Happy Independence Day!

Ellen H. Clapsaddle

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  

- The Declaration of Independence, 1776

A Capitol Fourth

PBS

One of my favorite performances to watch every Independence Day is A Capitol Fourth on PBS. Featuring popular singers both past and present, Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra, and, of course, fireworks, there's something for everyone. This year will look a little bit different. The show will air a night early on July 3rd, and the fireworks will be over George Washington's Mount Vernon instead of DC.

You can watch A Capitol Fourth on PBS at 8/7C on July 3rd. Most stations repeat the broadcast immediately following the first. It can also be watched live on YouTube.

Happy Father's Day

Hallmark

"It's EVERY day the WHOLE year through,

Not FATHER'S DAY ALONE,

That you're appreciated, Dad,

More than you've ever known;

It's EVERY day you're wished the things

That go to make you glad,

It's EVERY day you're thought about

With deep affection, Dad!"

- Unknown

Happy Father's Day!

Memorial Day

"May the wreaths they have won never wither,

Nor the star of their glory grow dim."

- Unknown

Happy Mother's Day

"A friend through all the passing years

Whose friendship never alters,

Whose tender presence ever cheers,

Whose kindness never falters,

We all have her to love and trust

Through life, for there's no other

So loyal, fond and true as just -

One's Mother"

- Unknown

May The Fourth Be With You

All images: Lucasfilm

It is once again my favorite holiday in the galaxy: May the 4th, or Star Wars Day! It's the perfect time to watch your favorite Star Wars movie or series, enjoy a nice glass of blue milk, and maybe even a wookiee cookie or two. 

While we wait for the release of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22nd, check out this trailer featuring many generations of masters and apprentices.

 

May The Force Be With You, Always!

Happy Easter

Though skies be cloudy

Or skies be blue,

I'm wishing a bright,

Happy Easter for you

Beauty and the Beast Egg

For the last several years, the Grand Floridian at Disney World has hosted an incredible display of Easter eggs made of chocolate and sugar. The eggs, which generally feature Disney characters, are hand crafted by Cast Members and used to be displayed in the lobby. Some eggs returned from year to year, and new eggs were added as well. This year, the display is quite different with fewer eggs spread out around the second floor. 

This Beauty and the Beast egg, created by Cast Member Yadi, was on display in 2024. The inside featured the Enchanted Rose while the Beast and Belle in their finery appeared on the outside. The scene was incredible and the egg rotated so that you could see every element.

April Fools Day

"The First of April some do say

Is set apart for all Fool’s Day

But why the people call it so

Nor I nor they themselves do know"

- Poor Robin's Almanac

Happy Friday the 13th

It's Friday the 13th once again.

Will you have good luck today?

Happy Valentine's Day

This Valentine which you receive,

Believe me, is sincere;

It breathes a hope that happy

You may be for many a year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year!

Where'er you may be

Or whatever you do,

May happiness follow you

All the year through.

Happy New Year!

Shchedryk - André Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra

André Rieu

Did you know that the Christmas song popularly known as "Carol of the Bells" was based on a Ukrainian New Year's song called "Shchedryk"? This performance by André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra features Anna Reker singing the traditional folk song in the original Ukrainian. Its quite lovely. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Freedom From Want" by Norman Rockwell, 1943

A little more happiness,

A little more cheer;

With much cause for Thanksgiving

Every day in the year.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 

Happy Hobbit Day!

New Line Cinema

September 22nd is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. As such, it is celebrated each year as Hobbit Day. That must mean today would be a good day for a party. After all, as Thorin said to Bilbo near the end of The Hobbit, "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

Happy Independence Day!

"Those who won our independence

believed liberty to be the secret of happiness." 

- Louis D. Brandeis

Happy Father's Day

"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."

- Unknown

Happy Father's Day!

Memorial Day

 
"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." 

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Let us not forget this Memorial Day.

Happy Mother's Day

There is a warm unchanging love,

Though skies be gray or blue,

A faith that overlooks all faults

No matter what I do.

My heart is grateful everyday

For Mother's love is just that way.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Star Wars Day

Zi Xu

May the 4th Be With You!