians, CEOs, and actors. You may recall hearing James Garner, John Travolta, Matthew McConaughey, James Caan and Nicholas Cage give the command to start the engines. Both George Bush (while CIA Director prior to his presidency) and George W Bush have given the command for the Daytona 500. Recent National Anthem vocalists have included Engelbert Humperdinck, O-Town, Mariah Carey, LeAnn Rimes, Vanessa Williams, Fergie and Big and Rich.

After fifty years, the Daytona 500 is Nascar's biggest, richest, and most prestigious event and is recognized as "The Great American Race." Awards should exceed $18 million with the race winner earning about $1.5 million. Brooks & Dunn are headlining the pre-race show today and Trisha Yearwood is performing the National Anthem. Today, the 24 living Daytona 500 Champions will serve as Grand Marshals for the historic running of the Daytona 500 giving the command "Gentleman, Start your engines" to get the race underway. Richard Petty will drop the green flag. A field of 43 will start the race but 10 drivers did not qualify in today's race driving the Nascar Car of Tomorrow, which is now the car of today. This year, more open-wheel racers (including Dario Franchitti and Sam Hornish Jr joining Juan Montoya) are racing at Daytona, without Villeneuve which lacked the sponsorship in the end. Jimmie Johnson, 2006 Daytona 500 winner and two-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, driving the No. 48 for Hendrick Motorsports, captured the pole position with a speed of 187.075 mph. This year, approximately 250,000 fans will witness the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and it will be seen on television in 150 countries.

I've actually been around the track at Daytona but have not had the pleasure of attending a Daytona 500 race in person. However, I have not missed seeing many of those televised races during my lifetime. I hope to one day join the crowd and witness the event.

Today I hope that you join me in celebrating The Great American Race on this historic day.

Reference: Daytona500.com
Image credit: afterthecheckeredflag.com

Watching for falling objects, as the world turns, and as the pendulum swings

Today I'm celebrating the achievements of Galileo on his birthday

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an extraordinary scientist who is recognized for his life of scientific experimentation and demonstration. He is often called the father of modern observational astronomy, the father of modern physics, and the father of modern science. You may recall a moment on an episode of the West Wing tv show when some accomplishments of Galileo were recalled. Galileo, a devout Catholic, was in a lot of trouble for his beliefs and proof that the planets rotated around the sun, due to interpretation of the Biblical scriptures. He was condemned and sentenced to house arrest for heresy for his teachings about the movement of the Earth and the rotation of the planets around the sun. His teachings were declared as absurb, false, and an error of faith. He died while under house arrest. In 1992, Pope John Paul II finally admitted the error made by theologians of the time concerning Galileo's charges and his conviction of heresy.

In addition to the proof that the planets rotate around the sun, we owe a lot to Galileo: discovery of the four largest moons of Jupiter, observation and analysis of sunspots, improvements in compass design, improvement of the telescope, improvement of the microscope, identification of lunar mountains and craters, the correct mathematical law for acceleraton, understanding the Milky Way as a multitude of densely packed stars, and understanding the rings around Saturn. He was also an inventor of mechanical devices, such as a pump, a hydrostatic balance, and early development of the thermometer. He is known for his discoveries in physics related to the motions of bodies and the laws of nature, particularly concerning falling objects and gravity fields. He performed experiments by dropping objects from the Tower of Pisa and rolling balls down gently sloping inclined planes. He has studied movement of the pendulum, measured the speed of light, and studied sound frequency. You can test your knowledge about his discoveries and replicate some experiments of Galileo online at Galileo's Experiments, with neat interactive demonstrations related to falling objects, projectiles, inclined planes, and pendulums.

One of the most famous references to Galileo's experiments was by the crew of Apollo 15. Here's the footage of an experiment reportedly performed on the moon by the crew of Apollo 15, testing the findings of Galileo concerning falling objects and gravity:


As posted on YouTube by nikzane


I was unaware of the link between science and music in Galileo's life and the achievements of Galileo's father. However, I'm also surprised at the inspiration of Galileo in modern music. Here's a link to a creative animation describing the troubles of Galileo due to his teachings and publications, featuring the song Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, probably one of the most famous songs referencing Galileo. You can see the Indigo Girls singing their song Galileo on YouTube. Here's a link to a music video of Declan O'Rourke singing his song Galileo, an interesting song about questions of love and the mysteries of the sky. Here's also a link to a video created to Amy Grant's song Galileo. So much musical inspiration by an early scientist, misunderstood in his day, but so pivotal to the scientific developments of that century!


