They're advocates, they're attractive and they are making a difference.... Just so happens they are also in wheelchairs.
The foregoing describes the contestants in the annual Ms. Wheelchair American competition, which has been in existence far longer than most of its contestants.
Organized in 1972 by Columbus, Ohio, physician Dr. Philip K. Wood, Ms. Wheelchair America provides a platform for the achievements, as well as the needs, of people with mobility impairments. The nonprofit program which consists of the State Coordinators and State Titleholders has grown to include programs in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia. The state programs are staffed and coordinated by volunteers dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all citizens will be afforded the opportunities to lead productive and meaningful lives.
The Mission of Ms. Wheelchair America
The mission of MWA is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive individual. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.
Duties of Ms. Wheelchair America
As Ms. Wheelchair America, the national titleholder has numerous duties. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements of the millions of people with disabilities across the nation, and assisting with the establishment of programs in all 50 states. During her year-long reign, she will have the opportunity to travel, visiting advocacy groups, making public appearances and conducting radio, print ad and TV interviews. The commitment and personal example of the titleholder serves to further the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America.
Documentary: MWA, Defining Beauty
MS.WHEELCHAIR AMERICA, Defining Beauty is a feature-length documentary focusing on the extraordinary lives of the women of Ms. Wheelchair America and their journey toward the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It is the story of women who challenge themselves on a daily basis to live life beyond their limitations and by doing so, redefine the perception of beauty and what it means to be disabled. The film was selected “best documentary” at the Staten Island Film Festival.
For more information on the 2010 pageant and its winner, Erika Bogan, visit the MWA Facebook page
One of the most whimsical national observances in the month of July is that of Wheelchair Beautification. The month-long celebration, presumably in its fourth year, began very humbly when its founder, author and illustrator Horace Knowles, suggested “attaching a florist’s water tube near the top of a wheelchair by means of Velcro and inserting the real or artificial flower of your choice. It brightens the day not only for the wheelchair occupant, but for everyone they pass.”
Gaining Traction Across the Country
Like most fun fads or movements that catch on, the project took on a life of its own; and today, from Kansas to Washington D.C., the country is peppered with wheelchair parades and decorating contests. In fact, the trend became so prevalent it was picked up by MTV who went so far as to run a segment on “tricked out” wheelchairs as part of their Pimp My Ride series.
But that was just the beginning! Now, more than just the occasional holiday adornment, wheelchair decor is booming business, with accoutrements designed and manufactured by professionals such as Cool Hubcaps who sell everything from abstract design wheelchair hubcaps to animal theme and “formal” tuxedo/wedding white spoke guards.
Wheelchair beautifiers by CoolHubs
And the decorating frenzy is not limited to wheeled perambulatory aids only. The island of Kauai’s Garden Island Arts Council hosts a community service program called Happy Crutches and Wacky Walkers and Wheelie Cool Wheelchairs. Embellishments include paint, sequins, streamers, horns and just about anything festive the decorating team can get their hands on.
Customizable “Chair Flair”
For those using wheelchairs, companies found on the Internet these days offer something for every age, color scheme and taste, enabling riders to customize their transport to express their individuality and personal taste.
Do you—or does someone you know—get around on a wheelchair? If so, have you customized it any way to reflect your personality and style? Feel free to share your stories and photos on our Facebook page. We’d love to see them.
One of the most popular romantic comedy movies of all time is Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally. It is particularly noteworthy for one unforgettable scene set in a deli where Harry (Billy Crystal) brags to Sally (Meg Ryan) of his prowess in the bedroom, assuring her that he has left a legacy of satisfied females. In response, Sally feigns a moment of unbridled erotic bliss, proving her point in no uncertain terms.
But despite the film’s snappy dialogue, and leading players’ chemistry, the part that touched me most was the series of cutaway scenes featuring seasoned married couples, strewn throughout the piece. Each couple was cuter than the last, as they spoke of the road they’d traveled together as husbands and wives married for multiple decades.
Perhaps even sweeter still is the number of real-life couples who, after 50-80 years of marriage, are still enamored of their sweethearts. Many a veteran twosome has been plied for their “secret” to matrimonial harmony. And while each pair is as unique and individual as their storied romance, there are definite similarities in their approach and advice.
