Manhattan

Dishing about Flag Day in the USA!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

245 years ago, on June 14, 1777, the flag of the United States was adopted by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

Many Americans cherish the, often refuted, story of Betsy Ross being the designer of the first Stars and Stripes. As General George Washington’s seamstress and fellow-church congregant, legend says that Betsy Ross was commissioned around June of 1776 to create the flag from a drawing, which she subsequently re-designed and produced successfully. Some historians discredit this tale based on lack of evidence but either way the story is a great one.

Over 100 years later, Bernard John Cigrand, a young man from Waubeka, Wisconsin, authored hundreds of articles, made speeches and submitted proposals for there to be an annual observance of the birth of the Flag. He felt strongly that good would come from a “Flag Holiday”. Then, in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. 55 years later, on June 14, 2004, a unanimous vote by U.S. Congress declared that Flag Day originated in Waubeka, Wisconsin recognizing Cigrand’s dedication to the cause.

Since 1777, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on the 4th of July 1959.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

IMG_6149The American Flag, which is also known as the “Stars and Stripes”, “Old Glory” and “The Star Spangled Banner” with 50 stars to represent the 50 states of the United States of America was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21,1959. The blue rectangle in the canton (specifically called the “union”) bears 50 small, white, 5-pointed stars arranged in 9 offset horizontal rows of 6 stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of 5 stars.

The current 50-star American flag was designed in Ohio in 1958 by a then 17-year-old, Robert Heft, who created it for a high school class project. Apparently he received a B- on his assignment, which was subsequently raised to an A after his design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation.

Isn’t it fantastic that young adults have played integral (sometimes unrecognized) roles in US history?

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

Happy Birthday to the American Flag!

Photos are my own.

Dishing about Flag Day in the USA!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

241 years ago, on June 14, 1777, the flag of the United States was adopted by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

IMG_6148

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

Many Americans cherish the, often refuted, story of Betsy Ross being the designer of the first Stars and Stripes. As General George Washington’s seamstress and fellow-church congregant, legend says that Betsy Ross was commissioned around June of 1776 to create the flag from a drawing, which she subsequently re-designed and produced successfully. Some historians discredit this tale based on lack of evidence but either way the story is a great one.

Over 100 years later, Bernard John Cigrand, a young man from Waubeka, Wisconsin, authored hundreds of articles, made speeches and submitted proposals for there to be an annual observance of the birth of the Flag. He felt strongly that good would come from a “Flag Holiday”. Then, in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. 55 years later, on June 14, 2004, a unanimous vote by U.S. Congress declared that Flag Day originated in Waubeka, Wisconsin recognizing Cigrand’s dedication to the cause.

Since 1777, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on the 4th of July 1959.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

IMG_6149The American Flag, which is also known as the “Stars and Stripes”, “Old Glory” and “The Star Spangled Banner” with 50 stars to represent the 50 states of the United States of America was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21,1959. The blue rectangle in the canton (specifically called the “union”) bears 50 small, white, 5-pointed stars arranged in 9 offset horizontal rows of 6 stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of 5 stars.

The current 50-star American flag was designed in Ohio in 1958 by a then 17-year-old, Robert Heft, who created it for a high school class project. Apparently he received a B- on his assignment, which was subsequently raised to an A after his design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation.

Isn’t it fantastic that young adults have played integral (sometimes unrecognized) roles in US history?

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

Happy Birthday to the American Flag!

Photos are my own.

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

The beginning of spring evokes emotion & action because it symbolizes the promise of renewal.  Do you have a spring “TO DO” list? Preparing for Easter? For Passover? Closet cleaning? Stepping up your workouts? Spending more time outdoors?

Well, if you are ready to move forward with a business project and need guidance, contact me. Through my advisory business, I work with people, across the country, who have product and services ideas as well as existing businesses that want to develop.  Stuck? Looking to connect the dots to progress? Not quite sure how to take the first (or next) step?

What I do is find out what your goals are, then I assess how I can help you (if I cannot, I will try to find someone who can) and then I come up with a customized plan for you to be enabled to accelerate.  Our interactions are confidential and based on mutual respect with a “no question is too small” theme.

I offer complimentary consultations so that we can chat to see if we should work together before we dive in to execute your plan.  Give yourself the gift of progress for the spring season of 2018!