For more information about Galileo and his accomplishments:
The Galileo Project by Rice University
A PBS site on Galileo


Today I'm reminded of the accomplishments of the early scientists and their discoveries in areas that we just take for granted. I don't understand much of the technology that I use every day. When I had the flu, I did not think about how that thermometer was developed. When I drive my car, I don't think about its acceleration and how that compass on the rearview mirror actually works. I don't think about how the pictures and sound are relayed to my tv, how the light is generated when I flip the switch, and how power is delivered to my home. I know that my life is greatly inconvenienced when these technological developments (and still luxuries to many in the world) are unavailable. Today, I'm thankful for people like Galileo who had the courage to learn, to experiment, to publish, and to invent, often at great personal cost.


Image credit: Galileo portrait believed to be in public domain but acquired here

Top 10 ways to be a Valentine today

Today I'm celebrating Valentine's Day
As most people know today is the Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate love and the ones we love. Here's a top list for ways to be a valentine today for someone special to you.

1) Valentine's Day Card
Typically cards are exchanged on this day. It's been estimated that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. If you've missed the deadline to send your valentine a card, run out during lunch or stop after work and pick up a card for your special valentine. You could send one online also during the day. However, be careful about opening any online e-cards today. Don't open any e-cards from someone you don't know personally. There are warnings of the possibility of trojan software embedded inside some online greetings designed to steal information from your computer.

2) Flowers
Today is also a day when you see lines of florist delivery trucks outside offices delivering the beautiful flowers that their recipients proudly display on their desks in offices and cubicles around corporate America. Perhaps you're on pins and needles waiting to see if you will get flowers today. Maybe instead your valentine will personally deliver your flowers to you. The most popular flower is the rose, as you likely guessed. Remember, quantity is not the only measure of someone's thought. A single rose with a special message is likely to be appreciated too. However, if you're looking for something unique, look at The Language of Flowers website to find the special meaning behind other flowers.

3) Candy
The sweet of the day is chocolate. I love chocolate. I'm not particular about it either. I love Godiva and Ghirardelli, but I'm also pleased with Hershey's and Nestle too! Be creative. Try putting a little Nestle Crunch in his lunch with a cute note, like I'm in a time crunch right now, but I'm counting the hours until we meet. Just think of the sweet little message for each little Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hugs that you drop in that lunch bag or leave for a sweet discovery (in the car with a sweet note, on the counter next to the mail).

4) Text message
What's sweeter than getting a sweet little message from your valentine on this day? Don't stop there though --- follow-up later with a phone call to tell her how special she is.

5) A personal note
Cards are great and very nice. However, personal notes are treasured for years. Here are some ideas for your personal note:
- the top 10 things that make your valentine special
- the top 10 memories you've made with your valentine
- how do I love thee? let me count the ways. Start listing.
- the top 10 things you want to do with your valentine during the rest of your life
- brainstorm 20 words that describe how you feel about your valentine
- write a short note on the back of your fav pic of you and your valentine

6) A short email
How about a quick note today to your valentine telling her how you can't wait to meet later

7) Dinner
Maybe your valentine is looking forward to cooking up your favorite dish tonight. Or, perhaps you'd like to treat your valentine to a night out of the kitchen. Perhaps a nice, quiet dinner at a special restaraunt would be great for tonight. Why not at least pick up some take-out for dining by candlelight? Maybe a virtual picnic, remembering the fun times from the prior summer or looking forward to your planned vacation later in the year.

8) A movie
Valentine's Day is a great day for a movie. Tonight's probably not the best night for the latest horror flick or dragging your Valentine to the newest action-packed movie. Today's the day for the chick flick. There's usually one in the theater for the holiday. But, you can also drop by the local video rental store to pick up a video to surprise your valentine.
Looking for ideas? Try these websites:
Hollywood.com's Top Romantic Movies
IMDb's Top Rated "Romance" Titles
About.com's Top Romantic Movies

9) Music
Are you at a loss for words? Do you know someone who said it best with music?
Do you two have a special song? Send a short email that simply says, A special
message just for you, and include a link to the YouTube video that best describes how you feel about your Valentine today. Some e-mail services may even allow you to actually embed the video in your message.