By and large they tended to stress things like friendship, kindness, compromise, support of each other’s interests, shared views, time together, time apart, unselfishness, mutual respect and the importance of commitment to staying together, not to mention the proverbial truism, “Don’t go to bed angry.”
"Your partner is not a mind reader. Say what’s on your mind." ~ Gilda Gittleman
"Physical closeness is important; intimacy is important, sharing a bed. And couples need to take time out to do something for themselves. I believe in life together, but you need some time to yourself, too." ~ Fleurette Kurtzman
"Married people have to love one another unselfishly, keep doing for each other. And you have to like one another." ~ Louis Goldberg
"We both have a sense of humor, and that’s what gets us through. You’re doomed without it." ~ Louise Fradkin
"Trust is most essential to a successful marriage. I always felt that my husband was honest and reliable." ~ Helen Bronson
"For those about to get married — Do not over romanticize. Marriage is not the panacea. Marriage probably will not be problem-free. Rather, be problem-aware. If and when problems appear, work them through. Sometimes these are easy, other times difficult." ~ Arthur Cohen
"Don't discuss sensitive subjects before dinner—eat first." ~ Renee Flager
Are you or a loved one blessed with this kind of enduring relationship? If so, come and share the romance with us on our Facebook page. We’d be delighted to hear your love story.
July is national Share a Sunset with Your Lover month. The idea is so simple, and just like the source of its inspiration, therein lies its beauty.
The coffee table book of the same name, created by Melissa Chamberlin, Ph.D., is appropriately short on prose, and long on soothing images awash with orange and purple sublimity.
Description
“In this short and straightforward book Dr. Melissa Chamberlin provides the reader with some well taken suggestions concerning intimacy and communication. These suggestions are framed within a task…sharing a sunset with one’s lover…This book is recommended to anyone who wants to enhance intimacy with their partner by taking time to enjoy the little things that often go overlooked.” ~Howard J. Ruppel, MPH, Ed.D., Ph.D., DACS
Just what is it that sunsets “do” to us? How do they manage to arrest us in our busy tracks, to silence our mouths and minds and make us pause to take in their powerful panoramic grace? And why is this ineffable experience heightened when shared with a sweetheart?
In the author’s own words, “When you look at a sunset in real life or in a photograph, you feel like you are falling in love with each other again because your phenylethylamine levels are rising. Cuddle up with your sweetheart and read Share a Sunset with Your Lover. Experience the magic of emotional closeness with your lover tonight.”
So get your “love hormones” ready, and please join us in enjoying the following photos, as submitted by our very own Lilo members.
from Pat Bevington
"South Lake Tahoe Magic! :) " from Jay Rodriguez
"South Lake tahoe!" from Gina Moore
"This was just taken last week in Long Beach during an
amazing trip I took to California. During the visit
I got to meet a dear long distance friend in person
for the first time - the highlight of the whole trip!"
from Amy Allen
Thank you to all those who shared their sunsets and their love.
Lilo is all about living life to the fullest…and sharing and preserving memories and milestones along the way. We do this not only for our families and loved ones, but also for those who may be touched or benefited by our legacies. As such, we are keenly interested in groups and organizations that improve the quality of life for their chosen segment of mankind. Each week, we plan to feature a unique nonprofit that’s doing meaningful work to helps others.
Our theme for the week is Making a Difference to Children. The nonprofit we’ve selected is making its difference in significant ways. It is the real deal, the sort of organization that inspires us, gives us hope and propels us to get involved. In their own humble words, here is the emotionally powerful beauty of United Through Reading:
About United Through Reading
Separation from a parent is one of life’s most stressful events for children, affecting their sense of security, their relationships and their ability to learn. More than one million American children are separated from one or both parents due to military deployment and nearly double that for children separated from their loved ones due to incarceration, drug treatment or social services. Still others are separated from their grandparents, and therefore, from generational love and learning.
Founded in 1989, United Through Reading is a nonprofit public benefit organization. Our mission is to unite families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together. Our vision is that all children will feel the security of caring family relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience.
The nationally-acclaimed programs developed by United Through Reading provide opportunities for emotional bonding that relieve the stress of separation and instill a love of reading by providing the opportunity for family members to read aloud to children on DVD. Our programs help bring far-away family members back home for a little while each day, and help turn what might otherwise be tentative, anxious family re-introductions into joyous reunions.