Interested? Reach out to me on candi@candiobrentz.com
Do you want to find out more about me? Click HERE!
Curious about what I offer and how I work with people? Click HERE!

 

Happy Spring!

Dishing about the THRILL of seeing your own product on The Today Show!


It was ONE year ago today that I was standing in Rockefeller Center watching my beloved product invention being featured on The Today Show! It was and remains an inventor and small business owner’s dream…NATIONAL TV EXPOSURE!

Click on the hyperlink to read all about my fab experience on the Work With Candi Obrentz BLOG and how I am working with people who have their OWN ideas for products and services.

I offer customized plans, guidance, connecting the dots, intros to specialists and just about everything in-between to guide people on their creation process. Bring your ideas to live with me! www.candiobrentz.com 

 

We rise by lifting others…

Asking for help can be difficult.
 
My lifelong friend, Niki Goodman Ricker, is a strong fighter, a Mom to 2 sons, a Wife, a Daughter and my childhood memory sharer from elementary school at Shorecrest in St. Petersburg, FL.
 
Niki is battling stage IV Colorectal Cancer every moment of every day…and it’s horrible. In order to focus on her treatment and healing, Niki does NOT need the added burden and constant concern about her mounting, overwhelming medical bills.
 
Fortunately, after a lot of convincing, Niki agreed to a mutual friend’s persuasion and gave her the green light to launch a GoFundMe campaign on her behalf. SO we now have an easy way to financially assist my friend.
 
Whether you know Niki or not, you can contribute to make life a bit easier for her and her family.

Here’s how:


2) SHARE this campaign with everyone who you know (there is POWER in numbers)!

3) Reach out to Niki with words of support (or a Duran Duran photo – she’s a huge fan) by messaging me and I will pass it onto her!
Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting a wonderful woman with whom I have been friends for over 35 years! Niki will be grateful for the kind words and assistance given to her.

It’s Flag Day 2017 in the USA!

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

American Flag waving over Rockefeller Center, NY

240 years ago, on June 14, 1777, the flag of the United States was adopted by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

IMG_6148

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

American Flag waving over Fifth Avenue, NY

Many Americans cherish the, often refuted, story of Betsy Ross being the designer of the first Stars and Stripes. As General George Washington’s seamstress and fellow-church congregant, legend says that Betsy Ross was commissioned around June of 1776 to create the flag from a drawing, which she subsequently re-designed and produced successfully. Some historians discredit this tale based on lack of evidence but either way the story is a great one.

Over 100 years later, Bernard John Cigrand, a young man from Waubeka, Wisconsin, authored hundreds of articles, made speeches and submitted proposals for there to be an annual observance of the birth of the Flag. He felt strongly that good would come from a “Flag Holiday”. Then, in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. 55 years later, on June 14, 2004, a unanimous vote by U.S. Congress declared that Flag Day originated in Waubeka, Wisconsin recognizing Cigrand’s dedication to the cause.

Since 1777, the design of the flag has been officially modified 26 times. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years until the 49-star version became official on the 4th of July 1959.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

American Flags painted on trees in Battery Park to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks.

IMG_6149The American Flag, which is also known as the “Stars and Stripes”, “Old Glory” and “The Star Spangled Banner” with 50stars to represent the 50 states of the United States of America was ordered by President Eisenhower on August 21,1959. The blue rectangle in the canton (specifically called the “union”) bears 50 small, white, 5-pointed stars arranged in 9 offset horizontal rows of 6 stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of 5 stars.

The current 50-star American flag was designed in Ohio in 1958 by a then 17-year-old, Robert Heft, who created it for a high school class project. Apparently he received a B- on his assignment, which was subsequently raised to an A after his design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation.

Isn’t it fantastic that young adults have played integral (sometimes unrecognized) roles in US history?

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

“Flag of Honor” listing the name of each human who perished on September 11, 2001 displayed in Battery Park during the 10-year memorial.

Happy Birthday to the American Flag!

Photos are my own.

The joy of assembling bicycles for the children of U.S. Service Members during Fleet Week 2017!

I am walking on sunshine today…despite the non-stop rain and fog in Manhattan because I had the honor of volunteering with the USO today!