Here are four of my favorites that you may use:

Bon Jovi singing the five most important words for today: Thank You for Loving Me

As posted on YouTube by t010507

LeAnn Rimes singing How do I live

As posted on YouTube by charmedfan1988

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill singing I need you

As posted on YouTube by Lpe04

Marc Anthony singing I need you, I love you

As posted on YouTube by vegaze


10) Your time
Although your valentine would likely love a card, some flowers, some candy, a special dinner in a favorite restaraunt, and dancing to your special song, your valentine will likely most treasure the time spent with you. Sometimes it's just the little things with thoughtfulness that mean the most.

Today I hope that you take the time to tell someone how special they are to you. Today I hope that you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Be my valentine and drop me a quick note or post a comment today!

Image credit: www.wishafriend.com

Forty-nine and still fine

Today I'm celebrating Barbie's birthday


It's been told that the first Barbie was sold on this date in 1959. It's hard to believe that Barbie's celebrating her 49th birthday. The inventor of the Barbie doll is Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel. She named the doll after her daughter, Barbara. The first Barbie doll sold for $3. An original 1959 doll in mint condition has sold for up to $10,000. During its first year, over 350,000 were sold. Over a billion have been sold since then. It's currently a $1.5 billion dollar-per-year industry. Close to one billion dollars in fashions have been produced for Barbie and her friends. The Barbie product line is the most successful in the history of the toy industry. However, Barbie has recently met a little competition as described on the ABC News Nightline report on Bratz vs. Barbie. You can watch the first Barbie commercial here:

As posted on Youtube by BarbieCollectors

In her 1994 autobiography, Dream Doll: The Ruth Handler Story, Mrs. Handler wrote: ''My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices.'' Barbie's been busy over the last 49 years too. She's made a lot of choices, beginning with over 80 careers. Although only introduced in 1959, she first went to college in 1964 (an early achiever). Her first career was a teenage fashion model. She ran for president in 1992 and again in 2000. Perhaps she has some helpful advice for Hillary.


I like most young girls had a Barbie doll. My Mom and Aunt Pat created an amazing wardrobe for my Barbie doll. Each evening gown had a matching coat and gloves. Plus, several hats were made for the evening attire. I'm still amazed at the detail of those beautiful dresses and accessories. My younger sister had a Barbie doll too. My Mom kept our Barbie dolls and thought that my niece would love to have our dolls and wardrobes. She did not think that I'd want mine -- since I do not have a daughter to give my doll. So, she gave my Barbie to my sister for her daughter. I was crushed when I heard! Her daughter wasn't particularly interested in our dolls and I talked my sister into returning my doll. However, instead she gave me her doll, the one with the broken leg. Yes, all my dolls were in mint condition, looking as they originally did from their boxes. She, on the other hand, would wash her dolls' hair and they looked like the rough life they had with her. Everyone knows that my doll was in perfect condition! As you can tell, I'm still upset about losing my Barbie doll. Knowing them, she was probably sold in a garage sale years ago or tossed out during one of their many moves.


Today, I'll try to get over my loss of Barbie and celebrate anyway! I can at least celebrate another one fine example of a successful woman that still is competitive in today's market as well.


Image credit: Marketing weblog

Bitten by the bug

nothing funny
nothing sappy
hope your day
is very happy
I'll be back when I can
when I beat this flu bug, o man!



Image credit: My Memory Keepsakes

A red-letter day for a heart-to-heart

Today I'm celebrating National Wear Red Day

You'll likely see a lot of red today as women observe National Wear Red Day to celebrate the American Heart Month and show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Most would be surprised to learn that heart disease is the #1 killer of American women. One in three women die of heart disease, compared to 1 in 30 dying of breast cancer. It's often been recognized as a 'man's problem' but facts show that women get heart disease, but about 10 years later than men. Heart disease also can interfere with your everyday life too. The good news is that heart disease can be prevented or controlled by making lifestyle changes.

Red alert - Visit The Heart Truth site today to learn

• The risk factors for developing heart disease
  
• How to talk to your doctors
  
• Key tests to assess your heart disease risk
  
• The warning signs
  

Make your health a top priority by

• being physically active
  
• following a healthy eating plan
  
• maintaining a healthy weight
  
• stopping smoking
  
• managing diabetes
  
• taking medications, if prescribed
  

Don't hesitate - act immediately to save your life and minimize damage to your heart when warning signs start

This year I've learned about the risks to heart disease, completed all the tests, and have a plan to manage any risks that we identified. Today, I encourage you to do the same. Plus, have a heart-to-heart talk with your Mom, your sister, or your wife about the importance of awareness and action.

Here's a favorite song about the heart, My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion that you may enjoy:

As posted on YouTube by Lisi140


Image credit: About.com