Publishers Letter

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Publishers Letter

By the Numbers: Fourth of July

- Out of the $202 million worth of fireworks imported into the U.S. each year, $193 million of that comes from China.

- U.S. exports of fireworks equal just $28 million. Australia purchases more American fireworks than any other country.

- The vast majority of U.S. flags are also made in China. Out of the $3.4 million spent on American flags each year, $3.0 million was for flags from China.

- Belgium is the largest foreign purchaser of U.S. flags, buying over $186,000 each year.

- In 1776, the population of the United States was 2.5 million. This year, the population on the Fourth of July is 307 million.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

July 2010 Birthday Symbols

Astrological Signs: Cancer (Jun. 22 - Jul. 22) and Leo (Jul. 23 - Aug. 21)

Flowers of the Month: Larkspur, Water Lily

Birthstone: Ruby

July 2010 Astronomical Phenomena

New Moon: July 11
First Quarter: July 18
Full Moon: July 25
Last Quarter: July 4

Total Solar Eclipse: July 11

The July Full Moon is called the Buck Moon by Native Americans of New England because at this time of the year, the new antlers of buck deer begin to appear. It is also sometimes called the Thunder Moon, named for the thunderstorms of summer.

Dear Readers

Congratulations graduates, brides, grooms and dads. It’s your month!

To the graduating class of 2010, I know that graduating from High School or College required, concentration, stamina, and discipline and you should feel very proud of yourself. I imagine you have been getting looks of pity from friends and relatives since you are graduating in one of the bleakest economic climates since the great depression. Look at the bright side. Living with constraints and challenges is one of the best learning opportunities you will ever have. By succeeding in a tough economy, you will be much better prepared than peers who graduate with offers waved under their noses the moment they cross the stage to collect their diploma. Constraints breed creativity. Creativity is the single most useful skill you will ever develop. Stay in touch with classmates, professors and old bosses. Fill your life with all kinds of smart, interesting and compassionate people. Aim to have peers and mentors of all ages, professions and backgrounds. The more diverse your network, the more opportunities will come your way. You are the social networking generation, so use that to your advantage. Ask for help and help others, and your career will thrive.

Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless. -- Jamie Paolinetti

Sincerely

Michael D. Thomas

Publisher, Empire Beat Magazine