Celebrate World Emoji Day: From Pictograms to Global Icon

Do you know that there’s a world holiday celebrating an emoji? The definition of an emoji from Wikipedia is “a pictogram, logogram, ideogram, or smiley embedded in text and used in electronic messages and web pages.” 

The primary function of modern emoji is to fill in emotional cues otherwise missing from typed conversation as well as to replace words. 

In today’s text-fueled world, emojis have become our go-to for expressing feelings and spicing up conversations without ever saying a word. Emoji exist in various genres, including facial expressions, expressions, activity, food and drinks, celebrations, flags, objects, symbols, places, types of weather, animals and nature. But have you ever wondered where these cute little icons come from?

The word “emoji,” which originally meant “pictograph,” is derived from the Japanese words “e (浵, “picture”) + “moji” (文字, “character”); the English terms “emotion” and “emoticon” are merely coincidental. Japanese manufacturers of portable electronics produced the first emoji sets in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After Unicode started incorporating emoji into the Unicode Standard, emoji gained popularity all around the world in the 2010s. They are now regarded as being a significant component of Western and global popular culture. The Oxford Dictionaries 2015 Word of the Year was the emoji “Face with Tears of Joy” (see above).

The emoticon, which computer scientist Scott Fahlman introduced in 1982 and proposed might replace language with text-based symbols like 🙂 and :-(, was the inspiration behind the emoji. It was not until Japanese, American, and European corporations started developing Fahlman’s idea in the 1990s that it became a widely accepted concept. Scott Fahlman’s emoticons importantly used common alphabet symbols and aimed to replace language/text to express emotion, and for that reason are seen as the actual origin of emoticons.

Fast forward to today, and we have over 3,500 emojis available at our fingertips! Who knew a small, pixelated smiley face could turn into a global social phenomenon? Next time you send a playful wink or a thumbs-up, remember you’re participating in a rich, evolving history of visual storytelling.

Whether you’re all about the heart-eyes or always go for the traditional smiley, take a moment to consider how far it has come from its modest beginnings in Japan to being a worldwide language that unites us all. 

Enjoy your emoji-filled conversations, and Happy World Emoji Day, July 17, 2024!

Celebrate National Candy Month: Sweet Traditions, Timeless Delights, and Summer Fun

For all you candy lovers out there, this is the month to celebrate! June is National Candy Month, according to the National Confectioners Association. During National Candy Month, candy companies celebrate making exciting, authentic delights that they have been making for over a century.

This is a month to celebrate for many people, including those who enjoy chocolate, candies, gum, and mints, as well as others who recognize the significant economic benefits of a fun and responsible sector of a traditional American manufacturing success story.

The group claimed that “National Candy Month is a pivotal point in the treating calendar” for the $48 billion confectionery industry. It honors those who create America’s favorite confections and serves as a reminder that chocolate and candy make summertime activities—such as weekends, holidays, and vacations—sweeter.

According to the NCA, Americans consume candy and chocolate two to three times a week. Furthermore, 86% of travelers by car will pack chocolate and candies, 82% of family visitors will share delicacies, and 68% of beachgoers will bring their favorite treats with them.

Convenience stores have become the go-to destination for consumers seeking both traditional and innovative sweets, ever since the confectionery made its first appearance on their shelves.

John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA says, “As consumers savor the longer nights, warmer temperatures and relaxed schedules of the season, they will turn once again to chocolate and candy to enhance their favorite summer activities and commemorate cherished traditions.”

Spring into Action: Embracing the Outdoors at Any Age

Ah, Spring! That magical time of the year when nature shakes off its snowy blanket and blossoms into an explosion of colors. It’s as if the world is stretching its limbs after a long nap, and so should we. At Your Next Option, we believe it’s never too late to embrace the change of season and the outdoor adventures that come with it. Today, let’s chat about coming out of hibernation, enjoying the weather, and why your age is just a number when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities.

Spring offers a unique opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to engage with nature and revive their spirits. The beauty of spring is not just in its visual splendor but in the myriad of ways it invites us to participate in life outdoors. From the simplest activities like walking in a dewy park at dawn to more organized events like community gardening, spring beckons us to step outside and breathe fresh life into our routine.

Breaking Down Age Barriers

First off, let’s tackle those pesky limiting beliefs about aging. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking certain activities are off-limits as we grow older. However, research continually shows that staying active physically can contribute significantly to our overall well-being, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park, joining a community gardening project, or even something more adventurous like kayaking, the key is to move. Moving not only revitalizes the body but also sharpens the mind. So, why let a mere number dictate what you can and cannot do?

The benefits of staying active are well-documented, ranging from improved physical health to enhanced mental clarity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regular physical activity can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, increase longevity, and improve sleep quality. For older adults, engaging in regular exercise can also maintain independence and prevent falls. The good news? Outdoor activities provide a perfect platform for maintaining an active lifestyle, offering both gentle and strenuous options suited for every fitness level.