Operation Record a Story
Launched last fall on Veteran’s Day, military moms and dads separated from their children began sharing the closeness of family story time, thanks to Operation Record a Story. Publications International, Ltd., (PIL) donated its Record a Story books to the nonprofit United Through Reading Military Program in order that deployed service members could record and send guided storybooks home to their children. The books, together with a video of the deployed parent recording the story, create an unprecedented program offering the gift of togetherness.
Your loved ones in the military can create an Operation Record a Story recordable storybook at the following United Through Reading locations:
USO DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas USO – Fort Hood, Texas USO – BWI Airport USO Camp Beuhring – Kuwait USO Balad – Iraq USO Kandahar – Afghanistan USO Bagram – Afghanistan (Pat Tillman Memorial USO) USO of Georgia – Jean R. Amos USO Center USS George H. W. Bush (Naval Station Norfolk, VA) USS Abraham Lincoln (Everett, WA)
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Thank you for joining us in learning about this exemplary organization that has delighted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children through the simple art of sharing a story.
warmly,
Lilo
To Learn More
For information about how to donate to United Through Reading or the United Through Reading Military Program, or to volunteer, visit www.unitedthroughreading.org.
July is National Make a Difference to Children month. I love the fact that someone... or, I should say, many people, realize the value in making a “difference” to the extent that it has became a nationally recognized pursuit.
Public speaker and chief advocate of the cause, Kim Ratz suggests specific ways to make that difference:
1. Pick one or more events or activities to do with a child that will make some kind of positive difference or impact on that child. (See 100+ Ways to Make a Difference to Children.)
2. Support an organization that serves children. It could be your local community education or schools, YMCA, Boy or Girl Scouts, place of worship, park and recreation or any other organization that serves kids. Your support might be as a volunteer, or a financial donor. They're all nonprofits, and in today's economy they need your support!
3. Tell your policy makers to support initiatives that are good for kids. Summer is generally a more relaxed time to communicate with them. Share your own story about Making a Difference to Children ... and WHY it's important to support programs for children.
One way to find inspiration is to think back on your own childhood. Let’s face it, we’ve all had one, in one form or another. When you were young who inspired you? What activities caught your interest and expanded your mind and propelled you on your path to who you are now?
Indulge Your “Inner Child”
Mastin Kipp, founder of the popular The Daily Love blog, asks, “What is a child like? A child is new, untainted and curious. A child knows nothing of failure, of heartbreak, of death or other people's opinions. A child lives curiously in the present.”
By adopting an ingenuous childlike attitude, you can set a powerful and enduring example for the young people with whom you come in contact. And there is an awfully good chance that you will find yourself dropping the burden of preoccupation with failure, heartbreak, death and other people’s opinions. So indulge your inner child, and enjoy the wisdom and purity that are innately yours.
My annual family reunion was always a big deal, and an event my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles looked forward to all year. It was always held at Aunt Billye's. Not only was she my "coolest'" relative, but she had the BEST party place complete with sprawling home, detached guest cottage, outdoor changing rooms, horseshoe court and a pool!!!!
I spent most of our reunions underwater, creating convoluted pool games and listening to the muffled dialogue topside. The only sound that seemed to cut through the chlorine was the effervescent laugh of my cousin DeeDee... who would best be described as Jessica Beil's gorgeous older sister. As a kid I would literally just stare at her in jaw-dropped wonder.
In addition to pool fun, a reunion highlight was the silly picnic games we played. Potato sack races and all other pursuits were designed to remind participants not to take themselves too seriously. Being by far the youngest of the cousin crew, I always got a kick out of the"'little" kids my older cousins began bearing and bringing to the festivities.
The food was always beyond mouth-watering. From classic Americana such as my mom's perfect potato salad to whatever exotic dish my Auntie A brought that my dad wouldn't touch (leaving more for me), to the Greek "married-in" side of the family's ethnic delectables, I always overstuffed myself and faced the consequences when jumping back into the pool, as I routinely did while swallowing the last mouthful of my 6th or 7th brownie.
Not one for the water, Cousin Todd spent the bulk of his time grilling elder family members for info to add to his ever-growing and detailed family genealogy. We made fun of him at the time, but as adults, we came to appreciate all he did to chronicle our family, relations, activities and accomplishments... especially the nefarious ones.