When my friend of 30+ years, who also happens to be a Veteran, retired Commander in the United States Navy and pilot for Delta, invited me to join the Delta Team to assemble bikes for the kids of U.S. Service Members, I jumped at the chance.

 

The USO’s ” Operation That’s My Ride” at Pier 88 on the Hudson River yielded approximately 500 bikes and tricycles for the children of military families serving on bases and ships.  The USO and its terrific sponsors (see below) made it very easy for a bicycle assembling novice like me to partner up with my friend (who is used to these types of tasks because he has 2 amazing daughters) and the feeling of accomplishment coupled with the thought of the smiles on the faces of the recipients were truly fantastic.

The bike assembly was followed by a tour of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), from Norfolk, Virginia during which I met proud Marines. It was really great.

Here are a few photos from this special event.

    

SPONSORS: Delta, Pepsi, SOMPO International, 21st Century Fox, Blackrock, Citi, Toyota, HBO & PWC.

It Was 23 Years Ago Today – Part 1

Happy 23rd Manhattanversary to me!

Repurposing the following post from 3 years ago when I celebrated my 20th Manhattan-versary!!

So much has happened in 3 years….my network of phenomenal people across the globe continues to blossom, my beloved product invention RestoPresto was granted a design patent AND was featured on The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda; I spoke at an event for Escape The City about changing careers after 40, which was liberating and was asked to contribute to a new digital magazine called The Reset which published my article about being “45, Single, Childfree & Joyful”; I have attended events, concerts and productions which took my breath away; I launched an advisory business to help people navigate the challenging process of bringing an idea for a product to market, which is incredibly fulfilling AND I am constantly learning new things in business, about history, about myself, about life and of course, about New York.

I am grateful for all of it and do not take anything for granted!

Please enjoy my re-post and feel free to share it, make comments and of course contact me with any questions about my advisory services, RestoPresto or my “Guide to Manhattan”.

 

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Sidewalk Chalk Writing

Well, it was “20 years ago today” last week to be exact. I moved to NY in May of 1994 with enormous enthusiasm, money borrowed from my younger Sister, a job, no apartment, few contacts and a heap of certainty.

1994 Skyline

1994 Skyline

20 years later, I am grateful to NY for being my home, my comfort, my springboard on which to move forward, stand still and temporarily revert at my own pace and on my own terms.

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“Manhattanhenge” 2013

“Manhattanhenge” 2013

 

Despite the constant change of skyline, storefront and trends, NY is not fickle with respect to her endless possibilities, diversity, vibrancy and genuine heart and soul.

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Tulips in Midtown

Central Park

Central Park

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge

 

Celebrating Super Bowl XLVIII n the City

 

Anne Frank Center, Downtown

The Anne Frank Center, Downtown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have taken tons of snapshots of the City over the years and have chosen some favorites to share!

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Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Park Avenue

Park Avenue

 

Each snap celebrates a remarkable moment that is uniquely New York.

Central Park Snowstorm

Upper West Side

Upper West Side

 

 

 

Bryant Park

Bryant Park

Stay tuned for Part II (and possibly a Part III) with more snaps!

East River

East River

Here’s to the next 20 years, my dear Manhattan!

Once an FSU ‘Nole…always an FSU ‘Nole!

I graduated from Florida State University in 1993, a year before I moved to Manhattan, and am very fortunate to have access to a strong and vibrant college alumni group nationally and locally. The Florida State Alumni Association advances the university’s greatness while enriching and uniting the lives of alums. The Seminole Club of New York is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with Seminole Boosters Inc., FSU Alumni Association and the FSU Foundation. In addition to the NYC Club offering members fantastic events and networking opportunities, it works closely with University organizations to raise funds for scholarships, campus campaigns, special projects and promote the accomplishments FSU.

An FSU tradition is to host a 4-day event called “Noles in NYC” that showcases FSU talent in in theatre, music, dance and film with performances in New York. This year, the series ended with a “Celebration of Florida State with President John Thrasher” that was a blast!  Here are a few photos:

FSU President John Thrasher & FSU Alumni President & CEO Scott Attwell

President Thrasher & me

Scott Attwell, NBC & beloved FSU Alum Janice Huff and me!

 

I am a huge proponent of joining alumni groups and organizations in which you have a common bond with people for networking and fun opportunities. If you are lucky like I am, you obtain exposure to incredible people, positive energy and bright ideas!