Connecting with Nature and Others

Engaging in outdoor activities is a splendid way to connect—with nature, with others, and, most importantly, with yourself. Nature has this incredible ability to soothe and heal, something we could all use a bit more of. Imagine the soft murmur of a nearby stream as you hike, the slight rustle of leaves with every step you take, or the warmth of the sun as you tend to a flower bed. These experiences can be deeply meditative and rejuvenating. Plus, joining clubs or groups focused on outdoor activities can open the door to new friendships and social connections, combating loneliness and isolation that some may feel in their golden years.

Outdoor adventures can also be a social affair, offering numerous opportunities for making new friends or even rekindling old acquaintances. Group hikes, bird watching clubs, or outdoor photography classes are great examples of how you can combine socializing with physical activity. Such group activities are not only enjoyable but are also key in building a supportive community that values active living.

Embracing New Challenges

For those who might be contemplating more challenging activities, spring is the ideal time to start. Kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are excellent for those looking for a bit of adventure. These activities not only challenge the body but also engage the mind, providing a wholesome and invigorating experience.

Fear of trying something new can often be a barrier. However, many organizations offer beginner classes and are geared towards making outdoor activities accessible for all ages and skill levels. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and many have started their journeys later in life.

Tools and Tips for Success

To make the most of the outdoors this spring, consider the following tips:

• Start Slow: If you’re just getting out of a less active lifestyle, start with low-impact activities and gradually increase intensity.
• Safety First: Always ensure that you have the proper gear and that you prioritize your safety, especially in unfamiliar activities.
• Join a Group: Look for local clubs or groups that align with your interests. This could also be a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
• Consistency is Key: Try to incorporate small outdoor activities into your daily routine. Even 20 minutes a day can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

“Embracing the Outdoors at Any Age” is more than just a call to action; it’s a mindset. At Your Next Option, we encourage everyone to discard any self-imposed limits and enjoy the bountiful, rejuvenating, and inspiring nature of spring. Let this season be a reminder that life is out there waiting to be lived, no matter your age. So, lace up your boots, grab your hat, and step into the sunshine. The great outdoors is calling, and it’s time to answer.

Securing Your Legacy: The Importance of Making a Will

August marks the observance of “Make a Will” month, a timely reminder of the significance of estate planning and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. Creating a will is not just a matter of documenting your assets; it’s an act of love and consideration towards your loved ones. By taking the time to outline your desires, you provide invaluable clarity and guidance during a potentially tumultuous time.

A will serves as a roadmap for distributing your assets, personal belongings, and investments among your beneficiaries. Without a will, state laws could dictate how your estate is divided, which might not align with your true intentions. Writing a will allows you to make choices that reflect your values, ensuring that your family, friends, and causes dear to your heart receive the support you wish to provide.

Furthermore, a will can prevent potential conflicts and disputes among family members. By clearly stating your intentions, you help to minimize misunderstandings and disagreements that may arise after your passing. This can help preserve family relationships and minimize stress during an already emotionally challenging period.

Beyond asset distribution, a will is an opportunity to appoint a guardian for your minor children, should anything happen to you and your spouse. This ensures their well-being and care according to your preferences, providing peace of mind in uncertain time

Contact me to consider taking advantage of the opportunity to have a professional will written for you, along with access to lawyers addressing other crucial legal matters. Subscribing to such a program can alleviate the complexities of navigating legal documentation, ensuring that your wishes are accurately recorded and legally binding.

Remember, a will is a timeless gift you leave behind, an expression of your values and a testament to your care for your loved ones. This “Make a Will” month, take the opportunity to secure your legacy and provide your family with the protection and guidance they deserve. Be sure to contact me and take the first step towards safeguarding your future and the well-being of those you hold dear.

What is dying?

As an adult, I started to compare it to moving away and not seeing someone ever again to dying. How is it different? I still feel the same way about the people I left when our family relocated from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.  I was 7 years old. There are several whom I have not seen since.  Have they died?

When we break up with a lover, often, except for traveling in the same circles, we cease to see that person ever again. We will or we won’t miss them, have they died? How is it different?

Is it expectation?  When a person dies, a lot of people are devastated because they won’t physically see that person again. When a person leaves, or moves, or is somehow permanently separated, in our mind we know that person still goes on. If it was any situation other than death, our brain holds some belief that there’s a chance that we might ever see them again…regardless of the circumstances. In death, is that belief terminated. Is it true?

How will I know if I am dead? Only man is conscious of thinking about what he is thinking about. Will I stop thinking? If I stop thinking, I won’t know that I’m not thinking and I won’t be aware that I am gone. What if my consciousness goes on? What if I just start thinking about other things instead? Maybe instead of how to pay that bill or get a new job, it's about how to get somebody’s energy higher using whatever my skills and talents are ‘on the other side.’ Where is the 'other side?' What if I become part of the greater consciousness of the earth – if you believe that there IS a greater consciousness? What if I become part of the Divine Energy of the planet – just the good stuff? I have no answers, it is just a question…

I offer you this poem:

The Ship

I am standing on the seashore
A ship sails and spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
She is an object of beauty and I stand ther watching her till at last she fades on the horizon
And someone at my side says, ‘She is gone’
Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all.
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spurs as she was when I saw her
And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination
The diminished size, the total loss of sight is in me, not in her,
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, ‘She is gone’
There are others who are watching her coming and other voices take up the glad shout
'Here she comes'

And that is DYING.

