Happy 4th of July Lady Liberty

Today is July 4th, our federal holiday celebrating 233 years of Independence. While I wish all of you a Happy Fourth of July, I would like to highlight Lady Liberty. Happy 4th of July Lady Liberty!

This July 4th is special for Lady Liberty. For the first time since shortly after September 11, 2001, a limited number of visitors will be allowed to climb the spiral staircase to the crown. Have you ever been to the Statue of Liberty? I will tell you that of all of the majestic places I have visited in our United States, Liberty Island is by far the most awe inspiring, more so than Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, St. Louis Arch, Hoover Dam, Denali, Everglades, Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery. But enough about my travel guide.

I invite any of you who have the opportunity to visit New York City, even those of you who live in New York City, to make time to visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island. If you are unfamiliar with Ellis Island, it served as a federal immigration station for steamship passengers from 1892 until 1954. But I digress...as you approach Lady Liberty on the ferry you might recall great movie scenes from Titanic, Funny Girl, to name a few...it is amazing.

Beginning this July 4th, 30 people per hour will be allowed to climb up and down the 346-354 (but whose counting) steps to the crown, that is about 250 guests per day. I have never been to the Crown, but my sons have. I believe it was the spring of 1990...here is my Picasa web album of one of my trips to see the Lady with Aaron and Dan.



Take a minute to watch this NBC Nightly News video of a trip to Liberty Island and the Crown.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Today I cannot begin to impart all that you can see and learn when you visit both Liberty and Ellis Islands. But you can stay in touch with The Lady, as she does Twitter...and Flickr. She is a social lady!

P.S. If you really want to have some fun, then visit the Ellis Island Foundation and search for your relatives who may have immigrated to the United States through this station.

Columbine High School Massacre 10 Years Ago Today

10 Years Ago Today, The Columbine High School Massacre, Where were you?

I was having a discussion this morning regarding the theory that,

"It takes a beach to raise a child" 10 years after Columbine ask yourself, if my child is up to no good, Would I know? Who would tell me if I did not notice? and a more troubling thought,

"Antidepressant medicines increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults."

On this 10th anniversary of Columbine ask yourself "Is My Child At Risk?"