My family has long since dispersed around the country, and globe for that matter, but the memories of these happy times live on in my heart, waiting to be shared with future generations.
Thanks, iLivediLoved, for the opportunity to recall those delightful days when my hair turned green, my cheeks were pinched by a lineup of aunties, and I found my favorite childhood author, Edgar Allen Poe, in Uncle Lefty's study while hiding to escape a family debate on politics.
In researching this week’s Family Reunion theme I came across one of the sweetest aspects of family reunification--relatives finding one another after their lives have been separated by adoption. In 1954, Jean Paton, known as the"‘grandmother’" of the adoption reunion movement, formed Orphan Voyageand, the first adoption reunification service. By 1985 grass roots groups had blossomed into an industry with more than 500 search and support organizations worldwide.
One such group I happened upon while on Facebook is a U.S.-based nonprofit called Find My Family Adoption Reunion Registry. Their Info page states:
1 in 15 people are affected by adoption.
In 1996 the Mutual Consent Adoption Registry was established as a way for adoptees and birth family members, who are mutually searching for each other, to have their reunion facilitated by a "search angel." The registry, now with almost 20,000 people, has resulted in thousands of wonderful reunions.
The goal is to be a user-friendly and safe place where adoptees and birth family members can find one another at no charge.
Their vision is simple--“to reconnect every adoptee with their birth family.”
Run by Adoption Search Angel Judy Skeinbein and Co-Founder/Webmaster Aaron Skeinbein, their services are provided free of charge, with donations greatly appreciated in order to cover expenses. The registry’s Facebook page boasts a never-ending collection of testimonials. Here are just a few:
“Dear Judy, my life has been a whirlwind for a month now since you found my sister for me. I want you to know how much it means to me to have my sister in my life. I can never tell you thank you enough. This has been quite the experience. We take that risk to find our families. It is much better knowing than not knowing, whatever the outcome. I am so glad to have found wonderful people like you to help me. I will appreciate your help forever. Thank you again.”
“I am another grateful adoptee that you helped connect with my birth mother. Margaret is a wonderful addition to my family's life! The best part for her was instantly becoming a grandmother to my 4 and now 5 children. The best part for me is the two brothers and sister I never knew I had. You should write a book someday, I would be happy to provide a chapter. I think you could call it "An Angels Work" because that is what you do and who you are!”
“Judy, in January 2002, you helped us find our Daughter. Her father and I are back together after 40 years and we finally had a chance to meet her and her husband last August 2003. It was the most fantastic and emotionally can't believe it thing that has happened to us. She is so beautiful and such a wonderful person. I am so proud of her and what she has done with her life. We are currently rebuilding our home in Arizona as we had a fire last April. We met her on our vacation when we came through Reno Nevada. She and her husband will be coming down here to Arizona when the house is finished. We can never thank you enough for what you did for us. Please keep helping people as long as you can. It really makes a difference. You are an angel !!!!!!!!!! Thank you again.”
If you or a loved one seek to reconnect with family members separated by adoption, visit the registry at http://www.FindMyFamily.org
Welcome to the new blog of iLivediLoved, or “Lilo” as it is affectionately known. Here we will come together to share our thoughts and reminiscences of the moments in our lives that have touched and tickled us most. And what better way to invite you into the Lilo family than with our first blog post celebrating July which is national Family Reunion Month.
Family reunions in today's world have become something along the lines of well-planned flashmobs for people who share the same surname and facial features. Typically rowdy affairs, these get-togethers span multiple generations, with infants rubbing chubby elbows with matriarchs, and tweens fraternizing with fourth cousins several times removed. It is also fairly common for reunions to center around a single common ancestor, with all of that individual's offspring gathering in solidarity over their shared lineage. Hey, did we just catch you thinking back on your last family reunion? Hope so.
Family Fun
Traditional family reunion activities may include an afternoon or early evening meal accompanied by a program featuring music, song, 'skits' and recognition of elders as well rites of passage, community contributions and educational or career achievements. But by far and away the most common and popular form of celebration is the jubilant family picnic! Here, macaroni and potato salad abound. The air is rich with the aroma of grilled burgers, hot dogs (and of course the token veggie/tofu thingy). And it’s a sure bet that some mischievous child will be scolded for snitching a brownie or cookie before it's time.