BISHOP BRENT

I'm going to be a grant writer!

What's up, my friends? Happy October 2021. This is when time speeds up, it gets dark way too early, and we go from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas in the blink of an eye.

What's on your agenda for this final quarter of 2021? It was crazy last year and just a little less crazy this year. 

I'm taking my own advice that I share with my Melders group on Facebook and embarking on a new project. Grantwriting! It only makes sense. My degree is in Arts Administration. I took two years of grant-writing and fundraising classes. I didn't even consider it as a career. However, as the world turns, and many businesses are going online or virtual, it seems to me that this career is right up my alley. 

It can be a lucrative freelance gig. I have worked in a variety of non-profit organizations at every level. I've worked for small nonprofits, like Women of Diversity, or big nonprofits, like the Utah Shakespeare Festival. I've done everything from volunteer to Executive Assistant. And there's more to it than just writing and winning grants. I believe that whatever I do will ultimately have a meaningful impact somewhere! So here I go. 

Please feel free to follow my adventures here as I discover what it's all about (Alfie... age-related reference). And I'll try to post a little more often. 

Next up, Halloween!!

Babe and Frank's

Across the street from my elementary school sat Babe and Frank’s. The Soda Shoppe was typical for the time. Glass front. Green screen door. The screen is pushed in from years of slamming and banging wear and tear. The oak door is swung back against the wall and out of sight not to be closed until the end of the day. A ratty runner that might once have also been green is in a narrow strip down the center of the aisle. A glass case, on the right, framed in steel on top of which sits the cash register is just inside the door. On the left, a jukebox and three or four booths along the wall. At the back, in the center, the runner ends just this side of a dark corridor that probably leads to storage and the back door. Opposite the booths were two or three pinball machines and the rest of that side was all counter seating. There was a space between the end of the counter and the glass case to pass through.

The year was 1966. I was in the sixth grade.

The usual was a cheeseburger and fries, and a Strawberry Ice Cream Soda with Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Fritos to take home, unless it was the beginning of the school year. Because school started in late Fall, we’d often stop at the Fruit and Vegetable shop in the middle of the next block to reach into a freezing cold barrel of brine for a dill pickle or pick a giant pomegranate from the stack to eat as we walked home.

Frank has fried a mound of steak ‘Philly’ style. Deftly chopped with two spatulas, and oil shot out of clear mustard squeeze bottle made for squirting condiments on food. Steam rises from the grill. Babe is wiping tears from her eyes as she chops the last of the white onions to be grilled right next to the steak for a tasty addition.

Babe, in her starch white waitress’s uniform with dyed jet-black hair on her head, in a slightly whipped sprayed stiff up-do that in the heat of the restaurant would never last in any other particularly formal hairstyle. She is short, slim, and at least 40 years old – in my eyes.

Wearing lots of makeup, but, thankfully, no blue eyeshadow. Her eyelids darkened on the top and the bottom with black eyeliner and fake eyelashes set perfectly upon each eyelid. Her eyebrows were drawn perfectly where they should be as she tweezed them all but close to the center which she used as a reference point.

She wore too red lipstick that she refreshed whenever she got a moment between taking orders and running the cash register. Her pancake base makeup was just a smidgen too dark so where it ended under her chin was a faint line before her neck began. She wore simple gold earrings like brass buttons in her ears. Her mezuzah, a subtle symbol of Judaism that she wore on a thin, gold chain around her neck, was her only other adornment. The mezuzah was real gold. You could tell. She wore support hose and black flats.

She would call out hot food orders to Frank from the register, and then she would make the hoagies. She would chop onions, shred lettuce, chop tomatoes and refill the pickles. There’s nothing like an authentic Philadelphia Hoagie. It’s not just the lunchmeat and the variety of condiments including oil and vinegar and Italian seasoning on the top. It’s also the BREAD.

Rosie was the other waitress at Babes and Franks. She wore a little waitress cap and her hair was always in a neatly coifed flip. Her cap sat in the center at the back of her head pinned carefully so as not to move. It looked more like a nurse’s cap but I think they might have ALL been nurse’s caps at the time. Rosie was, as they called it then, stacked. Dramatic breasts and hips and a small waist. She was easily 5’9” tall. Her uniform fit her like a glove, just tight enough to compliment her shape, but without fear of a rip or a split. And just sexy enough to make the teenage boys hormones rage.

In contrast to Babe, her makeup was perfectly appointed. Not too much eye makeup. No tell-tale line between where her foundation ended and her neck began. Only a hit of blush and fresh bronze lips. She wore no jewelry, smacked gum like a teenager, wisecracked with the boys and was incredibly sympathetic to the girls. After all, everybody had hormones!

So Babe worked the counter and the register and made cold food. Rosie waited tables, and Frank grilled. On any given day, at about 12:15, there were easily 50 people in a space meant to hold 25, 30 (if we sat on laps.) We all got served, we all got to eat, and rarely was anyone late from lunch to return to school across the street.