Posted by Phil Sloan on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 @ 09:13 AM
Today, we will celebrate a national holiday that has been celebrated by all 50 states since 2000. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a national holiday for many good reasons, the most important being Dr. King’s pursuit of equal rights for every human being. Although many of us may view the holiday as a day to rest from work and spend time with family, the real meaning of the day is for of us to go out and volunteer in our local community. As a matter of fact, the federal legislation urges Americans to transform the holiday into a day of volunteer service in honor of Dr. King.
Here at Standard Bank, we believe that serving our communities is an important part of our vision. Our employees across 42 branches participate in a lot of volunteer work in their neighborhoods. Some organizations we support are:
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Posted by Tracy Mulhausen on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Out with the old, in with the new. The old year, and the old you. This year you’re going to change everything—eat healthier, get organized, exercise more, spend less.
We’ve all had these big ideas as we greet the beginning of a new year. And we’ve all experienced the discouragement that comes in a month or so when we realize that, in spite of our good intentions, nothing much has really changed.
There’s something about a fresh, new year that inspires lofty goals and big, sweeping resolutions, but for many of us, it’s easier to make changes in small, bite-size steps. Here are some tips for cutting some common resolutions down to a more manageable size. Follow them, and you could be looking at BIG successes come New Years 2013!
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Posted by John Muir on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 09:06 AM
I hope all of our loyal readers agree with us when we say that 2011 was a great year. Our blog continues to grow thanks to your support. We know 2012 is going to be an exciting year and we look forward to continue bringing you interesting and relevant posts to read about.
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Posted by Dan Donaldson on Sat, Dec 24, 2011 @ 09:00 AM
He may have been making his list and checking it twice, but with high-tech modern gadetry and incredible amounts of private funding, now we can finally turn the tables on jolly-old Saint Nick and do a little spying of our own!
We present, once again, by way of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Santa Claus' present position on this Christmas Day:
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Posted by Jeff Ficaro on Thu, Nov 10, 2011 @ 08:25 AM
Veterans Day is more than a day off of work or a backyard barbeque; it is a day for us to pause, reflect and give thanks to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard who have served our Great Nation. It is a day to salute the members of our Armed Forces currently serving abroad. America’s Veteran’s have placed our Nation's security before their own lives; and for that reason, it is also a day that we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice.
November 11th, also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, it is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
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Posted by John Muir on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 @ 09:57 AM
Columbus Day first became a national holiday in 1937 to commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. After a 2 month journey from Spain Columbus first landed in the Bahamas. He set up Spain's first colony with his 39 men before returning to report his findings. It took him 3 trips to realize these were not the lands he had set out to find. His journey to find a western route to China and India had actually run him into a new world, The Americas.
The first celebration of Columbus Day was in 1792 to celebrate the landing's 300th
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Posted by Kevin Clifford on Thu, Sep 08, 2011 @ 08:18 AM
This Sunday September 11th, 2011, will mark the official 10-Year Anniversary of the series of attacks made on our country. While this event will forever be a tragedy to the citizens of the United States, it will always live on through the memories of both those involved and those affected in any way during these events.
From the simplest acts, to the more compound acts, there are never enough ways to respect the tragic events of the past. Here are some ways you can honor the memory of September 11th, 2011:
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Posted by Phil Sloan on Mon, Aug 29, 2011 @ 08:54 AM
Labor Day is right around the corner, and if you have not started thinking about what to do this Labor Day, it might be time to start. Labor Day marks the end of summer for most. Many families may take quick vacations or simply want to relax and take in the warm weather. Here are a few ideas for you this Labor Day:
- Go to the beach - Take in the last few days of summer at the beach, as the warm weather is on its way out.
- Have a family barbeque - There is nothing like getting your family and friends together for a summer cookout in the backyard.
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Posted by Kevin Clifford on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 @ 08:37 AM
In celebrating the United States’ liberty and freedom this Independence Day, remember that the best times in life are those times shared with family and friends. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy those times on the 4th of July in the beautiful summer weather:
1. Take a Tour- Whether it be a formalized tour or an impromptu tour, take time to learn about the city or state you live in and celebrate its rich history!
2. Enjoy a Swim- Spend the hot summer day at your local or community swimming pool. Cool off while under the sun and feel refreshed for the day’s activities!
3. Have a BBQ Party- Invite friends and family over to celebrate the nation’s day of independence. Relax with some great food and drinks and each other’s company!
4. Go to a Parade- Find your local or community parade location and enjoy the participants as they entertain you and dish out treats!
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Posted by Phil Sloan on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 08:49 AM
With Father’s Day right around the corner, finding the right gift for dad might be a difficult task for some people, especially in today’s increasingly technological world. Let’s take a look at some gifts that might be what you’re looking for this Father’s Day. First, let’s look at some of the more basic gift ideas.
- George Forman Grill- Convenient and allows you to grill indoors on those dreadful stormy days. The grill is also fat-reducing!
- Tickets to a sports game- Get your father or husband tickets to his favorite sports team.
- Tickets to a concert- Whatever his favorite music genre may be, chances are the Chicago-land area has some concerts lined up for that genre this summer.
- Newest face shaving products- Companies such as Phillips Norelco offer very comfortable, affordable electric razors.
- New set of golf clubs- Everyone can use a new set of clubs for the links this golf season.
- Hammock- There is nothing better then relaxing out on a hammock on a pleasant summer night.
Next, let’s look at some ideas for those who are enamored with the newest technology.
- Any new Apple product- Whether it be the new iPod touch, new iPad, or a new MacBook, there is no doubt dad would love any of these products.
- Flat screen television- Nowadays, having a flat screen high-definition television is a must.
- Refresh charging station- Essentially what the charging station does is it allows you to charge multiple products at once. So charge your cell phone and iPod at the same time and place!
- Amazon kindle- With this e-book dad can have access to his favorite books right at his fingertips!
Make this Father’s Day one to never forget!
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