Preserving Memories
With all of the family held captive together in one sunny spot, there is no better opportunity to capture memories and moments pictorially. Nearly every dad has his videocam strapped to his bermudas as a teenage daughter slyly snaps a picture of her 'super hot' cousin to send to her bff.... "but it's okay because he's not related by blood." And of course there is the family extrovert who runs about with reluctant junior cameraman in tow, interviewing those in attendance for posterity, asking the hard-hitting questions such as "What was the world like when you were my age?" .... "How do you like being part of our family so far"....."Did you like Aunt Suzy's or Grandma Ethel's apple pie better?"... Don't laugh -- this family member may very well be anchoring the evening news one day.
Once the day is done, after the ice chest has been stuffed back into the recesses of the garage, when the children's laughter begins to fade, you can revisit and relive these memories any time you wish. Simply collect everyone's photos and videos from the day and send it our way. We will compile your cherished family memories to create a beautiful custom video memoir featuring you and that colorful cast of characters you call family. You make the memories.... we'll preserver them for you, forever.
Regardless of race, nationality or era, family reunions are collectively characterized by a proliferation of joy, surprise, squealing, a few tears, lots of laughter and wellsprings of love. They are moments we keep in our hearts and memories we share with our loved ones and future generations of family.
About 475,000 grandparents aged 65 or more had the primary responsibility for their grandchildren who lived with them.
Happiness Happens week
Legend Judy Garland sings "C'mon Get Happy". Ironically, during filming she was facing many pressures in her personal life, including a heavy reliance on prescription medication.
What country has the happiest inhabitants? Viva Venezuela -- the US ties with Turkey and Australia at #7.
This musical about miserable people has been making people happy for more than 25 years:
Statistics report Starbucks regulars are 2% happier than McDonald’s regulars.
2% doesn't only apply to milk fat
Your grandparents may seem crotchety....
... but older people report being 18 percent happier than young folk.
If you have a happy friend living within a half-mile radius, you are 42 percent more likely to be happy, too.
In the film The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith portrayed Chris Gardner, depicting his personal struggle of establishing himself as a stockbroker while managing fatherhood and homelessness.
Since 2006, Gardner has served as CEO of his own stockbrokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co, based in Chicago, Illinois. He is also a sought-after motivational speaker. Gardner credits his tenacity and success to the "spiritual genetics" handed down to him by his mother, and to the high expectations placed on him by his children.
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Getting Ready for Kindergarten week
The Lunchbox Museum was founded by collector Allen Woodall in the early 1990's and now contains over 3500 lunchboxes and matching thermoses. Nostalgic pieces include Disco Fever, Family Affair, the Brady Bunch, the Land of the Giants, the Land that Time Forgot, Daniel Boon, Batman, Star Trek, and Bonanza themes. In 2005, a mint condition 1954 Superman lunchbox sold at auction for $5000.
"Kindergarten" was developed by a German educator, Friedrich Froebel. His theories stressed the importance of music, nature study, stories, and play. Froebel opened his first kindergarten in Germany on June 28, 1840 to mark the four-hundredth anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of movable type.
The first kindergarten in the United States was founded in Watertown, Wisconsin, by Margarethe Meyer-Schurz in 1856. It was based on Friedrich Fröbel's educational model. Margaterthe's sister founded the first kindergarten in London, England.
St. Louis was the first public school system to begin a kindergarten in 1873, and by World War I most major urban school systems had a kindergarten class available. Today, only 14 states require kindergarten attendance.
Susan Blow, credited with opening the first
district-wide kindergarten in the United States
By the end of the 19th century, the field of child development was growing and started to have an influence on the structure of kindergarten. Free play was encouraged by psychologists, and the focus of kindergarten classes became developing the whole child. By the 1930s, kindergarten had become centered around social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and creative arts, and informally touched on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Kindergarten had become a publicly funded program by this time.
The subjects now taught in kindergarten include, math, science, reading, writing and social studies. Children spend time in small groups, whole class instruction, reading on their own, and even working on computers. Today kindergarten children may have homework, and it is common to see little 5-year-olds with heavy backpacks. It is hoped that students come to kindergarten with a few skills already, such as the ability to identify the letters of the alphabet, count to 10, recognize numbers 1 to 10, recognize basic colors and shapes, use scissors, hold a pencil, and be aware of rhyme. There are even programs to prepare children and parents for kindergarten.
