July 2008

National Make a Difference to Children Month • Read a book, play catch or just talk. Whether you’re a parent or not, you can be a positive influence on a child’s life.

National Ice Cream Month • If you’re a journalist, call Gail at PUBLISIDE this month and she will buy you a scoop of ice cream to celebrate the occasion and your work in providing newsworthy information to the masses.

July 1 – Halfway Point of 2008 • Ask people on the street or in a particular demographic if they’ve kept their New Year’s Resolutions! FYI, 2008 is a leap year so when July 1 ends at midnight, there will be 183 days remaining before Jan. 1, 2009.

July 1 – Halfway Point of 2008 is Great for Change • This day is also provides a timely opportunity to interview personal and professional development coach, David Bohl (slowdownfast.com) who will share tips with your audience that can help them make good on their “promise to ‘self” to live a more productive and purposeful life this year.

July 2 – I Forgot Day • Despite the hundreds of ways to schedule a date or mark an occasion, people still forget birthdays and anniversaries. This day is created for people who are memory challenged with good intensions to make up for all the birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, etc. with a greeting or gift.

July 4 – Independence Day • You will find people in all socioeconomic backgrounds and professions who value their independence for different reasons whether it’s freedom of speech, religion or the ability to work at home in their bathrobes. At a time when politics looms large, document and share what makes the United States so special on this day.

July 15 – Major League Baseball All-Star Game (Yankee Stadium) • Once each year, Major League Baseball brings out its best for all the world to watch. Interview individuals and ask them whom they would designate as all-stars in their lives. (PUBLISIDE is happy to provide you with interviewees.)

July 21 – National Get Out of the Doghouse Day • According to Harry Glinberg (harryglinbergjewelers.com) and Kobe Bryant, the most effective way to get out of the doghouse is with a gift of jewelry. As Glinberg, "Jeweler to the Sports Stars" (and lots of spouses and significant others) says, if it glitters, it can be a golden way to say, "I'm sorry."

July 27 – Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day • PUBLISIDE doesn't know anyone who does this, but if someone wants to attract attention, this would be one sure way to do it!

August 2008

Happiness Happens Month • Refocus your attention on what matters the most and you will see life more positively and happily, says personal and professional development coach, David Bohl of Slow Down FAST (www.slowdownfast.com). Discover your goals and passions – the things or people that you love, excite, motivate and thrill you. Commit to yourself to be happy and live with that focus. Stress be gone!

Back to School • Throughout the next several weeks, kids of all ages will head back to school. It’s a time to regroup, reorganize and for some families, separate for the first time. Make the transition easier by setting and working toward goals whether you’re a parent or student. Remember and live your passions to keep priorities in perspective and life fulfilling. Experts available for interview upon request.

National Immunization Awareness Month • Immunization is critical to maintaining health and preventing life-threatening diseases among people of all ages and cultures. This month calls attention to the importance of infant, child adolescent and adult immunization, and seeks to reduce disparities in vaccine use while maintaining public trust in their value and safety. (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm)

August 5 – National Night Out • This event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness and promote police-community partnerships. Peace begins at home.

August 8 – Games of the XXIX Olympiad • Let the games begin in Beijing, China. More than 12,000 athletes and 3,000 officials will attend the event that runs through August 24.

August 12 – Vinyl Record Day • (Yes, some of us still have them and are happy to share them with reporters!) Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, a machine that plays vinyl disks with recorded music, on this date in 1877. For many of us (older than the age of 25), vinyl records introduced us to songs and musical artists that remain our favorites, today. The day celebrates musical memories with family and friends, and recognizes the cultural influence that vinyl records and album covers have had for more than 60 years. (www.vinylrecordday.com)

August 26 – Anniversary of the First Televised Baseball Games • WXBS television in New York City broadcast the first major league baseball games in 1939. The telecast featured a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers, Announcer Red Barber interviewed Dodgers manager, Leo Durocher and Reds manager, William McKechnie, between games. Bob Costas, eat your heart out!

August 26 – National Dog Day • This day has truly and deservingly gone to the dogs. More people have dogs for pets than any other animal in the United States. Dogs are loving and loyal companions and love us unconditionally. Here is a day to recognize and honor them for their love, loyalty and even lifesaving skills. (www.nationaldogday.com)

September 2008

Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month • PUBLISIDE and its clients honor editors and writers ALL year long – but it’ll give these groups kudos during this special month.

International Self-Awareness Month • Taking Socrates’ advice "Know thyself," this effort is targeted to identify, highlight and explore the various means people use for improved understanding. Not sure who you are? Professional and personal development coach, David Bohl (www.slowdownfast.com) can show you ways to better identify what makes you happy and help you to get there.

Healthy Aging Month • This month is part of the Healthy Aging Campaign, a national ongoing health promotion designed to broaden awareness of positive aging for adults 50 and older (www.healthyaging.net).

September 4 – Newspaper Carrier Day • Ten-year-old Barney Flaherty was the first "newsboy" in the U.S. in 1833. My, how things have changed… This is a great opportunity to create a story about how the Internet has changed the face of newspapers, including those that now function in print and online.

September 17 – National Football League Formed Anniversary • On this day in 1920, one of America’s favorite spectator sports organized as a league in Canton, Ohio. Imagine the pictures of then and now!

September 21 – National Keep Kids Creative Week • From September 21-September 27, let's take a minute to encourage kids, many who have little room in their schedules to play creatively, to be imaginative. Stories are best produced with kids drawing, making up and telling tales and playing unstructured games. Adults would do themselves well by taking the same advice this week, and regenerate their ability to think creatively.

September 24 – National Women’s Health and Fitness Day • This event promotes the value of health and fitness for women of all ages. Talk to women from their teens through their 80s who work out at Form & Fitness ()www.formandfitness.com and ask them how fitness has improved their health and lifestyles. (www.fitnesstoday.com)

September 27 – Family Health and Fitness Day • Locally organized activities will take place nationwide to promote the importance of health and fitness for our families. PUBLISIDE is pleased to be able to provide interviews with families who say when you practice a healthy lifestyle together…you get the idea.

September 27 – R.E.A.D. In America Day • "Reading helps Everyone Accomplish Dreams" will be celebrated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Computer usage is at an all-time high, but if you’re playing games and not reading, you/your children are missing the value of literacy. Find out what your audience is reading.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU! Do you have another story for which you are seeking experts? Call and ask if we have a credible source that can help you complete your story.