“Free To Be…You And Me” 43 years later

On the 43rd Anniversary of Free to Be…You and Me, I am re-sharing my post about the 40th celebration with Marlo Thomas and Friends that I fortunately attended at the Paley Center in New York in 2014.

The act of treating our fellow human beings with respect and fairness is hugely relevant right now so the values and behaviors exhibited in Free to Be…You and Me are 100% spot on!

In addition to this little flashback, I am throwing in one of my fave photos ever…meeting Marlo Thomas in 2008.

ORIGINAL POST 

Celebrating a classic in Manhattan

Celebrating a classic in Manhattan

Television, radio, film and listening to vinyl were a huge part of my early childhood in the 1970s. Simply being entertained was the focus over sticking with particular genres. I loved STYX and watched Hee Haw; enjoyed The Six Million Dollar Man as much as Broadway soundtracks (well, not really AS much but I did like seeing bionics in action).

I think that it is really something that as a kid, I was very attracted to broadcasting that had strong social messages:  “All in the Family”; “That Girl”, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, to name a few. Watching these shows as an adult, I realize that the themes, with which I now agree, were totally over my head more than 30 years ago. Given that I most certainly did not fully grasp what I was ingesting, something in them captured my attentiveness.

My introduction to “Free To Be…You And Me” was around 1980 when my 3rd grade class performed songs from the album for our family and friends in the auditorium of our elementary school.

Invitation to the 3rd Grade Production (made by me)!

Invitation to the 3rd Grade Production (made by me)!

I loved the music, which was catchy and fun.  After getting to know the lyrics, the realization of the meaning behind the words began to sink in. It was very cool that Rosey Grier, with his “defensive end” NFL stature and deep voice, told children that it is totally ALL RIGHT to cry.  Marlo Thomas & Harry Belafonte instructing kids that parents are people who can be in any profession regardless of gender? Yes!  Mel Brooks as a baby in the nursery of a hospital trying to figure out if he is a boy or a girl? Fantastic!

The strong message of moving past stereotypes, treating people fairly, embracing friendships, embracing differences and most importantly, embracing ourselves was one heckuva lesson to learn decades ago.  Some feel that it was a feminist message. I disagree. I believe “Free To Be” communicates a human message: the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and respecting others.  All people. Not just one gender, one age range, one color, one religion, one “type”.  People.

Living in Manhattan, I have access to spectacular events, many of which celebrate things that I loved as a child and still love as an adult.  I should add that while protesting and liberation movements were not a part of my childhood, the fair treatment of other was a vital theme (also, I think that I was born with this kind of internal moral compass that sounds an alarm in my head when exposed to the unjust but that is a different story for another time!)

So, when I had the opportunity to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of “Free To Be…You And Me” hosted by Marlo Thomas and friends, I seized it in a New York minute.

Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Carole Hart, Gloria Steinem & Marlo Thomas

Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Carole Hart, Gloria Steinem & Marlo Thomas

The event at the Paley Center was co-moderated by Gloria Steinem (!!) and Marlo (!!) with a panel: Alan Alda and Rosey Grier, who were featured on the album and TV special; Carole Hart, the magical producer and Lettie Cottin Pogrebin, the visionary who co-guided the creation of “Free To Be”.  The panel discussions were intellectual, interesting and stimulating.  Clips of the TV special were shown and it was quite moving watching them on the big screen along with the “Free to Be” stars. Fortunately the talented writers, composers, lyricists, producers, comedians, poets and musicians behind the scenes like Dan Greenburg, Carol Hall, Sheldon Harnick, Stephen Lawrence and Tony Walton also joined the celebration. The list of brilliant contributors to the “Free To Be” album, book, TV special and Foundation is endless. I think that the prerequisite to be a part of the project (in addition to talent) was to believe in the premise:  “different does not mean wrong”!  Good stuff, right?

It was strongly acknowledged that while we have come a long way, our society has not fully achieved what “Free To Be” set out to do in 1974. We still have a lot of work to do on enriching the “sense of self” and empowering others to do the same.  What a great challenge for us!

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Being a part of the celebration of something close to my heart was a tremendous experience.  I shall forever be “glad to have a friend like” Free To Be You…and Me.

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