Favorite crayon colors of celebrities include: robin’s egg blue - Britney Spears, red - Courtney Cox, wild strawberry - Tiger Woods, pig pink - Mario Andretti, caribbean green - Al Roker, burnt sienna - Billy Crystal, blue bell - George W. Bush, magenta - Whoopi Goldberg, cerulean - Katie Couric, blue - Mike Myers, dandelion - Candice Bergen, and lemon yellow - Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray and even Danny DeVito turned down the role, enabling the Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger to play the eponymous Kindergarten Cop.
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Vacation week
How many National Lampoon Vacation movies are there? Five. National Lampoon's Vacation, National Lampoon's European Vacation, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Vegas Vacation and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure.
Can you figure out which one is missing?
Now playing -- the popular play Death Takes a Holiday (later made into a 1934 film starring Fredric March, with a subsequent remake entitled Meet Joe Black, starring Brad Pitt) is now an Off-Broadway musical produced by New York's veteran Roundabout Theatre Company
For years Orlando, Florida and San Francisco, CA have battled it out for the title of America's top getaway destination. The attraction in Florida being Disneyworld, the attraction in California being Alcatraz Island, home of the most notorious prison in American history.
Here is a little pictorial getaway for your viewing pleasure - the planet's Most Unusual Beaches:
Glass Beach, Fort Bragg, NC
The average employed American worker earned 18 vacation days last year, but only used 14 of them, according to a 2010 survey by Expedia.com. Alternatively, workers in France got 37 vacation days last year and used 35 of them, while the average worker in Great Britain received 28 vacation days and took 25. Those forfeited days of vacation per American add up quickly. Altogether, Americans gave up 448 million earned but unused vacation days in 2010. Considering the average wage of $39,208 for a full-time worker -- that's $67.5 billion worth of time.
The world's most expensive cruise, and also one of the longest, is the 121 night around-the-world cruise in a grand suite on theQueen Elizabeth 2 that costs £270,099 (that's $481,191)
Because you've earned it....
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What Will Be Your Legacy week
Legacy
week fun fact - One of the greatest musical legacies of all time: "The
Beatles are the best-selling band in history, with sales of over one
billion units estimated by EMI Records. They have had more number-one
albums on the British charts and sold more singles in the UK than any
other act. According to the RIAA, as of 2012 they have sold 177 million
units in the US, more than any other artist, and in 2008 they topped
Billboard magazine's list of the all-time most successful Hot 100
artists. As of 2012, they hold the record for most number-one hits on
the Hot 100 chart with 20."
[source: Wikipedia]
What happens to Safe Deposit Boxes that are no longer paid for? They are "drilled" open and their contents removed. According to a site where former bank employees share "war stories," one drilled box was found to contain a single red high-heeled shoe... and nothing else.
Here's a Legacy week's rock 'n' roll brainteaser for you. Know who wrote the lyrics to the theme song for the granddaddy of all teen dance shows, American Bandstand? Was it Buddy Holly? Or some one-hit-wonder four-part harmony group? What's your guess?
According to a poll conducted by AskMen.com, America’s all time favorite car is the Chevrolet Corvette -- and has been so for more than 6 decades... talk about a legacy!
Perhaps the greatest legacy in modern music is the catalogue of songs by The Beatles. Years ago when Paul McCartney tried to purchase the publishing rights to his music, he was outbid by the eventual owner, Michael Jackson.
The World's largest inheritance is revealed. On 22 March, 2010 Elizabeth Ann-Marie Sassoon, an archeologist, philanthropist, and financier died after a four year battle with cancer, leaving behind $38 billion estate to her only heir, David Gad de Rothschild.
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America conducted a survey of over 2600 baby boomers and elders. According to the survey, participants felt a non-financial legacy was 10 times more important than money and other assets, values over valuables.
Eleanor Ritchey
Heiress to the Quaker State Refining Corporation,
Ritchey left about $14 million to her 150 stray dogs.
When the last dog died, the remainder was to go to
Auburn University Research Foundation with
the funds dedicated to research on canine disease.
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Wheelchair Beautification week
The earliest record of wheelchairs dates back to 6th century China
Depiction of Confucius in a wheelchair, dating to ca. 1680.
Theme of the week Fun Fact: Started in 1960 in Rome with 400 athletes representing 23 countries, the Paralympic Summer Games are the second largest sporting event in the world today, the traditional Olympic Games being the first
1960 Paralympics - Rome, Italy
The most expensive ‘tricked out’ wheelchair sold for a cool $387K+
iSwing Chair
Theme of the week Fun Fact: Ever heard of Sledge Hockey? It's a sport designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play ice hockey. The game was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation center and requires incredible skill and finesse.
Sledge Hockey!
In keeping with this week's whimsical theme: Grand-Ma In a Wheelchair - Ingredients (4) : 1 Part Jose Cuervo® Tequila, 2 Parts Grand Marnier®, 1 Part 7-Up, 1 Splash Lime Juice, Add ice. Shake. Strain. Shoot.
Paralympian Trischa Zorn is the most decorated competitor in the history of the Games. From 1980 to 2004 she won a total of 55 medals, 41 of which are gold, in blind swimming events
What better way to close out this week's theme than with the incomparable innovative artistry of Axis Dance Company
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Share a Sunset with Your Lover week
The scientific name for the study of kissing is philematology. Philamamania is the compulsion to kiss, and a philematophobe is one who dislikes kissing
as of Valentine's Day this year Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher have been wed 86 years and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple
In his/her lifetime, the average person will spend an estimated 20,160 minutes kissing!
The expression, "tying the knot" dates to Roman times, when the bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots - which the groom then had the fun of untying
Romance Novels are more popular than ever. 53% of all mass market paperback books sold in this country are Romances. They earn more money in the USA yearly than baseball! Talk about a national pastime...
A fairly passionate kiss burns an average of 9 calories
For Valentine's Day 2000, a liqueur manufacturer created the world's largest box of chocolates. The heart-shaped box, assembled in New York City, measured 15 feet high by 15 feet wide and weighed some 1300 pounds. It held the record until November of 2002, when Marshall Fields broke the record with a 2,002 pound box of chocolates in Chicago
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Make a Difference to Children week
From Kim Ratz, chief advocate for Make a Difference to a Child month: "Thinking back to your childhood, who are the adults you remember-teachers, neighbors,...relatives? Could you be that kind of adult who makes a positive difference to a child today? You can involve children of any and all ages, and it can be with one child, or groups large or small. The possibilities are endless and timeless & you'll have fun too!"
Child prodigy Mozart was 5 yrs old when he performed for the first time, 7 when he composed his first serious piece and 12 when he composed his first full scale opera
Good news! The percentage of adolescents who smoke regularly has reached its lowest level since monitoring began in 1980
Keeping their feet firmly on the ground, Gaza's children stormed into the Guinness Book of World Records for the third year straight on July 1, 2011, as they broke the record for the world's biggest parachute game.
In 1973, Tammy Wynette had a number one country hit with a song titled, "Kids Say the Darndest Things"
according to TIme magazine the best animated film of all time is Pinoochio
Tatum O’Neal holds the title of youngest Academy Award winner, which she earned at the tender age of 10
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Family Reunion week
What is the most popular time of the year to host a Family Reunion? Summer - 65.8%, Fall - 12.6%, Winter - 11.2%, Spring - 10.4%
The largest reunion ever boasted #2585 guests!
The oldest reunion in the US has been going strong since 1853
Most Popular Family Reunion Activities:
#1 - Kids/Parents/Grandparents = Casual Chatting
#2 - Kids/Parents/Grandparents = Taking Family Photos
#3 - Kids = Outdoor Sports & Games, Parents/Grandparents = Sharing
the Top 10 most prevalent surnames in the U.S.:
1. Smith
2. Johnson
3. Williams
4. Jones
5. Brown
6. Davis
7. Miller
8. Wilson
9. Moore
10. Taylor
For the current week's theme trivia please visit our Fun Facts page
The foregoing describes the contestants in the annual Ms. Wheelchair American competition, which has been in existence far longer than most of its contestants.
As Ms. Wheelchair America, the national titleholder has numerous duties. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements of the millions of people with disabilities across the nation, and assisting with the establishment of programs in all 50 states. During her year-long reign, she will have the opportunity to travel, visiting advocacy groups, making public appearances and conducting radio, print ad and TV interviews. The commitment and personal example of the titleholder serves to further the mission of Ms. Wheelchair America.
Documentary: MWA, Defining Beauty
